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SIR ALEC GUINNESS - MY NAME ESCAPES ME (OMNIBUS) (320kbs-m4a/156mb/68mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 3rd August 2025
Multi Oscar winning actor Sir Alec Guinness reads from his own bestselling "diary of a retiring actor".
The diaries cover a period of 18 months from 1995 to 1996
His recollections combine acerbic wit with numerous anecdotes sprinkled with finely observed observations.
Beginning in January 1995, Sir Alec shares his new year resolutions
Following news of the deaths of Peter Cook and Fanny Cradock, the actor shares some blunt observations.
Omnibus of five parts abridged by Neville Teller.
Producer Martin Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1996.
DARK HORSE: AN ALEC GUINNESS ARCHIVE (320kbs-m4a/131mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 16th April 2017
Alistair McGowan reveals the private side of a purportedly 'retiring' artist - a man who forged one of the most stunningly successful theatrical and cinematic careers of the last century with intelligence, guile and a deep understanding of the creation of image.
One of the most extraordinary aspects of the film, television, stage and radio career that made Sir Alec the most successful British character actor of the 20th century was his apparent talent for anonymity. Laurence Olivier, Alec Guinness' mentor and co-star, famously described him as 'a dark horse' in a leading article in Time Magazine.
A remarkably good mimic, Sir Alec preferred, it seemed, to define himself by the roles he played. Was he really the scholarly, unworldly artist he appeared to be? He was a diarist, raconteur, and polished Hollywood operator, who turned self-deprecation into an art-form, took pride in not being recognised and disliked showmanship.
Alistair McGowan examines the many contradictions in the life of this enigmatic man through archive of interviews with the actor himself and those who knew him well.
Producer: Frank Stirling
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.