Ustinov At Eighty

by Peter Ustinov, John Bird (Narrator)

In this much-praised interview, octogenarian Peter Ustinov talks to John Bird. The man of many talents has an astonishing range of accomplishments behind him as an Oscar-winning film and theatre actor, author of novels, plays and screenplays. He is also a raconteur, graphic artist, photographer, stage director and designer and the recipient of many humanitarian awards for his work with UNICEF and UNESCO. In this interview he talks about his hectic life and times, about family life, schools sports, the army, spying, Hollywood and radio comedy with Peter Jones, Nero and Pol Pot, God and Andre Agassi. Originally broadcast on Radio 4 in April 2001, unheard material and an introduction by John Bird is included, making it equally attractive to those who heard the original radio broadcast and new listeners alike.

Genres: Biography

Audible Audio

First published May 7, 2002

About the author

Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov, CBE, was a English actor, writer and dramatist.

He was also renowned as a filmmaker, theatre and opera director, director, stage designer, screenwriter, comedian, humorist, newspaper and magazine columnist, radio broadcaster and television presenter.

A noted wit and raconteur, he was, for much of his career, a fixture on television talk shows and lecture circuits, as well as a respected intellectual and diplomat who, in addition to his various academic posts, served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and President of the World Federalist Movement.

Ustinov was the winner of numerous awards over his life, including Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Golden Globes and BAFTA Awards, as well the recipient of governmental honours from, amongst others, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. He displayed a unique cultural versatility that has frequently earned him the accolade of a Renaissance Man.

Reviews

[Cedric Hohnstadt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've listened to this multiple times. Ustinov is a true raconteur.

[Stuart McIntosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great accompaniment to 'Dear Me', Ustinov's autobiography that had concluded some years earlier.