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Gene Wilder

Sue Lawley's castaway is actor Gene Wilder.

When this week's castaway was a child his mother had a heart attack. Her doctor gave him two pieces of advice. "Never", he said, "get angry with her. And always try to make her laugh". This was to have a profound effect on his life; affecting both his career and his personal relationships.

Gene Wilder talks to Sue Lawley and remembers his starring roles in films like Blazing Saddles and The Producers.

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

Favourite track: Don't Explain by Nina Simone
Book: The Notebooks of Captain Georges by Jean Renoir
Luxury: Earl Grey tea

Available now

40 minutes

Last on

Fri 1 Aug 1997 09:05
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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Music Played

  • Franz Schubert

    Impromptu in E flat major, D899 No. 2

    Soloist: Jeno Jando

    • Schubert Impromptus (Complete).
    • Naxos.

  • Jacques Brel

    La Chanson Des Vieux Amants

    Artist: Jacques Brel

    • C'est Si Bon (French Popular Songs Vol. 3).
    • K West.

  • Otis Redding

    Try A Little Tenderness

    • Tender Love - 17 Romantic Love Songs.
    • EMI.

  • Oh Babe What Would You Say

  • Franz Schubert

    Piano Trio No. 1 in B flat major

    Orchestra: The Beaux Arts Trio

    • Schubert: Piano Trio In B Flat Op.99 D. 898.
    • Philips.

  • Castaway's Favourite

    • Nina Simone

      Don't Explain

      • Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood.
      • Mercury.

  • Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor

    Soloist: Artur Rubinstein Orchestra: The New Symhony Orchestra Of London

  • Harry Groener

    I Can't Be Bothered Now

    Artist: The Original Broadway Cast Of Crazy For You

    • Crazy For You - The Original Broadway Cast.
    • Angel.

  • Book Choice

    • The Notebooks of Captain Georges - Jean Renoir

  • Luxury Choice

    • Earl Grey tea

Credits

Presenter Sue Lawley
Interviewed Guest Gene Wilder

Broadcasts

  • Sun 2 Feb 1997 12:15
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
  • Fri 7 Feb 1997 09:05
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
  • Fri 1 Aug 1997 09:05
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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