Wynton Marsalis
Considered one of the most technically brilliant players in the history of the trumpet, jazz musician Wynton Marsalis is also a master of classical music and a fine composer.
Marsalis takes the cameras with him around New York, to his home town of New Orleans, and to his rehearsal studios where he and his assembled band of musicians are seen putting together the album Blood on the Fields. He also talks about his music and his way of working. Shot in both colour and black and white.
Dame Barbara Cartland
A glorious eccentric of the truly British variety, Dame Barbara Cartland (1901-2000) remains the world’s most famous romantic novelist. Her tales of square-jawed heroes and melting, virginal heroines sell in their millions world-wide. This film was made with her when she was in her late nineties, still writing an average of twenty-three novels a year and actively involved with her favourite good causes. Seen at her stately home in Hertfordshire, and on a trip to New York, Dame Barbara is indomitable.
Dame Judi Dench
Gifted as both a comedienne and a tragic actress, Dame Judi Dench’s career spans over four decades and has encompassed stage, television and film roles. For this programme, the cameras were allowed generous access to film Dench as she rehearsed the lead role in the Sondheim musical A Little Night Music at the Royal National Theatre in London. In addition to this fascinating insight into her method of developing a role, there is an in-depth interview with this remarkable actress.
Luciano Pavarotti
Pavarotti has sold more records, performed for more people and commanded higher fees than any other tenor. This rare television interview was given at his summer home in Pesaro in northern Italy. In a frank and characteristically humorous exchange, he talks about his life, his career and his remarkable talent. The programme features lavish excerpts of Pavarotti in performance and there are contributions from his parents and his first singing teacher.