Parkinson: The Interviews

Michael Parkinson looks back at some of his many interviews with the comic genius that was Peter Cook.

Michael Parkinson looks back at his unique interview with talented and troubled film star Richard Burton. Back in 1974, Burton was battling against alcoholism and had spent six weeks in hospital for treatment prior to the interview. Parkinson persuaded him to talk candidly about his career, love life and drink problems.

Michael Parkinson introduces a recut of two interviews he did with Frankie Howerd during the Parkinson show series and a Christmas interview with Tommy Cooper. Frankie Howerd wanted everything scripted, resulting in an unprompted and unrehearsed interview whilst Tommy Cooper managed to run rings around a delighted Parkinson. Includes clips from Up Pompeii, The Main Attraction and The Bob Monkhouse Show.

Michael Parkinson recalls a rare interview with the brilliant film-maker and actor Orson Welles

Actor, writer and raconteur David Niven spills the beans about the golden days of Hollywood as he talks about his work, his loves and his autobiographies with the wit and charm that became his trademark in two interviews from 1972 and 1975.

In this compilation of clips from five of his eight appearances on Parkinson, Kenneth Williams gives vent to his dislike of theatre critics as well as Michael Parkinson, and gives his rendition of My Crepes Suzette.

In 1 hour and 4 minutes, Ian Thorpe answers some very private questions.