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Desert Island Discs

Castaway guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

Desert Island Discs: Michael Gambon

24/04/1988

Michael Gambon

BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs, Michael Gambon

Sir Michael Gambon has died aged 82. This programme was first broadcast in 1988.

Sue Lawley's castaway is actor Sir Michael Gambon, in a programme first broadcast in 1988. Michael died in September 2023, aged 82.

The castaway this week is the actor Michael Gambon, who last year won the BAFTA award for best actor for his portrayal of the lead role in The Singing Detective. In conversation with Sue Lawley, he looks back on his career in the theatre, in films and on television and also chooses eight records to keep him company on the island.

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

Favourite track: Symphony No 7 (Allegretto) by Ludwig van Beethoven
Book: Republican Party Reptile by P J O'Rourke
Luxury: Car (in which to listen to music)

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Letter from America by Alistair Cooke

Alistair Cooke’s weekly talks on American life, history and politics from 1946 – 2004.

Alistair Cooke’s weekly talks on American life, history and politics, as broadcast on BBC Radio 4 from 1946 – 2004.

Alistair Cooke’s weekly talks on American life, history and politics. Over 900 programmes, as broadcast from 1946 – 2004.

Letter from America by Alistair Cooke: George H W Bush nominated 

George H W Bush nominated 

BBC Radio 4 - Letter from America by Alistair Cooke, George H W Bush nominated

The background of George H W Bush, the new Republican presidential candidate. 

Alistair looks at the background of George H W Bush, the new Republican presidential candidate, and who he might face in the upcoming presidential elections.

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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