Parkinson Meets David Niven

PARKINSON MEETS DAVID NIVEN - A sparkling BBC Four HD entertainment documentary where the legendary actor recounts his first movie line and a disastrous publicity stunt, offering UK viewers a witty at‑a‑glance look at Hollywood’s golden age drama. This episode of the series is a must‑watch programme highlight for British TV fans seeking a quick overview in the television guide.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW PARKINSON MEETS DAVID NIVEN – A 1975 interview in which the legendary actor and raconteur sits down with Michael Parkinson to recount his early days in Hollywood, from his very first spoken line on screen to the most disastrous publicity stunts ever devised. This classic episode of the long‑running Parkinson series offers a rare glimpse into the golden age of cinema, presented as a single, un‑cut interview that has become a treasured piece of British TV history. WHAT TO EXPECT VIEWERS WILL BE TAKEN ON A CHARMING JOURNEY THROUGH NIVEN’S colourful career, hearing first‑hand anecdotes about his debut in “The Way to the Stars”, the frantic scramble to memorise his opening dialogue, and the ill‑fated publicity gimmick that saw him parachuting into a London cinema. The programme blends intimate conversation with archival film clips, providing full details of each story while the gentle humour of the interview makes it a perfect blend of documentary and entertainment. It is an in‑depth review of a bygone era, presented with the relaxed, conversational style that made Parkinson’s interview series a staple of UK television. KEY FEATURES THIS EPISODE STANDS OUT FOR ITS RICH PRODUCTION VALUES – pristine restoration of the original 1975 footage, crystal‑clear sound, and tasteful intercutting of period newsreels that bring Niven’s tales to life. THE CAST IS SIMPLE YET POWERFUL: DAVID NIVEN himself, with his unmistakable charm, and the ever‑engaging host MICHAEL PARKINSON, whose deft questioning draws out stories that have never been told elsewhere. The programme’s documentary‑drama hybrid format, combined with its status as a historic piece of British entertainment, makes it a unique addition to any television guide seeking a comprehensive guide to classic celebrity interviews. WHY WATCH FOR THE DISCERNING UK VIEWER, PARKINSON MEETS DAVID NIVEN offers more than nostalgia; it provides insight into the craft of acting, the mechanics of old‑school publicity, and the personality behind one of Britain’s most beloved film icons. It appeals to fans of drama, documentary, and classic cinema alike, delivering a blend of humour, history, and personal reflection that resonates with today’s audience. The episode’s timeless appeal and high‑quality production ensure it remains a standout entry in the British TV canon, perfect for anyone who values quality programming on British television. BBC ONE PROGRAMMING CONTEXT THIS EPISODE FITS SEAMLESSLY INTO BBC ONE PROGRAMMING, WHERE it can be scheduled alongside other heritage documentaries and entertainment specials that celebrate the nation’s cinematic legacy. It complements the channel’s tradition of airing in‑depth cultural features, offering a compelling alternative to contemporary drama series while enriching the BBC Four HD schedule with a piece of television history that UK viewers will appreciate as part of their regular television guide.