Citizen of the World
The bastard son of a priest, a monk on parole, Desiderius Erasmus was nonetheless generally agreed to be ' the star of his age.' His urbane wit had the whole of Europe laughing, and his counsel was sought by Emperor, Pope and king. He was at the centre of the controversy which tore 16th-century Europe apart. ' Erasmus laid the egg which Luther hatched.' Yet he took neither side, and is remembered as the apostle of pacifism, moderation, the voice of reason. Story told by JAMES ATKINSON
Voices of Erasmus GARY WATSON
' Julius Exclusus ' cartoon by AARDMAN ANIMATIONS
Filmed in the Low Countries, England and Switzerland
Film editor ROGER GUERTIN Producer VERNON SPROXTON