Parkinson Interviews: George Burns & Walter Matthau 1976
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- Опубликовано: 1 май 2024
- Edited highlights of the classic Michael Parkinson interview with Matthau and Burns, as re-broadcast on Parkinson: The Interviews 1997 (BBC)
For many UK viewers this was our first thrilling glimpse of George Burns. For me, aged fourteen, it was love at first sight. The actors were in the UK to promote The Sunshine Boys (1975) for which Burns won Best Supporting Actor Academy Award.
This is what, "Respecting your Elders" looked like.
RIP George Burns (January 20, 1896 - March 9, 1996), aged 100
RIP Walter Matthau (October 1, 1920 - July 1, 2000), aged 79
RIP Sir Michael Parkinson (March 28, 1935 - August 16, 2023), aged 88
You will be remembered as legends.
Three gentlemen, so rare. Well-dressed, well-spoken, considerate of each other. No swearing and very funny!
shows that the swearing is totally unnecessary
@@QueenBee-mk8xm Although swear words are not funny themselves, they may improve a joke or a story if used correctly.
@@tankbuggeru I don´t agree that they improve a joke. They can change the impact of the joke, yes, but improve, no I would say not necessary.
Swearing made George Carlin even funnier.
@@jonathanrice1070 no, just vulgar
George Burns (1896-1996). Walter Matthau (1920-2000). Thanks for all the laughs, fellas - Requiescant In Pace
Great that Walter mentioned his WW2 wartime posting to Old Buckenham & the 453rd... I have very happy memories of that village from my schooldays 👌✌👍
Sheer unmitigated magic. I'd never seen Walter Matthau interviewed before and was amazed how funny, modest and likeable he is. Maybe Russell Brand could take a look at this and gaze in awe at a concept that would be alien to him - hugely talented comedy genius with impeccable delivery and timing.
Lord, I wish we had great actors today like we had back then! We don't have anything but crap today.
@Hello John how are you doing
Matthau was a tremendous class act.
Amen
Grumpy Old Men
George Burns was unprecedented, unique, unparalleled and can never be equaled or repeated. Sharp, clean, witty, smartly dressed at 100. Shalom & RIP.
And so cool.
I guess we all came here for some empathy and warmth and weren't disappointed.
For sure
Parkinson was a genius interviewer, knew exactly the right time to shut up and let the guest shine!.............A shame modern day hosts can't learn this.
Brilliant! They both have the essence of Jewish humour which is self deprecation yet happiness with one's lot.
"The last movie I made for MGM was 36 years ago. And they must have liked me 'cause they brought me back."
Greatest line ever. :D
I laughed hard with that line.
Walter Matthau one of my favourite actors, whether doing comedy, or in a serious role, always entertaining.
Watchin this I can see why George Burns lived 100 yrs. His spirit is young, his energy is young, his mind is young. He basically took over this interview. Walter is loving it. This is what talk shows were about. Real conversations with real talent.
That is what was so good about Parkinson, he got great guests and let them talk.
I totally agree and probably why Michael was, arguably, the best chat show interviewer there was. He genuinely loved the people on his show and he would let them speak and go wherever they wanted to go, which is what helped to make it so enjoyable.
@@scarfhs1
Hello
Oh yes fab😊
George Burns was a unique personage in the history of show business. He was sharp and funny to 100 years old. Smart, modest, in love with and faithful to Gracie's memory. There will never be another. There can't be.
Your so right
The pace is what I remember from back then. They allow each other a moment to speak, to create an atmosphere, there's room to laugh and to absorb the moment.
I think that's the first time I've ever seen George Burns genuinely let loose and Laugh. These three were amazing to watch in this interview, and Parkinson has an amazing style. He keeps things moving along .. but seems to be far more interested in getting his guests to talk.. than sounding off himself.
This is such a different look at Walter Matthau
Seeing these two greats
Tells a lot about how great they were
Beyond time
Funny
Without
Any bad language
They both were humble too
Forty some years later, and these are still solid belly laughs. Not a single curse word or even really saucy idea. The way that they entertained was so sublime, not in any way over the top or raucous.
Both of these men are national and really international treasures. We don't know even know what we've lost.
Love Walter Mathau. Amazing badass performances - Maxie Fields in King Creole, opposite Burt Lancaster in The Kentuckian. Extremely cool character stuff like Charlie Varrick. And of course his comedy acting. A wit and raconteur. A genuine all round talent.
Charlie varrick oh yes what a film fabulous
Awesome interview. Matthau is just kicking back, digging George Burns and his storytelling, and so is the audience. And Burns' self-deprecating wit is outstanding.
yes, Walter is just in awe and enjoyment
Mr Parkinson read my mind. I was thinking, nice to get paid to do this job, talking to guests like these !! ahahahah
What a wonderful 39 minutes I've just spent watching 2 amazing gentlemen. Both sadly no longer with us but what a legacy they both left behind for future generations to love and enjoy - they and others of their ilk too.
Love these old stories, how Walter let George Burns talk. Lovely😎🤗🙏🇺🇸🇩🇰🥀
☘️🇨🇮
All 3 of these men were remarkable in their own way...loved them.
Real talent! Matthau was a superb actor. A real person.
Oh those were the days of pure talent and great comedy, never to be repeated or forgotten by we who were fortunate enough to have witnessed it.
Walter Matthau - one of the most intelligent and funny actors, real favorite of mine "He is all right, He reads Shakespeare in the toilet..."
Mystery Shopper Foooook you, idiot. (No Jew is that, it seems.)
im much more impressed with charles manson
Well what can I say the quality of the people seem to be a high Bar. It is this level these days that don't seem to meet up with this caliber these men. There are some exceptions. After watching the interview bye Michael Parkinson, it felt enriching observing the exchanges between the three parties a real Delight. This interview made me think of my dad and the love of my life which sing share that same dynamic in their bonding male friendships which may be very pleased and proud I in which I also felt enriched when I observe them bonding thought of them when I was watching this interview on RUclips distinguishes between men and boys. This interview reminded me of the way that the love of my life and my dad bonded way I saw Walter Matthau and George Burns relate to one another a dynamic that I appreciate between men of caliber a dynamic I look kind of love between them emerged. So I think you Michael Parkinson you added to the Delight of the exchanges and it left me feeling enriched one more time thank you for I give my homage to the real men in this world. difference that is if you haven't already but aspire to it it's a wonderful experience in growth that I observed in the male species aspired to be a man not just a male and there are many but they're need to many more.!
@@mysteryshopper7296 lol
the rich low life crooks always lie about other rich people making beleive they are very smart or very talented this american bs have been going on for many years no poor person is stupid enough to fall for it
I've Loved George Burn's singing All my life! God Bless him. What a Treasure he, Gracie, and Jack Benny were...
What a terrific interview. Both Burns and Matthau were beyond great, if that's possible. "Enter!"
Yes..enter! My father loved that line! Rip Pop!
Fantastic. Could listen to these legends all day. At 35:18 George gives a gentle nod to his great friend Jack Benny when he said he was 79 years old and intends to remain 79. Jack always maintained he was 39...and remained so.....
Walther Matthau was fantastic. George Burns was FANTASTIC!
What a guy pair of them actually fabulous loved that
19’45”->
Captain Betts and Flipper 😂
“Betts, I’ve never woiked with a seal, I wouldn’t know what to do… He says, you don’t have to worry about it, the seal does the whole thing…” 😂 🦭 🤣
I’ve listened to this many, many times now but it never fails to make me smile.
George Burns, what a class act, and Walter Matthau too, sitting back & enjoying his performance and acting as straight man.
This entire interview is superb.
Why can't we have this standard of tv these days? A delight and well worth our tv licence. Thank you for this. Gentleman all three.
We can if we get rid of cable.
“Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?”― Tennessee Williams..
It's great how Matthau is the big star, until Burns comes out and then Matthau sits quietly laughing to himself while he watched Burns...that's class
Back in the days when celebs had something interesting to say.
Now they just babble about subjects they know nothing about and it’s quite frankly embarrassing.
I agree, even though the word celebs wasn't bandied around at that time.
George Burns & Jack Benny a Master Class in timing
Both of these gentlemen were so brilliant.
The Odd Couple is one of my all time favourite films. Lemmon and Matthau were superb and the dialogue is just genius.
I totally agree the The Odd Couple really stands out like no other comedy a genius Neil Simon but coupled with great actors and the right music it was ingenious
Completely delightful...the two of 'em! Mr. Parkinson conducted his interviews with warmth, and this was a great pleasure.
Indeed. Recently I've been seeing in youtube interviews from other shows with other classic actors and it's not uncommon that the hosts often appear to be obnoxious or even rude.
Have you Robert Mitchum on Parkinson? He was quite unpleasant.
I love Matthau. What an actor.
I liked Walter Matthau a great deal. The Odd Couple is a classic. I miss Parkinson.. nobody like him today..he interviewed so many great stars.
Can you believe that when George started acting the famous wild west sheriff, Wyatt Erp, was only in his 50's? And, yes, George Burns lived to be a hundred, but wouldn't it be nice if could have been able to just keep on going forever? He's one of those people you really hate to lose!
theUroshman Wyatt Earp. 🤓🎓✍️
theUroshman Wyatt Earp died in 1929 at age 80 and George Burns started acting in films in the 1920s before he did stage work.
Who would have thought looking at George Burns in this interview he had another twenty years to live,
WHAT A WONDERFUL interview...
From this movie George got Oh God in 1977 which was a huge hit starring alongside John Denver
George Burns smoke and drank (drank moderate) his whole life and got to be 100 years old. What amazing genes
To be honest I never noticed what pants he was wearing.
oh the joy of a real chat show...they dont exist today,
The Authority we don’t have them in America. Sad. The few which are supposed to be are argyle political talk with guests who are promoting movies etc. and are on for a few mins. then they leave. So for them, it’s a short promotional assignment.
@ What does your comment mean? I'm sure you are a hit at parties and you are quite creative but why did you write "Dumbness?" Try and make some sense and reply in a gentle way. OK go..
@@SenorZorrozzz that is what they were doing here. Promoting a movie.
As with a lot of people, seeing this left me nostalgic for a past when class and decency was the norm, and not the exception. At least it seems like it from this side of the intervening decades that swept by like weeks. It's a very short trip from nostalgia to grief.
Absolutely fantastic two wonderfully men .shame today's actors x comedians arnt so talented x professional today pure talent its lost forever when they die. Linda UK
There will never be another one like George Burns.
This is what good talent and humor used to be like. no profanity, sex, raunchiness, four letter words, not like the comedians of today. Ah, yes I guess I'm just and old fart who misses these guys. and you'd better believe it!
What brilliant characters! Their talent and personalities really shine through in this interview. Ah, the good old days when comedians were actually funny...The show itself is so different from today’s nonsense. Host and guests interact very naturally. The tone is courteous and playful, casual and civilized - a joy to watch. You feel elevated and entertained at the same time: witty, relaxed, unpretentious, relevant, delightful. They had humour and gravitas perfectly balanced. Walter Matthau was a consummate actor - smart, earthy, human. George Burns, a legend! He started in vaudeville when he was only seven: imagine America in 1903! No ‘Kardashians’, no ‘Housewives’ franchises, no ‘Dr. Phil’ or ‘ Oprah’, no ‘Say yes to the dress’...and the President? He, too, was a rich New Yorker; but he was never a ‘reality’ TV star ⭐️. His name was Teddy Roosevelt.
For me a brilliant actor, very quick brain,they don’t make them like this anymore !
I could listen to Walter all day, a fascinating and funny man, brilliant actor.
What an absolute treat! George was always delightful & Walter perfected the grumpy old curmudgeon in many films. Matthau was fabulous in "The Odd Couple" & "The Sunshine Boys." Be sure to check out two of his comedy films I don't hear referenced often enough- "A New Leaf" (written by & co-starring the brilliant Elaine May) & "First Monday in October" about a woman being added to an all-male SCOTUS bench (co-starring Jill Clayburgh) Both films are riotously funny. Matthau was a consummate actor!
@Selena sue It's unclear to which film you're referring as I specifically mentioned FOUR. If English is your native tongue, your communication skills are woefully lacking.
First Monday is one of my favourite films also. Lemmon and Matthau were in some classics together (OC, Buddy Buddy etc), but each also did many wonderful films in their own right. Have you seen Hopscotch?
@@Tupelo927 Selena went....
Don't worry about negative comments. I liked your comments. The New Leaf is one of my favourite films.
@@ingridlinbohm7682 Thank you for your kind words, Ingrid.
Im 47 and have adored Mathou and lemon since i was a child Burt lancaster , william Holden and so many more from that time...Real Stars of substance..
Jack Benny was supposed to play in The Sunshine Boys but sadly passed on before the movie was made.
..thankyou david Benson, for sharing this.. fantastic.. 🙂
Delightful!
Two troopers (who obviously are delighted with each other).
And they should be delighted in one another quality begetting quality. Their exchange added to my delight
@Hello Albertus how are you doing
The Parkinson Shows were really pieces of history. Thank god for them. Otherwise we would not have had insights into this guy, Jack Lemmon, Olivier, Guinness, Cagney et al.......
Darn I loved George Burns. Watching this brought pack great memories.
George Burns lived another 20 years.
The movie like this interview is hilarious and fascinating from beginning to end
Walters accents are brilliant.
Excellent - Thank you very much!
Marvelous, thank you so much for this :-)
George Burns like every great comedian understood the need for 'business', something every funny man needs, glasses just a wee bit silly and a cigar that just might have been zero nicotine.
When “stars” existed. Notice the complete lack of “egos” despite their talent. These days it’s the other way round.😢
Them days they didnt need an ego, they and us all knew they were talented so didn't need to play up to one
All SO true! Now, especially on cable TV, i don’t see any stars. Usually reality tv as it’s titled. Seems to me unemployed people competing for a paycheck.on some programs, such as game shows or “survival” competitions or competing for mates, like with roses or allowing wealthy men choose a bride, ie: The Bachelor. I think that’s the spin on these, as I can’t watch them bc I always simply worked for a living. Finally opted for the cheapest cable/landline phone/wifi package in my rural area with a monopoly now that I’m retired, but might soon just use my smart TV & get a cheap smartphone since I was the youngest family member & am now an elder. Landline meant a lot to me for my elders but is mostly a nuisance now with robocalls now so…I’m the last dinosaur in my family weighing only 69 pounds so perhaps it’s time for me to live instead of waiting to die LoL! Reboot time at only 60, right? Disabled but could outrun the grim reaper if I quit playing the game ;) My new life begins tomorrow. GBU all & wish me well please. ~
Apsolutely 💯💯💯
A joy to watch.simply wonderful...thanks for sharing.
Did anyone notice they didn’t interrupt each other? Hosts are butting in on guests all over the place today.
Lolo....the last lines the best........If you see something bad you’re not taking, throw it my way... I’ll do anything ...
Boy do I miss Walter Mattheu. He was so funny and a great actor and legend. A career that spans to the 1950s, 56 years.
I remember in the 1990's he did one movie after another
1# Grumpy old men (1993)
2# Dennis the Menace (1993)
3# The Grass Harp (1996)
4# Grumpier old men (1995)
5# The Odd couple II (1998)
6# Out to sea (1997)
7# JFK (1991)
8# I.Q (1994)
9# I'm not rappaport (1996)
10# Againt her will, An incident in Baltimore (1992)
And his Last movie was "Hanging up" in 2000, the same year he died.
June giovani Walter Matthau. I think.
And Hopscotch
I was a huge Burns and Allen fan. It was wonderful seeing Natty again. Thank you.
GooGoo and Natty, perhaps the greatest duo of anyone’s lifetime.
Parkinson was infinitely better than current UK chat show hosts. Wipes the floor with Graham Norton and Jonathan Ross, both of whom try to take centre stage.
Norton absolutely does not try to take centre stage.
I had no idea that George Burns was old enough to be Walter Matthau's Father.
really great interview . thanks for uploading
What a great interview!
Wonderful Wonderful stuff AND actors with BRAINS ❤
Thank you for posting such a treasure .
this is when telly was worth the fees. Even the music to Parkinson was genius. Heatbreaking all these legends have gone and look at the narcessistic fakes we have replacing them.
Amazing to think that George Burns lived for another 72 years after interview.
He will outlive all of us!
It seemed ages, but I love watching the video many times! 🤗
You just see how much Walter enjoys George's company...
I was 9 years old when this interview was filmed. Those were the days. Love those guys.
Ah Parky..I miss ya !!!
The whole chat was wonderful. I especially love Mr Burns' little song at the end.
Miss these guys... so much !
These Two Men are real Superstars
That last joke ...when George Burns says he will take anything he can get ....was a setup...what an amazing interview.
A treat & a tonic. Warm conversation & soul refreshment.
That was just Great. Thanks.
This is really great stuff. Burns was on fire, if you 'll pardon the pun.
wow. just wow. I watched the whole thing and wished it would have gone on and on.
Brilliant.
Ahh, those were the days, watching TV was actually enjoyable. It had an air of authenticity, because it was! 💖