That voice, that charisma, that honesty, the poetry in his words, a truly remarkable man so missed, so loved- there’s no one quite like him. RIP Richard -bendigedig (wonderful)
Interesting time; the smoking was ubiquitous and affected Burton's voice, surely. The unedited honesty, the deep and dark wood to which he refers, and philosophical yearning in this man brings me to tears. He tolerates this incredibly personal inquiry with grace and insight, and makes it poetic. His speech, thoughts and emotional clarity astound and delight. What a treasure is Richard Burton!
I just now realized what a class act Richard Burton was , so articulate and thoughtful ...... I always admired his voice and now admire him , what a personality ....... RIP Sir Richard
Ive watched this interview maybe 25 times , i never get bored of it and listening to Richards voice , each time i learn a little more about him , a true great . Also one of Parkinson's best interviews, RIP Parky you will be sadly missed as Richard is too
This interview marked a watershed in Richard Burton's life. He had been rushed to hospital from the set of 'The Clansman' just as the last scenes were being filmed. After nearly two months, he left hospital but his health had been seriously undermined and he was never the same man again. As his health continued to decline, more or less from the time of this interview onward's, the big money film offers were still coming his way in great numbers. Burton is one of the few actors of his day, who still holds a great fascination for younger movie fans, Robert Mitchum is another. Two great actors who deserved to be remembered.
Richard Burton was a massively talented, charismatic and intriguing man. Died far too young. And this is a great interview. Parkinson had a brilliant interview technique. No false laughter, no embarrassment, no sh** talk. 11/10.
Yes, I have never seen him so jovial and outgoing and eagerly to want to get up and perform in front of any Audience like this before, and I am going to atribute it to the fact that "HE ALONE IS THE CENTER OF ATTRACTION." And NOT Elizabeth Taylor that takes the Spotlight Away From Him, and makes him feel insecure, to the point that he becomes quiet and withdrawn. Does anyone else out there feel and see what I am describing about Sir Richard Burton.
This interview actually brings a hard to explain tear to my eye. Maybe its the raw honesty and poetry of a rare soul who really lived both the extreme light and the extreme dark of life.
@@Sharon-kr1ui not really... that's why we're all watching this interview. We are attracted to such a uniquely charismatic individual as Burton precisely because he isn't like everyone else
Burton comes from an area of Wales that is as hard as granite. He was the youngest of 9, his father and all his brothers were coal miners in the village of Pontrhydyffen. His mother died when he was 2 and he was brought up by his older sisters, who shared him around. How he got to drama school, the Royal Shakespeare Company and ultimately the World's stage from his background, is nothing short of a miracle and speaks volumes for his talent and drive. The excesses in his life, from drink to material wealth, took its toll and drove him over the abyss that he speaks about so eloquently in this interview and the world lost the greatest stage actor that ever lived.
My mother (long in heaven now) was a couple of years behind Richard Burton in school. He was coached by a teacher who was according to her, very strict and not well liked. His name was Philip Burton and on condition that young Richard take his name, he coached him in acting techniques. He would take him up the mountain behind the town of Port Talbot where the school was and make Richard deliver lines to teach him to project his voice without shouting. Her story!
Your point is? Repeating well known facts? Burton was the 12th of 13 children , NOT the youngest of 9. 😵💫 @Isabel Cummingham Repeating well known facts?? 🙄
yes but talk to Taylor, colleagues and directors, all those friends from 18 he jettisoned, and they will describe Satan. Drive or no, talent or no, this interview reveals a very paranoid, weak man. Too many people place showbiz over substance.
Absolutely extraordinary. He's clearly a little agitated and nervous which shows in the constant smoking, but his composure irrespective of that is remarkable and beyond dignified! I could only imagine any celebrity of today fleeing in abject terror at this confronting line of questioning. Although it's equally extraordinary that the interview is conducted with such an air of sincerity and genuine intimacy that is completely lacking in today's media.
I was just thinking along those lines listening to Richard talk about attempting to drink himself to death when he felt he could not handle the enormity of the world around him. I would imagine most celebs these days would shutdown the line of questioning or walk out!
You'll never see an interview like this with today's actors. There are no interview shows that delve deep & stick with conversation; it's all about the pantomime they are required to do now. There are no actors today that have such depth, which is such a shame. If anyone can point me to one, please do.
World of Burton, Thanks for providing this entertaining and insightful interview between Richard and Michael Parkinson. Perfect chemistry between interviewer and interviewee demonstrated.
RIP Richard Burton (November 10, 1925 - August 5, 1984), aged 58 And RIP Sir Michael Parkinson (March 28, 1935 - August 16, 2023), aged 88 You both will be remembered as legends.
This is one of my all-time favorite interviews. I used to have it saved on VHS in the 90s. Been wanting to watch it again for several years. Thanks for loading it here.
You're welcome Scotty. It's nice to see so much positive feedback not only about the interview but Richard Burton himself! It's nice to see he still has some true fans out there. After all, it's up to US (the fans) to keep his memory and talent alive! Thanks for watching and for the feedback.
I could listen to him forever he had most certainly the finest speaking voice and he compelled you to listen, there is no one else since that had that power over you he was sublime Thank you for all you have given to the world
This one of the best television interviews I have ever scene. It is interesting, funny, sad and enjoyable. Richard Burton tells his anecdotes with great humour and charm. He was a one off personality. With him, Richard Harris, Peter O'Toole, Oliver Reed and Stewart Granger dead, in today's world of show business where are these great personality's now? There are none.
This is such a powerful interview. Richards prodigious drinking and riotous behavior earned him the epithet hell raiser: A complex, flawed genius. He drove his creativity to seek solace at the bottom of a bottle. People who are very talented live in a constant fear their talent will elude them one day. Creativity and addiction are really close bedfellows. I myself gave up drinking over 5 years now and my life is much more manageable. Richards huge talent most of made his difficult.
i do not know if they all fear that so much... there are some who actually believe in themselves i think he was depressed but that does not nec. come from that fear some people are sad for any number of reasons, and often the most intelligent ones
Brilliant Burton, such an interesting revelation about his alcoholism.The interviewer is very skillful, and brings out excellent content with his tone and questions.
@@blakemasterson8590 Burton was asked for Thunderball in 1959. But funding fell through. Then 1962 Burton cast as Mark Anthony in blockbuster Cleopatra where he met Elizabeth Taylor. Big showbiz romance back then. So Connery cast in Dr. No. Then Burton considered for On Her Majesty's...but offered not enough money. Shame. Also considered for Never Say Never Again but Connery wanted back in.
What a richly talented & beautiful man. Life is colder & darker in Richard Burtons absence. I could listen to that voice all day. RIP oh tortured soul...
You're praising a man who openly on TV boasted that he receives cheques every month for hundreds of thousands of Pounds. These people only feel happy if they believe that other people are jealous of them. R. Burton had the ego the size of the New York twin towers put together.
Richard Burton was actually known to have been a very generous person believe it or not even before he went off to the Royal Air Force . At the store where he worked he often was known to give away food and cigarettes to people in his town in Wales to neighbors who were really struggling . His own family and relatives talked about how generous he was and even when they were making Night of the Iguana he and Elizabeth Taylor wanted to put money away for college education fund for a little Mexican boy but the parents wanted the money and he knew they would squander it away... yes he lived like a king after he started making money and he was no angel that's for sure but the guy was known to be generous and extravagant towards others... by the way is this Lauren Bacall.. speaking from the grave... still have nothing nice to say about Richard Burton , even in death..? hahaha
@Crazy Canuck Jealous of R.B. ? Man he has an Honorary/fake degree. I have a real university Degree with Honours so how can I be jealous of RB's intellect of that pompous specimen ? Do you hen mean jealous of him because of his wife ? Man her legs were fat and horrible; her body was disproportionate, top and bottom. My girl is 21 and puts Liz Taylor off her pedestal. Yours is the usual response of a moron.... if one does not like somebody famous.... we're jealous lmfao. SPEAK FOR YOURSELF, alright ?
What an intellectual and intelligent man with such a voice. Would had been wonderful to go out and take a beer with him and have some discussions. R.I.P Richard Burton
So excellent. This is probably the best of Burton in any kind of interview. he opened up and shared his soul more than in other intervews or moments. he was, of course, a tormented genius.
In ten years he would be gone. 1984. Amazing to think that he has been gone over 35 years now. he should have lasted another ten or twenty years. It was the booze and the general disregard for his health. Richard carried a lot of guilt and anger and fighting off the despair and depression that plagued him most of his adult life.
The one with Dick Cavett is also wonderful; the way he describes his mining background, the coal seam, and his father. Wonderful, such gentle humour and passion in it.
As a kid growing up in the 60's and 70's it was a real treat to watch great films with really great actors., I always looked forward to Parky on a Saturday night, simple pleasures, a bottle of Corona Cream Soda, Match of the Day followed by Parky ........part of my education as an 11 year old
I totally agree, dad would let me stay up after Match of the day. Watching Parky was a real treat for me, my love affair started with all those Holywood greats.
Considering that Burton was probably the biggest star in the acting world at the time, how refreshing to see that he was perfectly content in acting for the audience. Unlike some of todays actors and singers who refuse, on pain of death, to show the public their talents. But the man could certainly lay waste to a packet of Benson & Hedges.
That B&H joke is a reflection of how the real men who were not afraid to say and do exactly as they pleased with enormous amounts of charisma and knowing they were perhaps shortening their lives safe in the knowledge that leaving this planet of fools they would be in fact missing nothing! Hence their roller-coaster life of extreme talent, booze, drugs, dangerous women,! Their sensitive emotions proved to them from the onset that the world is in fact a C#@T of a place!!
@@thewomble1509 It is fascinating that Burton's first language was actually Welsh, which he always spoke with his family. One of the great English voices, he actually had to learn English as a second language. And yes - you are right in assuming that I do have Welsh heritage!
and he was a true Welshman with no special feelings for England as political entity besides the language. I remember when another Welsh macho man, Tom Jones, was asked if his Weshmen forgave him for leaving UK for US. and he said that his compatriots never forgave him for moving from Wales to England, never cared about leaving UK.
@@roc7880 He was also a passionate socialist and once he met Tito in Yugoslavia he then changed his beliefs to full communist. When I read that, it had confused me how he had received so many awards from the British government and Royal family. I guess he kept that quiet to them lol.
What a fascinating man! To hear him voice Sir Winston Churchill's speech, what a treat! Thank you to Michael Parkinson for the gentle way that you drew him out for posterity...
IF HE WAS CHIVALROUS, HE WOULD NOT HAVE CHEATED ON EVERY ONE OF HIS WIVES AND PARTNERS, OR FUCKED WIVES OF OTHER MEN INCLUDING WIVES OF HIS FRIENDS BEHIND THEIR BACKS. HE WAS GARBAGE.
Alcohol & tobacco are huge risks for cerebral vascular accidents. He died so young, but it was the lifestyle he lived that led to his death. One of my favorite actors.
Burton claimed have started drinking at the age of 12. this is totally believable to me. I also grew up in rural Wales but in the 2000's and I can confirm not much has changed. I started drinking when I was also 12 although I'm not an alcoholic. something needs to change with our relationship with alcohol and I thick that goes for British drinking culture in general.
Definitely not! Read Edward Slingerland, alcohol is an essential component of what makes us communal creative animals. Plus I’m also a similar rural Welsh upbringing and definitely the better for it
8:38 So rare to see such a genuine, full toothed smile from the man. He always seemed to have such a sense of gravity and sadness within him that it seemed as if a little boy were grinning back at us full of joy and vulnerability. I will always revere Burton.
& Vulnerability coupled with genius & passion are critical per great acting, My late Dad was an LA stage actor during the '40s & He'd periodically impromptu recite Shakespeare's sonnets at home during a commercial break or dinner 'was kinda wild & intriguing in the same breath
Not sure why this interview is making me want to cry. Possibly because actors like Richard Burton were so unique, his voice, his raw honesty, & that Parkinson has now past away also…..
Elizabeth Taylor also had her struggles with alcohol. What many people don't know is she was born with scoliosis, and broke her back -- which went undiagnosed for three years -- while filming National Velvet. She had multiple back and hip surgeries, and endured excruciating pain through most of her life. No excuses, just context. Mr. Burton was very gracious about Winston Churchill -- he actually hated him, for his Colonial and Empire beliefs, and his call for the utter destruction of the Japanese. Right or wrong, he had no time for the British upper class. In any case, I could listen to that voice for hours...
No matter what else goes wrong in life, if I hadn't found AA decades ago... I'd be long gone. Sending hugs and love to anyone suffering from alcoholism. It's pretty great to find a way out. RIP, Sir Richard. And props and love to Michael P.
Congratulations! So hard to do! I had no choice: my stomach was going to hell at 40. After surgery I was so scared I just quit. It was either quit or die. I’m 77 now. My stomach still gives me issues but I’m still here!
This is fascinating. Bear in mind this is one of the most famous people in the world at the time. He’s being so honest, engaging…no PR team screening the questions beforehand. So much more interesting and insightful than the celebrity chat show….sell my book….sell my film pap that’s served up to us now.
So could i. I actually did once but lost out on an oscar to Marlon Brando who got a Native Indian lady pick up his award to highlight their plight. I still to this day feel i should have won, 'Telephone book' was a great film, maybe ahead of it's time ; )
the fluency of the conversation and story telling is amazing....nowadays all you hear is the word like like like like almost on every sentence when there are interviews being done
@@bonniehirtz786 But could he para-glide into a skyscraper and go all ninja on a band of terrorists and finish with a two-word zinger? I say he could not.
Thanks for posting this interview. Richard Burton was a complex soul. In a February 1975 interview with his friend, David Lewin, he said he "tried" homosexuality. He also suggested that perhaps all actors were latent homosexuals, and "we cover it up with drink”. He smoked 60-100 cigarettes per day. He was an atheist, stating, "I wish I could believe in a God of some kind but I simply cannot."
When someone has existential depression, it usually means he possesses a high intellect. Just reading any short biographical sketch of Richard Burton it quickly becomes obvious that he was depressed to the point of suicide. There are two ways of committing suicide: the quick one and the long one, with alcohol and cigarettes. It is obvious that for the last...20?15? years of his life he immersed himself in a suicidal, self destructive path strikingly similar to that of Nicolas Cage´s character in "Leaving las Vegas"...in front of the world to see! That becomes very obvious here in this interview. He states it so clearly that I couldn´t believe it. Another thing obvious here is his love and amazing and beautiful use and command of the english language. Quite a talented character.
I think it is so sad to hear both Mr. Burton (and Tony Hancock), though very different men, though both were perfectionists, who were desperately unhappy, despite their great talent, and you knew that depression would defeat them.
A candid, honest, heartfelt and articulate account given by a man of his own career & life, foibles and all. Burton's down to earth, intelligent, eloquent and insightful comments about himself and his world are a joy to behold. The lack of 'front' and pretense are refreshing - here is a major, major star who actually knew who and what he was, warts and all, and didn't pretend that life owed him something just because he was a star. Possessed of a healthy ego for sure, but then also a healthy grasp of the good and bad traits that affected his (and can affect anyone else's) life. Sure, he could have achieved more....couldn't we say that of so many other major 'stars'.....but gee, he lived BIG, and what we did get from this man was a fair slice of pure greatness, which we should justly applaud. RIP (King) Richard, for you truly were a king.
This is why us Brits loved Parkinson. He was an interviewer who, for the most part, was brilliant at letting the star be the star. Too many interviewers now try and share the limelight with their guests. Sometimes that style can be funny and effective but not with Burton. Imagine James Corden interviewing. He would probably try and do Hamlet beside him.
But there is a huge difference, today there is no one who can even begin to approach a Richard Burton and the Movies are just a cheap commodity nowadays, just empty-calories type of entertainment.
@@AntonioBarsanio And, I think, the actors of today who are even remotely in the same ballpark as Burton (e.g., Streep, DeNiro) just make interviewers trying to share the limelight look stupid.
@@geoffreykeenan5914 Deniro is a ridiculous pumpous ass, always berating Trump. He can believe what he wants but actors and artists should keep their views to themselves. Elvis was once asked his views on the military and drafting and the war and he graciously and humbly replied: Honey, I'm just an entertainer, and that is ELVIS!
A fascinating man with the soul and outlook of the true artist. His personal diaries, which he never intended for publication, were published a few years ago and give a great insight into what Burton was really like. After a nights drinking what worried him most was the possibility that he had insulted someone who didn't deserve it, His diaries reveal that he was a very sensitive man who was plagued with depression and all kinds of insecurities. Although he looks fine here although understandably nervous after almost dying in America from excessive drinking, it's generally accepted that he was never the same man health wise again. From this point until his death he declined steadily but he would be in the top ten of any movie star list.
Burton was, like many of his generation, Ustinov, Niven, Harris, Sellers, real grist for the interviewers mill, now what have we? Well, you tell me, how I long for the times when real celebs presented themselves for dissection, not the superficial, non people of today, no wonder I have not watched television for the past 10 years and I have missed nothing.
I think the only host that can do good interviews now is Norton, he makes the people feel relaxed. McAvoy is always a treat on that show, because he just can be his scottish self and turns into his natural accent pretty fast and hard. There are still some great actors who can give very good interviews. Stewart, Jackman, Fassbender, McAvoy, Theron. Hm... actually mainly people that are not from the states.
Splendid, simply splendid indeed, I've always loved his oratory skills, I must add that from this interview he really did not think to highly of his talent/ skills which were wonderful, and one last thing that with his verbal skills he would have made one heck of a preacher/ evangelist, leaping and bounding, from one side of the stage to the other. One of the very best actors this World has ever seen. 🤗
I’d go further, he was extremely intelligent and well read. Loved nothing better than to read several books on the go at the same time. Was offered a Professorship at Oxford, spoke several languages.
I think Richard was indeed a womaniser, but also a handsome hunk, a romantic, that voice! goodness me..who could resist that scorpionic charm...amazing talent, genius, lonely i think in later life. His marriage to Liz ultimately destructive to both, both times. but a great man, larger than life. And what a life!
Good description of him. His voice was fantastic. His ability to perform while totally smashed was another miracle he could manifest. No one else like him.
@@tictactoe4431 You're on a video regarding a man of genius talents who also had major addiction issues and needed rehab. Why go that same route in insulting some random troll here in the comment section? Then using it as a way to dehumanize them? The person is just an idiot of his own accord.
an immensely talented actor, with a unique actor and blessed with having a good presence. it's just a shame that the latter part of his career was blighted by health issues.
The finest English speaking voice in the history of my life, delivered by a proud Welshman. Thank you.
well written, from an Irishman.
Well said , from s English women!!!!🤗🇬🇧
Yep
Too right
Andrew, I definitely agree. Ronald Coleman would by my close second.
Burton was a classic. Everything that he personified is now no longer. We live in the world of social media idiocracy.
A GARGANTUAN GENIUS
He was a wooden film actor who shouted too much.
Some of us are still somehow capable. Keep it up.
coz yer deaf@@JamesRichards-mj9kw
@@garethwilkinson3456 Clearly... you have not got a clue what you have typed, behave yourself.
That voice, that charisma, that honesty, the poetry in his words, a truly remarkable man so missed, so loved- there’s no one quite like him. RIP Richard -bendigedig (wonderful)
A lot of charisma
His rendition of on milk wood, war of the worlds, just magic
@@steveef2275I have the CD’s of the War of the Worlds’ his voice & storytelling takes me to another place….
@@bondjames7007
I have the LPs. I think I ought to listen in again.
Take care
Interesting time; the smoking was ubiquitous and affected Burton's voice, surely. The unedited honesty, the deep and dark wood to which he refers, and philosophical yearning in this man brings me to tears. He tolerates this incredibly personal inquiry with grace and insight, and makes it poetic.
His speech, thoughts and emotional clarity astound and delight. What a treasure is Richard Burton!
I just now realized what a class act Richard Burton was , so articulate and thoughtful ...... I always admired his voice and now admire him , what a personality ....... RIP Sir Richard
No pretence just a human being with frailties but compelling to watch,can’t believe he didn’t win the Oscar
Ive watched this interview maybe 25 times , i never get bored of it and listening to Richards voice , each time i learn a little more about him , a true great . Also one of Parkinson's best interviews, RIP Parky you will be sadly missed as Richard is too
Brilliantly said.
This interview marked a watershed in Richard Burton's life. He had been rushed to hospital from the set of 'The Clansman' just as the last scenes were being filmed. After nearly two months, he left hospital but his health had been seriously undermined and he was never the same man again. As his health continued to decline, more or less from the time of this interview onward's, the big money film offers were still coming his way in great numbers. Burton is one of the few actors of his day, who still holds a great fascination for younger movie fans, Robert Mitchum is another. Two great actors who deserved to be remembered.
Well said my thought to !.
I cannot disagree with you 100%. Mitcham was my grans man, Burton was my mams. I weirdly found them on my own x
Mitchum was a Holocaust denier.
After "Equus" Burton was only offered small films.
A great actor diminished by alcohol? I will regard.
Richard Burton was a massively talented, charismatic and intriguing man. Died far too young. And this is a great interview. Parkinson had a brilliant interview technique. No false laughter, no embarrassment, no sh** talk. 11/10.
Yes, I have never seen him so jovial and outgoing and eagerly to want to get up and perform in front of any Audience like this before, and I am going to atribute it to the fact that "HE ALONE IS THE CENTER OF ATTRACTION."
And NOT Elizabeth Taylor that takes the Spotlight Away From Him, and makes him feel insecure, to the point that he becomes quiet and withdrawn.
Does anyone else out there feel and see what I am describing about Sir Richard Burton.
Legend Full Stop 👍👍
Cliche
Yes. I agree with you.
Such a great man.
I keep coming back to this clip because of Burton’s amazing use of the English language! Never was a man so eloquently spoken.
What a fabulous and joyous experience to hear this wonderful down to earth gentleman, Mr Richard Burton speak so honestly and forthright.
This interview actually brings a hard to explain tear to my eye. Maybe its the raw honesty and poetry of a rare soul who really lived both the extreme light and the extreme dark of life.
Just so
or a lovely man who just lived his life. As most men do. Every man is as magnificent as Richard. All men are inspiring. All men are a gift.
The most beautiful voice I have ever heard in my life. Gracias señor Burton te quiero mucho.
@@Sharon-kr1ui No they don't and no they are
@@Sharon-kr1ui not really... that's why we're all watching this interview. We are attracted to such a uniquely charismatic individual as Burton precisely because he isn't like everyone else
Burton comes from an area of Wales that is as hard as granite. He was the youngest of 9, his father and all his brothers were coal miners in the village of Pontrhydyffen. His mother died when he was 2 and he was brought up by his older sisters, who shared him around. How he got to drama school, the Royal Shakespeare Company and ultimately the World's stage from his background, is nothing short of a miracle and speaks volumes for his talent and drive. The excesses in his life, from drink to material wealth, took its toll and drove him over the abyss that he speaks about so eloquently in this interview and the world lost the greatest stage actor that ever lived.
My mother (long in heaven now) was a couple of years behind Richard Burton in school. He was coached by a teacher who was according to her, very strict and not well liked. His name was Philip Burton and on condition that young Richard take his name, he coached him in acting techniques. He would take him up the mountain behind the town of Port Talbot where the school was and make Richard deliver lines to teach him to project his voice without shouting. Her story!
Your point is? Repeating well known facts? Burton was the 12th of 13 children , NOT the youngest of 9. 😵💫
@Isabel Cummingham Repeating well known facts?? 🙄
yes but talk to Taylor, colleagues and directors, all those friends from 18 he jettisoned, and they will describe Satan. Drive or no, talent or no, this interview reveals a very paranoid, weak man. Too many people place showbiz over substance.
He never went to a drama school.
@@gloriag1888 w
Absolutely extraordinary. He's clearly a little agitated and nervous which shows in the constant smoking, but his composure irrespective of that is remarkable and beyond dignified! I could only imagine any celebrity of today fleeing in abject terror at this confronting line of questioning. Although it's equally extraordinary that the interview is conducted with such an air of sincerity and genuine intimacy that is completely lacking in today's media.
I was just thinking along those lines listening to Richard talk about attempting to drink himself to death when he felt he could not handle the enormity of the world around him. I would imagine most celebs these days would shutdown the line of questioning or walk out!
Nervous at the start but he settles down quite quickly
He was agitated and nervous because he was waiting for the pubs to open.
@@juliamcintyre5012 Parky said that didn't he, why do you feel the need to repeat it?
Nah, he was a 4 pack-a-day smoker, he’d have been smoking regardless of being interviewed
You'll never see an interview like this with today's actors. There are no interview shows that delve deep & stick with conversation; it's all about the pantomime they are required to do now. There are no actors today that have such depth, which is such a shame. If anyone can point me to one, please do.
cmon, Norton interviewing that S Club guy was amazing.
He is so magnificent, gifted, and tragic all at the same time.
Burton was an endlessly fascinating man, incredible performances, such personal struggle and what a voice.
Corcaigh Rebel Incredible to think he was only 48 in this interview, looks a lot older, gone by 58.
@@corcaighrebel I thought he was around 60 at least
I strongly urge anyone who's a Richard Burton fan to listen to his narration of War of the Worlds. His voiceover is amazing.
Absolutely. "No-one could have believed, in the last years of the nineteeth century"
I’ve got the album
I bought the cd of War of The Worlds for that very reason.
First album I ever purchased! Scared the shit out of me!
@@jodystephens752 Ive got a vinyl copy with original sleeve.
I could listen to his voice all day. They don't make them like him anymore. Amazing actor and a lovely man.
You don't 'hear' that voice, you feel it inside. Well, the women ...
World of Burton,
Thanks for providing this entertaining and insightful interview between Richard and Michael Parkinson. Perfect chemistry between interviewer and interviewee demonstrated.
RIP Richard Burton (November 10, 1925 - August 5, 1984), aged 58
And
RIP Sir Michael Parkinson (March 28, 1935 - August 16, 2023), aged 88
You both will be remembered as legends.
young.
elizabeth taylor stuck in a trailer flirtin with burton
Died in 1984? Fitting
Only 58
Drink is the demon which has destroyed so many lives. RIP amazing Richard ♥️🙏
This is one of my all-time favorite interviews. I used to have it saved on VHS in the 90s. Been wanting to watch it again for several years. Thanks for loading it here.
These personalities were golden era, sadly we don't have these types anymore in the movies.
He's in the top 5 of greatest actor's of all time .❤
Lord, what a voice! There'll never be another! What a charming, unassuming man!
You're welcome Scotty. It's nice to see so much positive feedback not only about the interview but Richard Burton himself! It's nice to see he still has some true fans out there. After all, it's up to US (the fans) to keep his memory and talent alive! Thanks for watching and for the feedback.
The importance, influence and magnificence of Richard Burton as an actor MUST NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. He gave MB a run for his money.
My heartthrob. His voice held the power, his eyes held the love and his hands held the passion.
Such a magnetic man.
His voice is gorgeous , his acting is just magnetic , but for me it’s the intensity in his eyes..
I could listen to him forever he had most certainly the finest speaking voice and he compelled you to listen, there is no one else since that had that power over you he was sublime Thank you for all you have given to the world
Amen
Orson Welles was far superior.
This one of the best television interviews I have ever scene. It is interesting, funny, sad and enjoyable. Richard Burton tells his anecdotes with great humour and charm. He was a one off personality. With him, Richard Harris, Peter O'Toole, Oliver Reed and Stewart Granger dead, in today's world of show business where are these great personality's now? There are none.
Well, they would get cancelled
@@Io-Io-Io Interesting point
His stories of his father are hilarious & fascinating,I could watch them endlessly,what an extraordinary talent.
Definitely one of a kind✊
Nowadays they have to refer to them as celebrities because very few of them have personalities
@@mrmoran0077 Well...We all have personalities. You mean 'Charisma'
Adored this man. Had flaws but don’t we all. Superb actor
@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?
What a delightful man. I could listen to the great Richard Burton all day long. Michael was such a great interviewer. Thank you for posting.
As a fellow Welshman I find him fascinating, such a talented man gone too soon.
Well said Neil. I absolutely agree 👍🏻
Englishman here. Listening to Burton's narration of War of The Worlds still gives me chills. He had the most amazing voice.
🎃
Too soon? Well yes. You would too if you waged war on your own health with alcohol and cigarettes as your weapons.
Shane Williams! Is that you?
This is such a powerful interview. Richards prodigious drinking and riotous behavior earned him the epithet hell raiser: A complex, flawed genius. He drove his creativity to seek solace at the bottom of a bottle. People who are very talented live in a constant fear their talent will elude them one day. Creativity and addiction are really close bedfellows. I myself gave up drinking over 5 years now and my life is much more manageable. Richards huge talent most of made his difficult.
i do not know if they all fear that so much...
there are some who actually believe in themselves
i think he was depressed but that does not nec. come from that fear
some people are sad for any number of reasons, and often the most intelligent ones
What a beautiful speaking voice and such a talent. RIP
A truly amazing talented man. We don't see interviews like this nowadays.
I could listen to Richard reciting all day, he was so emotive.
You can buy the audio books;)
"If they're there, you scream, if they're not there, you scream" - Burton on the press. Just so honest. Love him.
@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?
Brilliant Burton, such an interesting revelation about his alcoholism.The interviewer is very skillful, and brings out excellent content with his tone and questions.
Agree
Damn,Burton would have been a Perfect Bond.
He was considered several times for James Bond. Ian Fleming originally wanted him. He could have played 007 in his sleep.
He was too short at 5’9 they were looking for actors over 6 foot to play Bond that’s why 6’2 Connery got the nod !
@@blakemasterson8590 Burton was asked for Thunderball in 1959. But funding fell through. Then 1962 Burton cast as Mark Anthony in blockbuster Cleopatra where he met Elizabeth Taylor. Big showbiz romance back then. So Connery cast in Dr. No. Then Burton considered for On Her Majesty's...but offered not enough money. Shame. Also considered for Never Say Never Again but Connery wanted back in.
Perfectly!!
Vodka martini....the bottle please.
What a richly talented & beautiful man. Life is colder & darker in Richard Burtons absence. I could listen to that voice all day. RIP oh tortured soul...
Get. A. Fucking. Grip.
You're praising a man who openly on TV boasted that he receives cheques every month for hundreds of thousands of Pounds. These people only feel happy if they believe that other people are jealous of them. R. Burton had the ego the size of the New York twin towers put together.
Richard Burton was actually known to have been a very generous person believe it or not even before he went off to the Royal Air Force .
At the store where he worked he often was known to give away food and cigarettes to people in his town in Wales to neighbors who were really struggling .
His own family and relatives talked about how generous he was and even when they were making Night of the Iguana he and Elizabeth Taylor wanted to put money away for college education fund for a little Mexican boy but the parents wanted the money and he knew they would squander it away... yes he lived like a king after he started making money and he was no angel that's for sure but the guy was known to be generous and extravagant towards others... by the way is this Lauren Bacall.. speaking from the grave... still have nothing nice to say about Richard Burton , even in death..? hahaha
@Crazy Canuck ... I learned it from Richard Burton, LOL
@Crazy Canuck Jealous of R.B. ? Man he has an Honorary/fake degree. I have a real university Degree with Honours so how can I be jealous of RB's intellect of that pompous specimen ? Do you hen mean jealous of him because of his wife ? Man her legs were fat and horrible; her body was disproportionate, top and bottom. My girl is 21 and puts Liz Taylor off her pedestal. Yours is the usual response of a moron.... if one does not like somebody famous.... we're jealous lmfao. SPEAK FOR YOURSELF, alright ?
What an intellectual and intelligent man with such a voice.
Would had been wonderful to go out and take a beer with him and have some discussions.
R.I.P Richard Burton
So excellent. This is probably the best of Burton in any kind of interview. he opened up and shared his soul more than in other intervews or moments. he was, of course, a tormented genius.
In ten years he would be gone. 1984. Amazing to think that he has been gone over 35 years now. he should have lasted another ten or twenty years. It was the booze and the general disregard for his health. Richard carried a lot of guilt and anger and fighting off the despair and depression that plagued him most of his adult life.
Agree
The one with Dick Cavett is also wonderful; the way he describes his mining background, the coal seam, and his father. Wonderful, such gentle humour and passion in it.
He had a wonderful melodious voice and magnetic on screen.
Still miss Richard's fantastic voice. Rest in Peace.
magnetic. What a voice xx
As a kid growing up in the 60's and 70's it was a real treat to watch great films with really great actors., I always looked forward to Parky on a Saturday night, simple pleasures, a bottle of Corona Cream Soda, Match of the Day followed by Parky ........part of my education as an 11 year old
I totally agree, dad would let me stay up after Match of the day. Watching Parky was a real treat for me, my love affair started with all those Holywood greats.
Happy days
Considering that Burton was probably the biggest star in the acting world at the time, how refreshing to see that he was perfectly content in acting for the audience. Unlike some of todays actors and singers who refuse, on pain of death, to show the public their talents.
But the man could certainly lay waste to a packet of Benson & Hedges.
They smoked a lot in wales, ever since their mining industry was fked by Thatcher.
Yes i am glad i quit smoking.
That B&H joke is a reflection of how the real men who were not afraid to say and do exactly as they pleased with enormous amounts of charisma and knowing they were perhaps shortening their lives safe in the knowledge that leaving this planet of fools they would be in fact missing nothing!
Hence their roller-coaster life of extreme talent, booze, drugs, dangerous women,!
Their sensitive emotions proved to them from the onset that the world is in fact a C#@T of a place!!
Or lack there of
Burton was certainly *NOT* the biggest star in the acting world at the time.
He wasn't even close.
I live just down the road from where Richard was born . I am very humbled to think of him here .The worlds finest Actor 😊
What is shown again here is Burton's adoration of the English language and his jousting with it.A great and beautiful man who is missed terribly
@@DdraigGoch84 Oh fucking hell, Welsh chippy bastard ahoy!
@@thewomble1509 It is fascinating that Burton's first language was actually Welsh, which he always spoke with his family. One of the great English voices, he actually had to learn English as a second language.
And yes - you are right in assuming that I do have Welsh heritage!
and he was a true Welshman with no special feelings for England as political entity besides the language. I remember when another Welsh macho man, Tom Jones, was asked if his Weshmen forgave him for leaving UK for US. and he said that his compatriots never forgave him for moving from Wales to England, never cared about leaving UK.
@@roc7880 He was also a passionate socialist and once he met Tito in Yugoslavia he then changed his beliefs to full communist. When I read that, it had confused me how he had received so many awards from the British government and Royal family. I guess he kept that quiet to them lol.
@@Liverpool5095 and he lived in the communist paradise of Switzerland
What a fascinating man! To hear him voice Sir Winston Churchill's speech, what a treat! Thank you to Michael Parkinson for the gentle way that you drew him out for posterity...
I nearly cried at how chivalrous he was talking about Elizabeth Taylor..Wow they don,t make them like this anymore!
They were the "Charles and Diana" of their time.
@@ruthcollins5140 Charles didn't love Diana. Burton and Taylor were a great love affair.
IF HE WAS CHIVALROUS, HE WOULD NOT HAVE CHEATED ON EVERY ONE OF HIS WIVES AND PARTNERS, OR FUCKED WIVES OF OTHER MEN INCLUDING WIVES OF HIS FRIENDS BEHIND THEIR BACKS. HE WAS GARBAGE.
@@kathleencreamer6648 neither did Diana love Charles!
Exactly
Fascinating man. One could listen for hours to his stories, insites, and humor.
What an amazing man, Could listen to him all day.
no, an amazing actor, as a man he was satan.
RIP. Parkinson a great interviewer 😊listened & a great sense of humour 😊
Alcohol & tobacco are huge risks for cerebral vascular accidents. He died so young, but it was the lifestyle he lived that led to his death. One of my favorite actors.
Agree
I smoke but don’t drink
What an amazing voice and personality Sir Richard Burton had.
The honesty is mind blowing. You have to respect him.
I could listen to Richard Burton's voice forever :)
Get 'War of the Worlds'.
cookies19691 me too
It would be OK for the first hour and then it would become very tedious and boring.. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂💤💤💤💤💤🚬🚬➕💉
@@TheKonga88 never boring. Like crystal.
@@ronf1352 h7 ijjii
The most beautiful English speaking Voice in history of my life . It is a pleasure to hear his Voice . 🤩
Richard Burtons voice made your blood tingle inside when heard him speak, a wonderful actor and human being.
Have you seen Night of the Iguana? Not a classic but a favorite of mine, directed by John Huston.
Not just his voice, but his eyes...
There will never be another Richard Burton.
Cheers And Sweet Memories.
Richard was such a charming, complex, fascinating and tortured person, he was the definition of a classy actor....
one thing I can tell you is that ALL people like him get drink problems. They are too intelligent and too talented.
Never tortured..alcoholism is a given.
@James Henderson No one gives a shxt.
James Henderson Well of course you are. Not that anyone cares what you think.
Vcc
Even his narrative of his own personal travel towards death and doom, was, sheer poetry.
Burton claimed have started drinking at the age of 12. this is totally believable to me. I also grew up in rural Wales but in the 2000's and I can confirm not much has changed. I started drinking when I was also 12 although I'm not an alcoholic. something needs to change with our relationship with alcohol and I thick that goes for British drinking culture in general.
He passed away Very Young...I think...
Definitely not! Read Edward Slingerland, alcohol is an essential component of what makes us communal creative animals.
Plus I’m also a similar rural Welsh upbringing and definitely the better for it
All I think about is 'Where Eagles Dare' and 'War of the Worlds' When I see or hear RB. Such an amazing man and actor.
Or wild geese
@@jasonkendall2824 Good call!
True, honest gentleman. As someone battling alcoholism, which is for the rest of your life, I identify.
8:38 So rare to see such a genuine, full toothed smile from the man. He always seemed to have such a sense of gravity and sadness within him that it seemed as if a little boy were grinning back at us full of joy and vulnerability. I will always revere Burton.
& Vulnerability coupled with genius & passion are critical per great acting, My late Dad was an LA stage actor during the '40s & He'd periodically impromptu recite Shakespeare's sonnets at home during a commercial break or dinner 'was kinda wild & intriguing in the same breath
I am @@michaelchapman49556 act
Not sure why this interview is making me want to cry. Possibly because actors like Richard Burton were so unique, his voice, his raw honesty, & that Parkinson has now past away also…..
drugs will do that.
Elizabeth Taylor also had her struggles with alcohol. What many people don't know is she was born with scoliosis, and broke her back -- which went undiagnosed for three years -- while filming National Velvet. She had multiple back and hip surgeries, and endured excruciating pain through most of her life. No excuses, just context. Mr. Burton was very gracious about Winston Churchill -- he actually hated him, for his Colonial and Empire beliefs, and his call for the utter destruction of the Japanese. Right or wrong, he had no time for the British upper class. In any case, I could listen to that voice for hours...
I am so happy to have lived in those days to have heard and watched actors like Richard
RIP
Me too
No matter what else goes wrong in life, if I hadn't found AA decades ago... I'd be long gone. Sending hugs and love to anyone suffering from alcoholism. It's pretty great to find a way out. RIP, Sir Richard. And props and love to Michael P.
DRINK IS GOOD
He smoked a lot during this Interview.
Watching my favorite drinking actors, as I try to quit the beast
Are you a bunny with poor batteries?
Congratulations! So hard to do! I had no choice: my stomach was going to hell at 40. After surgery I was so scared I just quit. It was either quit or die. I’m 77 now. My stomach still gives me issues but I’m still here!
Richard Burton was incredibly handsome and talented. His eyes are so captivating. I can see why Elizabeth Taylor married him twice.
I can also see why he married Elizabeth Taylor. Absolutely beautiful lady. STUNNER...... She could of done alot better than him.
@DebbieClark absolutely
@@Twinklez63 Thanks mate.....👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Must be a woman thing. Never seen the appeal. Always looked ancient even in his 20s
@@JonJonJonJonJonJonJonJon Definitely a woman thing. I would take Burton, Pacino, DeNiro, Connery and Geer over any of the so-called movie studs now.
A man from very humble beginnings yet extraordinary, very deep, but somehow wonderful, on stage or screen he was compelling.
He was incredible. His voice I could listen to all day. Beautiful eyes. What an actor.
Charismatic
This is fascinating. Bear in mind this is one of the most famous people in the world at the time. He’s being so honest, engaging…no PR team screening the questions beforehand. So much more interesting and insightful than the celebrity chat show….sell my book….sell my film pap that’s served up to us now.
So true! A bygone era sadly never to return.
Sir Richard Burton could read the telephone directory and turn it into the most mesmerising performance you've ever seen 😊
He was never a "Sir." CBE is never addressed as Sir.
He did that for me once ..........bored shitless I was.
alison law Burton was a lot of things but never a ‘Sir’ - not with a CBE. You need a knighthood for that. Cheers 🥂
So could i. I actually did once but lost out on an oscar to Marlon Brando who got a Native Indian lady pick up his award to highlight their plight. I still to this day feel i should have won, 'Telephone book' was a great film, maybe ahead of it's time ; )
If l was a Politician ! In the English ! Or Australian ! Parliament !! I'd be saying !! HERE !! HERE !!!
One of the greatest actors and a true genius. Thanks Rich.
the fluency of the conversation and story telling is amazing....nowadays all you hear is the word like like like like almost on every sentence when there are interviews being done
They spoke very well back then. It's like an art form lost.
@@bonniehirtz786 But could he para-glide into a skyscraper and go all ninja on a band of terrorists and finish with a two-word zinger? I say he could not.
Thanks for posting this interview. Richard Burton was a complex soul. In a February 1975 interview with his friend, David Lewin, he said he "tried" homosexuality. He also suggested that perhaps all actors were latent homosexuals, and "we cover it up with drink”. He smoked 60-100 cigarettes per day. He was an atheist, stating, "I wish I could believe in a God of some kind but I simply cannot."
It's amazing he didn't die of lung cancer.
I think he was joking.
R.I.P Michael Parkinson and Richard Burton - legends!
When someone has existential depression, it usually means he possesses a high intellect. Just reading any short biographical sketch of Richard Burton it quickly becomes obvious that he was depressed to the point of suicide. There are two ways of committing suicide: the quick one and the long one, with alcohol and cigarettes. It is obvious that for the last...20?15? years of his life he immersed himself in a suicidal, self destructive path strikingly similar to that of Nicolas Cage´s character in "Leaving las Vegas"...in front of the world to see! That becomes very obvious here in this interview. He states it so clearly that I couldn´t believe it.
Another thing obvious here is his love and amazing and beautiful use and command of the english language. Quite a talented character.
Excellent comment and very insightful. Have you got a Psychoanalytic background?
@@thewomble1509 Let´s just say I read a lot (y)
I think it is so sad to hear both Mr. Burton (and Tony Hancock), though very different men, though both were perfectionists, who were desperately unhappy, despite their great talent, and you knew that depression would defeat them.
Agree
A candid, honest, heartfelt and articulate account given by a man of his own career & life, foibles and all. Burton's down to earth, intelligent, eloquent and insightful comments about himself and his world are a joy to behold. The lack of 'front' and pretense are refreshing - here is a major, major star who actually knew who and what he was, warts and all, and didn't pretend that life owed him something just because he was a star. Possessed of a healthy ego for sure, but then also a healthy grasp of the good and bad traits that affected his (and can affect anyone else's) life. Sure, he could have achieved more....couldn't we say that of so many other major 'stars'.....but gee, he lived BIG, and what we did get from this man was a fair slice of pure greatness, which we should justly applaud. RIP (King) Richard, for you truly were a king.
You are making my face leak! 😿
Very well said and very well put !!
The guy speaks and you stay in awe who else can do that . Personality , charisma and then you look at todays
Why does the past have so much class…..Richard Burton is the definition of “effortless class gentlemen”
A lovely, well spoken, humble and honest man. He and Elizabeth Taylor had a great relationship off screen God bless you Richard
This is why us Brits loved Parkinson. He was an interviewer who, for the most part, was brilliant at letting the star be the star. Too many interviewers now try and share the limelight with their guests. Sometimes that style can be funny and effective but not with Burton. Imagine James Corden interviewing. He would probably try and do Hamlet beside him.
I thought Parkinson was unnecessarily antagonistic.
But there is a huge difference, today there is no one who can even begin to approach a Richard Burton and the Movies are just a cheap commodity nowadays, just empty-calories type of entertainment.
@@AntonioBarsanio And, I think, the actors of today who are even remotely in the same ballpark as Burton (e.g., Streep, DeNiro) just make interviewers trying to share the limelight look stupid.
@@geoffreykeenan5914 Deniro is a ridiculous pumpous ass, always berating Trump. He can believe what he wants but actors and artists should keep their views to themselves. Elvis was once asked his views on the military and drafting and the war and he graciously and humbly replied: Honey, I'm just an entertainer, and that is ELVIS!
I watched the Dick Cavett interview first and it's amazing the difference in Burton's face within six years time. Great interview - both of them.
Yes. Remarked difference. Alcohol.
The Cavett interview is really excellent.
A fascinating man with the soul and outlook of the true artist. His personal diaries, which he never intended for publication, were published a few years ago and give a great insight into what Burton was really like. After a nights drinking what worried him most was the possibility that he had insulted someone who didn't deserve it, His diaries reveal that he was a very sensitive man who was plagued with depression and all kinds of insecurities. Although he looks fine here although understandably nervous after almost dying in America from excessive drinking, it's generally accepted that he was never the same man health wise again. From this point until his death he declined steadily but he would be in the top ten of any movie star list.
He was violent to elizabeth, abusive.
His widow published them to cash in. His family was not happy about that.
He was a perfect embodiment of insecurity.
Burton was, like many of his generation, Ustinov, Niven, Harris, Sellers, real grist for the interviewers mill, now what have we? Well, you tell me, how I long for the times when real celebs presented themselves for dissection, not the superficial, non people of today, no wonder I have not watched television for the past 10 years and I have missed nothing.
You are so correct sir.
Great comment , even more relevant now .
and no talking about politics, very refreshing
I think the only host that can do good interviews now is Norton, he makes the people feel relaxed. McAvoy is always a treat on that show, because he just can be his scottish self and turns into his natural accent pretty fast and hard. There are still some great actors who can give very good interviews. Stewart, Jackman, Fassbender, McAvoy, Theron. Hm... actually mainly people that are not from the states.
These fine actors just left, which is a pity. As stated, other are not and those far away
A wonderful interview. Richard at his most delightful best. thank you for uploading this.
Splendid, simply splendid indeed, I've always loved his oratory skills, I must add that from this interview he really did not think to highly of his talent/ skills which were wonderful, and one last thing that with his verbal skills he would have made one heck of a preacher/ evangelist, leaping and bounding, from one side of the stage to the other. One of the very best actors this World has ever seen. 🤗
This is one of my all-time favorite interviews. Thanks for uploading.
Rest in peace Mr Burton. You are truly loved, forever.
Magnificent actor, one of my favorites for sure. Reed, Caine, O'Toole, Brando, Steiger, make up the rest. No body like them to-day.
John Gielgud was Burtons favorite
He's very charismatic. His diaries were so interesting, he had a very introvert bookish side off screen.
Exactly what struck me. Natural charisma. Totally unaffected. A man.
I’d go further, he was extremely intelligent and well read. Loved nothing better than to read several books on the go at the same time. Was offered a Professorship at Oxford, spoke several languages.
Remarkable person (in every way). There won't be another like Burton.
Right
hes been forgotten already and no one under 35 has heard of him. This Jenkins fellow was a fraud.
"....i couldn't bare its richness and its beauty" a scary and powerful thought..the great Richard Burton
kullaalban 'bear'
I think Richard was indeed a womaniser, but also a handsome hunk, a romantic, that voice! goodness me..who could resist that scorpionic charm...amazing talent, genius, lonely i think in later life. His marriage to Liz ultimately destructive to both, both times. but a great man, larger than life. And what a life!
Good description of him. His voice was fantastic. His ability to perform while totally smashed was another miracle he could manifest. No one else like him.
Dynamo
He's absolutely gorgeous! With that rich Welsh voice and those beautiful eyes, he just melts me away 💋 God bless you Richard Burton xx
He's transgendered..
@@jquest43
You're transfixed with chewing on crayons and playing with your fidget spinner. Weirdo 😂
@@tictactoe4431 it's true,he was originally Raquel Welch
You can suck on his Moobs back then
That would have made your day wouldn't it?
@@jquest43
Get off the crack pipe and get your sorry ass to rehab, loser.
@@tictactoe4431 You're on a video regarding a man of genius talents who also had major addiction issues and needed rehab. Why go that same route in insulting some random troll here in the comment section? Then using it as a way to dehumanize them? The person is just an idiot of his own accord.
My father in law [no longer with us) told various stories of his drinking sessions with Richard Burton......what a life
an immensely talented actor, with a unique actor and blessed with having a good presence. it's just a shame that the latter part of his career was blighted by health issues.