This is a portion of the interview from the Parkinson’s Show
of 1977. Mr. Parkinson had a TV show in Britain at the time, and aside from
David Frost, was one of the most skilled and affable interviewers around. I
suppose that is why the slightly reclusive Mr. Guinness agreed to the interview
at all. He was not very keen on doing them. This was the 2nd time he
had appeared on Mr. Parkinson’s show, which; in itself; is high praise from one
of the foremost actors of the 20th century. And make no mistake; there
is a difference between an actor and a movie star. Mr. Guinness was, first and
foremost, an actor.
In this first clip from the interview Mr. Guinness talks
about how he has used animals as inspirations for some of his parts. The
elephant story is the better of the two which he relates here; using his remarkable
talents of both presence and humility to let us have a peek at his insights and
inspirations.
The interview is not short on humor either, as he relates
some very funny stories about both himself, as well the people he has encountered
during his career. This one is about a party
given by John Wayne. I believe that the fellow he is talking about was “Swifty”
Lazar.
Don’t look for this interview in the usual places. Aside
from the pieces posted here and there on You Tube, the only place I know to see
and hear the entire show is on the bonus disc to “Kind Hearts and Coronets”,
the 1949 film in which Mr. Guinness played 8 parts, including that of Lady
Agatha. His talents knew no boundaries. Movie stars come and go with the whim
of the public; but true actors are eternal, creating roles which will never
die. Alec Guinness was of the latter group.
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