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, All Movie Guide- 1991
Based on the children's book by John Burningham, Granpa brings together original music, heartfelt characterizations, and a universal story line. Emily has a unique imagination, or so she thinks, until she meets her match in Granpa. Together, the two bring to life an awesome jungle, a rolling sea, and a lovely Victorian ballroom. When they start scheming, there is nothing they can't accomplish. Granpa, though declining in health, indulges Emily with specially focused attention. The soundtrack matches the story's magical quality with a middle school choir keeping time with a full orchestra. Lyrical Brit Sarah Brightman contributes a tune entitled "Make Believe." The animation fits seamlessly with the mostly musical narration. The soothing voice of Peter Ustinov completes the tale. Granpa is recommended for ages two and up. ~ Sarah Ing, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Ustinov
- 1990
This program is part one of a two-part series, in which actor Peter Ustinov leads viewers on a tour of China. The diverse peoples and landscapes of the world's most populous nation come to life in vignettes that show its citizens at work and at play in their land. In addition to Beijing and Tibet, there are close-up looks at Gansu and Qinghai. The spectacular visuals are accompanied by informative commentary. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1990
This program is the second part of a two-part series, in which actor Peter Ustinov leads viewers on a tour of China. The diverse peoples and landscapes of the world's most populous nation come to life in vignettes that show its citizens at work and at play in their land. Informative and entertaining commentary accompanies this inside look at Oriental culture. In addition to visiting the spiritual land of Tibet and the commercial center of Hong Kong, the film explores life in Gansu, Xian, and Guilin. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
Pierce Brosnan stars as adventurer Phineas Fogg in this adaptation of Jules Verne's classic story, in which to win a wager he must travel around the globe in 80 days or less. However, Fogg has been blamed for the theft of a large amount of money, and a detective (Peter Ustinov) is hot on his trail trying to catch him before he reaches the finish line. The supporting cast includes Eric Idle, Lee Remick, Roddy McDowall, and Christopher Lee. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Pierce Brosnan, Eric Idle, (more)
- 1989
With its release timed to coincide with celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution (1789-94), this film is actually two films released under one general title. The first, subtitled The Light Years, covers the period from the first stirrings of the revolution (e.g., the convocation of the Estates General (the pre-revolutionary parliament) by King Louis the Sixteenth, through to the moment when the King throws himself on the mercy of the National Assembly (the post-revolutionary legislature) in 1792. The second film, The Terrible Years, covers the time from the King's execution through the years of "the terror," during which anyone might be executed by the newly invented guillotine, concluding with the execution of the firebrand Robespierre and the end of the terror in 1794). Every scene in this huge international production (with an international cast) was filmed once each in English and French, although certain actor's roles were dubbed in later. Some of the better known performers appearing include Claudia Cardinale, Peter Ustinov, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Jane Seymour, and Jean-Francois Balmer. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Klaus Maria Brandauer, Jane Seymour, (more)
- 1989
Claude Monet and his artwork has dazzled people for years. Who was this man and what inspired him? Monet: Legacy of Light invites viewers to take a closer look at the life and career of this brilliant artist. Visit his home in Giverney as the story of his life is told with the help of pages from his personal diary, interviews, and the collection of artwork that made him a pioneer in the impressionism movement. ~ Laura Mahnken, All Movie Guide
- 1988
- PG
More than a century after he lived, Jack the Ripper remains the most notorious serial killer of all time. In this 1988 documentary hosted by actor Peter Ustinov, investigators apply 20th-century forensic tools to the case in hopes of once and for all identifying the legendary madman. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- 1988
This documentary covers the life and times of C.S. Lewis, the Christian scholar. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1988
In this mystery, Peter Ustinov reprises the role of Hercule Poirot, the fussy and flower-tending detective from Belgium created by Agatha Christie. In 1937, Mrs. Emily Boynton (Piper Laurie) is on an archeological dig in Palestine; she inherited the wealth of her recently deceased husband and feels little inclination to share it with her relatives. When she turns up murdered, there are plenty of logical suspects among the people who hated Emily, so which one did the deed? It's up to Poirot to find out. The supporting cast includes Lauren Bacall, John Gielgud, and Carrie Fisher; the film was Ustinov's sixth go-round as Poirot. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Ustinov, Lauren Bacall, (more)
- 1986
Peter Ustinov stars once more as Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie's insufferably brilliant Belgian detective. Unlike many of Ustinov's earlier Poirot vehicles, which were set in the 1930s, the made-for-TV Dead Man's Folly takes place in contemporary England. Jean Stapleton costars as an American mystery novelist who organizes a "murder hunt" at a sprawling English manor. It isn't long before several of the guests are also sprawling--on the ground, stone cold dead. American-born British stage star Constance Cummings makes a rare TV appearance as a mysterious noblewoman. Dead Man's Folly was lensed on location at West Wycombe Park in Buckinhamshire. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Ustinov
- 1986
Agatha Christie's Murder in Three Acts represents Peter Ustinov's fifth appearance as Dame Agatha's brilliant, insufferable Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. The scene is Acapulco, where retired actor Tony Curtis hosts two separate parties--both of them were blighted by the fatal poisoning of a guest. The police think the butler did it (honest!), but Poirot activates his "little grey cells" to pinpoint the killer amongst a group of wealthy and eccentric suspects. Filmed in Mexico, Murder in Three Acts was the latest (and to some reviewers the least) in a long line of Agatha Christie TV-movie specials produced by Stan Marguiles. Ustinov was Poirot in three of these, having first essayed the role in the theatrical feature Death on the Nile (78). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Ustinov
- 1986
This program is part of a series, narrated by actor Peter Ustinov, which explores the colorful history of Russia. In this episode, Ustinov, whose own heritage includes Russian ancestors, examines the lives of two of the most famous rulers in the country's history. Archival paintings and accounts are used to illustrate the stories of Catherine the Great and Peter the Great. The program includes a tour of the vast art collection procured during their reigns. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1986
This program is part of a series, narrated by actor Peter Ustinov, which explores the colorful history of Russia. In this episode, Ustinov, whose own heritage is partly Russian, turns to the chapter in history when Czar Alexander I and his people repelled the imperialistic advances of Napoleon. Material from the Russian archives illustrates the story, while Ustinov reads excerpts from Tolstoy's account of the struggle in War and Peace. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1986
This program is part of a series, narrated by actor Peter Ustinov, which explores the colorful history of Russia. Ustinov, whose heritage is partly Russian, takes the viewer back in time in this episode to learn how the nation was formed. On-location visits to important places in the country's history are interspersed with visits to the Moscow Circus and the Bolshoi Ballet. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1986
This program is part of a series, narrated by actor Peter Ustinov, that explores the many faces of Russia. In this episode, Ustinov, whose heritage is partly Russian, returns to that country. He visits some of its finest cities and attractions, and is feted in grand Russian style at a party celebrating his birthday. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1986
This program is part of a series, narrated by actor Peter Ustinov, which explores the colorful history of Russia. In this episode, Ustinov, whose own heritage includes Russian ancestors, examines the political history of his native land. The nation saw the death of the monarchy and the rise of Communism and totalitarian leadership. Archival footage, photographs, journalistic accounts, and personal recollections are used to illustrate the story. The actor reads from the works of Dostoyevsky, in which the author portrayed Russia's turbulent history. Ustinov travels to Siberia to see the infamous labor camps reserved for dissidents. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1986
This program is part of a series, narrated by actor Peter Ustinov, which explores the colorful history of Russia. In this episode, Ustinov, whose own heritage includes Russian ancestors, examines the great political revolution in his native land. The October Revolution in 1917 brought an end to the line of czars who had long ruled the nation. In the subsequent times, the Russian people saw the rise of Communism and totalitarian leadership. Ustinov talks with historians about some of the most important events in the country's history, as well as Russia's involvement in two world wars. Archival footage and photographs, as well as journalistic accounts and personal recollections, tell the story. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1985
Agatha Christie's famous Belgian fussbudget detective Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov) is called in after a beautiful American actress (Faye Dunaway) claims that her husband, a prominent British lord, was murdered by a woman who looks just like her. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Ustinov, Faye Dunaway, (more)
- 1985
Helen Hayes makes her second TV appearance as Agatha Christie's female sleuth Miss Marple in Murder with Mirrors. Marple has been summoned to the lavish country estate of her old friend Carrie Louise Serrocold (Bette Davis). Carrie's stepson has been killed, and she fears that his won't be the last corpse to befoul the estate. She's right, and the game is afoot for Miss Marple once more, with a full contingent of prime suspects (including John Mills, Leo McKern and Dorothy Tutin). Murder with Mirrors was filmed on location on a genuine 13th century British estate. If Helen Hayes seems more spirited than Bette Davis (eight years Helen's junior), it's because Bette was seriously ill prior to and during shooting. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Helen Hayes, Bette Davis, (more)
