Is there anyone out there that remembers the radio program "The Goon Show" we were just kids but I remember every Sunday having Sellers in our house while we ate roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, followed by apple pie and custard. I remembered one show where (a little vaguely on my part) they sailed up the Thames and bombarded the Houses of Parliament with Xmas puddings. Our imagination made the scene hilarious. With characters names like Skinny Minnie Bannister, Peasmould Gruntfutock, Neddy and Seegoon. They were the inspiration for Monty Python, and enjoyed by the Beatles. He appeared in a film with Ringo Starr called the Magic Christian along with John Cleese, Spike Milligan, Yule Brynner, who played a night club singer in drag singing "I'm mad about the Boy" while siddling up to Ringo at the bar and only when he reached and took off his blonde wig, Yule, that is, did I realized who it was, and Lawrence Harvey descending a staircase as Hamlet carrying the skull of poor Yorik while wearing a G String and doing a bump and grind. Now who else would write a film script that bizarre. British comedy has always been left of center and radio at that time was outstanding and unique. If you should come across the Magic Christian (it feels a bit dated) but don't miss it. PS. If you hunt around on TH-cam you'll probably come across and be able to listen to The Goon Show.
Carol Tolhurst Tolhurst I saw The Magic Christian when it came out (yes, I AM that old) and it blew me AWAY - even back in the sixties. Don't forget Raquel Welch in the "engine room" (fifty topless women pulling oars) and Chris Lee striding abroad as Dracula - but Yul in drag had it for me. However, if memory serves (I've got a VHS of the movie, but no time to check) it wasn't Ringo - the customer at the bar was Roman Polanski!
My dad was a huge Goon Show fan,I grew up listening to his collection of them on audio cassette. Eccles and Bluebottle were my favourite characters.The announcer was Morris Greenslade and in one intermission they'd have harmonica player Max Geldroy and his band play a tune...can anyone remember the name of the singer who used to play during the other intermission? He was a black chap with a very rich,gravelly voice,but his name escapes me.
Paddy .Cook Ray Ellington...The Ray Ellington Quartet was his 'main job'...a character called 'Big Ellinga' sounding like an African tribal chief would pop up in the Goon show from time to time!
just think these jokes are considered offensive and racist by todays standards - he was in the right era for comedy, good upload thanks! reminds us of a time when we could laugh at ourselves and at others without the PC brigade aka tossers
Try the movie, "Being There." The book is short and by a great writer who committed suicide over healthcare. Then, enjoy the movie. Both are quite wonderful. Sellers in THE PARTY is also funny. It's kind of rough going at first but then you are in the swing of things. That was also Elvis Presley's favorite movie, not that that counts.
CuteCatFaith -Ed Parker used to be Elvis' bodyguard -Parker played the martial arts bad guy in "Revenge of Pink Panther" -Sellers imitated Elvis in "Fu Manchu"
As I understand it the cheque had got creased up during his many attempts to get it changed..so he's saying "ok I know you can't give me money but at least tidy up this creased cheque"... That works for me but I realise that spelling it out like that ruins the comic effect
The most amazing part of this clip is after the out takes where Peter is obviously drunk musing on his past relationships and then suddenly switches to doing movies. In vino veritas.
@davidjames81 I recall him being interviewed while on a break from filming, in a field in France. An old French workman passed, grumbling to himself about something. Without pausing for breath, Peter immediately began immitating the old guy, in cod-French. The impression was flawless. Genius.
Flawed genius, I prefer to remember just the genius. I bought in 1982, with my pocket money, a vinyl album of this interview. He didn't give TV interviews often he was too scared to be himself. So sad when he said he was happy and his face said the complete opposite.😰
I'm a native Brit, and I'm ashamed how my compatriots go all round the world talking and hardly ever listening, which allows such terrible misconceptions.
It's too bad the late night talk shows never broach any serious conversation with stars....at least we have C. Rose. Johnny Carson used to allow himself serious moments with people...Letterman wants to you can tell but doesn't get deeper than his toes.
It’s actually Sellers. The first clip mentions his man of 1,000 voices. m.th-cam.com/video/7S6uGe7p280/w-d-xo.html Second clip shows it’s been going on all along. It’s just Peter. He didn’t know him. m.th-cam.com/video/wDDIgzKXYGU/w-d-xo.html
My dad worked with Peter Sellers and said Peter was a great person. He was always very lonely and a little sad but loved to work and give his best work at all times. He also did a lot for charity and people with depression. He was the best in the world at everything he did.
I don't what it is with physical comedians but they all seem to suffer from depression. John Belushi Curly Howard Chris Farley John Candy all met a short demise like Sellers. Maybe it's because they feel intense pressure to always perform at their best even though they're always getting older. With physical comedy that's a tall order.
This is a great interview with Peter Sellers. He was on his uppers when he did this interview, his last few films were flops, his 3rd marriage had ended. He met Liza Minelli, proposed 3 days later -only to pull out on the advice of a clairvoyant! His health wasn't good either. The day before he did the interview he tried to pull out saying outside the characters he played he didn't exist! He was told he could come on in character so, he dressed as a gestapo officer for the first few minutes till he relaxed. He was an odd soul,drink and drugs,were ruining his life. Also Impulsive relationships and a mother fixation. He died too young though. Genius, flawed but a genius. Let's not forget him
How many of today's so called stars could compete with a comic genius, a beautiful teller of tales, a great actor, I have watched this clip dozens of times and yet, as now, my grandchildren come into my den and ask 'what are you laughing at Grandad?' I'm laughing at a lost art my dears.
Christ! Someone on a chat show with talent! Remarkable. Surprisingly, I don't really miss Amy Childs et al with her insightful anecdotes and witty repartee.
Hello, I would like to ask you something. I am learning English and I would like to know the explanation of the punch line , what does it mean "pressing the cheque " :D .If I understood it correctly , the actor is trying to get his cheque cashed, but without success , because poor actors often have dud cheques , right ? :D Anyway , Peter Sellers was one of the greatest and the most talented actors of all times. Thank you for your help :D
Peter Sellers had died on my twentieth birthday at 54 years old. I remember that day and terrible year because Steve McQueen and John Lennon died that year too. I seem to have outlived all of them. The movie Being There (1979) was the best film Peter Sellers had ever done.
Warp Prime 42 It's sad that Peter didn't KNOW he was going to pass not long after and signed up for the execrable "The Fiendish Plot Of Fu Manchu" - "Being There" SHOULD have been his swan-song.
+carllafong69 It was SO painful to see him in that godawful Fu Manchu. So sad. Chance in "Being There" was such a beautiful, perfect character for him to have played. What an exquisite end to an amazing career it would have been.
The great enigma of Peter Sellers-after seeing this interview I still have no idea what his natural speaking voice sounds like-even if he's supposedly speaking in his normal voice it sounds like an impression. He was one in a million.
It was common at the time for every body to affect their best pronunciation when appearing on tv or giving speeches,hence the very common British phrase at the time,which was to put on your telephone voice, aka mrs bucket,pronounced boo Kay like it’s french,🇬🇧👍 better then when we had standards in the west
High functioning sociopath with cyclothymic manic depression Possible damage to the amygdala after near fatal cardiac arrest in 1964. Genius, but a bastard with it because of the thing that made him brilliant .From 12:00 on he is slightly drunk and a bit more candid about his mindset.
Sad really to see Sellers, the comic Genius manipulated by the TV company. At 9:02 the bottle is full & in front of him. At 12:10 the bottle is near empty and moved in front of the host as Sellers unconvincingly declares his happiness. Tell Mr's Worthington if you know her.
A great actor and a interviewers dream, but unfortunately not a very nice person, when he died of a heart attack people close to him questioned how could a man without a heart die from a heart attack, I leave it to you to probe his life.
tommy hall I know what that they call YOU Mr WONDERFUL for you are so perfect and such a WONDERFUL man Tommy oh i think i might get down on my knees and ask for your blessings for you never make mistakes are LOVED BY ALL PEOPLE never said an unkind word to anyone i am SURE this is TRUE for u such a fucking Asshoile coward u only TRASH others ANONMYOUSLY I am NOT ANONYMOUS and i not such a nice person when it comes to creeps lke perfect ppl as YOU are!!!
My dear chap, you cannot surely be as simple minded as your posting suggests, if you are, please restrict your comments to those with whom you have something in common, the brain dead, the illiterate, the simple-minded fools like yourself, please don't encroach into the land of the literate, you will only embarass yourself, bye bye old boy.
PS, you are not anonymous?, who the fuck is J. Treble,? At least I post a full name, yet another example of your pig-ignorace, go away and don't return until you have either grown up or mastered the English language, good luck with both.
Fascinating interview. It becomes quite dark and sad when Parkinson asks him about his marriages. Sellers himself declares that he's "impossible to live with". Although a lot of the comments here are focusing on the fact that he did too many Pink Panther films, he did produce some great work such as I'm Alright Jack, Dr Strangelove and his final film, Being There. I'm so accustomed to hearing him speak in such a wide array of voices and accents that it was quite a treat to hear his natural speaking voice. He may have had his flaws (like the rest of us) but he was immensely talented and he died too soon.
I meant rare for SELLERS - as an ACTOR, he rarely gave them. Actors HATE being interviewed - they have to be THEMSELVES - something most find impossible. It's why Sellers initially came on wearing a WW2 German outfit. It was the first thing he could find in the BBC costume dept.
Like Kenneth Williams, Sellers was less a character actor than a brilliant mimic. Thus many of their characters were based on real people - some famous, some not. And listening to his Warrinton Minge, I suspect THAT character WAS based on Sir John - it sounds a lot like him!
Huge talent....sad loss so young...thanks for posting....Shot during a time when they had proper interviewers not like Ross and Norton who think they're more interesting than their guests and just suffocate them with their half arsed buffoonery !
It gets a little sad toward the end. The alcohol kicks in and talking about failed relationships fucks up his head. Interesting to watch. In any case, an outstanding performer!
peter sellers died from heart disease and from not taking as exacting care of himself as his condition demanded; we lost this genius far too early, but we have no say in the matter; we can only be grateful for the treasure he left behind; all great comedians are also great healers of the spirit--
the greatest actor ever ..try and see The optimist ,or aka. The Optimist of nine elms. just amazing. Peter Sellers very very misunderstood a true performer ,probably in the wrong era ,music hall genius .. ..he could almost change shape within a performance. and loved his honesty in this interview admits his faults .R.I.P peter sellers...
It's rare because Peter didn't do many interviews < this. Also. Yes it was on television once, maybe twice. This is a recording. How do you think it was recorded in the seventies? POSSIBLY a Betamax copy, or something I don't know about. How many people did you know in the UK with the ability to record TV back in the seventies? I bet you could count them on two fingers.
Thanks ever so for this one…… Peter Sellers was so funny when he needed to be in something he was making…. just brilliant…… love everything he did and this interview with Michael Parkinson is awesome….
My favorite comedic actor. His comment at the end about being happy at the moment of the take is something I get when I act, if I'm any good. It's an unplanned creative moment. His shortcomings are a warning of course. There are a lot of actors who live to be appreciated, and far more who never are.
That Chinese accent came in handy two years later, when he played Sidney Wang (a parody of Charlie Chan) in "Murder by Death." Great movie; Sellers (and Peter Falk, as a Sam Spade character) steal the movie from the rest of the ensemble cast.
Could you Imagine having been LUCKY enough to perhaps encounter Peter, in like a Pub and listening to his stories for a couple hours . I would be laughing non stop. This man was an absolute genius at his Craft..
Jeff from Jersey from Jersey I wish the same he was remarkable original and made me laugh in a way no one else could. Very sad he died so young. No one like him few on par with him i loved George Carlin completely different which is as it should be for both were unique as Kurt Vonnegut was as a writer. Few ppl impress me these 3 are about one third of all of them.
Parkinson was the top viewed, top rated, Saturday night interviewer in the 70's/ 80's; please define 'rare' (but for other people - clickbait title alone is enough for Do Not Recommend Channel, thanks)
i am in my sixties now and loved peter sellers. He died when I was 20 years old and FAR too young., When I was a teenager I bought and read the book 'The Mask Behind The Mask' He was certainly a complicated soul but also a genius. Just like his comrade Spike Milligan.... I reckon he was a manic depressant. Most of the greatest stars and actors are. Also known as 'The divine Madness' it drives these individuals to the front and forces them to do what they do. Peter comes across as somewhat arrogant and aloof in this interview but I think it is a defensive thing with him. As soon as he retreats into different characters he seems to relax. Can't be himself for too long....so sad.
I love this interview. I assume it's incomplete due to Peter appearing in a (comedy) nazi uniform at the beginning. The old actor's story shows that Peter appears to have prepped for the interview: he has a piece of paper in his shirt pocket to use as a prop "cheque". He was the best Clouseau. A Shot in the Dark is IMHO his best Clouseau film - possibly because it was his last Clouseau performance before his first heart attack. A wonderfully funny performer. :-)
It's common to read that Peter Sellars had no real personality, but watching these interviews, I'd disagree! (Unlike a lot of mimics/impressionists, Sellars was an excellent storyteller who could seamlessly transition from one voice to another.) In the last few minutes, he gives a very sad, personal assessment of his failed marriages, taking the blame accordingly. You get the idea that Sellars was destined to leave this life under unhappy circumstances.
I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this yet but this interview nearly didn't happen. Sellers wanted to pull out, saying that he couldn't be 'himself' or words to that effect. Parky then suggested he come on as someone else to which Sellers agreed as long as he could come on as a Nazi. Apparently he came on in a trench coat and started off in character but once he'd settled down he dispensed with the coat (visible behind the chair as he gets up to mime the 'Hooray Harry' dancing)....and, well, you can see fir yourself what happened!
A lot more people both drank & smoked back then - socially, not addictively. My then fiancee was looking at a photo of my parents holding me when they were 36 and I was one year old. Photo was from early '70s. She said "No Way - they must be at least 45!" I then explained to her what I said above.
There was an HBO movie about Sellers. He was portrayed as a joyless, mean-spirited guy. Either this public appearance (and the footage of his outtakes) are just the mask of a sociopath, or that movie was way off.
He is a brilliant comedian. I have always been a great fan. Fascinating from his impersonations to story telling. No one has been able to copy him.
I've never seen anyone look so sad when he says I'm very happy now.
Yes, you noticed that too.
SuperBigwilk He'd been suffering from depression which is what you can tell when he say's 'I'm very happy now'
Similar to Robin Williams.
He hated himself
oh Peter wherefore art thou Peter we shall never see your greatness again .
Thank you ,
Brilliant! absolutely Brilliant!!!
Is there anyone out there that remembers the radio program "The Goon Show" we were just kids but I remember every Sunday having Sellers in our house while we ate roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, followed by apple pie and custard. I remembered one show where (a little vaguely on my part) they sailed up the Thames and bombarded the Houses of Parliament with Xmas puddings. Our imagination made the scene hilarious. With characters names like Skinny Minnie Bannister, Peasmould Gruntfutock, Neddy and Seegoon. They were the inspiration for Monty Python, and enjoyed by the Beatles. He appeared in a film with Ringo Starr called the Magic Christian along with John Cleese, Spike Milligan, Yule Brynner, who played a night club singer in drag singing "I'm mad about the Boy" while siddling up to Ringo at the bar and only when he reached and took off his blonde wig, Yule, that is, did I realized who it was, and Lawrence Harvey descending a staircase as Hamlet carrying the skull of poor Yorik while wearing a G String and doing a bump and grind. Now who else would write a film script that bizarre. British comedy has always been left of center and radio at that time was outstanding and unique. If you should come across the Magic Christian (it feels a bit dated) but don't miss it. PS. If you hunt around on TH-cam you'll probably come across and be able to listen to The Goon Show.
Carol Tolhurst Tolhurst I saw The Magic Christian when it came out (yes, I AM that old) and it blew me AWAY - even back in the sixties. Don't forget Raquel Welch in the "engine room" (fifty topless women pulling oars) and Chris Lee striding abroad as Dracula - but Yul in drag had it for me. However, if memory serves (I've got a VHS of the movie, but no time to check) it wasn't Ringo - the customer at the bar was Roman Polanski!
My dad was a huge Goon Show fan,I grew up listening to his collection of them on audio cassette.
Eccles and Bluebottle were my favourite characters.The announcer was Morris Greenslade and in one intermission they'd have harmonica player Max Geldroy and his band play a tune...can anyone remember the name of the singer who used to play during the other intermission?
He was a black chap with a very rich,gravelly voice,but his name escapes me.
Paddy .Cook Ray Ellington...The Ray Ellington Quartet was his 'main job'...a character called 'Big Ellinga' sounding like an African tribal chief would pop up in the Goon show from time to time!
We have no-one as clever or as funny today, sadly missed Peter
just think these jokes are considered offensive and racist by todays standards - he was in the right era for comedy, good upload thanks! reminds us of a time when we could laugh at ourselves and at others without the PC brigade aka tossers
pow1983 Amen to that.
pow1983: Love to see what you'd think of said 'PC brigade aka tossers' if they decided to insult white people.
Neville6000 How?
Now that it's on TH-cam it is no longer 'rare', though, but nice video! Thanks for posting.
I have never heard Peter Sellers voice other than Clouseau. I didn't think it was him at first.
Try the movie, "Being There." The book is short and by a great writer who committed suicide over healthcare. Then, enjoy the movie. Both are quite wonderful. Sellers in THE PARTY is also funny. It's kind of rough going at first but then you are in the swing of things. That was also Elvis Presley's favorite movie, not that that counts.
CuteCatFaith
-Ed Parker used to be Elvis' bodyguard
-Parker played the martial arts bad guy in "Revenge of Pink Panther"
-Sellers imitated Elvis in "Fu Manchu"
Sadly missed around the world
very good!
Its almost 2023 and I still don't get the "Would you mind pressing the bloody thing" punchline 🤣🤣🤣
As I understand it the cheque had got creased up during his many attempts to get it changed..so he's saying "ok I know you can't give me money but at least tidy up this creased cheque"... That works for me but I realise that spelling it out like that ruins the comic effect
The most amazing part of this clip is after the out takes where Peter is obviously drunk musing on his past relationships and then suddenly switches to doing movies. In vino veritas.
@davidjames81 I recall him being interviewed while on a break from filming, in a field in France. An old French workman passed, grumbling to himself about something.
Without pausing for breath, Peter immediately began immitating the old guy, in cod-French. The impression was flawless.
Genius.
You know, I had the same, identical thought....amazing!!
Legendary comedian and actor, miss him
love it :)
I love Peter Sellers, What a legend.
hooray Harrys. :) master storyteller
I miss this man so much - one of the funniest men ever.
I always thought Peters and John Lennon looked alike
i was thinking the same thing. its how he moves and talks aswell, its uncanny.
I love the Warrington Minge joke :D
-Elvis admired Sellers
-Ed Parker , Elvis' body guard was in Revenge of Panther
-Sellers imitated Elvis in Fu Manchu
Flawed genius, I prefer to remember just the genius. I bought in 1982, with my pocket money, a vinyl album of this interview. He didn't give TV interviews often he was too scared to be himself. So sad when he said he was happy and his face said the complete opposite.😰
The best---ever
I'm a native Brit, and I'm ashamed how my compatriots go all round the world talking and hardly ever listening, which allows such terrible misconceptions.
A bloody genius!!! 😂😂😂
I great, and funny actor! I'm sorry Dimitri! I'm very sorry!
Lovely bloke. Pretty much excluded his children from his will.
A true genius!
but wasn't this the interview where sellers first started to act all silly and be another charachter but thought "oh fuck it, i'll just be myself" ?
what did he say at the end of the chinese story?, would you mind(what?) for me?
neoperseus Thanks, I thought so, but wanted to be sure I got the joke right, thanks again!
Amazing
It's too bad the late night talk shows never broach any serious conversation with stars....at least we have C. Rose. Johnny Carson used to allow himself serious moments with people...Letterman wants to you can tell but doesn't get deeper than his toes.
this guy Parkinson is a wonderful interviewer, the way he allows the guest to "be himself"
It’s actually Sellers. The first clip mentions his man of 1,000 voices.
m.th-cam.com/video/7S6uGe7p280/w-d-xo.html
Second clip shows it’s been going on all along. It’s just Peter.
He didn’t know him.
m.th-cam.com/video/wDDIgzKXYGU/w-d-xo.html
My dad worked with Peter Sellers and said Peter was a great person. He was always very lonely and a little sad but loved to work and give his best work at all times. He also did a lot for charity and people with depression. He was the best in the world at everything he did.
Wonderful to hear. I’ve always adored him. So naturally funny.
I don't what it is with physical comedians but they all seem to suffer from depression. John Belushi Curly Howard Chris Farley John Candy all met a short demise like Sellers. Maybe it's because they feel intense pressure to always perform at their best even though they're always getting older. With physical comedy that's a tall order.
He certainly was👍👍🇬🇧
Man, he was a truly a very funny man. He has made me laugh out loud many, many times.
He was devastatingly talented.
Sellers always claimed he hated working on the Panther films, but he seemed to be having a good time in those bloopers
All a show I think. What a guy.
This is a great interview with Peter Sellers. He was on his uppers when he did this interview, his last few films were flops, his 3rd marriage had ended. He met Liza Minelli, proposed 3 days later -only to pull out on the advice of a clairvoyant! His health wasn't good either.
The day before he did the interview he tried to pull out saying outside the characters he played he didn't exist! He was told he could come on in character so, he dressed as a gestapo officer for the first few minutes till he relaxed. He was an odd soul,drink and drugs,were ruining his life. Also Impulsive relationships and a mother fixation. He died too young though. Genius, flawed but a genius. Let's not forget him
+Mrsbeatle1968 Geniuses become geniuses through determined struggle against their flaws.
Mrsbeatle1968 888888888999000900000000009000000099999999000990000000000000090000
Mrsbeatle1968 do u know a good book about all this? I wanna know more about that. He was one of the greatest of all times
Ok
Yes
RIP Peter Sellers, 8th September 1925 - 24th July 1980.
An acting legend.
I love how he drops into the accents he is talking about, brilliant!
How many of today's so called stars could compete with a comic genius, a beautiful teller of tales, a great actor, I have watched this clip dozens of times and yet, as now, my grandchildren come into my den and ask 'what are you laughing at Grandad?' I'm laughing at a lost art my dears.
Christ!
Someone on a chat show with talent!
Remarkable.
Surprisingly, I don't really miss Amy Childs et al with her insightful anecdotes and witty repartee.
Hello,
I would like to ask you something.
I am learning English and I would like to know the explanation of the punch line , what does it mean "pressing the cheque " :D .If I understood it correctly , the actor is trying to get his cheque cashed, but without success , because poor actors often have dud cheques , right ? :D Anyway , Peter Sellers was one of the greatest and the most talented actors of all times.
Thank you for your help :D
Peter Sellers had died on my twentieth birthday at 54 years old. I remember that day and terrible year because Steve McQueen and John Lennon died that year too. I seem to have outlived all of them.
The movie Being There (1979) was the best film Peter Sellers had ever done.
Warp Prime 42 It's sad that Peter didn't KNOW he was going to pass not long after and signed up for the execrable "The Fiendish Plot Of Fu Manchu" - "Being There" SHOULD have been his swan-song.
carllafong69: Damn fracking right it should have.
+Warp Prime 42 If Pete still kicked in he would be 90 by today.
+carllafong69 It was SO painful to see him in that godawful Fu Manchu. So sad. Chance in "Being There" was such a beautiful, perfect character for him to have played. What an exquisite end to an amazing career it would have been.
+Warp Prime 42 For me, his best film will always be "The Party". I had tears down my eyes when I first saw that movie.
A comic genius.
The great enigma of Peter Sellers-after seeing this interview I still have no idea what his natural speaking voice sounds like-even if he's supposedly speaking in his normal voice it sounds like an impression. He was one in a million.
It was common at the time for every body to affect their best pronunciation when appearing on tv or giving speeches,hence the very common British phrase at the time,which was to put on your telephone voice, aka mrs bucket,pronounced boo Kay like it’s french,🇬🇧👍 better then when we had standards in the west
High functioning sociopath with cyclothymic manic depression Possible damage to the amygdala after near fatal cardiac arrest in 1964. Genius, but a bastard with it because of the thing that made him brilliant .From 12:00 on he is slightly drunk and a bit more candid about his mindset.
Its unfortunate he didn't talk about Strangelove. I'd love to see the out takes, especial considering that a lot of it was ad-libbed.
I was besotted with this man, So hilarious and clever. I still play the LP's I have had for years and I never tire of him. RIPPete.
Sad really to see Sellers, the comic Genius manipulated by the TV company. At 9:02 the bottle is full & in front of him. At 12:10 the bottle is near empty and moved in front of the host as Sellers unconvincingly declares his happiness. Tell Mr's Worthington if you know her.
The look on Sellers face at 12:08 when he's asked if he's "happy now" speaks volumes. It's just so sad.
Oh
Like when a POW says how well he’s being treated
Wonderful, wonderful, Peter Sellers, absolutely wonderful
I shouldn't have started a cyber war. I've desecrated the altar of Peter Sellers! What I have I done?!
It blows me away that Parkinson was only 39 when he did this interview. He looks much older.
He was 49.
Chris T Sir Michael was born in 1935. If this interview was from 1974, that would have made him 39 at the time.
People did back then, we grew up a lot quicker then than we do now. Ironically we were all a bit more innocent too.
He is a Brit. They age quicker. Something to do with teeth rotting.
ThePoohinator What a stupid, ignorant person you are.
Oddly, the real Peter seems most like his Dr. Strangelove character.
A great actor and a interviewers dream, but unfortunately not a very nice person, when he died of a heart attack people close to him questioned how could a man without a heart die from a heart attack, I leave it to you to probe his life.
Many fans expect celebs to always be nice , in the end they have flaws as well.
tommy hall I know what that they call YOU Mr WONDERFUL for you are so perfect and such a WONDERFUL man Tommy oh i think i might get down on my knees and ask for your blessings for you never make mistakes are LOVED BY ALL PEOPLE never said an unkind word to anyone i am SURE this is TRUE for u such a fucking Asshoile coward u only TRASH others ANONMYOUSLY I am NOT ANONYMOUS and i not such a nice person when it comes to creeps lke perfect ppl as YOU are!!!
My dear chap, you cannot surely be as simple minded as your posting suggests, if you are, please restrict your comments to those with whom you have something in common, the brain dead, the illiterate, the simple-minded fools like yourself, please don't encroach into the land of the literate, you will only embarass yourself, bye bye old boy.
PS, you are not anonymous?, who the fuck is J. Treble,? At least I post a full name, yet another example of your pig-ignorace, go away and don't return until you have either grown up or mastered the English language, good luck with both.
Fascinating interview. It becomes quite dark and sad when Parkinson asks him about his marriages. Sellers himself declares that he's "impossible to live with". Although a lot of the comments here are focusing on the fact that he did too many Pink Panther films, he did produce some great work such as I'm Alright Jack, Dr Strangelove and his final film, Being There. I'm so accustomed to hearing him speak in such a wide array of voices and accents that it was quite a treat to hear his natural speaking voice. He may have had his flaws (like the rest of us) but he was immensely talented and he died too soon.
I meant rare for SELLERS - as an ACTOR, he rarely gave them. Actors HATE being interviewed - they have to be THEMSELVES - something most find impossible. It's why Sellers initially came on wearing a WW2 German outfit. It was the first thing he could find in the BBC costume dept.
Sellers was truly amazing and ahead of his time.....remember this is 40 years old! He was and still is my IDOL.
Indeed and may he Rest In Peace...
Talented comic...yes.
Volatile father who mistreated his children...yes.
Like most comedians he was a pretty dark guy.
Brilliant and that is good to know! He was one of my uncles best friends! My uncle was his agent! :)
@@ThePoohinator There's a pretty long list of brilliant performers who never should have been husbands or fathers. Just not cut out for it.
Like Kenneth Williams, Sellers was less a character actor than a brilliant mimic. Thus many of their characters were based on real people - some famous, some not. And listening to his Warrinton Minge, I suspect THAT character WAS based on Sir John - it sounds a lot like him!
Huge talent....sad loss so young...thanks for posting....Shot during a time when they had proper interviewers not like Ross and Norton who think they're more interesting than their guests and just suffocate them with their half arsed buffoonery !
I love the thats what you are joke. LOL
If he was alive, I am sure he would be on Topgear!
It gets a little sad toward the end. The alcohol kicks in and talking about failed relationships fucks up his head. Interesting to watch.
In any case, an outstanding performer!
'what has this country come to?' -Even back then they were moaning about the 'state of this country'.
Nathan Jones Ah, that's some good old fashioned hate filled racism there.
Obviously the days before political correctness.
3:07, 5:31 impersonations
So much brown - so 70s! What a set!
He reminds me so much of his character in Being There
The man of a million personalities but he really had no personality of his own...it was a huge problem in his private life
Sellers rocking the double denim!
Even after bedding Britt Eklund and Sophia Loren couldn’t brighten his spirits. Sometimes the perceptively lucky are the saddest.
Charlie Chaplin
Peter Sellers
Rowan Atkinson
Sacha Baron Cohen
Each generation has its own British comic genius ahead of their time 😁😁
he was one of the funniest comedians who ever existed, and brought me much joy in my childhood
Sellers is one, if not the best comedian ever. Goons, Clouseau, Fred Kite. Brilliant.
peter sellers died from heart disease and from not taking as exacting care of himself as his condition demanded; we lost this genius far too early, but we have no say in the matter; we can only be grateful for the treasure he left behind; all great comedians are also great healers of the spirit--
suzanne oneill we die when the time comes there is no too early about it
He is truly the very BEST of British comedy! Always will be!
the greatest actor ever ..try and see The optimist ,or aka. The Optimist of nine elms. just amazing.
Peter Sellers very very misunderstood a true performer ,probably in the wrong era ,music hall genius ..
..he could almost change shape within a performance.
and loved his honesty in this interview admits his faults .R.I.P peter sellers...
How is it RARE - it was on the television?
Dumbest comment ever.
Really? Explain please.
Scott edog It's rare because Peter didn't do many interviews.
It's rare because Peter didn't do many interviews < this. Also. Yes it was on television once, maybe twice. This is a recording. How do you think it was recorded in the seventies? POSSIBLY a Betamax copy, or something I don't know about. How many people did you know in the UK with the ability to record TV back in the seventies? I bet you could count them on two fingers.
Tracy Panavia
or just maybe this is from the BBC archives?
Fucking legend. Sellers will live on
True - its like arguing with a woman - you'll never win (that should bring MORE crap...)
There will Never be another Peter Sellers. RIP Great man.
Thanks ever so for this one…… Peter Sellers was so funny when he needed to be in something he was making…. just brilliant…… love everything he did and this interview with Michael Parkinson is awesome….
My favorite comedic actor. His comment at the end about being happy at the moment of the take is something I get when I act, if I'm any good. It's an unplanned creative moment. His shortcomings are a warning of course. There are a lot of actors who live to be appreciated, and far more who never are.
That Chinese accent came in handy two years later, when he played Sidney Wang (a parody of Charlie Chan) in "Murder by Death." Great movie; Sellers (and Peter Falk, as a Sam Spade character) steal the movie from the rest of the ensemble cast.
He looked better as Clouseau
Remarkable man. Lovely video.
Brilliant! I've seen the bit about the piano player a few times and still makes me giggle! What an amazing actor/comedian he was.
Could you Imagine having been LUCKY enough to perhaps encounter Peter, in like a Pub and listening to his stories for a couple hours . I would be laughing non stop.
This man was an absolute genius at his Craft..
Jeff from Jersey from Jersey I wish the same he was remarkable original and made me laugh in a way no one else could. Very sad he died so young. No one like him few on par with him i loved George Carlin completely different which is as it should be for both were unique as Kurt Vonnegut was as a writer. Few ppl impress me these 3 are about one third of all of them.
He could do perfect accents.
most british actors are superb in that..
He must be Robin Williams's biggest inspiration.. Both great actors and comedians, where Peter Sellers is the king of thrones
Parkinson was the top viewed, top rated, Saturday night interviewer in the 70's/ 80's; please define 'rare' (but for other people - clickbait title alone is enough for Do Not Recommend Channel, thanks)
i am in my sixties now and loved peter sellers.
He died when I was 20 years old and FAR too young.,
When I was a teenager I bought and read the book 'The Mask Behind The Mask'
He was certainly a complicated soul but also a genius.
Just like his comrade Spike Milligan.... I reckon he was a manic depressant.
Most of the greatest stars and actors are.
Also known as 'The divine Madness' it drives these individuals to the front and forces them to do what they do.
Peter comes across as somewhat arrogant and aloof in this interview but I think it is a defensive thing with him. As soon as he retreats into different characters he seems to relax. Can't be himself for too long....so sad.
I love this interview. I assume it's incomplete due to Peter appearing in a (comedy) nazi uniform at the beginning. The old actor's story shows that Peter appears to have prepped for the interview: he has a piece of paper in his shirt pocket to use as a prop "cheque". He was the best Clouseau. A Shot in the Dark is IMHO his best Clouseau film - possibly because it was his last Clouseau performance before his first heart attack. A wonderfully funny performer. :-)
It's common to read that Peter Sellars had no real personality, but watching these interviews, I'd disagree! (Unlike a lot of mimics/impressionists, Sellars was an excellent storyteller who could seamlessly transition from one voice to another.)
In the last few minutes, he gives a very sad, personal assessment of his failed marriages, taking the blame accordingly. You get the idea that Sellars was destined to leave this life under unhappy circumstances.
I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this yet but this interview nearly didn't happen. Sellers wanted to pull out, saying that he couldn't be 'himself' or words to that effect. Parky then suggested he come on as someone else to which Sellers agreed as long as he could come on as a Nazi. Apparently he came on in a trench coat and started off in character but once he'd settled down he dispensed with the coat (visible behind the chair as he gets up to mime the 'Hooray Harry' dancing)....and, well, you can see fir yourself what happened!
A lot more people both drank & smoked back then - socially, not addictively. My then fiancee was looking at a photo of my parents holding me when they were 36 and I was one year old. Photo was from early '70s. She said "No Way - they must be at least 45!" I then explained to her what I said above.
There was an HBO movie about Sellers. He was portrayed as a joyless, mean-spirited guy. Either this public appearance (and the footage of his outtakes) are just the mask of a sociopath, or that movie was way off.
Fantastic. I grew up watching him. A brilliant and talented man who has been an inspiration.