Filmed at home in Malibu shortly before his death in 1988, Houseman talks about his life, from being a stateless Rumanian to enjoying a sixty-year career as a leading light in film, theatre and television. His achievements included seminal theatre projects with Orson Welles, with whom he also worked on Citizen Kane, a dozen memorable films of his own, founding the drama department at New York’s famous Juilliard School, and unexpectedly becoming a star actor in his seventies.
Michael Powell
The films Powell made with his partner Emeric Pressburger, such as The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, Black Narcissus and The Red Shoes, are classics of British cinema and he is widely considered as the most influential film-maker of his generation. This profile was made with Powell just three years before he died in 1990. He looks back over his career, which is richly illustrated by clips, and discusses his controversial dark exploration of fantasy, Peeping Tom.
L’ enfant et les sortilèges
Jiri Kylián’s fantasy ballet about a naughty boy is set to an opera by Maurice Ravel, which the composer based on a libretto by Colette. Angry because he does not want to learn his lessons, the boy destroys his books and vandalises the room he is in. But his surroundings come to life, seeking revenge, and he finds himself in some tricky situations before the restoratio of normality. Lorin Maazel conducts the Orchestre National de Paris and a fine cast of young singers, and the enchanting scenery and costumes are by award-winning designer John MacFarlane. A short introduction by Kylián is included in this studio recording.
Truman Capote
The infamous American novelist, short story writer and social commentator projected a compelling and often controversial public image right up until his death, from drugs and drink, in 1984. Filmed in America, this programme reflects the dark and light of Capote’s life and work. It draws on his outspoken – often outrageous – television appearances and includes recollections from many of his closest friends, as well as a dramatisation from his unfinished novel, Answered Prayers.
Peter Ackroyd
One of Britain’s most original contemporary writers, Peter Ackroyd talks about his gripping murder mystery Hawksmoor, in which he explores the enduring spirit of London and the nature of time. The programme includes extensive dramatised extracts.
King Lear
Shakespeare’s tragedy is one of the finest pieces of theatre of all time. To explore the play’s enduring significance, this programme recorded work in progress on a Royal National Theatre production, directed by David Hare, with Anthony Hopkins in the title role. Some of the great Lears of the past are seen on archive film, including Olivier, Scofield and Hordern, and directors Peter Brook and Jonathan Miller discuss their acclaimed interpretations of the work.
David Puttnam
This exclusive interview with producer David Puttnam was recorded just after he shocked the film industry by resigning as head of Columbia Film Studios, eighteen months after becoming only the second non-American to hold this Position since World War II. He talks candidly about his time in Hollywood and the furore caused by his conviction that Columbia could produce films that were both profitable and meaningful.
The LaSalle Quartet Plays Music by Berg and Webern
In this live recording from the magnificent baroque library of the monastery at Polling, near Munich, the highly-acclaimed American LaSalle Quartet plays Berg’s String Quartet Op. 3, and a rondo and Six Bagatelles Op. 9 by Webern. An illuminating commentary by violinist Walter Levin on the Bagatelles is included in the programme.
Dvorák: The Wood Dove / Janácek: Taras Bulba
This concert, recorded live from the Smetana Hall in Prague features The Wood Dove Op. 110 by Antonín Dvorák and Taras Bulba by Leoš Janácek. Neumann conducts the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.
Wildlife
Wildlife is the result of an inspired artistic collaboration. Richard Alston’s choreography is danced to an exotic score, specially composed by Nigel Osborne, on a set dominated by spectacular moving kites by painter Richard Smith, lit by Peter Mumford who creates dramatic effects of light and shade. Recorded in studio, Wildlife is a strikingly original example of modern dance at its best. An introduction in which Alston, Osborne, Smith and Mumford talk about working together is available.