Peter CUSHING OBE (1913-1994)

Peter Cushing This Is Your Life

programme details...

  • Edition No: 775
  • Subject No: 765
  • Broadcast date: Wed 21 Feb 1990
  • Broadcast time: 7.00-7.30pm
  • Recorded: Wed 24 Jan 1990
  • Venue: Teddington Studios
  • Series: 30
  • Edition: 18
  • Code name: Baron

on the guest list...

  • Kevin Francis
  • Fiona Armstrong
  • Sir James Carreras
  • Tony Hinds
  • Ursula Andress
  • Caroline Munro
  • David Rintoul
  • Dave Prowse
  • Peter Gray
  • Ernie Wise
  • Gwen Watford
  • Freddie Jones
  • Joanna Lumley
  • Peter Ustinov
  • Filmed tributes:
  • Christopher Lee
  • John Mills

production team...

  • Researcher: Mandy Nixon
  • Writer: Roy Bottomley
  • Directors: Brian Klein, John Birkin
  • Associate Producer: John Graham
  • Producer: Malcolm Morris
  • names above in bold indicate subjects of This Is Your Life
related pages...
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Screenshots of Peter Cushing This Is Your Life

Peter Cushing biography

Christopher Gullo recalls this edition of This Is Your Life in his book, In All Sincerity, Peter Cushing...


Cushing's first television appearance in 1990 was a most unexpected one – the special guest of This Is Your Life. Secretary Joyce Broughton revealed in the 1999 re-release of Peter's two autobiographies that he did not want this honour bestowed upon him, but after speaking with his long-time friends Kevin Francis and Peter Gray, Broughton relented and went along with the surprise. Peter, however, did find out about the plan and changed his mind about not wanting to appear when he realised that all his friends would be there.


The programme of February 21st began with a video clip of host Michael Aspel emerging from a graveyard with his familiar red book before appearing in person to greet the guest of honour. Many of Cushing's co-workers also appeared in the programme, including Peter Gray, Gwen Watford, Christopher Lee (who sent a video clip as he was filming in New York), Freddie Jones, Caroline Munro, Dave Prowse, Anthony Hinds, Sir James Carreras and Peter Ustinov to name but a few. Comedian Ernie Wise was also on hand, doing another twenty-pound note routine with Cushing.


The favour would be returned when Cushing appeared on the December 26, 1990 episode of the same programme to do the routine with Ernie when he was the featured subject. Cushing seemed delighted that so many people had come to honour him and viewers also got to see some rare photos of his family and many clips from his long career. In a conversation with the author, Caroline Munro had this to say about the show:


"It was quite a strange day for me inasmuch as I had just gotten married the day before and I was still in a bit of a happy daze. A few months before I had been asked if I would like to be one of the guests on the show; I was absolutely thrilled to be a part of it. The show is a complete surprise for the guest of honour and seeing Peter's face as all his admiring friends and family came on stage was wonderful. It was obvious to everyone just how much he loved that evening. After the show we had a lovely party in the green room and we all had a chance to chat together and paw over Peter. It was a great evening."

Peter Cushing biography

David Miller recalls this edition of This Is Your Life in his book, The Peter Cushing Companion...


This Is Your Life featured Cushing on 21 February 1990. The guest included a statuesque Ursula Andress, who reminded him that her character was called 'She Who Must Be Obeyed'. 'Yes, darling, and you still are,' said 'Saint' Peter with a saucy grin, 'what would you like me to do?'


Also appearing were Caroline Munro, David Rintoul, David Prowse, Joanna Lumley, Freddie Jones, Kevin Francis, Gwen Watford, a hale-and-hearty Peter Gray and Peter Ustinov. John Mills and Christopher Lee sent pre-recorded announcements – Lee telling Cushing that he was 'a delight and a despair – the only actor who can read the Times, drink his whisky and soda, light his pipe and deliver his lines all at the same time'. Lee finished with the Holmesian advice – 'Step out!' Roy Ward Baker, Anthony Hinds and Sir James Carreras were also among those present.


Joyce revealed that Cushing was actually aware beforehand that he was going to be featured on the programme, and was worried that he would not appear sufficiently alarmed when Michael Aspel presented him with the famous red book. His actor's talents were undimmed, and when 'surprised' he delivered the priceless – if unlikely – line, 'It's just as well I wore my toupee, isn't it?'

Series 30 subjects

Omar Sharif | Sarah Brightman | Yvonne Cormeau | Cyril Smith | Jean Boht | Zsa Zsa Gabor | Alec McCowen | Barbara Cartland
Douglas Fairbanks Jr | William Shatner | Barbara Taylor Bradford | Elizabeth Dawn | Billy Wright | Trevor McDonald
Stephanie Beacham | Simon Weston | Peter Scudamore | Peter Cushing | David Shepherd | Harry Secombe
Nigel Kennedy | Eluned Williams | Billy Marsh | Bob Holness | Bobby Davro | Michael Baldock | Ken Dodd