Peter Ustinov Movies
Hirsute, puckish "renaissance man" Peter Ustinov was born in England to parents of Russian lineage. Trained at the London Theatre Studio, Ustinov was on stage from the age of 17, performing sketches written by himself in the 1939 revue Late Joys. In 1940, the year that his first play, Fishing for Shadows, was staged, the 19-year-old Ustinov appeared in his first film. Just before entering the British army, Ustinov penned his first screenplay, The True Glory (1945). School for Secrets (1946) was the first of several films starring, written, and directed by Ustinov; others include Vice Versa (1946), Private Angelo (1949), Romanoff and Juliet (1961) (adapted from his own stage play), and Lady L (1965). Perhaps Ustinov's most ambitious film directorial project was Billy Budd (1962), a laudable if not completely successful attempt to transfer the allegorical style of Herman Melville to the screen. As an actor in films directed by others, Ustinov has sparkled in parts requiring what can best be described as "justifiable ham" -- he was Oscar-nominated for his riveting performance as the addled Nero in 1951's Quo Vadis and has won the Best Supporting Actor prize for Spartacus (1961) and Topkapi (1964). Never one to turn down a good television assignment, Ustinov has appeared on American TV in such guises as King George and Dr. Samuel Johnson, winning the first of his three Emmy awards for the latter characterization; he is also a frequent talk show guest, regaling audiences with his droll wit and his mastery over several dialects. While he has never starred on-camera in a weekly TV series, his voice could be heard essaying virtually all the roles on the 1981 syndicated cartoon series Dr. Snuggles. The closest he has come to repeating himself was with his frequent theatrical film and TV-movie appearances as Agatha Christie's Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, in the late '70s and early '80s. The author of several plays (the most popular of which included Love of Four Colonels and Photo Finish) and books (including two autobiographies), Peter Ustinov was still going strong into the 1990s, making a long-overdue return to Hollywood in the 1992 film Lorenzo's Oil. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
In the tradition of Arthur Miller's McCarthy-era play The Crucible, this two-part TV dramatization of the Salem Witch Trials was heavily influenced by the present-day political scene. Rev. Parris (Henry Czerny), spiritual leader of Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, needs a unifying issue to end the intramural squabbling between the town's Puritans. When the daughters of Ann and Thomas Putnam (Kirstie Alley and Jay O. Sanders) begin behaving in a bizarre, disruptive fashion, Parris knows that he has found something that can be transformed into a target of unilateral hatred for his flock. Before long, the Putnam girls and the family's servant Titubea (Gloria Reuben) have been labeled as witches, and eventually the hysteria spreads throughout the town, with anyone who doesn't agree with the status quo running the risk of public ostracism, and ultimately, execution for witchcraft (the eventual fate of 20 unfortunates). The climax is devoted to the notorious witch trials, staged at the behest of the Massachusetts colony's politically ambitious deputy governor (Peter Ustinov). Shirley MacLaine makes a rare TV appearance as the ill-fated Rebecca Nurse. Salem Witch Trials was presented by CBS on March 2 and 4, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Kirstie Alley, Shirley MacLaine, (more)
- 2003
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For a variety of reasons, mostly political, Charlie Chaplin left the United States in the early fifties living the final quarter-century of his life in Switzerland. Charlie Chaplin: The Forgotten Years documents this last act in the legendary director's life. The film intersperses personal footage of the man with interviews from those who knew him during this period. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Starring:
- Geraldine Chaplin, Eugene Chaplin, (more)
The life of one of the controversial figures in the history of modern religion is brought to the screen in this historical biography. Born in 1483, Martin Luther (Joseph Fiennes) was an intelligent and principled young man who was studying law in early 16th century Germany when a close brush with death led him to follow a spiritual path and join a Catholic monastery. Under the guidance of Johann von Staupitz (Bruno Ganz), Luther became a valued member of the monastery's hierarchy, and as a sign of his trust, von Staupitz asked Luther to join him for a voyage to Rome as part of church business. Luther was appalled by the corrupt practices of the leading church officials, in particular the sale of "indulgences," in which the wealthy could purchase forgiveness for a wide variety of sins. Luther left the monastery to study theology in Wittenberg; a keen student, he later became a professor and won the support of Frederick the Wise (Peter Ustinov), who also recognized the potential controversy of Luther's iron principles. When a new pope, Leo X, assumes the throne at the Vatican, he orders the construction of St. Peter's Basilica. To pay the costs, an ambitious monk, Johann Tetzel (Alfred Molina), was sent out to sell indulgences to both the wealthy and the poor, leaving his audiences with little doubt of the eternal consequences that awaited those who did not empty their purses. An infuriated Luther wrote an angry essay on the corruption of the church entitled "95 Theses," and thanks to the recent invention of the printing press, Luther's words were soon circulated throughout Europe, leading to an angry conflict with Catholic officials which threatened to tear the church in two. Luther also features supporting performances from Claire Cox as Katharina von Bora and Jonathan Firth as Girolamo Aleandro. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Joseph Fiennes, Alfred Molina, (more)
- 2001
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Stanley Kubrick was one of the most acclaimed and controversial filmmakers of his generation, but he was also an intensely private man who rarely gave interviews and produced most of his films under a shroud of secrecy, which tended to foster a great deal of rumor and speculation about his working methods. Jan Harlan, who worked as Kubrick's assistant and executive producer on several projects (and was also his brother-in-law), directed this documentary, which offers a rare in-depth look into Kubrick's career as a filmmaker, structured around interviews with a number of actors, writers, technicians, composers, friends, and family who speak on the record about his relentless perfectionism, his creative vision, his life both on and off the set, his relationships with actors, his unrealized projects, and his importance and influence as an artist. Among those who share their thoughts in Stanley Kubrick -- A Life In Pictures are actors Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Malcolm McDowell, Peter Ustinov, and Keir Dullea; writers Arthur C. Clarke and Michael Herr; special effects artist Douglas Trumbull; composers Wendy Carlos and Gyorgy Ligeti; filmmakers Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Paul Mazursky, and Sydney Pollack; and Kubrick's spouse Christiane Kubrick. Stanley Kubrick -- A Life In Pictures was originally produced as a television project, to be aired in three parts, though the project was shown in its entirety at the 2001 Berlin Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese, (more)
- 2000
Geraldine Cox is an eccentric but deeply compassionate Australian woman who since the 1980s has been operating a refugee center for orphaned children within Cambodia. The documentary My Khmer Heart offers a close look at Cox's life and her work; a single woman with a taste for nightlife and eager to have a child, Cox came to Cambodia in the wake of the Khmer Rouge as a diplomat. While in Cambodia, she adopted a local child who proved to be severely and chronically ill, and while the experience brought her to the brink of suicide, she came through it with a determination to do something positive for Cambodia's many abandoned youngsters. Cox, however, became controversial despite her inarguably good intentions when she sought support from corrupt Cambodian leader Prince Ranariddh; when Ranariddh was overthrown in a coup by Hun Sen, she also approached him for assistance, though his regime became known for its violence. My Khmer Heart was narrated by Peter Ustinov, who also lent his production support to the project. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
In this romantic comedy, Chris O'Donnell plays Jimmie, the grandson of an eccentric millionaire. At the reading of his grandfather's will, Jimmie learns that he stands to inherit $100 million on his 30th birthday. There's only one stipulation: Jimmie has to be married to get the money. And he is going to turn 30 in 24 hours. Jimmie and his sweetheart (Renee Zellweger) have already been talking about marriage, but she thinks it's wrong to marry for the money. The Bachelor co-stars James Cromwell, Brooke Shields, and singer Mariah Carey in her acting debut. This story was filmed before in Buster Keaton's silent classic, Seven Chances. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Chris O'Donnell, Renée Zellweger, (more)
Originally produced for NBC television, this adaptation of the Lewis Carroll classic features an impressive cast, including Miranda Richardson, Martin Short, Ben Kingsley, Whoopi Goldberg, Gene Wilder, Peter Ustinov, and George Wendt. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- 1999
Based on Mark Twain's highly acclaimed book Following the Equator, On the Trail of Mark Twain with Sir Peter Ustinov: Isles of Paradise -- Volume 1 is the first episode in a four-part PBS travel documentary series. The 60-minute program features actor and journalist Peter Ustinov island-hopping in the South Pacific via propeller plane. Highlights include candid interviews with both natives and immigrants about the role of British colonization on island life. Other tapes in the series include: On the Trail of Mark Twain with Sir Peter Ustinov: Beautiful Death -- Volume 2, On the Trail of Mark Twain with Sir Peter Ustinov: A Riddle at Every Turn -- Volume 3, and On the Trail of Mark Twain with Sir Peter Ustinov: Such a Wonderful Thing -- Volume 4. ~ Kathleen Wildasin, Rovi
- 1999
On the Trail of Mark TwainWith Sir Peter Ustinov: Such a Wonderful Thing -- Vol. 4 is the final episode in a four-part PBS travel documentary series. The 60-minute program features actor and journalist Peter Ustinov traveling to Mauritius and South Africa. Highlights include a journey from Victoria to Capetown on the Blue Train, tours of a shantytown and a white Afrikaner community, and a visit with Nelson Mandela. Other tapes in the series include: On the Trail of Mark Twain With Sir Peter Ustinov: Isles of Paradise -- Vol. 1, On the Trail of Mark Twain With Sir Peter Ustinov: Beautiful Death -- Vol. 2, and On the Trail of Mark Twain With Sir Peter Ustinov: A Riddle at Every Turn -- Vol. 3. ~ Kathleen Wildasin, Rovi
- 1999
Based on Mark Twain's highly acclaimed book Following the Equator, On the Trail of Mark Twain With Sir Peter Ustinov: Beautiful Death -- Vol. 2 is the second episode in a four-part PBS travel documentary series. The 60-minute program features actor and journalist Peter Ustinov traveling to Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand. Highlights include discussions about racism and cultural pride with natives of the various regions. Other tapes in the series include: On the Trail of Mark Twain With Sir Peter Ustinov: Isles of Paradise -- Vol. 1, On the Trail of Mark Twain With Sir Peter Ustinov: A Riddle at Every Turn -- Vol. 3, and On the Trail of Mark Twain With Sir Peter Ustinov: Such a Wonderful Thing -- Vol. 4. ~ Kathleen Wildasin, Rovi
- 1999
Based on Mark Twain's highly acclaimed book Following the Equator, On the Trail of Mark Twain With Sir Peter Ustinov: A Riddle at Every Turn -- Vol. 3 is the third episode in a four-part PBS travel documentary series. The 60-minute program features actor and journalist Peter Ustinov traveling to Sri Lanka and India. Highlights include visits to Darjeeling and Bombay as well as a boat trip down the Ganges River. Other tapes in the series include: On the Trail of Mark Twain With Sir Peter Ustinov: Isles of Paradise -- Vol. 1, On the Trail of Mark Twain With Sir Peter Ustinov: Beautiful Death -- Vol. 2, and On the Trail of Mark Twain With Sir Peter Ustinov: Such a Wonderful Thing -- Vol. 4. ~ Kathleen Wildasin, Rovi
George Orwell's political fable about corruption and betrayal in post-revolutionary Russia gets a new look in this version that employs a cast of real animals alongside digitally manipulated critters and lifelike beasts crafted by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. At the Manor Farm, the alcoholic master Mr. Jones (Pete Postlethwaite) is cruel to his animals and has horribly mismanaged the property. One night, the wise but elderly pig Old Major (voice of Peter Ustinov) gathers the animals and speaks of a remarkable dream, in which the animals throw off their tyrannical human masters and learn to reap the fruits of their own labors. After Old Major's death, two other pigs, Snowball (voice of Kelsey Grammer) and Napoleon (voice of Patrick Stewart) lead a revolution that drives Jones from his land and leaves the animals in charge of their own destiny. After their revolt, Snowball and Napoleon rule side by side, but Napoleon soon becomes drunk with power and squeezes Snowball out of authority, eventually turning the other animals against him. With Boxer (voice of Paul Scofield), a simple-minded but loyal and physically powerful horse, as a role model, Napoleon leads the animals on a campaign of self-denial and hard work that will bring them security and freedom; however, it soon becomes obvious that Napoleon is growing fat while the other animals are starving, and he is quickly becoming the sort of creature he once waged war against. Animal Farm received its American premiere on the TNT cable TV network in October 1999; it opened as a theatrical release in several other countries shortly afterward. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Pete Postlethwaite, Kelsey Grammer, (more)
This 5.7-million-dollar British comedy from writer/director Gary Sinyor satirizes the now-familiar Merchant-Ivory style of period dramas. So no one will miss the joke, the central setting is Ivory Hall, the Ivory family mansion in rural England. In 1908, young twit Edward Ivory (Samuel West) plans to match his bookwormish friend Cedric (Robert Portal) with his 22-year-old sister, Emily (Georgina Cates), and introduces the two at Ivory Hall. However, Emily is instead attracted to gamekeeper George (Sean Pertwee), the son of a peasant (Brian Glover). Emily's aunt Agnes Ivory (Prunella Scales), in favor of Cedric, suggests an Enchanted April-type excursion to Italy with George along as a servant. Eventually, Emily and George become a couple, but class differences are a barrier. When Aunt Agnes becomes bored with Italy and yearns to go "somewhere more English," the vacation party is off to India, where Agnes has her own romantic encounter with lecherous tea-planter Horace (Peter Ustinov). Other short satirical send-ups recall Chariots of Fire, Brideshead Revisited, Upstairs, Downstairs, The Shining, and Gandhi, while humorous references also are heard in the soundtrack of classical excerpts. Stiff Upper Lips was shown at the 1997 London Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi
- Starring:
- Peter Ustinov, Prunella Scales, (more)
- 1996
Actor Peter Ustinov narrates this look at the personal and professional life of the highly accomplished writer C.S. Lewis. Lewis is the British author who wrote such Christian classics as Mere Christianity, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, and The Screwtape Letters. Lewis is also beloved for his children's books, including The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The Reverend Walter Hooper, C.S. Lewis' private secretary, is among those who share their personal memories of this great man who died in 1963. ~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi
- 1995
A word of explanation for the unfamiliar: the Salzburg Marionette Theater, located in Salzburg, Austria, performs conventional works of musical theater and opera, but - per its name - eschews traditional onstage actors and actresses and has minutely-detailed marionette puppets, controlled by offstage puppeteers with strings, act and dance the principal roles. The voices are performed by offstage cast members, and sung atop the puppetry. This particular Salzburg production offers a marionette version of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 1790 opera buffa Cosi fan tutte, The comic premise, which concerns fiancée-swapping, combines elements of Cymbeline and The Taming of the Shrew, as well as Procris. This version, from 1995, is narrated by two-time Oscar winner Peter Ustinov, a little less than a decade before his death. Pilar Lorengar voices Fiordiligi, Teresa Berganza voices Dorabella, and Ryland Davies voices Ferrando. The London Philharmonic Orchestra, under the masterful baton of the eminent Sir Georg Solti, lends musical accompaniment. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
- Starring:
- Pilar Lorengar, Teresa Berganza, (more)
- 1995
A word of explanation for the unfamiliar: the Salzburg Marionette Theater, located in Salzburg, Austria, performs conventional works of musical theater and opera, but - per its name - eschews traditional onstage actors and actresses and has minutely-detailed marionette puppets, controlled by offstage puppeteers with strings, act and dance the principal roles. The voices are performed by offstage cast members, and sung atop the puppetry. As presented and narrated by two-time Oscar winner Peter Ustinov, around nine years before his death, this particular production from 1995 presents an all-marionette version of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 1787 opera Don Giovanni, a seriocomic work about the notorious titular scoundrel, who experiences uncertain defeat after a lifetime of romantic and sexual conquests. Cesare Siepi voices the title role, Birgit Nilsson voices Donna Anna, Leontyne Price voices Donna Elvira, and Cesare Valletti voices Don Ottavio. Erich Leinsdorf conducts the Weiner Philharmoniker, which accompanies the production. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
- Starring:
- Cesare Siepi, Birgit Nilsson, (more)
In this Disney version of Charles Dickens' The Old Curiosity Shop, Nell Trent is well cared for by her kind and gentle grandfather (Peter Ustinov) at his London curiosity shop. She, in turn, looks after him, cooking meals and keeping him company with her angelic smile and loving nature, vowing never to leave him. All is well, or so it seems. But unknown to 13-year-old Nell, Grandfather Trent has a dark and dangerous obsession: gambling. Having lost his savings to the spendthrift ways of demanding relatives, he now pins his hopes for financial solvency -- and Nell's future -- on the luck of the draw. Every night, as Nell sleeps safely and soundly, he puts on his top hat, takes his cane in hand, and makes his way through narrow alleyways to a wooden door. After knocking, he enters and sits down to a card game by candlelight. When he leaves hours later, his pockets are empty -- always empty. To pay his gambling debts and stake himself to new games, he borrows heavily from a predatory moneylender, Daniel Quilp (Tom Courtenay). One day, after Quilp discovers what's been happening to the loans, he lays claim to the curiosity shop and takes steps to imprison Grandfather Trent. Nell and the now penniless old man think Nell's best friend, Kit Nubbles (William Mannering), betrayed them to Quilp, which is untrue. To escape the wrath of the vicious Quilp, they run off, going from town to town and meeting an odd and colorful assortment of characters along the way. ~ Mike Cummings, Rovi
- 1994
This video is part of a series of interviews made by actor Peter Ustinov and noted celebrities. This program features Ustinov in a conversation with opera star Luciano Pavarotti. Pavarotti, whose persona and voice have charmed millions of listeners, talks to Ustinov at the tenor's home in Pesaro, Italy. The setting lends an intimacy to the exchange of ideas between the two men. Interspersed throughout the program are excerpts from performances in which Pavarotti sings some of his signature tunes. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi
Susan Sarandon and Nick Nolte give brilliant performances as parents trying to save the life of their son in George Miller's harrowing and heartbreaking Lorenzo's Oil. Based on a true story, the film begins as bright young Lorenzo (Zack O'Malley Greenburg) is leading a pleasant life on the Comoro Islands. But things start to go wrong with him -- he collapses, he raves, and he loses his hearing -- so his concerned parents, Augusto (Nick Nolte) and Michaela Odone (Susan Sarandon), take him to a doctor. The diagnosis is a death warrant; they are told that Lorenzo has been diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), an rare and incurable nerve disease that is always fatal. When Augusto and Michaela are told to be patient as they watch their son sink further into the debilitating illness, they take matters into their own hands and start their own investigation of the disease. Using rapeseed oil, they find their own treatment for ALD. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Starring:
- Nick Nolte, Susan Sarandon, (more)
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