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

A special double bill of interviews with two of the great comic talents of post-war Britain. Michael Parkinson remembers Tommy Cooper being reluctant to appear, but armed with his beloved props he managed to run rings around the amused interviewer. Frankie Howerd on the other hand wanted the interview scripted so he could practice his responses, but Parkinson held firm and let the sparks fly unprompted and unrehearsed.

Michael Parkinson recalls his interview with a man who he considered "the most extraordinary talent that the cinema ever produced".

Actor, author and raconteur David Niven was one of the most popular performers from these shores to succeed in Hollywood. Here he talks to Michael Parkinson about his first love, his school days and his distinguished career, sprinkled with a wealth of amusing anecdotes about the idiosyncracies of some of his film-star contemporaries.

In this compilation of clips from five of his eight appearances on Parkinson, comedian Kenneth Williams gives vent to his dislike of theatre critics as well as host Michael Parkinson; he also treats the audience to his rendition of the suggestive song My Crepes Suzette.