Peter Ustinov on Desert Island Discs with Roy Plomley 1977

This is one for the connoisseurs of classical music. Peter Ustinov was a man of many talents, a raconteur, actor, director and playright. He was the recipient of two oscars and was a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. My favorite film of his is Spartacus where he won the best supporting actor oscar. This interview doesnt give much away, however he does reflect on his early life and how he was turned down for not being suitable to become a spy, he was told he had a face that would be difficult to loose in a crowd! Good news then for the public as we would have never seen him if indeed he had become a spy! This is an extended version of the interview with added music. Please leave comments if you so wish.

[@albertseabra9226]

An intelligent, highly versatile person, endowed with a fantastic talent, culture and sense of humour.

[@QuoPaperPlane]

One of my favourite episodes of 'An Audience With' was that of Peter. Even now, I watch it as he really draws one in with his story telling and makes you laugh into the bargain.

[@HaydnGuite]

An extraordinary talent and a master raconteur. He's one of those people who you'd invite round your house for a sleepover God bless you Mr Ustinov

[@nathelondon3719]

One of the great raconteurs of the 20th century.

[@fightbacktohealth9625]

I met him once with 6 others after his performance on stage in London. His driver had to break up the party finally... “Mr. Ustinov I think we better get back to the hotel...” Very charming and a good man.

[@billlee2947]

What a wonderful thing you and they have done! Thank you

[@lucapostorino1963]

A wonderful choice of music too.

[@Puma9846]

My very favourite Poirot, and an incredible talents actor. Thank you for this lovely interlude.

[@ronyagpd]

Thank you so much for this: he was a wonderfully gifted man with a wicked sense of humour.

[@MegaFount]

I was hoping he would talk to him about directing. Billy Budd, a fantastic movie. A bit disappointed about that, but an erudite and good humored man shines through.

[@TimothyJonSarris]

I don't remember where I heard that he was related to the tenor Nicolai Gedda, but judging from his selections on the desert island , I imagine that he's more fond of the bass voice and that there may be nothing to the supposed family relation, which ,even if it did exist, exhibits no sign of familial love loss between the two artists.

[@prettypurple7175]

THE GIRL AND THE FISH///

[@nathelondon3719]

Halibut. Sung in German. Go to an evening with Peter Ustinov

[@RModillo]

Had the show moved away from allowing specific records to be chosen? Are these on the YT video the ones played in the original broadcast?

[@Michael-cb9yn]

The BBC invariably abbreviates the music. This one seems to be the spoken originals, plus music added by the person who uploaded it, who chose performances at random.

[@margretloeffler4335]

Impossible to listen to as the sound is almost inaudible because of the background noise like falling heavy rain.

[@stephenmihaly2337]

I would speculate that in general there is a fairly strong correlation between a person’s music appreciation and personality although there certainly are many other factors that form a person’s character. In other words I would not disparage his exquisite sensitive and eclectic taste in classical music because it is reflected in his personality which is why he was so admired as an actor and recanter as one can sense his intellect and humanity.

[@allend2749]

I just love the music these people choose. It's absolutely horrible

[@jamesAlexander007]

I did say it's for connoisseurs of classical music Allen, I tend to agree with you on this one. Take care James.

[@aqualady0]

Expert or not atonal doesn't work for me