Edward Petherbridge on playing Lord Peter Wimsey

[@lechat8533]

Not young enough? Not as good looking? My God, I fell in love with the character of Lord Peter Wimsey and his beauty in a matter of minutes. Both were absolutely stunning. I don`t know how often I watched the scene with the teacup, the saucer, and the biscuit. A masterpiece of acting.

[@d.aletadrawdy7584]

DITTO 💞

[@jakeornot6306]

You do not suspect that he thoroughly prepared for this interview, and that every word was planned - every movement, sublime acting?

[@lizellevanzyl2508]

Yes I too fell in love😊

[@tutpook6216]

The three whimsey /vane movies are my go to when ever I’m sick or sad . Old friends who are always there when I need them most.

[@lizellevanzyl2508]

Mine too

[@heatherjarvis7406]

I absolutely love Lord Peter and Edward Petherbridge captures him perfectly. Brilliant casting and acting.

[@francinelimon379]

One of my first crushes as a girl. Still going strong all these years. So dreamy. 💙💙💙

[@jakeornot6306]

I would use the adjective, "charismatic."

[@lizellevanzyl2508]

Incredibly dreamy

[@GwynethSleuth]

For me, Mr. Petherbridge, you were the very Wimsey I pictured when I read the novels! I was gobsmacked by your performances!

[@g.strobl4458]

Same here.

[@marijeangalloway1560]

I absolutely agree. I read those marvelous novels by Dorothy Sayers, absolutely fell in love with Lord Peter Wimsey, and when I saw the series with Mr. Petherbridge's appearance and Peter-perfect performance, I thought "My God! Lord Peter Wimsey isn' t a fictional character at all! He's absolutely real!"

[@jennygibbons1258]

Edward Petherbridge captures a more nuanced Wimsey than any other performance I’ve seen. Yes he’s tough but vulnerable but he’s also not lacking compassion and patience for example. Very watchable and thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you

[@shelaghrichardson1294]

For me, he was the best Peter Whimsey. He could act up a storm without saying a word.

[@patriciajrs46]

@@shelaghrichardson1294 i agree.

[@skeeterinnewjersey5256]

@Shelagh Richardson Totally agree! I was always sad that they didn't make Busman's Honeymoon. Both of them would have been absolutely brilliant in it.

[@jennifercoralie9158]

And he had the most sublime voice.

[@davidscott129]

Without any slight intended to Ian Carmichael, I don't think he could have done Harriet (Vane or Walter) justice. Mr. Petherbridge was able to convey Wimsey's self-doubt as well as the mannerisms that cover it up. One of the best casting decisions ever.

[@lindayevoli6224]

David Scott Yes I do believe you are right. I have been watching this for over twenty five years. I keep watching Load Peter Wimsey with all the leading men

[@g.strobl4458]

Well, Mr. Petherbridge certainly gave him his sex appeal back, if I may say so. I don't know whether Mr. Carmichael could not have done it, was not allowed to or just decided not to add that layer, but I missed that aspect in the episodes with Ian Carmichael. It also bothered me that Mr. Carmichael betrayed a certain stiffness that tall men often have about them in a scene where he was supposed to be athletic, which casting Mr. Petherbridge remedied. For these and some other reasons, Mr. Petherbridge's performance was a revelation to me. So I have to agree, best casting decision ever for Lord Peter. :)

[@annaarmstrong6956]

A brilliant trio of episodes❣My late sister was in hospital for a month when this was telecast. It was the highlight of the week when PBS' Masterpiece Mystery featured them😍

[@russedav5]

Merely a matter of preference; I prefer Ian Carmichael whom I think would have done a better job without all the tiresome, infantile libido angst some of us in an older generation didn't care for, though Petherbridge was good. For the few who understand history, and especially those of us who lived through it, one must realize that the 60s-70s was when folk began to abandon mature modesty for the infantile tyranny of the "letting it all hang out" libedo, that cruelly and sometimes even sadistically forced that lawlessness down the throats of "prudes" who disagreed, like the cancel culture does today, the sad self-deceit of those into pretend to be free while in fact rather being cruelly enslaved, the sad useful idiocy of fascism and communism that threatens to destroy Western Civilization, sadly blind to how they themselves will go down with the ship they would destroy, like the fatal story of the Frog (or Fox) and the Scorpion . God save us.

[@gillianlaker1033]

@@russedav5 Gosh - which book did you read? The scene on the river must be one of the most erotic scenes written. But it is earned by having the reader wait three books to get there. Both characters have matured in those books and are fully consensual, so neither infantile nor tyranical.

[@carolleenkelmann4751]

Edward Petherbridge is the perfect Lord Wimsey. No other actor I have seen matches his embodiment of the character. Perhaps it was exemplary of the series as a whole. Thoroughly enjoyable. Wish there had been more.

[@leonieharry2941]

Honestly speaking: the first film version I saw of Lord Peter Wimsey was with Edward Petherbridge and than never another version could fit in better. Edward Petherbridge owned the role as Lord Wimsey was himself. He played it with such a tangible sensitivity and in this way so different to other actors. Dear Mr.Petherbridge, I send you warm and very kind regards from Vienna/Austria.

[@oliviagiles]

He is gorgeous and a great actor, love him

[@Axel_Andersen]

My only regret is that he and Harriet Walter did not get to do all the Wimsey books and short stories, what a delight that would have been.

[@cathe8282]

I would have loved to see them married! I'm just now falling in love with the books and trying to find all the portrayals. Love Petherbridge. Think he's my favourite.

[@Axel_Andersen]

@@cathe8282 So true!

[@lizellevanzyl2508]

True

[@SD-xh4rh]

Edward you are rhe perfect interpreter of Wimsey. The interaction of characters flows so well it seems real. I have watched all three several times. The complete company is marvelous.

[@patriciahirte6143]

Mr Edward Petherbridge, you played this role soo remarkably!!! Lord Wimsey, an original out of the ordinary. Perfect!

[@haimbenavraham1502]

Edward you are a genius and an artist..it was a remarkable performance by all those involved.

[@patriciajrs46]

Thank you for sharing this. I truly enjoyed his rendition of Lord Peter. He was shy, and silly, but brilliant. Thank you Edward.

[@americalost5100]

Petherbridge's Wimsey is one if those gifts destined, I think, to be given again and again over again a long period time - first to those who watched the series in the time it was made and then to all those still to come who will discover and enjoy the portrayal for so many generations into the future....

[@manthasagittarius1]

This series was how I was introduced to your work, after having been a long-time devotee of Sayers' Wimsey novels. The first sight of you made me gasp -- with the addition of the pale hair, the eyeglass and the little vocal and body mannerisms you so insightfully added, you were the character right out of the literature. Born to be him. Maybe a bit too tall. :)

[@katrinestoreboart]

He was so hot in that role!! And the chemistry between him and Harriet ..❤️‍🔥

[@donitaforrest9064]

A big fan of yours, Mr. Petherbridge, as Lord Peter Wimsey. And wasn't Bunter the perfect Butler? Handsome & humble, charming & adept, devoted to your brilliance. My favourite scene in the entire series has to be Strong Poison E2/11:33 when you hastily scribble out a note, seal the letter, toss it up in the air & it lands perfectly situated on the tea tray carried by Bunter, much to his surprise & admiration, and mine. I'd marry you just for that.

[@marthamontgomery9905]

❤

[@RebeccaHunt-wv8bc]

I replayed that very scene many times because it was just perfect. The thing that amazed me was that it was done without all the technology that is available today, and couldn't have been CG. I would marry him too. I also love the line given by Lord Peter when he was promoting himself to Harriet: "I've been told I make love rather nicely".

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

This is a wonderful interview. It’s got a genuineness and unrehearsed quality you don’t often see when an actor is talking about one of his characters.

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

For me you were the absolute embodiment of what Dame Dorothy meant. With the exception that you gave him a heart and a likeabilty that did not quite come through particularly in the earlier novels. I certainly never had any qualms re age whilst watching you! In Gaudy Night there was a reference I believe to about 20 years since you had been “up” at Oxford(the punt scene with the ducks). I found that eminently believable. Thank you so much for your portrayal. You gave me a renewal of enthusiasm for the character. May I say? The “other” Lord Peter is rather a more a stand-alone detective character, and the Bunter in that one is more what I see from the written portrayal. But you WERE Lord Peter for me. If I had never read the books, I would have preferred the other as a detective, but having read the books I had to suspend disbelief in quite a few of his scenes. You also made for a genuineness re the moral mores of the time. Thank again. Very sincerely.

[@genevievel5309]

Edward Petherbridge - so perfectly cast as Lord Peter. This has become one of my most favourite series of all time, have watched it many times and they could not have found anybody better for the role. Also Harriet Walter and Richard Morant were wonderful as Harriet Vane and Bunter. I feel another re-watch coming on!

[@EsseJD]

What a perfect Lord Wimsey Totally perfect True gentleman Sigh....

[@Bigwave2003]

A revealing glimpse into Lord Peter. I wish you had been given the opportunity to film "Busman's Honeymoon" with Harriet Walter to complete the series.

[@ginnylorenz5265]

Oh! wouldn't that have been sublime?

[@Lucretiaseesall]

I agree

[@MariaDawnElizabeth]

I so hoped that would happen!

[@drkyre]

The BBC were unable to get the filming rights to Busman's Honeymoon -- which Edward Petherbridge and his (actual) wife played on stage.

[@Setebos]

Amen.

[@JanetteHeffernan]

I only discovered your Lord Peter and DL Sayers last year. It came as a delightful surprise. DL Sayers knew the Oxford man, she was born in Oxford, and as I watched I knew how lucky I had been to marry an Oxford man. They are all the same. It is as if they have lessons in how to woo and once they have decided you are the one it is almost impossible to say "No". It is a pity you did not make the 'Busman's Holiday' because Sayers accurately describes an Oxford man's honeymoon. She also describes their weaknesses too in the last chapter. I never thought my marriage to my late husband was anything special but now I know differently, the punts, the dinners, the best seats at the opera and when I watch the three episodes It brings it all back. Come to think of it I must have been rather special too. They do have the pick of the bunch. Thank you.

[@Axel_Andersen]

Thank you for this delightful comment.

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

A perfect portrayal of Peter Wimsey!

[@tweedledumart4154]

I was stricken by how his version of Wimsey reminded of classical star Leslie Howard. Two great actors!

[@multibucker]

Brilliant actor, classy gentleman.

[@meofamily4]

Without having read the other comments by other viewers, I'd like to record the utter perfection of acting Edward Petherbridge brought to the character in this series: he himself has a silly face, but he didn't depend on it to employ a great deal of restraint to depict the way an upper-class Englishman of the first third of the last century would behave, particularly in public. I haven't seen anyone else do the part, but Mr Petherbridge's depiction will live forever (in my opinion) as the best ever.

[@JudithMatta]

Now I understand the charm of Lord Peter's character truly belongs to you, Edward Petheridge - with your subtle insights noted here as you assess the character of Lord Peter. What a wonderful, and creative person. We pray that God blesses you, fair Edward with "many years" - if you would accept this from one humble Orthodox theologian and American. I appreciate your artistic abilities while keeping this strong sense of your personhood. Perhaps your painting gives you this objectivity? Remarkable!

[@johnprovince5304]

We've been rewatching our DVD's and enjoying them immensely. Certainly wish they had done more.

[@langsense]

I loved this interview on the dvd. I just wished you and Harriet Walter could have done an interview together. I agree with how you see Wimsey and I think your portrayal is the best there's been. :-)

[@MsSherrydarling]

I had not read The Lord Peter series before l saw Edward Petheridge play him but when l first read Ms Sayers description of him he was spot on!

[@Tocsin-Bang]

Edward Petherbridge, was perfect casting. He sounded and behaved exactly how I saw him when I read the stories.

[@bigbearfuzzums7027]

Edward was a fine wimsey! And allways will be! It's a terrible shame that their aren't more of our lovable wimsey and vane ! Their interaction and emotions and everchanging polarity say far more than the mysterys they are trying to solve their fresh approach to the deductive slueth and loveable side kick are a refreshing change and dynamic in a ever volitaile age and drastic changes and outrageous circumstances put not only wimsey vane and party's involved to a acid test where only stoutest of matter survive the aqua regia of cold hard fact in the face of duplicitous camoflauge! ..damn shame we don't see more of the duo do battle not only with each other but veneal crimes as well!

[@tootsiefrootsie5987]

Veneal? What do you mean?

[@masuganut2082]

This actor made me fall in love with a character I had never known of. Because of he and Harriet Walter and watching them I am now so compelled to seek out the books and dive head first. Thank you so incredibly

[@kathyoldham3548]

Great actor loved him playing Lord Peter

[@patthweatt3404]

You were absolutely who I imagined Lord Peter to be. Brilliant portrayal. Just brilliant.

[@jajones-ford2226]

For all of your wonderful work in the theatre and on film , Mr. Petherbridge , you should have received a knighthood by now!

[@VictoriaRosanna]

iI wish he had filmed all of the Peter Wimsey novels.

[@MariaDawnElizabeth]

Me too!

[@baskervillebee6097]

Busman's Honeymoon That's the one I wanted most.

[@TheAuntieBa]

Only three...!

[@baskervillebee6097]

@@TheAuntieBa 😟

[@magnacz]

Listened to this conversation again. He has a marvelous voice, looks fantastic and a brain and heart to go with it. He was not bourn into the aristocracy, didn’t get a title from her majesty for his services in the performing arts. (Not too late Queen Elisabeth II). He can be silly or dramatic and fit into any role or class required of him. On top of all this he is damn sexy in a understated way not to forget a sense of humor. Wish there was more on KZbin of his work in the theater or TV over the years. Was he ever on the big screen ? Looks like he is another one that got away from Hollywood. Their los and ours....

[@soumisen938]

Edward Petherbridge brought Lord Peter Wimsey to life! Have enjoyed watching this series immensely.

[@jamieocallaghan9603]

He was Brilliant!

[@themadblonde]

Lord Peter was NEVER described as handsome, unlike Mr. Petherbridge, who played the role so perfectly.

[@palmabrannan7001]

You will always be my perfect Lord Peter and it's you I picture when I re-read the books. I saw you on the London Underground not long after the Dorothy L Sayers Mysteries were broadcast, but was too in awe to speak to you.

[@ursulacook9883]

How could I have not known the stories or, indeed , these TV versions until now?!! They are just wonderful & especially Edward Petherbridge plays to perfection! What a pity not all the Lord Peter Wimsey stories could be produced in that series!

[@canadasue]

Find this man's demeanor a generous reminder of goodness to be found in the company of others.

[@DebMer]

It is perfection.

[@herblison3374]

Lord Petherbridge is perhaps the most intelligent member of his profession I've ever seen. As much as I've enjoyed the Wimsey programs (they are quite wonderful) I would dearly love to see him play the lead in King Lear.

[@drkyre]

'Lord' Petherbridge? Edward Petherbridge has no title.

[@agent57]

I think he was excellent in the role, and if a little more on the reserved and tired side, I feel like it served him well for the series with Harriet. He's found the love of his life and she wants nothing to do with him, he's helping the foreign office with the lead up to a war, and being responsible for sending people (however much they might have ”deserved” it) to the gallows has started to wear on him. Shit’s hard! If anything I just wish the series had been paced out in a way to give him more to play around with. Gaudy Night especially was chopped down so much!

[@grannyginger138]

Thanking you for your womderful portrayal

[@dcrelief]

Bravo sir, love watching you.

[@alyzu4755]

I've been a fan since I watched "Nicholas Nickleby" on PBS when I was 13. ❤️ I love your interpretation of Lord Peter.

[@adelemol]

An absolutely delightful man

[@jimodonnelly7762]

Just as Joan Hickson is "the " Miss Marple, so is Edward Petherbridge "the" Lord Peter. He was able to capture the character's complexities and mannerisms, thanks in part to the excellent scripts and attention to details Including his eyeglass, and blonde hair. I've been sniped at by admirers of Ian Carmichael, but what little of Carmichael's work I've seen is so far from what Dorothy L. Sayers wrote, that I found it hard to watch.

[@FemaleVillageElder]

Bookwyrm you are so right.

[@amandajstar]

Nope. It was Carmichael.

[@rosamermaid6984]

Yes I agree Joan Hickson is Miss Marple, and Petherbridge is the best Wimsey I have seen.

[@MsSherrydarling]

Jim O'Donnelly my sentiments exactly!!

[@g.strobl4458]

I do think, however, that that was partially also the choice of the novels. Mr. Carmichael's performances were mainly from the earlier books, where Lord Peter does show less depth and is more often described as a buffoon and the like. The novels involving Harriet Vane allow for more display of emotions on occasion. And it is glorious to see those occasions being taken full advantage of. That said, I also find Mr. Petherbridge fitting and filling the role much better for numerous reasons.

[@trishalivingston1051]

It was wonderful and I fell in love - with you!! If only I could meet someone as interesting, good manners, considerate, intelligent, tact, taste, talent, good humor and much repartee'. Just exactly what I seek - as you say subtlety and interplay, is perfect. My parents had this. And without it, what's the point? Thus, I remain single... because the connections I enjoy must have that chemistry! AND both parties do need to be single and available at the same time or .. it's a no/no. So I've yet to find what I seek!!

[@erpollock]

Edward Petheridge has such insight into the character of Wimsey. He is totally aware of what he is doing, that he is acting a part. So many actors in America of course play themselves over and over. Petheridge is an intelligent actor, he dives into the role and derives its essence which he then brings alive.

[@ashaiyer2318]

You are being very humble Sir, I have been reading Dorothy Sayers since I was in college-early 70s. And since I came across these films, I really cannot see any one else as Peter Wimsey. It felt as if the author had seen you and the portrayed him so perfectly you moulded yourself in his role! You became one with the character you played!

[@deborahleibowitz6404]

I love this man.

[@stephenwilliams1269]

A great actor and the perfect Lord Peter Wimsey.

[@norahdenovan8658]

He was brilliant ❤️🌹

[@Romcom356]

Such a very handsome man. And a very nuanced performance by him and Harriet. I won’t go on about his voice, or I shall start drooling 🤣

[@kat71580]

Swoon, lucky Miss Harriet Vane, Thank you Mr. Petherbridge, I watch Peter Wimsey, every day..enjoy every time..kind regards..now watching your Puppetry video. X

[@mondomacabromajor5731]

Immensely enjoyed the series of Tv episodes. Great acting - drama and mystery.

[@unasperanza9803]

I love the Harriet and Lord Peter interplay and it is more romantic and sensual than any of the blatant obvious pairings we get in fiction today!!

[@eldermanager]

I've always enjoyed the Lord Peter stories but with your portrayal, Dear Mr.P, I understood why DLS was in love with him & fell in love with him too:-)

[@JanetteHeffernan]

Jennifer Taylor I married an Oxford man of a just slightly later period and it was just like that! The punt on the river is very romantic!

[@manthasagittarius1]

Even more, Mr P., you show why Sayers herself fell in love with Wimsey and created Harriet to work it out.

[@MariaDawnElizabeth]

I’m so happy to hear that! When I saw this series I wanted to quit my (very good) job, sell everything I owned, and move to England to find my own Lord Peter. He simply is the perfect man. I thought there had to be someone with his intelligence, culture, wit, romance, vulnerability, strength of character.... But I suspected he was too good to be real. I’m glad to know there was at least one man like him. And I’m glad to know you appreciated him. I am so sorry for your loss. I don’t even want to try to imagine!

[@coloraturaElise]

@@MariaDawnElizabeth He's the 20th century's Mr. Darcy....the man every reader wants to marry!

[@anastacrustacea]

Gosh, what I would give for a time machine to go back and see his (and Emily Richard’s!) run in Busman’s Honeymoon.

[@haimbenavraham1502]

A genius in his time.

[@drwatsonca6945]

Great actor and he was the best for this role. He took a damaged man and made him likeable.

[@elisabethshelley4758]

So good and the very best portrayal of Peter Wimsey

[@AnnieRMcEwen]

A superlative actor portraying the creation of a superlative author.

[@bethyoung978]

YOu did a great job your acting was stellar and with her. The famous Harriot Vane...I own the series watch it all the time. SO clever.

[@sandraelder1101]

I adore all three films in the series. Petherbridge and Walter captured the romantic underplay and progression of the relationship brilliantly. Plus, aside from the romance, they’re ripping good stories!

[@loditx7706]

I absolutely appreciate this interview and purchased years ago the set of the 3 books converted for television. You were a perfect Lord Peter and I have watched those 3 DVDs almost as much as I have read the books. I will forever regret that there were not 4 shows. l will never understand why Busman's Honeymoon was not included. You captured every nuance that I could expect in the personification of Lord Peter.

[@g.strobl4458]

Further above a commenter mentioned that the BBC could not get the copyright to film Busman's honeymoon.

[@esterherschkovich6499]

Aged well.Enjoyed the series.

[@BAM-jc7uy]

the best Lord Wimsey....subtle, romantic, handsome, clever and quietly expressive...and confident enough to propose marriage, hear rejection and be hurt and yet pursue again his love...his portrayal was too short of a run...yet understandably why back then he might not have been challenged enough by his role...yet for his role in the Clash of the Santas, his character as a Lithua. village elder, you recognized a Peter Wimsey given with more depth of sterness, yet kindness of heart.

[@rupafitzgerald3124]

Esward Petherbridge is the sexiest man alive! Especially as LPW

[@joebananas4741]

Fantastic series. My only criticism is that there were not enough episodes.

[@kerrybaker4488]

Joe Bananas k

[@jocelynlachappelle1293]

I loved that Petherbridge portrayed Wimsey as a complex and paradoxical character! Perfect match with Harriet Walter's character. It makes the films captivating to watch. I hadn't seen the movies til the pandemic when I found them on KZbin, I loved listening to the witty exchanges.

[@johnryman1366]

HE seems to be a genuine Lord, whatever name he's using.

[@TheVaughan5]

His voice is extraordinary, born to play this type of character.

[@1931JC]

You were a genius in every part.

[@debbiemyres3670]

Sad but true we all do go through life not enjoying enough. It goes fast which doesn't help.

[@billbarber9543]

Imagine EP in murder must advertise.

[@patpoole3666]

That would have been amazing, especially, the masked anonymous character in the Lagonda, smooth as silk and erotic as an old Parisian novel ....

[@librarian8813]

Edward Peterbridge's depiction is exactly what I imagined Wimsey to be. Thank you so much!

[@normanby100]

Pethebridge was a more vulnerable Wimsey but Carmichael could play the silly ass better than anyone and leave us in no doubt it was a cover by Lord Peter to let others underestimate him and he could learn more.

[@writeract2]

Love Edward Petherbridge - honest, direct and his portrayal of Wimsey - brilliant.

[@happygolucky1184]

I had not read a word of Dorothy L. Sayers prior to seeing the Petherbridge-Walter series in the 1980s. I had to immediately get all of the books and have been a lifelong fan ever since.

[@davidscott129]

I'm re-watching the series, and just have to express my displeasure with the lack of closed captions on my DVDs. There are several places where I have to back up and listen again at higher volume, when someone (usually Harriet) delivers a line softly, or when a character's regional accent gets a bit thick. If I hadn't read the books multiple times, the problem would be even worse.

[@nemo227]

Petherbridge vs Carmichael I don't see it as one better than the other but simply as two different Peter Wimseys.

[@cmarq817]

I saw this series when i was 13 and I´m always rewatching . Had to buy the DVD boxset. Read all the books as well and would love to see Busman´s Honeymoon - when they´re finally married - in the screen ( TV or movie). They also could make another version of with the new books. For me Mr. Petherbridge will always be my Lord Peter Wimsey but I would love to see the new books/crimes turned into a new series-

[@kathyoldham3548]

I have read all the books would have loved to o see Busman's Holiday on the screen with both Peter & Harriet keeping their roles

[@glendam1148]

I loved both Petherbridge and Carmichael as our dear, quirky Lord Peter. Different styles but each portrayed the recognizable Lord Peter I saw in my mind when I read the books.

[@marciakipp1137]

To be in love, enhances everyone's looks!!!......

[@canopus101]

Ian Carmichael was Peter Wimsey he was superb.

[@stephaniekrol9708]

I thought that you were splendid in these roles.

[@henrimatisse7481]

Has anyone played Peter Wimsey better? Goodness Edward is handsome! Another Lord Wimsey novel he would stellar in is the one where Wimsey and a double are pitted against each other.

[@MymilanitalyBlogspot]

You made me fall in love with Wimsey

[@jakeornot6306]

I would say, a rather brilliant piece of acting right there. And, lighting IS everything in life; though secondarily to great acting.

[@FF-so3su]

Wonderful 😊👍❤️