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Desert Island Discs — Personal Journals
Desert Island Discs

Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

Copyright: © (C) BBC 2023

Latest Episodes:

Robert Maxwell Jul 05, 1987

Show notes

Robert Maxwell was born in Czechoslovakia, the son of a peasant farmer. He arrived in Britain in September 1940, one of the remnants of the Czech Army that had escaped from occupied France. He subsequently became an MP and is now recognised as one of Britain's most formidable businessmen, his activities ranging from publishing to managing a first-division football team. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his remarkable career.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Summertime (from Porgy & Bess) by George Gershwin Book: A book on Plato Luxury: Chess computer game

Terence Stamp Jun 28, 1987

Show notes

When he made his film debut in Billy Budd, Terence Stamp was described as "the most beautiful man in the world". His portrayal of Sergeant Troy in Far From the Madding Crowd brought him further fame, yet he has plotted a somewhat lonely and mysterious path through life. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his early life in the East End of London, and also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Music In The World Of Islam by Trad Book: The Joy of Cooking Luxury: Duvet

Frank Bough Apr 26, 1987

Show notes

Frank Bough has been described as "the most unassailable performer on British television". In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he looks back on his 25 years with the BBC, working on, amongst others, Sportsnight, Grandstand, Nationwide, and recently, Breakfast Time. He also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Violin Concerto in B Minor by Edward Elgar Book: Barclays World of Cricket by Jim Swanton Luxury: Contact lenses

Michael Bogdanov Apr 19, 1987

Show notes

Michael Bogdanov's colourful, and sometimes controversial, career has included running a pub, a prosecution for his interpretation of Howard Brenton's Romans in Britain, associate directorship of the National Theatre since 1980 and the founding, last year, of the English Shakespeare Company. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his views on the theatre and also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Rocky Road To Dublin by The Dubliners Book: Pocket Wine Book 1987 by Hugh Johnson Luxury: 50-pound jar of Marmite

Julian Critchley Apr 12, 1987

Show notes

Julian Critchley is the Conservative MP for Aldershot and he's also a journalist and writer. In conversation with Michael Parkinson he talks about his dual career and about his recreations, which include reading military history and looking at churches.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: September Song by Walter Huston Book: An Omelette and a Glass of Wine by Elizabeth David Luxury: Case of wine

Anthony Andrews Apr 05, 1987

Show notes

The castaway this week is the actor Anthony Andrews who, in 1981, won international acclaim for his portrayal of the doomed Sebastian Flyte in the television production of Brideshead Revisited. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his roles on the stage, on television and in films, and he also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: For Unto Us A Child Is Born by George Frideric Handel Book: The complete works by Oscar Wilde Luxury: Piano

Peter Alliss Mar 29, 1987

Show notes

The castaway this week is the former Ryder Cup golfer Peter Alliss, who has become one of the game's best-known commentators. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his life and career.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Pomp and Circumstance March No 1 in D Major by Edward Elgar Book: A History of the English-Speaking Peoples by Sir Winston Churchill Luxury: Sand-yacht

David Penhaligon Mar 22, 1987

Show notes

A tribute to David Penhaligon, the Cornish Liberal MP who was killed in a road accident at the end of last year. In a conversation with Michael Parkinson recorded just a few weeks before his death, he talks about his life and work and also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Maple Leaf Rag by Joshua Rifkin Book: A cricketing Almanac Luxury: 30 foot of steel

Dora Bryan Mar 15, 1987

Show notes

The castaway this week is the actress Dora Bryan whose career, spanning more than 50 years, has ranged from musicals to Shakespeare, review to restoration comedy and from farce to tragedy. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she recalls her long career.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Where Or When by Erroll Garner Book: Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K Jerome Luxury: Stuffed dog

Johnny Mathis Mar 08, 1987

Show notes

Johnny Mathis has been making very popular records for some 30 years. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his childhood in a poor part of San Francisco, his great success as an athlete, the difficult decision he made to become a singer instead and the trials and tribulations of touring.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Lujon (Slow Hot Wind) by Henry Mancini and his Orchestra Book: Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell Luxury: Golf bag

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