Peter Ustinov has an astonishing range of accomplishments and credits to his name. He has written 23 plays and 13 books, appeared in 50 films, and has in his time collected two Oscars, three Emmys and a Grammy. He is also a director, producer, graphic artist, photographer, raconteur and the recipient of many humanitarian awards.

In this interview with John Bird, conducted on the approach to his 80th birthday, Ustinov recounts scenes from his childhood (including performing cabaret for Hailie Selassie at the age of three) and describes the changing relationship he had with his mother and father He remembers his wartime screenwriting partnership with David Niven, and recalls working in radio comedy with Peter Jones. He and Bird also discuss laughter and our need for it, and the different ways in which Ustinov is regarded from country to country.

A previously unbroadcast introduction by John Bird is also included in this download.