Tuning in…
Tuning in…
Castaway
1 appearance
Actor who created the television character Steptoe Sr., which quickly became a national figure.
On the island
Eight records
Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92: II. Allegretto
Conducted by Otto Klemperer
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (from Cantata BWV 147)Favourite
Piano arrangement
Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen
Queen of the Night aria from 'The Magic Flute'
In conversation
Presenter asks
2:57Wilfrid, how early in life did you decide that you wanted to be an actor?
Well, it was really decided for me. The virus was instilled when I was two and a half in 1914. I entertained the first batch of wounded soldiers who came from the 1418 war back to Dublin. By doing what? Uh, strange little songs and dances. The only thing that must have been good about it was that I didn't know I was good because I loathed child prodigies.
Presenter asks
8:39How did Steptoe and Son start?
A complete accident. The writers, you know, Ray and Alan. on whom we largely, almost solely depend, We're commissioned to write 13 comedy playhouses. And this was one of them. They had a say in the casting. And it was they that suggested Harry and myself.
Presenter asks
11:34Wilfrid, what's your big ambition?
I want to keep healthy. I want to keep my memory. And I want to keep working.
Presenter asks
13:59The keepsakes
The book
Well, you can look up one word and then look up the meaning of the um definition. Right.
The luxury
Wilfrid, how well do you think you could endure loneliness?
I should loath it. After about three hours.
Presenter asks
14:45If you decided to build a craft and found you could build a craft or found a craft or something of that sort, would you try to escape immediately, even if you weren't quite sure in which direction you ought to go?
Yes. And if the craft didn't turn up, I think I'd get into the gramophone and hope it might float. Come to the nearest sign of civilization and say, which way to Pimlico? floating up the Thames to Pimlico. Power station just here.
Presenter asks
17:39Well, there are your records. If you could only choose one, which would it be?
I think it will be G2Joy.
“It always shakes me up. You know, it's a glorious, somber melody written on so few notes.”
“I just don't shave for four days and put my bottom teeth in my pocket. And the makeout girls dream of home. All the rest is acting.”
“I want to keep healthy. I want to keep my memory. And I want to keep working.”
“And if the craft didn't turn up, I think I'd get into the gramophone and hope it might float.”