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Professor Lisa Jardine, Philip French, Ronnie Massarella, Maureen O'Hara

Matthew Bannister on a polymath, a critic, a showjumping manager, a film star

Matthew Bannister on

Professor Lisa Jardine, the historian whose intellectual curiosity stretched across the arts and sciences. She was chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and a regular broadcaster on Radio 4.

Philip French, for thirty-five years the Chief Film Critic of the Observer.

Ronnie Massarella who built up a successful family ice cream business and managed the British showjumping team for 32 years.

And Maureen O'Hara, the red haired Irish film star known as the Queen of Technicolor. She appeared opposite John Wayne in five of his films including the Quiet Man.

Available now

28 minutes

Professor Lisa Jardine CBE

Last Word spoke to her son Daniel Jardine. Professor Jerry Brotton and Professor Melissa Terras also pay tribute. 

Born 12 April 1944; died 25 October 2015 aged 71

Ronnie Massarella

Matthew spoke to his son Michael Massarella and Performance Manager for Show Jumping GB, Di Lampard.

Born 23 July 1923; died 18 October 2015 aged 92

Philip French

British educationalist and writer Christopher Frayling spoke to Last Word to pay tribute.

Born 28 August 1933; died 27 October 2015 aged 82

Maureen O’Hara (Pictured)

Matthew spoke to Johnny Nicoletti, Maureen O’Hara’s biographer and friend.

Born 17 August 1920; died 24 October 2015 aged 95

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Matthew Bannister
Interviewed Guest Daniel Jardine
Interviewed Guest Professor Jerry Brotton
Interviewed Guest Professor Melissa Terras
Interviewed Guest Michael Massarella
Interviewed Guest Di Lampard
Interviewed Guest Christopher Frayling
Interviewed Guest Johnny Nicoletti
Producer Neil George

Broadcasts

  • Fri 30 Oct 2015 16:00
  • Sun 1 Nov 2015 20:30

Podcast