Parkinson: The Interviews

In 1977, Michael Parkinson hosted actor Alec Guinness on his chat show. The programme presents highlights of the interview, in which Guinness speaks about James Dean, Grace Kelly, Alan Bennett and T.S. Eliot, offering his personal views on those cultural and literary figures.

The programme is a televised episode that brings together Michael Parkinson and the celebrated actor Alec Guinness. Presented by Parkinson, the broadcast compiles the most memorable moments from Guinness’s guest spot on Parkinson’s chat show back in 1977. It is billed simply as a highlight reel, giving viewers a concise look at the interview without the need to sit through the full original broadcast. During the featured segment, Guinness shares his reflections on a handful of iconic personalities. He offers his thoughts on the legendary film star James Dean, recalling the lasting impact of Dean’s brief but influential career. The conversation also turns to the elegance of Grace Kelly, the wit of playwright Alan Bennett, and the literary stature of T.S. Eliot, with Guinness providing personal anecdotes and observations about each figure. The episode is classified as a programme of the “episode” genre, meaning it stands alone as a self‑contained piece within the larger series of Parkinson’s interviews. By focusing on these particular highlights, the broadcast delivers a snapshot of Guinness’s insights, preserving a slice of television history for both longtime fans and newer audiences alike.