David Niven Did Not Like Working With William Wyler | The Dick Cavett Show

[@tango6nf477]

At the time of filming David was dying, slowly ,having been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis which is a debilitating disease with no cure. He died roughly 18 months later. I suspect his speech was not affected by flying but his illness. He was very brave to have appeared on TV, many others would not have had the courage. A truly great and courageous man who is sadly missed.

[@johnw8984]

He's also having a hard time enunciating

[@MrVideovibes]

What a treasure Niven was and how lucky we are to be able to listen to his wonderful stories. The sad part is his speech was slurred, showing the first indications of the terrible neuro-muscular disease which would claim his life less than two years later.

[@jethurley6708]

A year and half later. 20 months and 3 days to be exact.

[@bernardshier9661]

0

[@cc1k435]

@@jethurley6708 Give or take a couple minutes. 😆

[@ZulcanPrime]

He spoke clearer than Marlon Brando talked normally.

[@ronmackinnon9374]

Yes - it's hard to make out, for example (for me, anyway), when he says the name of his scene partner from 'Wuthering Heights,' but it's Merle Oberon he's talking about.

[@roberthayes9842]

I remember this, people were accusing the marvellous David Niven of being drunk but actually he was already suffering from motor neuron disease, poor man, wonderful classy handsome actor

[@reasonrestored9116]

I will never forget the front page of a British newspaper showing Rita Hayworth arriving at Heathrow (1977 I think) and accusing her of being drunk. She looked a little disheveled hair wise, adding to the apparent legitimacy of the story. We subsequently learned from her daughter that she has early dementia and was confused and upset having lost her sense of where she was etc. the nasty accusatory tone of that report is still at play in the media so often, I’ve always remembered that we don’t know what we think we know. Niven and RH were great stars. I’ve read both Niven’ autobiography’s and they are hilarious. A born raconteur. Gilda doesn’t need me to eulogise her, but I will, sent from heaven and full of talent.

[@roberthayes9842]

@@reasonrestored9116 yes me too, poor soul, simply one of the most beautiful actresses in her day, a film noir goddess

[@thefog7067]

It makes me sad that people jump to these kind of conclusions instead of actually thinking that the person may be ill or sick and in need of help

[@rivaest38]

As I recall, his diagnosis followed an appearance on the Parkinson show.

[@ComeAlongKay]

Yeah nearly every dude gets accused of something at some point. I’ve slowly heard people condemn like every guy. And they don’t even explain it they just go this guy was bad. And you don’t evne know did he snap at someone once and they spread a rumor he’s horrible or was he like running a criminal syndicate like what. Don’t just say someone was bad and give zero background or proof.

[@fasteddie9867]

Nice to see a host with a vocabulary and acts like a gentleman.

[@johnricercato740]

And who doesn’t interrupt every five seconds….

[@funkyalfonso]

@@johnricercato740 Jimmy Fallon.

[@saphireplayz5171]

Word-up, 'innit!

[@piusxiv]

Exactly 👍

[@dnorfed]

This video is sad having to watch David suffering from mnd, and sadly it took him less than two years later, a wonderful man, head and shoulders above many others

[@ronmackinnon9374]

BTW, if anyone's interested, that John Ford film which he was describing was called 'Four Men and a Prayer.'

[@coldwinter5710]

This man was one in 10 million! I highly recommend his books. His memoir is hysterical.

[@margaretbedwell3211]

David Niven was my all time favorite actor. Thanks for this interview even though you could tell he was slurring his speech and trying hard to cover it up. I am so sorry he had such a horrendous end to his life...so sad.

[@sarahwhitlow5541]

Niven and my father were at the same school, although Niven was older. Both true gentlemen with wonderful tales. As a student my father took some work as an extra in a film. Niven noticed the ‘Old Stoic’ tie my father was wearing and stopped to talk to him. I never asked what they talked about though.

[@chrisbyers1251]

As it was none of your business. Well done. The answers of your mind are far better

[@inisipisTV]

Most likely the good old days when they were young and at school.

[@StoryTimeforSleep]

My Mum met him and said he really really was a charming well spoken chap with manners to burn. Also had a very sharp sense of humour too.

[@catweasle5737]

What an absolute gentleman. If you haven't seen his Parkinson interviews, they are worth a look. he has some great stories.

[@philiphalpenny3783]

David hosted the A.F.I. tribute to Fred Astaire the same year as this( 1981)...what a thrill to see Niven introduce James Cagney saluting Fred on that telecast...the full show has been uploaded KZbin recently...

[@Luzanne.]

“Incidentally, the only man in the world who could eat an apple through a tennis racket.” I haven’t laughed that much in many moons. What a character!

[@heatherwhittaker6169]

I loved David Niven, a gentleman, intelligent,kind,class.❤

[@michaeljames4904]

I love this channel for having nearly as much of a Niv obsession as I do.

[@dilwynjones8585]

Me too. Wonderful character.

[@Seanryan2001]

Ive watched a few interviews with David Niven and his stories from his life are brilliant, funny and fascinating.

[@topsyturvyy4558]

David Niven was the quintessential English Gentleman. Such a magnificent actor!

[@DrCrabfingers]

If you're ever lucky enough to be on Cap Ferrat, France.... you can walk along Place de Niv and stroll past David Niven's beautiful house that he bought from Charlie Chaplin. A lovely house with it's own mooring for a speedboat....David Niven lived a great life....

[@jochenstossberg5427]

He was such a class act. Separate Tables - he was great in that. He wasn't a versatile actor but he was wonderful. Sadly, so ill here, but Cavett as usual, is a terrific, generous interviewer.

[@krisscanlon4051]

These two together outcharming and outwitting each other...too cool for school...

[@TheLionInWinter07]

I was born in 1989 and Cavett is by far my favourite interviewer thanks to KZbin, seeing all the legendary names and wits he was able to not so much interview but rather converse with, it feels like a conversation, and something that really stands out in contrast to modern shows is the silence, there are comfortable silences which allow people to think, respond and converse and it's fine, nobody is rushing to fill it. Something you really do not see at all today.

[@chrisgreulich]

David Niven is a very likable guy. I know he and Dick Powell were very good friends. Dick Powell is one of my favorite actors.

[@glamourdazeshorts]

Loved David Niven . Wonderful actor

[@tammys928]

Another English gentleman ♥️ Rest peacefully Mr Niven 🙏

[@earth7551]

So was Peter Cushing in the same league

[@nicholasrupertswainson1168]

My paternal uncle was in the Phantom Corps during WW2 with Niven - A perfect gentleman apparently !

[@degsbabe]

He was a talk show hosts dream guest. Full of funny anecdotes from early hollywood. He shared a house with Errol Flynn , was friends with the likes of Gable, Bogert, and many of the early Hollywood legends. And he recorded it all in two fantastic and funny books i.e 'The moons a balloon' and 'Bring on the empty horses'. Must reads for afficionados of the 'golden' age of Hollywood.

[@johnfd0210]

If you like fiction.

[@johnfd0210]

@AMT That makes no sense, but ok.

[@garryferrington811]

Who cares about some guy named Bogert?

[@WilliamHerlihy-p4g]

Nobody cares about Bogert. Bogart on the other hand...

[@fig1115]

please read both of his books ,he was a remarkable man with are remarkable life .often almost to tragic to bear.

[@epsteinisms1483]

Charlton Heston told a story about William Wyler that was remarkably similar to David Niven's. During the "Ben-Hur" shoot, Wyler made Heston do take after take, and wouldn't, or couldn't tell him why. At one point he told Heston that he "had to be better"!

[@rwc20071]

Wyler also made Audrey Hepburn cry on Roman Holiday

[@jennifersman7990]

Wyler was so challenged directing Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl that he never did another movie after and joked that his recurring nightmare was was directing another film

[@NoirFan84]

A perfectionist like many of the greatest directors. Wyler's filmography is incredible, seen all but a couple of his very early films & there isn't a bad one of the whole lot.

[@tommoncrieff1154]

Bette Davis thought he was the greatest director and he did make some of the greatest films ever.

[@TheTerryE]

@@rwc20071 Liar, never happened. Audrey credited Wyler with making her an actress.

[@lynnewilley4599]

I miss David Niven so much. I enjoyed his talent

[@jadezee6316]

William Wyler , 12 times nominated for the Oscar winning 3...may have been the greatest director in the history of film..........according to 2 of the greatest actors of all time....Bette Davis and Laurence Olivier....he was.......though he did have a reputation for being a women's director......and it can't be a coincidence that more women won the best actress Oscar in his films than any other director......

[@jaimeshoe841]

It was George Cukor who had a reputation as being a woman's director not William Wyler.

[@poetcomic1]

Talking about John Ford. Before Welles made his first film, Citizen Kane, he watched Ford's movie Stagecoach FIFTY TIMES.

[@OnlyThe1Son]

He was feeling sick here, talking about jet lagg, and his throat.. in fact it was the early or maybe middle of his disease he got. which was ALS, lou gehrigs) He died 2 years after this interview...

[@t.p.mckenna]

It was a very cruel affliction for such an adept raconteur and he's definitely show signs of it here. He did his best to rise above it, even telling one story against himself. He had just arrived into the Dorchester, I think, and some old money man he'd known called out. 'How ya, David?!' As best as he could, Niven articulated 'mo tor noo ron disease'. 'That's great', says the idiot before adding, 'mine's a Mercedes'.

[@hypolyxa7207]

Please. Upload. Full. Interviews.

[@garethcraddock9971]

What an absolute class act. Niv's conduct, even when clearly sick, is head and shoulders above Dud/Pete and Robert Shaw. Love the latter three, also! But they were awful on another Cavett show... The difference is like night and day.

[@myleschilton3473]

Two men of great class and quality.

[@earth7551]

So was Peter Cushing in the same league

[@thefog7067]

I like David Niven he was brilliant in films like The Dawn Patrol and Candleshoe

[@craigstockdale6968]

He didn't say Oscar winning actor in the induction. Times have changed

[@davidrussell8689]

Pure class .

[@earth7551]

So was Peter Cushing

[@pauricdevro]

David's novel The Moons a Balloon, which Dick mentions here, can be seen being read by Saul Goodman in the fifth season of Better Call Saul. Around the 6:50 mark of episode 1

[@tommoncrieff1154]

It’s a memoir rather than a novel.

[@elliotskydel641]

It's not a novel.

[@12bigredd]

what blast from the past and a tip top chap as well :)

[@allanwood5631]

Want to see how fantastic David Niven can be (Deborah Kerr, too) - watch the 1958 film "Separate Tables" - Allan Wood : )

[@tomreedyjr3631]

Allan: saw it. One HELLUVA movie AND GREAT performance by Niven...

[@rubengarcia8375]

Good actor... great stories... thanks for your art,i feel like I understand the human condition better because of Mr Niven's wonderful talent As ever and always I AM and remain Ruben Martin Johnson Garcia executive creative artistic director and founder of pie jesu productions

[@70selvisfan]

"Eat an apple through a tennis racket" is something I'm going to have to remember!! LOL

[@Ellasboy]

he was clearly showing symptoms of his illness. He was great.

[@jarnopylkkanen5453]

So sad about his illness,and untimely death just 73...

[@cinemascoper7628]

"he was clearly showing symptoms of his illness." I was wondering if anyone else noticed this

[@keefriff99]

@@cinemascoper7628 I knew he died of ALS and started experiencing symptoms in 1980, so I checked the date of this video, and sure enough, 1981. Very sad.

[@stablefairy9437]

he is showing signs of the Motor Neurone disease which would kill him. he died in July of 83 about 18 months later.

[@garysandiego]

And Cavett covered for him by attributing it to jet lag. A gentlemanly gesture.

[@antoinepetrov]

Niven describes Wyler the way Kubrick is described by actors who've worked with him. Take 43: "Do it better."

[@SJ-li6ho]

Beautiful actor.

[@Garsons-oq4lh]

David Niven always had a reputation of being a gentleman so I can only hope that story about Joan wasn't ment to be unkind. This was of course open season time on Joan. I feel though that such a story wouldn't have been told on a talk show while Joan was alive. I also get the impression that Cavett wasn't a fan of Joan maybe especially after that book was released about her as a mother. Apparently though Joan was not a fan of Cavett possibly due to his interviewing method and/or his personality.

[@624radicalham]

I found it absolutely refreshing that Niven wasn't fake and communicated his real feelings. Indeed she was awful at operatic singing from other accounts. Why sugar coat it? Should have been said when she was alive as well. All this fakeness in the name of 'being a gentleman' is bullshit

[@reida9]

Tragic end to a wonderful gentleman.

[@nanny7996]

Probably my fave of all time

[@johnwilliams2479]

"Bring on the empty horses" .. Errol Flynn

[@philiphalpenny3783]

I believe that was director Michael Curtiz's line...

[@tomreedyjr3631]

@@philiphalpenny3783 Correct!!

[@jujuoliver6959]

So classy and elegant.

[@EmpyreanLightASMR]

This is wild. It never occurred to me that stars from this era and before might be on a talk show.

[@bruceboome]

Hollywood's great raconteur, his crown passing to Michael Caine. I don't know of any modern actor who could take over from those two.

[@Ionabrodie69]

Except he was English.. so stop trying to make out he was American.. 🤣🤣

[@bruceboome]

@@Ionabrodie69 Hahaha. Erm, I'm English too- but Niven was known for his Hollywood stint. :-)

[@javiervalverde2374]

@@Ionabrodie69 English actors had been in Hollywood since the 1910s, Charlie Chaplin being a prime example and Greer Garson in the 40s. They are Hollywood legends and English

[@johnpatrick5307]

@@javiervalverde2374 Charlie Chaplin and Greer Garson were really Irish - and Niven was Scottish (and half of them are Irish!)

[@allanb52]

There are some people who are so likable you wish you were them, well David is one of those people. I want to get "The moon's a balloon" on audio book???

[@tiffanypayne424]

Not long after this he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, you can hear it in his voice. Great man, he made a great life out of next to nothing.

[@drawn2myattention641]

I believe it was William Wyler who told Bette Davis to kick the bottom of Ben Hubbard’s shoe when Ben begins stirring his tea too loudly in “The Little Foxes”. A minor scene, but brilliant.

[@nuqwestr]

John Ford played similar pranks on John Wayne. Each frame of Ford's films are composed like a photograph or master piece painting.

[@NealKanter]

Niven was as a terrific raconteur!

[@dps8435]

Sounds like his illness was starting to take effect in this interview,so sad,great books,true gent.

[@StevieZero]

Proper gentleman

[@TheTerryE]

Every other actor who worked with Wyler loved him.

[@JohnInTheShelter]

I've heard this same observation from multiple sources. Wyler was simply inarticulate--smart, but not particularly good at describing what he WANTED...but he KNEW when it was right. Niven was perfect in DODSWORTH.

[@sandrashevey8252]

Cavett looks like `Billy Crystal` in this one..ie when he laughs!

[@lelandfranklin3487]

Wow....class act!

[@juliestrom412]

Joan Crawford Night At The Opera! 🙀

[@darrenjohnbryant51]

A class act! Always!

[@fritula6200]

His first wife died within 6 years of their marriage: age 28: Upon arriving in America; there are 2 versions of her death, from a fall and fractured skull, or car accident ?? They had 2 sons b: 1942 & 1945. His second wife was Swedish model: they had 2 daughters by adoption: she died age 78, in Switzerland.

[@edwardgleeson850]

Wyler said the same thing to Chuck Heston at the beginning of Ben Hur.

[@malharraodeshpande2196]

What is the date of this interview?

[@1990pommie]

hard to believe ? david was a brit commando he volunteerd could have stayed in the usa as actor. but decided to return and fight was in normandy landing as commando officer ?,not a spectator a real action commando.

[@saravieira90]

The way he speaks and looks at the interviewer reminded me of Dame Maggie Smith. Are they related in some way?

[@josebasterrica3358]

Un galán permanente

[@mediterraneandiet2483]

…And a ruthless commando in World War II.

[@malharraodeshpande2196]

The Guns of navaron what a great movie

[@sandisteinberg731]

It was a pity that his beautiful Swedish second wife didn't love him and made his life miserable. He should have gotten out of the marriage quickly...

[@jimw.4161]

Classic tv.... Did you notice there was no covert/overt political message. For you younger folks, this is called entertainment. Compare and contrast this content with THE VIEW for example.

[@pauldockree9915]

Go slowly, come back quickly? I stopped at two books. Never read that book but fully intend to whilst dancing like Leslie Caron. Book Reading. Book cover is an Empty Suit? Apt.

[@angloaust1575]

Interesting fellow quite suited in the 1964 tv series the rogues

[@jaman878]

Interesting fact. Willam Wyler flew Newport fighters on the Western Front in WWI

[@tombrennan6312]

You sure you're not thinking of William Wellman? Wellmann was a mercenary in the French army during the Great War and flew Nieuports and even shot down a couple of Germans.

[@jaman878]

@@tombrennan6312 Yes. Excuse the Senior Moment.

[@trevor5138]

Little green turtles 😆🐢🐢🐢

[@juerv1]

Something is wrong here with Niven... it's painful to see and hear him here, this is an ill man and not the classic David Niven anymore.

[@LASTDAYSWATCHMAN777]

Dear Niven. He was a great storyteller. But on this show he had the BORING Dick Cavett...and his slurred speech was painful to hear because he was suffering from the onset of motor neuron disease that killed him just a few years later.

[@tomreedyjr3631]

Caveat is NOT BORING.HE just shuts up when he asks questions.

[@kamillgran7902]

These two were smashed!😳

[@72Bigray]

this bloke... before my time... reminds me of ted bundy... clearly not DN

[@cheriepeden6384]

The Michael Parkinson interviews are a fine example of David Niven's talent as a talk show guest.This one seems a little mistaken.

[@johnwilliams2479]

Looks and sounds very ill here such a shame

[@lynnturman8157]

When I was growing up, I have to admit I didn't care much for David Niven. Not sure why. But after watching his movies now that I'm older, I still don't.

[@jaimeshoe841]

Read "bring on the empty horses" if you like old Hollywood I think you'll change your mind

[@Seanryan2001]

I don't think you have ever grown up with that stupid comment.

[@lynnturman8157]

I'm just trying to be funny. He's okay. I can take him or leave him.

[@Gannooch]

do have nothing against the other celebs that were on this show but is this channel ever going to show the Dick Cavett shows where he interviews Jackie Gleason or Art Carney? How about any Honeymooners actors that were part of the main cast? These are rare much like all the other Dick Cavett interviews

[@TrumptonMayor]

I wish they would,purely so we dont have to see you bloody asking for it in every comments section

[@ModMokkaMatti]

The more you continually make this request, I suspect that the administrators of the account are more likely to ignore it, just like I wish I could learn to. What is the obsession with The Honeymooners?

[@Gannooch]

@@ModMokkaMatti I’m just doing this to increase the odds of the interviews being posted. They are not available anywhere. I am sorry for any trouble I caused.

[@Gannooch]

I just want to see the interviews just so I can see for myself if they are going to talk about anything Honeymooners related I think

[@jadezee6316]

@@Gannooch your comment is reasonable....people come here to see people they like...why should your request be different from that....and btw..i would love to see those interviews...especially Gleason...since he was a very intelligent man...and few realize that....

[@brianletter3545]

No gentleman, telling stories about a lady's efforts at singing opera!

[@YTSparty]

Number of people still alive that know who David Niven was, much less William Wyler?

[@sen5i]

Plenty of us remember David Niven

[@alamore5084]

@@sen5i Here here!

[@WilliamHerlihy-p4g]

That's the magic of movies. The greats are immortalized.

[@gennettor8915]

Very sweet chap Cavett - but what a poor interviewer.....

[@bigbandsrock1]

Joan had a charming, lovely voice!! I’m sure, in truth and reality, there must have been a reason for her supposedly attempting to record all the arias pertaining of that opera! Never cared for Niven. Hate hearing any disparaging comments regarding Miss Crawford!!

[@williamneumyer7147]

Another "like" despite Cavett's narcissism and insecurity. Thank heaven there's no opportunity here for him to strike a fashionable political attitude.

[@TheConcludingChapterofCrawford]

Dick Cavett was/is such a little creep! This is the forth occasion when he has attempted to take pot shots at Joan Crawford. Do you know why Cavett has such distain for Crawford? She refused to do his show, and who can blame her? Cavett remains one of the worst interviewers ever placed on television.

[@cynthiajones4332]

Here's more. What must I do to be saved? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ/God's son, and you will be saved. Acts 16:30,31 Please think about it. Repent of your sin, heaven awaits dont be left behind. Nothing but love to you.

[@ruyaal]

You cannot be saved...sorry.

[@jaimeshoe841]

Not if you aren't a Niven fan!

[@RoseSharon7777]

Not according to the 1st commandment. Only the father can save you. Not a man claiming to be God Almighty. Psalms 146:3, Isaiah 44, Deut 13. I suggest you re-read the bible and stop following after the doctrines of Rome.

[@ruyaal]

@@RoseSharon7777 Don’t argue you cannot be saved.

[@RoseSharon7777]

@@ruyaal LOL. I'll listen to what the creator of life and death says. But thanks for ur silly comment.

[@mandalorion]

You're the shittest James Bond ever, you're David fucking Niven.

[@elliotskydel641]

Humor challenged much? The word is shitiest and the film was comedy. Jeeeeeeez....

[@mandalorion]

@@elliotskydel641 it's a quote from The Thick Of It. Calm down.

[@bretthess6376]

Crudely put.

[@annamaj2943]

Grande Divo grandissimo attore persona meravigliosa