Desert Island Discs: Archive 1981-1985

'Honest' Ed Mirvish is a Canadian high-school drop-out who became a multi-millionaire by running a discount house selling goods at bargain prices. When he was offered the run-down Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto at a bargain price he could not refuse, and before long it was paying its way. His latest venture was to buy the Old Vic in London, which he has restored beautifully.

In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his various enterprises.

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

Favourite track: Mona Lisa by Nat King Cole

Michael Quinn is the Head Chef at the Ritz Hotel; the first British Chef in the history of the hotel. His ambition was always to be a cook, so as soon as he left school he became an apprentice cook in Leeds, winning within five years a competition for the 1966 Top Apprentice Chef of Great Britain.

In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes how he worked his way to the top via Claridge's and two country hotels, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.

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

Favourite track: North Country Fantasy by Black Dyke Mills Band

Don McCullin has won an enormous reputation for his photographic coverage of the many wars which have torn the world apart in the last 20 years.

In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his exceedingly dangerous career and about his travels, which have even taken him to a desert island, and, in light of this experience, he chooses the eight records he would like to have for a prolonged island sojourn.

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

Favourite track: Symphony No 3 in C Minor by Camille Saint-Saëns

Gerald Priestland began his career in the news department of the BBC, becoming in 1954 the foreign correspondent in India. Many years later, he was appointed Religious Affairs Correspondent and he was responsible for the very popular radio series Priestland's Progress.

In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career, including his move into television, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.

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

Favourite track: Vergnugte Ruh by Johann Sebastian Bach

Michael York began his acting career with the National Youth Theatre, but his big break came when he successfully auditioned for the National Theatre at the Old Vic. He has appeared in many films, including Accident, Cabaret and Conduct Unbecoming. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.

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

Favourite track: Clarinet Concerto in A by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Woody Herman played saxophone and clarinet with various bands until 1936, when the Isham Jones Band in which he was working broke up and he organised a group of his own with the key players. Since then he has led many bands, most of which have been called 'herds'. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island, but he does not include his most famous, Woodchopper's Ball.

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

Favourite track: Moonlight In Vermont by The Johnny Smith Quintet

Lord Elwyn-Jones began his career as a barrister, combining it with that of a Labour Member of Parliament from 1945. He was Counsel for the Prosecution at the Nuremberg War Crimes Trial and later he was appointed Lord Chancellor and Speaker of the House of Lords.

In conversation with Roy Plomley about his eventful life, he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.

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

Favourite track: Symphony No 40 In G Minor by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

The American actor Stubby Kaye worked in vaudeville before he made his name in the musical Guys and Dolls, on Broadway and in London, as Nicely-Nicely. When it was filmed, nobody else could be considered for the part. He went on to make several more film musicals, including Li'l Abner and Sweet Charity.

In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career which includes some work in this country where he now lives, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.

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

Favourite track: New York, New York by Liza Minelli

Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent was born in Czechoslovakia but she was educated mainly in Australia. She came to England specifically to study interior design and eventually set up her own design company. Her marriage to Prince Michael of Kent was in 1978. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her fascinating life and chooses the eight records that she would take to the mythical island.

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

Favourite track: Violin Concerto No 3 in G by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Quentin Crewe has always been an enthusiastic traveller and even the onset of muscular dystrophy has not curbed him. His other great interest is in food. He has paid for both of these enthusiasms by journalism and by writing books about them. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his fascinating life and his travels, which have included a journey across the Sahara with his wheelchair.

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

Favourite track: Violin Concerto No.1 in G Minor - 3rd Movement by Max Bruch