That's what it seems like to simple minds who always have to pettily gossip about the interviewer in the comments, because Laurence Olivier talks longer and has much to tell. There is also plenty of time.
You are right and that’s because he is always genuinely interested in listening to what his guests have to say. Also it helped that he asked intelligent questions. Dick Cavett was the best and his shows are a treasure trove. It was a great shame there are so many commercial breaks interrupting the flow such interesting conversations.
Olivier had finesse and class and Brando had brutishness and animal magnetism. So they were completely different animals. If I compared them to primates, I’d say Olivier was like an Orangutan 🦧 and Brando was like a Gorilla 🦍. Orangutans are smarter. Gorillas are fiercer.
@Ray Sierra It’s called creative writing using an analogy. I compared their acting styles and then thought: who is the greatest Actor? And they are both so different! One is intellectual and the other is mercurial. I then thought they are like two different animals. Then I thought: what kind of animals would they be? That’s when I thought of Primates. You could use Big Cats, too. One would be a Lion: Olivier and the other a Tiger: Brando. They are both great! I can’t say one is greater than the other. It depends on what you prefer. I enjoy Olivier’s acting. No doubt about his thoroughness in roles. He was incredibly precise. He could play anything. On the other hand, I also enjoyed Brando’s performances. For his power and subtlety. He was amazing! They were both cut from a different cloth. So I can’t say one is better than the other. You decide for yourself. Lions 🦁 are symbols of Nobility and Pride and 🐅 Tigers are symbols of Strength and Fierceness. They are both powerful!
Dick Cavett is consistently the best interviewer I've ever seen in a chat show format - relaxed, intelligent, insightful, well researched and he knows precisely how to get the subject to open up and then get out of their way to let them speak without trying to direct the conversation quickly onto the next bullet point...
Beautifully put. I love that he doesn't use prompt cards the way even Graham Norton does these days. It makes the whole wonderful conversation feel so natural.
He looks great, I agree. Elegant; classic, classy. But no, he couldn't pass for any time period - only more or less the 20th century. Before that the cut of suits was different, and nowadays clothing is becoming less and less formal, so it is less likely to be considered "classic", and more likely "formal", or even "old fashioned". Sic transit tempus ;-)
If you never heard of Laurence Olivier before within seconds it’s clear you know this is a gentleman of great character, class, and intelligence. The interviewer does an excellent job of letting the superstar guest shine without interruption, it sounds deceptively simple, but it isn’t easy to handle the egos of legends.
Yeah, I remember as a kid, I just liked watching him because I liked his natural, easy going style - plus, only one guest format. I didn't know what they were talking about but I just liked listening to Dick Cavett. Way beyond even a Johnny Carson.
He had such a relaxed, unimposing demeanor, asked thoughtful questions, & was able to "go with the flow" of the interview. Never pompous & overbearing like many other interviewers.
I sit here with tears in my eyes when I think of his greatness and what an incredible career and life he had. I look at him and I see Hamlet, and Archie Rice, and Othello, and Richard III, and Heathcliff, and Lear, and Shylock, and so many, many more characters he became. His versatility is astounding. I only wish he were still here sharing his genius with us again.
@@shaunigothictv1003 Olivier. Olivier played all those parts I mentioned, not Brando. Don't get me wrong, Brando was good, even great at times, but Olivier was a genius classical actor, which Brando didn't even attempt.
My God, in mere seconds, he was so enthralling. It only took a brief moment to have everyone so absorbed. One feels that the brief pause before applause was because they were hoping for more, and because it took a moment for the spell to wear off...
It sends my soul to hear his voice, and its perfection in the reciting of Milton. What a master. Our society is starving for this type of enlightened speech.
I have to disagree. I think Merv Griffin ran a longer, bigger and more musical show than anyone else. Dick Cavett came off as a university boy back then, a studied interview, more one-on-one.
Great interview. Lord Olivier actually gets to talk. Only interviewer now who doesn't interrupt the guests or laugh like a hyena for no reason is Graham Norton.
That's because, in my view, they don't respect the intellect of their audience. If something crazy isn't happening, or it has been 20 seconds since the last laugh, the interview must be going wrong. More than a lack of respect for the audience, it is a lack of confidence in their own ability. A fear of silence. The space between the words and sentences, the cloth upon which the best raconteur threads his/her tapestry.
Check out Tommy Tiernans show on RTE (Ireland). Mixture of famous people (in Ireland) and non famous with remarkable stories or lives. The host doesn't know who the guests will be until they walk out. There's no agenda or promotion involved. Its interviewing in the proper sense.
@@shaunigothictv1003 It was made in Britain by ''Thames Televison'' and televised in 1973. first of many many showings. It is almost always, being viewed some time some where in the world,
@@MrDaiseymay Correct. It was my favourite documentary series. Thames Television certainly made some brilliant programmes in the 1970's. Thanks for your reply and God Bless you.
My abiding memory of Olivier is his narration of the World at War series, that voice was mesmerising, and married perfectly to the seriousness of the subject. I would love Sleuth to re-appear on the TV movie list, I have not seen it listed for decades…
I recently watched a viewing of "Spartacus". I've got to admit that some of my favorite scenes have Laurence Olivier in them. His acting was both brilliant and mesmerizing. I definitely count him in my own top ten greatest actors of all-time. Truly a master of the art, and sorely missed.
"I was always frightfully conceited." "It wasn't that I wanted to attract attention to myself. For once." I love that Laurence Olivier was so open about his flaws. He made a living out of playing other people, so it's nice that he didn't pretend to be perfect when he was just being himself. The man had a massive ego but he was aware of that, so he didn't let it get out of control. That self-discipline is something that Anthony Hopkins admired about him.
I wonder what life was like for Joan Plowright? After his death, she came into her own and at a very late in life took up again her acting career and shes great too!!
I fully agree with about Cavett who was an outstanding host, perhaps the best, but if you pay attention to Oliver's body language, you can see he's not that comfortable during the interview.
I feel unconsciously captured …. Sir Laurence Olivier: Tone, eloquence, timing, expression and appearance - all masterful , all immaculate - his serious expression is as intimidating as his smile is warm and engaging. Thank you for making this wonderful jewel available to the world.
How fortunate we are to have Cavett's extraordinary archive of interviews -- having grown up watching them I took it all for granted, can only now appreciate how valuable they are to human cultural history . . .
What presence Olivier had. I have never seen an interviewer from the United States as great as Dick Cavett. Usually I avoid interviews with actors and singers because society gives them undeserving high status based on the frivolous and not their craft or their development as people.
To reach out in this medium across time and bring tears to my eyes. The genius of Milton burnished by the ineffable Lawrence Olivier is food for the soul.
They talk about Johnny Carson in the USA but Dick Cavett was by a country mile, the best interviewer they ever had. He had the ability to ask insightful questions, and sometimes even personal questions, in a respectful manner His greatest gift was listening, and not interrupting his guests. A beautiful manner in his tone and delivery. In the UK, we had the great Michael Parkinson (first time around), whi had that same gift. Dick was no wall flower mind you, and put many an arrogant guest back in their box, demonstrating that, if he must be forced to do so, that it was his show, and he earnt respect. To find this gem pop up on RU-vid is a thrill, the icing upon the cake it being an interview with the greatest actor to ever walk the planet. Thank you for this, RU-vid.
Cavett without doubt is one of the true greats when it comes to interviewing. A gentleman who never grills his guests. His gentle, friendly manner puts his guests at easy and I'm sure they tend to open up a little more, than they would, if they felt pressured. Dick also, when he's asked a question, sits quietly and lets his guest speak. He makes it look so easy , which undoubtedly it isn't. A lot of modern day 'revolving door gob' interviewers could learn a lot from him.
Olivier's honours included a knighthood (1947), a life peerage (1970) and the Order of Merit (1981). For his on-screen work he received four Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, five Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. The National Theatre's largest auditorium is named in his honour, and he is commemorated in the Laurence Olivier Awards, given annually by the Society of London Theatre. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurence_Olivier
Brilliant actor, eloquent classy great interview, excellent interviewer, Dick Cavett is very good he lets his guest answer the questions without interruption. The chat shows today are absolute gargage.
When he did the Milton part and looked directly into the camera it felt like he was looking directly at me. Im sure most people feel the same . What an amazing actor and human being.
The difference between a decent actor and an amazing one is subtle but immediately noticeable. Olivier makes his recital at the end seem effortless, and yet very few people could ever have matched those standards. That's what's always fascinated me about acting, really...
Imagine this interview was done today. Sir Laurence would be constantly interrupted or made to do some stupid stunt, while the host just cackles on at how amazing *they* are.
A time when you really had to make a splash to have a voice. Today, everybody has a voice, and nobody seems to actually say anything. I listen to this, I listen to Douglas talking about Wayne in the same era. Huge voices, used with care and class.
He beautifully explained that the method actor isn’t really, in the actual practice of his craft, doing anything differently than any other actor, yet he explained his conclusion such generosity and tact.
Listen to the silence when he recites those words, the audience is totally in awe....This is why Lord Olivier is regarded as the greatest British Stage actor of the past Century. He could hold an audience in the palm of his hand.
Adam G: I agree, today there are only 'interviewers' who constantly interrupt, shout, or slobber over their guest in fawning overdose. Yep, Cavett was good.
What a genuine person he was, not bragging about himself but heaping praise on others like the magnificent marlon Brando. A lesson in humility to us all. And also an actor of giant stature. RIP kind sir. And yes dick is a proper interviewer.
His reading Milton was pure transformative magic. The very best “ actor”but most of all were blessed by his presence in films .Thank you gotta sharing your gift Sir Lawrence !!!
His Henry V (1944) was not only perhaps the best Shakespeare adaption, but it came at time that Britons badly needed a lift. A patriotic masterpiece. His horse/jockey metaphor was brilliant.
I’m only 38, I remember Laurence Olivier in The jazz Singer (1980). I’ve never heard the man speak ( tut tut) … I know he is regarded as the greatest actor on stage from the UK. There’s something so captivating about him. The camera zooming in on him when he does a Milton recital is spectacular! he’s impeccably well dressed, exudes class and I’m totally taken back by it all. He speaks so beautiful in regards to Marlon Brando - both sublime actors. Remarkable, it’s a shame today’s “talent” don’t come nowhere to this. Thanks for the upload I shall keep watching more - I am speechless
My second-favourite actor reciting from my favourite poet is the holy grail of talk show moments. ‘Fairer now than ever’ just hangs like a golden mist in the air when Olivier intones it.
An incredible actor, human being, scholar and being so incredibly handsome doesn't hurt. What a class act. He and Richard Burton are bar none the best of the best. What class. What a Legend. RIP Sir Lawrence Olivier. You are sorely missed!
Realise he knew he was going to be asked to do the Milton, they rehearsed it for lighting, and that every anecdote, whilst seemingly pulled up in the moment was actually planned. Being this classy and casual takes years of dedication.
Something about the way Laurence Olivier speaks reminds me of Robin Williams. When they weren't acting, they were both soft spoken and seemed so gentle. There are precious few actors like them these days. I think the closest is Anthony Hopkins who is both a legendary actor and a humble man but he's one of the last of a dying breed.
Gosh this Dick Cavett fella's fantastic isn't he. I not American, and I'm not old enough to have watched him while his show was on the air, but it seems to me US 'late shows' have really nose-dived in recent years. He's like a proper interviewer.
Wow, such an inspirational interview to watch. Dick Cavett asks the most interesting and in-depth questions, my goodness. And his request for Sir Laurence Olivier to perform a piece of his monologue was awesome to witness.
One of my top 10 greatest actors: Marlon Brando, Lawrence Olivier, Al Pacino, Clint Eastwood, Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, Alec Guiness, Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Daniel Day Lewis.
Humberto Flores I admire most on your list,but the general consensus of the greatest actors of all time is limited to two.They are Lawrence Olivier,and Marlon Brando.
Pablo De jesus Yes,that is true,but to be acclaimed as a great actor is judged by not only the peers of great actors, but by acting instructors as well. Shakespearean trained actors, like Olivier, and others,are known to be among the greatest.They also must have the inate ability for greatness.For example, there are many professional basketball players, but there was only one Michael Jordan.Those who judge actors must have the credentials to judge objectively, based on knowledge of the craft.Olivier,Christopher Lee,Peter O’toole,CharlesLaughton,Trevor Howard,Peter Ustinov,Richard Harris,and others,set the bar by which all other actors learn from.Bogart was a favorite of mine for sure based on his character, and the roles he played on the big screen.How he may have performed in theater is another story entirely.It is in theater where Shakespearian actors shine,and when they bring it to the big screen,they’re bigger than life.
Absolutely love these candid interviews with these long-gone legends. Seeing them have such a casual conversation goes a long way towards humanizing them in the eyes of those who didn't know them when they were alive.
I know everyone talks about Cavett not interrupting (and rightly so), but I think we should also point out that audiences were so much better then. I was waiting for the hysterical claps and cheers once Sir Olivier said he had beaten cancer, but no, there's silence in what is a rather poignment moment that would have been ruined by an audience of today
I think it's the sense of awe and respect for what the person has achieved on top of their being so eloquent that makes a great interview. When they talk, and they often do it so eagerly and entertaingly, you just shut up and listen.
The dignity Sir Olivier exudes is profound. His Milton recitation brought him to tears...perhaps it made him recall memories of his late former wife, Vivien Leigh.
11:05. I love how though he must feel the lights dimming on the stage around him he simply absorbs that change in his performance and finishes looking in the dim light directly at the viewer
He absolutely is a chameleon, I remember watching Boys from Brazil not even realizing it was Olivier playing Lieberman, and it wasn't because he was hidden behind a costume or makeup, it was because he was such a damn good actor he became a completely different person.
Larry was still so good looking in 65 years old! Watching this every time as a lullaby, absolutely love listening his voice, such a pleasure for my ears. ❤
Olivier. I love these men who have such class and presentation. His dress, his voice. Just amazing. He is so thoughtful and his words carry such weight. And I love Dick Cavett.
Dear Jennifer Ye, if you admire Sir Lawrence Olivier for his clear diction, you might also like the intensity of Richard Burton : see his "Hamlet" ! And maybe also a funny episode of The Lucy Show (?) , " Lucy meets the Burtons". 😊🇬🇧😊🌈😊
Dick Cavett and Micheal Parkinson , two talk show hosts , who understood the art of interviewing interesting guests. And Larry was one of those guests . In an era when stars were still stars , not zelebrity reality fools, and audiences respectfully listened to the interview , taking in all the subtleties of the stories being unravelled before them , and the wisdom of a man who had mastered his craft . In these 5 second of information , social media driven times , where no one has any patience , and the attention span of a fly , I believe intelligent interviews like this , should be a stark reminder , that we need to slow down ,and listen . To engage with each other fully , instead of rushing off to the next must do experience , the next online craze . Depression is at an all time high because people don't really talk to each other anymore , preferring to message each other with that phone that is symbiotically stuck in our hands . Arrange to meet that long list friend , and listen to them when they speak . Reconnect like an old time interviewer , who gets to see the real person beneath .
