Sir Laurence Olivier on the 'Genius' of Marlon Brando | The Dick Cavett Show

Sir Laurence discusses announcing his cancer to put the public at ease and discusses the brilliance of young actor Marlon Brando, as well as giving a brief monologue from a stage favourite.
Date aired - 1/24/1973 - Sir Laurence Olivier
#LaurenceOlivier #DickCavett
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Dick Cavett has been nominated for eleven Emmy awards (the most recent in 2012 for the HBO special, Mel Brooks and Dick Cavett Together Again), and won three. Spanning five decades, Dick Cavett’s television career has defined excellence in the interview format. He started at ABC in 1968, and also enjoyed success on PBS, USA, and CNBC.
His most recent television successes were the September 2014 PBS special, Dick Cavett’s Watergate, followed April 2015 by Dick Cavett’s Vietnam. He has appeared in movies, tv specials, tv commercials, and several Broadway plays. He starred in an off-Broadway production ofHellman v. McCarthy in 2014 and reprised the role at Theatre 40 in LA February 2015.
Cavett has published four books beginning with Cavett (1974) and Eye on Cavett (1983), co-authored with Christopher Porterfield. His two recent books -- Talk Show: Confrontations, Pointed Commentary, and Off-Screen Secrets (2010) and Brief Encounters: Conversations, Magic moments, and Assorted Hijinks(October 2014) are both collections of his online opinion column, written for The New York Times since 2007. Additionally, he has written for The New Yorker, TV Guide, Vanity Fair, and elsewhere.
#thedickcavettshow

[@clifffor1179]

Watching this makes you realise how much chat shows, guests and audiences have dumbed down.

[@MrLundefaret]

Hence KZbin

[@JB-yk4bf]

Unfortunately, so true...the ability to listen (and enjoy listening) seems to not be taught much these days..

[@bingochoice]

considerably dumbed down

[@johnm.515]

The target audience age seems to be lower than in the days of Dick C

[@fortunatoofamontillado1059]

Cavetts show was the exception.. would be comparable to the Charlie Rose Show these days

[@williamjc7195]

I like the way Cavett doesn't constantly interrupt his guests.

[@bfkc111]

That's what it seems like to simple minds who always have to pettily gossip about the interviewer in the comments, because Laurence Olivier talks longer and has much to tell. There is also plenty of time.

[@thomasboner8218]

william jc You mean like Jimmy Fallon lol?

[@caryheuchert]

@william jc Good observation. You’re so right!

[@paulmelville2126]

You are right and that’s because he is always genuinely interested in listening to what his guests have to say. Also it helped that he asked intelligent questions. Dick Cavett was the best and his shows are a treasure trove. It was a great shame there are so many commercial breaks interrupting the flow such interesting conversations.

[@kelzuya]

...and the fact a pause or silence doesn't have to be viewed as cancer

[@peterlewis3540]

That's some praise for Marlon Brando, from arguably the greatest actor ever to walk the stage in the Uk

[@raysierra4194]

Marlon Brando his considered the only actor who could challenge Olivier as to who's the greatest of all time

[@dynjarren8355]

Olivier had finesse and class and Brando had brutishness and animal magnetism. So they were completely different animals. If I compared them to primates, I’d say Olivier was like an Orangutan 🦧 and Brando was like a Gorilla 🦍. Orangutans are smarter. Gorillas are fiercer.

[@raysierra4194]

@@dynjarren8355 wow very interesting analogy!..I never in a million years would of thought of it that way!

[@dynjarren8355]

@Ray Sierra It’s called creative writing using an analogy. I compared their acting styles and then thought: who is the greatest Actor? And they are both so different! One is intellectual and the other is mercurial. I then thought they are like two different animals. Then I thought: what kind of animals would they be? That’s when I thought of Primates. You could use Big Cats, too. One would be a Lion: Olivier and the other a Tiger: Brando. They are both great! I can’t say one is greater than the other. It depends on what you prefer. I enjoy Olivier’s acting. No doubt about his thoroughness in roles. He was incredibly precise. He could play anything. On the other hand, I also enjoyed Brando’s performances. For his power and subtlety. He was amazing! They were both cut from a different cloth. So I can’t say one is better than the other. You decide for yourself. Lions 🦁 are symbols of Nobility and Pride and 🐅 Tigers are symbols of Strength and Fierceness. They are both powerful!

[@dynjarren8355]

@Jim Newcombe Making the Implicit Explicit? Good description! Skulling the Tenth Glass? I’ve never heard that phrase before. Interesting!

[@ninamc6116]

One of the greatest actors who ever lived. Any role he played was incredible. You will be terrified of him in “Marathon Man”.

[@peternagy-im4be]

Is it safe?

[@ozdorothyfan]

@@peternagy-im4be Yes yes, it's very safe.

[@VandalSauvage]

My wife and I stumbled on Marathon Man and Olivier was stone cold mesmerizing in that film.

[@Pat_S]

Dustin Hoffman was brilliant in that scene as well

[@jacobschweitzer1068]

You haven't seen him in inchon

[@JimmyRJump]

Most of the time, you have an interviewer and an interviewee who answers questions. With Dick Cavett you have a mild-mannered talking partner with whom you have a civil conversation. Marvelous.

[@franksfiddle9031]

well put - I really like his style

[@hypnodelica]

Dick Cavett is consistently the best interviewer I've ever seen in a chat show format - relaxed, intelligent, insightful, well researched and he knows precisely how to get the subject to open up and then get out of their way to let them speak without trying to direct the conversation quickly onto the next bullet point...

[@dionlindsay2]

Beautifully put. I love that he doesn't use prompt cards the way even Graham Norton does these days. It makes the whole wonderful conversation feel so natural.

[@4orrcountry]

Precisely.

[@nancyelliott3653]

Too many of the Hosts today have egos so huge that they have to be noticed or else!

[@melisagalvalizi6982]

mm not so much, he talked trashed about judy garlad after her death with helen mirren.

[@samslick9000]

But he got cancelled

[@Pulsonar]

If you never heard of Laurence Olivier before within seconds it’s clear you know this is a gentleman of great character, class, and intelligence. The interviewer does an excellent job of letting the superstar guest shine without interruption, it sounds deceptively simple, but it isn’t easy to handle the egos of legends.

[@silviageorge7600]

I agree 100 %.

[@Dark_Spark007]

So well said...............

[@briz1965]

Yet he pushed the likes of Noel Coward, John Gielgud and Marilyn Monroe without mercy.

[@Chucklea9]

Google him. He was a brilliant actor

[@Pulsonar]

@@Chucklea9 “Google him” Typo? You meant “Googled him”, right?

[@stevejacobs4246]

Impeccably dressed in a suit and tie that could pass for any time period. He exudes class.

[@rheinhartsilvento2576]

He looks great, I agree. Elegant; classic, classy. But no, he couldn't pass for any time period - only more or less the 20th century. Before that the cut of suits was different, and nowadays clothing is becoming less and less formal, so it is less likely to be considered "classic", and more likely "formal", or even "old fashioned". Sic transit tempus ;-)

[@ilwayeebstay1080]

Could it pass for 1692? Lmao.

[@tomnorton4277]

"I was always frightfully conceited." "It wasn't that I wanted to attract attention to myself. For once." I love that Laurence Olivier was so open about his flaws. He made a living out of playing other people, so it's nice that he didn't pretend to be perfect when he was just being himself. The man had a massive ego but he was aware of that, so he didn't let it get out of control. That self-discipline is something that Anthony Hopkins admired about him.

[@randymarsengill2071]

Cavett was such a brilliant interviewer; he let the talkers talk and drew out the shy guests.

[@johnwright3815]

Yeah, I remember as a kid, I just liked watching him because I liked his natural, easy going style - plus, only one guest format. I didn't know what they were talking about but I just liked listening to Dick Cavett. Way beyond even a Johnny Carson.

[@jeffreyfarmer8030]

He had such a relaxed, unimposing demeanor, asked thoughtful questions, & was able to "go with the flow" of the interview. Never pompous & overbearing like many other interviewers.

[@carmenroffa]

Uuhm NO

[@jackspry9736]

RIP and long live Sir Laurence Olivier (May 22, 1907 - July 11, 1989), aged 82 You will always be remembered as a legend.

[@suzyflorida1193]

I sit here with tears in my eyes when I think of his greatness and what an incredible career and life he had. I look at him and I see Hamlet, and Archie Rice, and Othello, and Richard III, and Heathcliff, and Lear, and Shylock, and so many, many more characters he became. His versatility is astounding. I only wish he were still here sharing his genius with us again.

[@shaunigothictv1003]

Are you talking about Brando or Olivier?

[@suzyflorida1193]

@@shaunigothictv1003 Olivier. Olivier played all those parts I mentioned, not Brando. Don't get me wrong, Brando was good, even great at times, but Olivier was a genius classical actor, which Brando didn't even attempt.

[@shaunigothictv1003]

@@suzyflorida1193 Peace.

[@suzyflorida1193]

@@shaunigothictv1003 Cheers!

[@namanshah8354]

Hollywood is dead.

[@veronicam.4861]

Great interview. Lord Olivier actually gets to talk. Only interviewer now who doesn't interrupt the guests or laugh like a hyena for no reason is Graham Norton.

[@bekabeka71]

Like a hyena😂😂 that has me in stitches hahaha

[@plusfour1]

I did not know that Olivier was named Baron for life in 1971

[@raindancer80]

That's because, in my view, they don't respect the intellect of their audience. If something crazy isn't happening, or it has been 20 seconds since the last laugh, the interview must be going wrong. More than a lack of respect for the audience, it is a lack of confidence in their own ability. A fear of silence. The space between the words and sentences, the cloth upon which the best raconteur threads his/her tapestry.

[@oharaf33]

Check out Tommy Tiernans show on RTE (Ireland). Mixture of famous people (in Ireland) and non famous with remarkable stories or lives. The host doesn't know who the guests will be until they walk out. There's no agenda or promotion involved. Its interviewing in the proper sense.

[@jaybizzle1995]

Conan’s pretty great I’d argue. But yeah not the two Jimmys, they’re terrible

[@billbonnington7916]

My abiding memory of Olivier is his narration of the World at War series, that voice was mesmerising, and married perfectly to the seriousness of the subject. I would love Sleuth to re-appear on the TV movie list, I have not seen it listed for decades…

[@rogerparis]

Oh how I miss Dick Cavett and this level of conversation.

[@rampageclover9788]

I just cannot enough of these interviews...I just wish they were longer...Olivier, Burton and Gielgud were men who simply walked the walk

[@nev7711]

The golden days of TV. 70s, and 80s had interviewers who allowed their guests to talk and not interrupt. Dick Cavett must be the best.

[@bobturano1247]

Yep

[@johnwattdotca]

I have to disagree. I think Merv Griffin ran a longer, bigger and more musical show than anyone else. Dick Cavett came off as a university boy back then, a studied interview, more one-on-one.

[@TheBadBradBerkwittShow]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!

[@pix046]

Michael Parkinson was good. UK.

[@anthonylancaster1421]

And Charlie Rose the worst....

[@solar-monk]

The final monologue gave me goosebumps. A real actor. God bless you Sir Laurence Olivier.

[@ericellis3506]

The lights dim, Sir Laurence recites Milton, and the spellbound audience shows its appreciation, and so do we.

[@dkelly26666]

My God, in mere seconds, he was so enthralling. It only took a brief moment to have everyone so absorbed. One feels that the brief pause before applause was because they were hoping for more, and because it took a moment for the spell to wear off...

[@bradhill1099]

It sends my soul to hear his voice, and its perfection in the reciting of Milton. What a master. Our society is starving for this type of enlightened speech.

[@degsbabe]

And did you notice that as the recitel progressed Sir Laurence's eyes came to rest upon the camera? Masterful.

[@wiseonwords]

And all on a prime time talkshow! Incredible!

[@wvu05]

@@wiseonwords Late night. It was a competitor to Carson.

[@jshepard152]

That voice. Incredible.

[@LATVERIAN1]

I recently watched a viewing of "Spartacus". I've got to admit that some of my favorite scenes have Laurence Olivier in them. His acting was both brilliant and mesmerizing. I definitely count him in my own top ten greatest actors of all-time. Truly a master of the art, and sorely missed.

[@tomnorton4277]

Who are the other 10?

[@tonyz7189]

Cavett was SOOOO good because he made his guests comfortable and let them talk.

[@sylvainmirouf4683]

I fully agree with about Cavett who was an outstanding host, perhaps the best, but if you pay attention to Oliver's body language, you can see he's not that comfortable during the interview.

[@asahmed1980]

What presence Olivier had. I have never seen an interviewer from the United States as great as Dick Cavett. Usually I avoid interviews with actors and singers because society gives them undeserving high status based on the frivolous and not their craft or their development as people.

[@ATOK_]

Johnny Carson

[@LookInTheTunk]

Imagine Laurence Olivier praising you, amazing.

[@kathleengill994]

He really knew his craft. HE was a genius. So much respect for this man.

[@fabienh3943]

Exceptional guest, greatest interviewer ever. Couldn't go wrong.

[@danielmicheli354]

Nobody talks like Sir Laurence Olivier...

[@christineminikin8962]

He was the maestro of drama....he had a voice that empowered his audiences. To me he was an actor of many guises, and the master of the acting profession. He most definitely was the best...💕

[@donna25871]

Perhaps Richard Burton?

[@wiseonwords]

Daniel Micheli - You really need to look up some John Gielgud videos!

[@danielmicheli354]

@@wiseonwords Been there, done that. I stand correct: nobody talks like Sir Laurence Olivier...

[@terrythekittieful]

@@danielmicheli354 He narrated the 'World at War' a series produced in the 70's. His voice had the perfect dramatic tone for that series.

[@oliverholmes-gunning5372]

The difference between a decent actor and an amazing one is subtle but immediately noticeable. Olivier makes his recital at the end seem effortless, and yet very few people could ever have matched those standards. That's what's always fascinated me about acting, really...

[@tcod6019]

Laurence also did the voice over on the series, the world at war, which in my opinion, made it one of the best series ever made.

[@shaunigothictv1003]

Ive seen it here in the U.K. It comes on Freeview.

[@spiderprint]

The narration of the introduction to the first episode is magnificient.

[@shannonmurray1428]

Without a doubt his narration is a masterpiece.

[@MrDaiseymay]

@@shaunigothictv1003 It was made in Britain by ''Thames Televison'' and televised in 1973. first of many many showings. It is almost always, being viewed some time some where in the world,

[@shaunigothictv1003]

@@MrDaiseymay Correct. It was my favourite documentary series. Thames Television certainly made some brilliant programmes in the 1970's. Thanks for your reply and God Bless you.

[@davidc.2878]

The Milton is from Paradise Lost when Adam takes the apple from Eve. The delivery is nuanced and beautiful.

[@TREVASLARK]

Thank you.

[@rael1999]

Cavett without doubt is one of the true greats when it comes to interviewing. A gentleman who never grills his guests. His gentle, friendly manner puts his guests at easy and I'm sure they tend to open up a little more, than they would, if they felt pressured. Dick also, when he's asked a question, sits quietly and lets his guest speak. He makes it look so easy , which undoubtedly it isn't. A lot of modern day 'revolving door gob' interviewers could learn a lot from him.

[@younowhythatis6381]

Olivier,the greatest voice of all time.mesmerising.

[@jupitermoongauge4055]

When he did the Milton part and looked directly into the camera it felt like he was looking directly at me. Im sure most people feel the same . What an amazing actor and human being.

[@jrichard88]

Absolutely love these candid interviews with these long-gone legends. Seeing them have such a casual conversation goes a long way towards humanizing them in the eyes of those who didn't know them when they were alive.

[@scottnapier943]

Listen to the silence when he recites those words, the audience is totally in awe....This is why Lord Olivier is regarded as the greatest British Stage actor of the past Century. He could hold an audience in the palm of his hand.

[@radioactivepotato2068]

A time when you really had to make a splash to have a voice. Today, everybody has a voice, and nobody seems to actually say anything. I listen to this, I listen to Douglas talking about Wayne in the same era. Huge voices, used with care and class.

[@TinkyLane.]

He is awesome! Such voice! Such intelligence! Such refinement! We miss it💗

[@subversivelysurreal3645]

He beautifully explained that the method actor isn’t really, in the actual practice of his craft, doing anything differently than any other actor, yet he explained his conclusion such generosity and tact.

[@brucewilliams4588]

To reach out in this medium across time and bring tears to my eyes. The genius of Milton burnished by the ineffable Lawrence Olivier is food for the soul.

[@preffypreference7416]

I feel unconsciously captured …. Sir Laurence Olivier: Tone, eloquence, timing, expression and appearance - all masterful , all immaculate - his serious expression is as intimidating as his smile is warm and engaging. Thank you for making this wonderful jewel available to the world.

[@michaelknapp8961]

The guy is simply the definition of the word class. I could listen to him for ten hours straight no problem.

[@thomaskilroy4573]

The greatest theatrical actor of all time giving praise to the most influential cinematic actor of all time.

[@mikeluke9404]

What a genuine person he was, not bragging about himself but heaping praise on others like the magnificent marlon Brando. A lesson in humility to us all. And also an actor of giant stature. RIP kind sir. And yes dick is a proper interviewer.

[@UberTankred]

Very generous of Sir Laurence, but he himself was actually the greatest actor ever.

[@vygotsky17]

Such a shame you never get this level of discourse on late night television these days.

[@amherst88]

How fortunate we are to have Cavett's extraordinary archive of interviews -- having grown up watching them I took it all for granted, can only now appreciate how valuable they are to human cultural history . . .

[@jasonegeland1446]

What a decent, intelligent, and funny human being he was. An exemplary actor and person.

[@joejohnson6327]

He was merely very good at playing a decent person. 🥸

[@jasonegeland1446]

@@joejohnson6327 Perhaps, but I'm a sucker for giving people the benefit of the doubt, especially for those I admire.

[@eyeonart6865]

The greatest actor on stage and screen. no one can play a death sceen like him.

[@moniquedouglas2448]

Olivier's thoughts about acting reveal that he is quite an analyst of the craft.

[@ReekieReels]

Gosh this Dick Cavett fella's fantastic isn't he. I not American, and I'm not old enough to have watched him while his show was on the air, but it seems to me US 'late shows' have really nose-dived in recent years. He's like a proper interviewer.

[@katyalacrua6793]

Larry was still so good looking in 65 years old! Watching this every time as a lullaby, absolutely love listening his voice, such a pleasure for my ears. ❤

[@uradragon7823]

Mr. Cavett thank you for a feast of intelligent interviews and insight. I hope you are well.

[@EmlynBoyle]

Imagine this interview was done today. Sir Laurence would be constantly interrupted or made to do some stupid stunt, while the host just cackles on at how amazing *they* are.

[@davidzallie6067]

So true!

[@user-pt8jf9cs4t]

A true giant in his field and yet so modest that he is able to recognize others for their work as well.

[@susanyork5089]

Wow when he looked into the cameras , goosebumps

[@shaynesparkes8740]

I’m only 38, I remember Laurence Olivier in The jazz Singer (1980). I’ve never heard the man speak ( tut tut) … I know he is regarded as the greatest actor on stage from the UK. There’s something so captivating about him. The camera zooming in on him when he does a Milton recital is spectacular! he’s impeccably well dressed, exudes class and I’m totally taken back by it all. He speaks so beautiful in regards to Marlon Brando - both sublime actors. Remarkable, it’s a shame today’s “talent” don’t come nowhere to this. Thanks for the upload I shall keep watching more - I am speechless

[@tylermiller4182]

It’s beautiful to see such an intelligent interview. You’d never see anyone ask “could you lay some Milton on us?” In an interview today.

[@dstatton]

His Henry V (1944) was not only perhaps the best Shakespeare adaption, but it came at time that Britons badly needed a lift. A patriotic masterpiece. His horse/jockey metaphor was brilliant.

[@WilliamViets]

My grandmother would melt watching him. He had a power over the language that was remarkable.

[@rerite2]

While he recites the Milton lines, LO's eyes show that he's in the "zone" of the work. So easily there.

[@toroza159]

Mesmerizing.

[@theSupertonesurf]

it brought tears to my eyes

[@brianblumenreich9026]

Laurence Olivier is one of Hollywood's legendary greats!

[@tomnorton4277]

Something about the way Laurence Olivier speaks reminds me of Robin Williams. When they weren't acting, they were both soft spoken and seemed so gentle. There are precious few actors like them these days. I think the closest is Anthony Hopkins who is both a legendary actor and a humble man but he's one of the last of a dying breed.

[@Palsrible]

Hopkins in “The Father” is brilliant.

[@Johnny-cf3jp]

OMG I thought this would be typical over the top stuff but this bloke Dick Cavett is the best interviewer I've ever seen.

[@bekabeka71]

Marlon was a once in a generation. Dominant, good looking, intelligent and first of all the first ever person to become an activist among the actors

[@sharifsobol3776]

@aljanat5 Pretty sure he was kidding, but I get your point.

[@oilyshoes9969]

who cares about that bullshit.

[@martysmith5260]

And a horrible father and a man that sabotaged many movies before the Godfather.

[@Dreyno]

Beka Machurishvili Edward G. Robinson. Brando wasn’t even close to being first.

[@piranha5506]

aljanat5 Gervais is a fan of Brando.

[@charleslennonbaker]

Amazing insight. Listening to Sir Lawrence, I can't help but be enthused with his detailed explanation of the "craft." He seems almost giddy, but reserved with his description of acting and production [stagecraft]. Not to mention his fan-boy appreciation of other thespians. When he speaks of these subjects, his enthusiasm is inspiring and contagious. I miss him deeply.

[@lenwelch2195]

His reading Milton was pure transformative magic. The very best “ actor”but most of all were blessed by his presence in films .Thank you gotta sharing your gift Sir Lawrence !!!

[@tabathasheffroth7981]

I love that the stage behind him darkened as he was reciting Milton.

[@user-nq9gz4xf7f]

He is transformed into greatness when he performs

[@johnjames945]

Wow what an amazing distinction relating to his painting analogy amidst realism . Yet another reason this man is a genius .. What he did with his character in Spartacus was also amazing. Can see why he admires Brando. They both breath life into Thier characters owning Thier spots be it on stage or set with a boldness so sharp it immerses you with captivation planting themselves into our memories forever more ..... Not many actors can do this and in Spartacus his was not even the lead . Infact amidst such giants as Simmons and Douglas he grabs his spot and gets noticed revealing his seasoned veteran thespian roots .

[@amcaesar]

Forgive me for stating the obvious, but this patient type of erudition was at home on American television in the early 1970s.

[@Magooch86]

Podcasts provide the best interview format these days. Check out Ian McKellan on Wtf for instance

[@amcaesar]

Magooch86 True enough - radio has always had that edge.

[@devildoll9929]

Yet it was commonly called the 'idiot box' in those days

[@jimmaculate3802]

He's a put on, right?

[@Dave.S.TT600]

@@Magooch86 oh, thanks Mate..i'll check that out now that you mention it (and the original comment is very good)

[@julianmarsh8384]

Well....the golden era of interviews and talk shows...

[@Cryptonymicus]

Olivier's honours included a knighthood (1947), a life peerage (1970) and the Order of Merit (1981). For his on-screen work he received four Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, five Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. The National Theatre's largest auditorium is named in his honour, and he is commemorated in the Laurence Olivier Awards, given annually by the Society of London Theatre. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurence_Olivier

[@frenchprovincial9602]

Brilliant actor, eloquent classy great interview, excellent interviewer, Dick Cavett is very good he lets his guest answer the questions without interruption. The chat shows today are absolute gargage.

[@davidcopson5800]

Is that all?

[@ninamc6116]

He deserved it, the greatest

[@mikecarter86]

I know everyone talks about Cavett not interrupting (and rightly so), but I think we should also point out that audiences were so much better then. I was waiting for the hysterical claps and cheers once Sir Olivier said he had beaten cancer, but no, there's silence in what is a rather poignment moment that would have been ruined by an audience of today

[@lizk7105]

They don't make em like this anymore

[@M21L35]

The dignity Sir Olivier exudes is profound. His Milton recitation brought him to tears...perhaps it made him recall memories of his late former wife, Vivien Leigh.

[@renee8437]

An incredible actor, human being, scholar and being so incredibly handsome doesn't hurt. What a class act. He and Richard Burton are bar none the best of the best. What class. What a Legend. RIP Sir Lawrence Olivier. You are sorely missed!

[@mitchelll3879]

Not incredibly handsome

[@renee8437]

@@mitchelll3879 Then you're a blind.

[@CDU916]

It’s more than his eloquence. Olivier’s sincerity glued me to the screen, before Milton and after. I especially enjoyed his honesty regarding the conceit of his youth and how acting is not necessarily the province of adults. I was reminded of a Peter Lorre quote that it’s a profession that consists of “making faces.” This charming pragmatism shows no illusion that their role is to entertain and does not elevate them as people, although it may well in our hearts. I find myself fonder of Olivier than ever before after this frankly beautiful interview.

[@carolineparks3494]

"fairer now then ever" his voice, and use of the English language 💓

[@briz1965]

Dick Cavett a superb host wonderful to behold. Laurence, the most. I would suggest anyone to read Laurence Olivier's autobiography, he was 100% and lived supporting Vivian when he needn't have to. Lost generation and not to be regained today.

[@123abcdef3]

Gosh, when he's reciting speeches and looking straight into the camera, Olivier looks absolutely hypnotic. A legend!

[@MadMax-dr6mf]

I think it's the sense of awe and respect for what the person has achieved on top of their being so eloquent that makes a great interview. When they talk, and they often do it so eagerly and entertaingly, you just shut up and listen.

[@garysmith3173]

I’ve watched several Dick Cavett interviews,he is the master.

[@salvatorecollura2692]

My second-favourite actor reciting from my favourite poet is the holy grail of talk show moments. ‘Fairer now than ever’ just hangs like a golden mist in the air when Olivier intones it.

[@rayjennings3637]

I confess! I never really liked Brando but I could watch Olivier all day. When he passed away a light went off in the world.

[@bdarring]

Bless you Dick Cavett for asking for the little bit of Milton at the end,....that little request turned out to be in service of humanity.

[@larrywuzhere3866]

Thank GOD for KZbin! This is a glimpse at an acting legend, and he demonstrates why he was considered so.

[@annalisavajda252]

The ending was very impressive just starts oozing charisma at the drop of a hat. Lines he learned in 1931 and still just recites as though he studied before the show. Marvelous.

[@TheCyberadam26]

Such a treasure trove of interviews. I hope more of this one is posted.

[@someoneelse.2252]

Adam G: I agree, today there are only 'interviewers' who constantly interrupt, shout, or slobber over their guest in fawning overdose. Yep, Cavett was good.

[@lizcrabtree893]

What a fantastic interview from the Great Sir Laurence Olivier👏❤️

[@sasha_yudin504]

Wow, such an inspirational interview to watch. Dick Cavett asks the most interesting and in-depth questions, my goodness. And his request for Sir Laurence Olivier to perform a piece of his monologue was awesome to witness.

[@loepesci5996]

The way he says oh what about Brando. Class

[@jamescaseymusic]

I always love how his eyes flirt with a room.

[@stuartdryer1352]

I wish we had interviews like this these days.

[@exaudi33]

I wish we had people like this these days.

[@ravid8019.]

We do on Rogans Podcast. Best interviewer alongside Cavett

[@WEEURQUHART]

Wow . That milton 20 seconds deserves an oscar.

[@chelseapoet3664]

A did a namaste to the screen after that!

[@hannahkirchner1656]

Olivier. I love these men who have such class and presentation. His dress, his voice. Just amazing. He is so thoughtful and his words carry such weight. And I love Dick Cavett.

[@bretwein3793]

This man was so down to earth and a phenomenal actor, who understood that he’s playing make believe.

[@JudyGarlandRulez152]

The Milton monologue at the end was... wow!

[@tubularbill]

What a class individual. Possibly the greatest actor of all time. Proves that Giants once roamed the Earth.

[@rachelflowers6291]

What a dashing and gracious man,

[@HEADLINEZOO]

A supremely magnificent actor who allowed himself to be eclipsed by Jackie Gleason when they shared the screen in Mr. Halpern and Mr. Johnson. The same is true of his film with Michael Caine. He was all about lifting the art.