Peter Ustinov - the Parkinson Interviews compilation

The late, great man of modern storytelling. As Parkinson said of him "gods gift to talk show hosts".
This compilation of clips of interviews that parkinson did with him (7 times in all!) shows his wonderful genius as a raconteur and his razor sharp wit. As he said of himself, "I'm betrothed to laughter, the most civilised music in the universe".
What a poor place the world is now without him, not just for his comedic talent but his tireless humanitarian work with UNESCO & UNICEF.
Sit down, be entertained and be prepared to laugh with one of the great storytellers of modern times.

[@alexisslade4533]

I remember a flight was delayed by a couple of hours. Without asking he entertained all the fellow passengers with stories and anecdotes. A true raconteur

[@tomthomas9708]

You dreamed this. Silly cunt.

[@howardjoffe5079]

P

[@painstruck01]

You couldn't shut him up. And why would you?

[@Sheffield_Steve]

What an absolute treat of an experience for you! So envious.

[@jackspry9736]

RIP Sir Peter Ustinov (April 16, 1921 - March 28, 2004), aged 82 And RIP Sir Michael Parkinson (March 28, 1935 - August 16, 2023), aged 88 You both will be remembered as legends.

[@keviefine4272]

They made life so much more real and enjoyable. Intellect and humour and realism. We are so much the poorer without them - pathetically with just Twitter, Faceless and Tik Tok as a replacement. Sad isn't it.

[@doughunt7000]

How did we go from this type of tv to Married at First Sight ? RIP Mr Ustinov. Respect for a life well lived and thank you for adding pleasure and thoughfulness to mine.

[@tz6414]

A general decline in education and a rise of the tattooed dimwits who previously didn’t have a voice.

[@markhickm]

How true

[@ppineault]

God, I miss Peter Ustinov…Terrific actor, brilliantly funny and a remarkable man.

[@wilsonmuir]

So do I !

[@areviewer8514]

Me too

[@tullochgorum6323]

I once ate in a restaurant where Ustinov was holding forth at the next table. No-one in the place said a word - we were all eavesdropping. His conversation was absolutely marvelous - witty, erudite and humane. Truly a unique character.

[@alonzomosley7]

I can only imagine the dinner party conversation .What an entertainer

[@kennysmusicalcabaret162]

Yep lucky you so envious !

[@hanajinks1044]

Humane?

[@RogerBarraud]

Closest modern equivalent would probably be Stephen Fry...

[@GavinMorris1]

I would have paid good money to sit at your table and listen. The minesweeping opportunities must have been incomparable.

[@paulpatton2629]

Ageless just about a perfect human being,sadly missed but gloriously remembered

[@execelsior999]

A remarkable talented man. I was lucky enough to see him on the stage several times. As good as his acting and writing were, his talent as a raconteur was amazing.

[@fifthbusiness1678]

Dead right

[@christurner3857]

I had the honour of meeting Sir Peter and his charming wife Lady Helene in our restaurant in Phuket 4 years running on his annual 3 week visit before he sadly passed away. We had many a conversation and were treat to hours of his wit and wisdom. I still have a signed picture he drew of me on one of his daily lunch visits. He would walk along the beach before lunch drumming up business for us along the way, then turn up and proudly announce, so and so will be coming for lunch today. Treasured memories in deed. A true gentleman, extraordinary talent and friend who is deeply missed.

[@suzyschwarz7023]

Chris Turner you were very fortunate. I Love the gentleman

[@christurner3857]

suzy schwarz Yes we certainly were. Had lots of laughs together and interesting conversations, a real pleasure.

[@longreach207]

You are truly blessed to have had such a great close relationship with an amazing man. RIP Sir Peter Ustinov!

[@kevinpenney3957]

Tripped into this and was totally captivated. I am well old enough to remember this great man when he was still with us. We are impoverished that there are no such characters with us today. Thank heavens that we can still enjoy revisiting his brilliance!

[@ruthandsrebro2789]

Very true.

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello Kevin how are you doing

[@sageryan5819]

Can't think of a current talent that can even come close to Mr. Ustinov. And Mr. Parkinson is a true delight who seems to sincerely enjoy his guests. Thank you for sharing!

[@monkeytennis8861]

Parkinson is a div

[@lisaburnett3368]

Peter was truly a cinematic legend. And sadly missed.

[@MoiraOBrien]

I have watched this so many times and I laugh more each time. I had the pleasure of seeing Peter on stage twice and was so sad when he died. A great loss to the art of the storyteller. RIP Peter, you are sorely missed

[@robertwilliams060]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@marymoore8456]

He was fantastic. Could listen to him all day long.

[@robertwilliams060]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@Bucketroo]

I think the first time I became aware of Peter Ustinov was when, as a child, I saw him in Marty Feldman's hilarious "The Last Remake Of Beau Geste" in a movie theater in my native France. The movie was dubbed in French, but I'm pretty sure Ustinov spoke his own dialogue since he was fluent in French and several other languages. What a treasure of a man.

[@keithss67]

One of the most magnificent story tellers and actors of all times! They do not make them like him anymore

[@anjkovo2138]

He's a great raconteur....I could listen to him forever

[@bassfixer]

...HAHA... CAN'T YOU THINK OF A BETTER SENTENCE FOR YOUR NEW WORD THAN THAT?! MY LAWWWD!! 😆

[@andywarrington4738]

an absolute master , so unique , so funny and highly intelligent , RIP Peter

[@paulmunt6258]

The sublime Mr U. His tremendous wit and dazzling intellect is simply enthralling. He,along with people like David Niven,made chat shows such a treat in the Seventies. Now we have imbeciles that can hardly string two sentences together appear on them,just to plug a new book,film or perfume! The standard of TV has never been lower.

[@nevillewilliams]

Re Standard of TV. I agree entirely. The lowest common denominator is getting very low - almost to absolute ZERO.

[@suzyschwarz7023]

paul munt aren’t we lucky being of a generation that had intelligent conversation and tremendous wit and fun.

[@shelleysanders9666]

Totally! See my comment above if today's date 26.9.20 (posted before I saw yours).

[@shelleysanders9666]

My reply to Paul Munt's comment above

[@annedonnellan6876]

Its sunk even lower since you posted

[@deniseg-hill1730]

He was a brilliant man, so very funny, very clever, great actor, and we also had David Niven, Ralph Richardson, Richard Burton, Alex Guinness, John Mills, Laurence Olivier, Richard Attenborough and so on great actors the like of which we will never see again. Mores the pity.

[@jnpowell9077]

How fantastic was Peter Ustinov, what an intellect.

[@TheMrgaztop]

"An evening with" was one of his best performances. A great man. Passionate, generous, erudite, funny, talented, humble, personable. Always observed the full stop. I miss him, Thank you, to all the people that have preserved him on film.

[@seymourclearly]

TheMrgaztop I saw him do that, he was fantastic, held the audience in the palm of his hand for three hours

[@yoganathan001]

An absolute Masterclass in Humour, Humanity and Humility. Rest in Peace, beautiful Soul ; oh how I miss the ilk of YOU, and so very much. (all capitals intended)

[@ruthandsrebro2789]

Right on.

[@neilscott9281]

In the Second World War, Peter Ustinov was in my grandfathers regiment, he was quite a young lad, my grandfather was the Sergeant, Ustinov was the Russian interpreter for the troops who didn't speak English fighting alongside the English within that regiment. We won the war.

[@WintersWar]

Mr Ustinov's stories made me laugh out loud. Real humor that's non-existent today. Parkinson a decent interviewer.

[@coolhand67]

If there was one person who has left us that I would like to bring back, Peter Ustinov would be on my final shortlist.

[@longreach207]

And a wildly short list it'd be M'Lord 😁

[@Actingskint]

Seen these interviews so many times and I never get tired of them . A truly talented , intelligent and generous man . His genius and kindness is sadly missed .

[@Kiinell]

"Well I have to consider myself as European due to the innumerable indiscretions of my ancestors" Wonderful!

[@christrinder1255]

Parkinson’s the best interview host ever! Peter Ustinov was a highly intelligent , multi talented and interesting man! The worlds a lesser place for his passing!

[@alanmetcalfe6454]

I agree with Gus... Peter Ustinov was one of the greats of the 20th century.….

[@suzyschwarz7023]

Alan Metcalfe absolutely

[@lucyoshea3383]

please can I have him as my perpetual dinner companion.

[@jamesrogers8527]

He was a high-energy human being. That explains many things.

[@user-rx9de1mh6z]

Обожаю этого актера и фильмы с его участием!!!

[@rosiestlam5661]

I always loved listening to Peter Ustinov, such a clever man, and SO funny and talented.

[@thomashughes8456]

C

[@terrymartin773]

000

[@sl60amg]

They don’t make um like that anymore !

[@christineflannigan2783]

@@sl60amg k

[@martm216]

Wonderful man. And Parkinson, as always, an excellent interviewer who draws his guest out and allows him to speak.

[@samuelclemens1691]

This is what the Internet was invented for.

[@ninjaginger6418]

definitely.😃

[@nevillewilliams]

Cool avatar!

[@timsan55]

This is what the internet was invented for and they don't blinking make them like that any more..............there's a comic opera in here somewhere...........someone else join in.

[@jimlichtman689]

Tim San 😆😆😆

[@mhikl4484]

A gentleman, I would guess, Neville W.

[@nigels9500]

He was awesome. I could listen to him all day long 👌

[@sdorr]

All who lived in his time & experienced his wit, art, humor remember him with appeciation & affection.

[@iap-ug3oy]

2021 now and this is still wonderful………loved this man.

[@timmccaffrey1326]

.Peter Ustinov had so much brains there wasn't enough left for the rest of us....Brilliant man.

[@judithstarr801]

I absolutely love Peter Ustinov he was so entertaining and there's not many actors these days that can compare miss you Peter

[@mayhampson4896]

My sense of humour is limited to a spontaneous reaction. I don’t often laugh at silly jokes but this man is unique . I wish I had heard him more.

[@Hoopydays67]

I could listen to Peter Ustinov all day... we need more like him... 😎☺️

[@barbarabrown7979]

Katrina Murray Christmas carol

[@lucyoshea3383]

q

[@davidurchyk1421]

Sadly we will never see his like again.

[@thestick52]

What a beautiful person.

[@luishumbertovega3900]

Once read somewhere about Ustinov playing a monologue in a theater when it became suddenly dark after the light went out. He simply continued after informing the audience that the function had officially turned into a RADIO play. No one left the place and enjoyed the novelty until the lights returned.

[@crankbv1]

Ustinov was an entertainer that gave his audience dozens of characters for the price of one.A very rare and unique talent that I doubt we shall ever see again.

[@Grabyrdy]

Except, perhaps, Stephen Fry.

[@bumpkin7171]

@@Grabyrdy The comparison is an insult to Ustinov

[@RogerWorrod]

When I first met my Swiss ex-near-neighbour Peter at an embassy reception in Paris in 1962, several people presumed we were father and son. Which pissed us both off... How time flies: he left us 10yrs ago!

[@johncliff5417]

I would have loved to have had the chance to meet Peter in person. One of the greatest people on this planet.

[@jameswright6404]

What an amazingly warm and intelligent man. How under appreciated he was.

[@mjstow]

Fantastic to hear his voice again.

[@michaelfiddler5632]

Pleasure listening to this great man talk. What an incredibly talented and fascinating man.

[@deniseg-hill1730]

He was a brilliant actor, raconteur and multi talented. They don't make people like him anymore. We are the poorer without him.

[@overcamehim]

The incomparable Mr. Ustinov........so glad I was able to see and listen to him. Thank you for the video.

[@zaphodbeeblebrox9109]

I randomly landed here and also randomly decided to watch it. Delighted i did, this guy is awesome

[@alanaronald244]

Great fun, great talent, superb raconteur, and excellent ambassador for children: what more could we have wanted?

[@paulbright5061]

Seems to me, that there must be a group of giggling children running around youtube, randomly clicking the dislike buttons for no other reason than to deface and trash like graffiti taggers . It's the only explanation. How can anyone dislike listening to such a genius. My two favourite men to listen to...Ustinov and Fry

[@alanaronald244]

Yes, well without the anonymity that dial phones gave, there has to be a place for mischief that can't be traced.

[@drwhatson]

Maybe beause he's "white" and elderly. That's enough to trigger many millennials. :-(

[@towerburkindine]

I agree I love this man!! Not only a superb talent but human being!

[@russellthompson9271]

I could listen to him for hours! You don't get characters like Ustinov nowadays.

[@fatedtolive667]

Isn't it strange, that no other culture seemed to produce these unique personalities? Such a sad thing,, that we're being so dumbed down that people like him, are becoming increasingly rare.

[@shawnjames8011]

reply ustinov biden does not(untie the knot) putin nope reply!!! canerval challenge nuthim!!! purple fuel nero does a no yet didn't capture orig. healthiest levels of all ocea uprturned beak eagle said nope Adolph hitler why play cards ruby tuesday i disagree ustinov isreal has no kppper

[@matrags]

I miss celebs of this calibre. Fantastic.

[@steeltrap3800]

To be a celeb in those days one had in fact to be someone of consequence, not banal or a participant in some tawdry 'sex tape'.

[@rhythman69uk]

And now we have David Beckham. Who can barely string 2 sentences together.

[@yescarycan]

You do ? Then might i suggest Kim Kardashian , she's the closest of this calibre .

[@telectronix1368]

rhythman69uk - Tbf, Beckham had a decades long career as a footballer, he puts time and effort in to charity and ambassadorial work. He would never be described as a raccontuer but he is more than a reality TV 'sleb

[@randymarsh3432]

Now: Me eat slug on tv! Give me free s**t!

[@living4ward2it]

memory is the art of attention--such an exquisite memory!

[@zaphodbeeblebrox9109]

Man, show me someone with this talent on tv now

[@michellegruber4187]

Zaphod Beeblebrox I am Canadian, my son is in Australia, my daughter is in UK and I am in France. I was living 14 years in London at that time and..... I never missed Parkinson shows on TV. My answer to you is : « Sorry, I cannot show you anybody like this fantastic man today because there is NONE »

[@suzyschwarz7023]

Zaphod Beeblebrox no such person in this rubbishy time.

[@h0lly_blue]

Graham Norton?

[@Brownalebelly]

@@h0lly_blue I hope you're joking

[@fhjhjhgjghj7353]

I once ate in a restaurant where Ustinov was holding forth at the next table. No-one in the place said a word - we were all eavesdropping. His conversation was absolutely marvelous - witty, erudite and humane. Truly a unique character.

[@michael_mouse]

A brilliant man with a brilliant mind.

[@hsiadarb8062]

The depth of this man always amazed me, truly a one off, Peter cannot be replicated as our society has moved on; I'm unsure its for the better...

[@salvatoremileto69]

Peter Ustinov is irreplaceable the world will always be a better place for him having been in it. We are so sorry he had to leave us we will always miss his presence.

[@ruthandsrebro2789]

I agree completely.

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello Salvatore how are you doing

[@stately1967]

just been painting the house listening to this genius, laughed out loud, much and often.

[@lancerooney1785]

What a man and what a life lived! Laughed so much during this compilation of excerpts. Parky, as usual, showing why he's the best interviewer ever.

[@blackie75]

Wow, I had no idea how amazingly talented and intellectual this man was.

[@Lytton333]

He looks splendid with the beard and Attic style hair.. like a moving bust of Aristotle..

[@suzyschwarz7023]

What a marvelous person he was there is no doubt. His humor and cutting all the rubbish.

[@robertwilliams060]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@rboudville]

What a sharp witted man.

[@aljoschalong625]

One of my favorite Ustinov-moments was when he appeared in a German TV show. The host said: "Sir Ustinov, you are so incredibly versatile, you're an actor, a writer, a painter … is there anything you can't do?" And Ustinov said (please imagine his voice now!): "Hm, well … I'm not a very good brain surgeon." (Oh, by the way: He said that in German. "Hm, nun ja … ich bin ein ziemlich schlechter Gehirnchirurg.)

[@gdj6298]

He was too cool in too many languages :-) !

[@mickeyh1961]

At a time when interviews were truly interviews and conversations were actually meaningful and captivating to watch and listen to, Peter was totally addictive you could only be interested in him.

[@aaeeturner]

mickeyh1961 True. But you have to have the peerless Parky who listens

[@catherinewilkinson3863]

al turner n👌🏻🌺

[@anncoffey8375]

@@aaeeturner That is so true! Listening and having the ability to give your interviewee free rein without constantly interrupting is a great talent in itself.

[@dingopisscreek]

Yes, and they didn't always go on to plug their latest product

[@lescalder8735]

I have watched this man for years and he is a genius and so funny it's such a gentle humour that at times is so over looked

[@yeovil50]

Heaven would be a world where all Father's were Peter Ustinov..

[@suzannahbereshnyi8826]

What a absolute pleasure to watch, I just love everything about this wonderful man.

[@gerryboudreault9403]

A superb storyteller. Did you hear the one he told about the old Jewish slave miner getting out of Stalin's gulag and reaching Israel, with a hidden Stalin bust of gold? Genius tale with a punch-line. R.I.P., Peter.

[@whiteknight4396]

What a great orator he would have an audience if he read the phone book, he was fascinating and lived a dozen lives compared to anyone else ,there won’t be guys like this ever again so sad, so clever and sadly missed. RIP. Peter Ustinov 👍

[@jeffstone2136]

Peter Ustinov could make a shopping list sound exciting.

[@sharonmyk1]

I absolutely revere this man. Respect. Respect.

[@nevillewilliams]

There are very few like him now if any !!

[@stevetessier6568]

Sadly, we shall never again see the likes of a man such as He. Witty, of great depth.And such understanding of the human condition. A story-teller and rancontour of legendary proportions. God bless his memory , and his eternal soul....

[@joanmarshall6861]

A very great man, one that will never come again. Love listening to Mr. Ustinov, his voice so distinguished , very beautiful!

[@NxDoyle]

The "photograph in Tatler" line made me laugh out loud on the bus.

[@shine01120]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJqUeIuogbF7oNU skip to 6:30 on that video. He uses the same accent for one of the characters in that story and I cry with laughter every time I watch it

[@Motty1066]

“Acting is imitation of the imaginary.” We miss you, Petrus Alexandrus Ustinov. For so many reasons

[@georgefox5052]

What a timeless and precious talent, a man I will always admire.

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello George how are you doing

[@BlueLineofthesky]

Amazing actor and great man. Also is so relaxing to listen him talking...Old time humor is so decent and amusing. I strongly believe that the period between 1900-1980 is the best in terms of education and decency. Hard to find these days.

[@jpgrumbach8562]

The seventies were really the end of the 19th century because in this decade most people with classic education died. In the eighties we have already people mainly educated by tv and promotion. Plus tv became partly private.

[@Tessmage_Tessera]

@@jpgrumbach8562 I was born in 1960 and I agree with you. The downfall of our culture began with the inception of TV-for-profit (cable TV), around 1980. The internet, in later decades, has hastened that cultural downfall.

[@suziecreamcheese211]

Blue line: the media didn’t help either. Tv and films started relying on formulas instead of spontaneity.

[@BlueLineofthesky]

@@suziecreamcheese211 True. TV is making people selfish, superficial and illiterate.

[@fatedtolive667]

Honestly, I'd have paid ten years of my life to have attended a dinner with him. RIP, Peter Ustinov

[@DaisyChain62]

Met Peter Utinov many many years ago and what a charming and hilarious man he truly was.

[@ronaldmitaxa5007]

I was working in Qatar when I heard of Peter Ustinov's death. I am not ashamed to admit that I wept as I heard the news. It felt to me as if the world was suddenly much poorer because of his passing.

[@dhgemein2]

No question of shame. Tears are a tribute to those who have gone.

[@kellyshaw7271]

Never a truer word said.

[@artfernandez7127]

Sir, never feel ashamed when your love, respect and admiration you have for another human being, can bring you to tears. Cheers.

[@garymitchell5899]

Qatar is irrelevant and probably showing off.

[@MegaBoilermaker]

Diito, I was in Yemen.

[@highoctaneadventure]

What a wonderful talent. Sir Ustinov will ways be Prince John to me.

[@lyallg8112]

Robin Hood my favourite animated movie.

[@richmotroni]

I had the great pleasure of seeing Peter's one-man show in San Francisco. He spoke for two hours and was completely enthralled.

[@paulbennell3313]

I saw him in Manchester, UK. Best live show I've ever seen. I was hurting from laughing!

[@cinemabon]

Extraordinary story around minute 16 regarding his father. He could have prevented, mind you, prevented World War II. But the British establishment wouldn't believe him. That's how perfectly arrogant bureaucracies can be. Back in the early 1970's, I appeared in Ustinov's "Halfway up the tree." I loved the play and the man. Thanks for posting this.

[@samuelclemens1691]

cinemabon Did you receive good or bad reviews, for your acting skills in that play. ?

[@colinbaldwin8769]

QuickQuickSlowSlow55 Not necessarily. The Munich agreement took place in September 1938. The Nazi war machine was yet to reach its peak. The democracies could have made a stand. Hitler would have had to make the choice of war with France (the largest army in Europe) and the U.K. at the same time as Czechoslovakia. Or climb down.

[@larrylelemur6854]

Is there a fourth floor at 34 Redcliff Gardens?

[@simon4179]

Brilliant man and raconteur , the world is a sadder place without people like sir peter .

[@mikeyreilly2962]

This man is a genius, honestly, I could listen to this man all day, miss him so much

[@sabrehill1]

"if you could invite any four people to dinner who would they be?" Peter Ustinov always gets the first invite.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

Easy: Three more Peter Ustinov's. What's your problem?

[@paulworthington8666]

Peter Ustinov was a genius, a brilliant gift to the world. His enthusiasm for the European Community was shared by all who wanted peace in liberty and democracy. The mutatiion of the excellent European Community into the toxic European Union came very late in his life, and he can not be blamed for not having noticed what a disaster had befallen Europe yet again, with all the dreadful old urges to dominate destroying the spirit of respectful cooperation. RIP Sir Peter.

[@telectronix1368]

And Ustinov was far to intelligent and experienced to have any interest in that 'big bad eu' bollocks you just tried there.

[@paulworthington8666]

@@telectronix1368 I think you meant "too intelligent".

[@shaungarratt9941]

Lovely, lovely man, they just don't make 'em like this anymore! Greatly missed.

[@urospavlovic7829]

11:33 "It was an absolutely sickening smile. There was a cathedral in his mouth." - P. Ustinov

[@RussNoKa]

Erm, huh?

[@atiphwyne5609]

Brilliant image all the more so because of the connection to the 'clergyman.'

[@bonzodog6872]

well that was one of the best hours I ever spent watching youtube

[@roadwarrior8560]

the best hour in along time doing anything,amazing human being.

[@marymcsherry1965]

His biography is well worth reading. He was a true humanitarian

[@simongibson9485]

@@marymcsherry1965 based on your recommendation I'm going to find it and read it. What stories this wonderful man told.

[@shamusoz]

Always adored this man. Read his books. He was the ultimate in his field. You don't get class and quality like this any more. The world has since gone down hill

[@DJRitty]

it's a toilet now...only with iphones.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

@@DJRitty You nailed it.

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello James how are you doing

[@chriscontrare22]

Ustinov was the man...brilliant!

[@royporter4232]

Wonderful man - so much talent, so well used.

[@umedavk2011]

Roy Porter Couldn't agree more !

[@georgehope8639]

Senior Rocker oimi

[@timmccaffrey1326]

May the road rise up to meet him.....may the wind be always at his back.....we were always sad to wave goodbye and glad to have him back.......A man who brought the gift of laughter wherever he went, a great man indeed.

[@Dines27120]

+Tim mcCaffrey ahhhhh

[@timmccaffrey1326]

Ah tis yourself....sure who else would it be?....unless of course tis soneone else.......I was thinkin' of adopting you....you see my wife has no children cause she was frightened by a donkey when she was young........

[@haddyanne]

A great actor and also one of the greatest racounteurs we have had the pleasure to know.

[@schwinn434]

I didn't know who Peter Ustinov was, so I just started watching this segment, just to see who he was - Peter Ustinov, that is. And, I almost quit watching this interview, after just a few minutes; however, and very fortunately, I keep watching, and became absolutely entertained by Ustinov, in the end - especially, his Japanese interview story.