h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Sir Peter Ustinov - Renaissance Man - A2479566
Author: Wildman - I'm not really mad, I've just been in a very bad mood for 40 years! - U225113

I couldn't sleep and decided that if I was going to think about this I would be best employed doing something constructive.
See what you think.

Wildman

Gosh, that was very quick, Wildman, and very polished.

It would be nice to say a bit about him as a raconteur and include a couple of quotes, if possible.

With Ustinov, the problem with finding a couple of quotes is deciding which couple!

As for saying something about his skill as a raconteur, I think the Clive James link says it so much better than I could and I don't think I could really do it without going on too long.

W

Looking good dude. I noticed you didn't mention that he turned down the part of Inspector Clouseau. Not that that is an important point.

I wouldn't call him a Renaissance man. That kind of person is happy in any intellectual discipline and understands both the arts *and* the sciences. Ustinov never really strayed outside the former, and restricted himself to the performing arts mostly. I'd argue that Ken Campbell probably has a greater call on this appellation.

I like it - looking good. Could you add something about him being Chancellor at Durham University? He took over from Margot Fonteyn in 1993 (I think that's the right year, but you should check it). I was priveliged enough to shake his hand twice at two separate degree ceremonies... and to hear him speak at three different ceremonies. He was certainly worth listening to!

His favourite story in his speech to new graduates was that he was sorry that his father had died "before he got into University"! (i.e. when he became Chancellor at Durham, having never attended university previously)...

I could go on... his love of motor cars showed itself later in life too - he referred to his wheelchair as "my Ferrari"... but I'll leave it at that. If you want me to remember anything else (I'm sure I could try and remember more if needed) then please say!

Again - great entry. If you want to use anything I've just said then please do!

"Laughter would be bereaved if snobbery died"
from The Observer, 13 March 1955

"Why did Catholics invent the confessional? What is that but a phone box?"
from Monsieur Rene (1999)

This last one reminds me of Paul Harvey, aged (and seemingly right-wing xenophobic) US commentator who queried why the Israeli's had set up a [email protected] type facility, when he himself, hands together and kneeling, could get through direct twice a day.

Trout

It's looking better and better, Wildman.

I love that quote, Trout!

'recognise prejudice as the leading influence on those without the moral fibre to think for themselves.'

'I can honestly say I never wasted as much of my own time or that of other people as I did in the Army, and it was symptomatic of things to come that life in uniform was safer than life as a civilian.'

'I once said that religion opens a window, religions, in the plural, shut it again.'

'Opinion is essential, and it is designed to change, otherwise it is of no use to democracy.'

'one thing the passing years and its tragedies have taught the rest of us, is that prejudice is the villain of the piece'

All from just one article, the difficulty is deciding just which quotes to use from so many.

W

This seems to cover all the important points and manages to be detailed and succinct at the same time.

I was going to mention Durham Uni but someone beat me to it and I note it's mentioned now.

Glad someone has done this Entry!

Jules

Sir Peter Ustinov - 84 - Alistair Cooke - 95 - Hubert Gregg 85, all dies this week. 3 men who used the power and the beauty of the English Language to carve their careers. And 3 men who refused to retire.

bad week for lovers of the English Langauge.

Please don't go on calling him a 'Renaissance Man'. He wasn't: just a very versatlie actor, that's all. If you want a real RM, look at Jonathan Miller.

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Well done

I'd just about forgotten about this one.

Hooray! Well done sir!

Jules (was given a degree by Sir Peter once)