thanks for mentioning. Just looked it up. Apparently this is a Harold Pinter play, and there's a 1978 version of it with Ralph Richardson. viewable on youtube-- thank you.
ABSOLUTLT marvelous ! Slightly more morbid , than there would have done now ; I think , hence even more fascinating. Just a shame that we/he couldn`t speak of his sexuality & that part of his existence ...
Funny he says he needn't worry about the channel tunnel as he wouldn't be around to see it. He lived another 8 years after this, probably travelled on it
I enjoyed hearing about the contrast between Gielgud and Laurence. Gielgud was widely regarded as the greatest verse speaker in the world (or greatest actor from the neck up) and Olivier as the greatest physical actor (or greatest actor from the neck down). Laurence Oliver did heavily rely acting from the outside (makeup, mannerisms, walk, accents etc.) and being larger than life on the stage while Gielgud emphasized the voice and tone.
I worked at the Old Vic from before No Man's Land, watched Gielgud and Richardson in rapture. At the time, Harold Pinter was worried about No Man's Land. I remember Ken Tynan saying that, "With Gielgud and Richardson, those old boys will make it a hit." And he was right! I never missed a performance from final dress through the South Bank run. What a gift!!
He was as lonely as only a giant can be, and - in the same way that 'Royals' can feel - fearing from childhood that the only reason he was paid attention was because of his family. If he had not discovered Shakespeare he might have given up his life. That's the story.
He was very proud of his modesty here. The people he spoke well of were the ones that liked him it seems. Liked him in Prospero he came alive as an actor not so much here. It could be Frost's fault becouse of the pompous tone. Maybe if he had been interviewed with another actor instead. Always felt Graham Norton's secret partially was that he combined different actors on his couch who were competing for attention and laughter from each other. Watching each other like hawks for revealing the secret that is miraculous and can't be explained but shows up unexpectedly.
Gielgud was 87 here. David Frost's line of questioning is pretty vulgar. Gielgud was mainly a great classical actor and had done great things in his life in that realm, but the hoi polloi want to hear about movie stars and "rivalries", not Shakespeare and Chekhov.
I got the distinct impression that Gielgud began to feel very drained and bored by the questions towards the latter half of this. He seems to have a sense of fun -- it's just a guess on my part, but I think he would have come to life if David Frost had offered just one juicy confessional tidbit of naughtiness on his own part. Or he may have sparked up again if he was on a couch with some other creative, brilliant actors or interesting people a la Graham Norton. Rather than being put on a historic pedestal and subjected to leaden seriousness with over-reverential questions.
Agreed Served the text above his « self » Great humility in the way he speaks of his former youthful self Touchingly self-deprecating Such razor sharp memory and wit
Gielgud - by a mile better than Olivier (although comparisons are always silly). Olivier had the advantage of good looks, filmmaking and celebrity status. But as far as acting is concerned - and working from within - no one could match Gielgud! My Shakespeare teacher at drama school was in doubt, either!
He is such a narcissist. He missed not going to war because he would have liked the experience. How self-centered when so many men died. That being said, what a wonderful dinner guest he'd be.
@stevenledbetter99. Be careful... how fast you judge a book, by its cover. Guilgud was born into a pre-war social milieu that was very different from ours, with social values and political indoctrinations quite unrecognisable in today's world. If you're interested in acquainting yourself with the flavour of the pre-war Era, then read Vera Britten's 'Testament of Youth.' That shows you why Sir John Gielgud said the things he said, about his regretting not going to war.
The great master of hyperbole at it again grovelling to massive egos to create jealousy in the watching millions (who will accordingly rush out and buy masses of consumer products to assuage their delusions)
