Desert Island Discs

Hugh Johnson's career was spawned when he became a member of the Wine and Food Society at Cambridge University. He soon made a name for himself as a writer on wine and produced the best-selling World Atlas of Wine in 1971. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his interest in wine, about his other great enthusiasm - gardening - 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: Mass In B Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: The complete works by P G Wodehouse Luxury: Writing materials and lots of bottles

Rosalind Plowright, the soprano, began singing professionally with the Glyndebourne Touring Opera Company, but her career did not really take off until she won a competition in Sofia in 1979.In conversation with Roy Plomley, she describes her rise to international recognition, she talks about her role in Verdi's The Sicilian Vespers for the English National Opera and she chooses the eight records she would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams Book: The collected works by William Wordsworth Luxury: Windsurfer

Leo McKern tried various careers like engineering and art before he decided to become an actor. Although he now concentrates mainly on films and television, he did several seasons at the Old Vic and the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre after the war. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career and not forgetting his characterisation of Rumpole of the Bailey.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Serenade For Tenor Horn and Strings by Benjamin Britten Book: Encyclopaedia Luxury: Watercolours and hot-pressed paper

David Lodge, who has written several successful novels, including Changing Places and The British Museum is Falling Down, is Professor of Modern Literature at Birmingham University. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his work, which also includes writing revues for the Birmingham Repertory Theatre 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: Enigma Variations - No 9: Nimrod by Edward Elgar Book: Ulysses by James Joyce Luxury: Nymph in a Landscape by Palma Vecchio

Lucy Irvine has experienced the reality of life on a desert island, although for her year-long sojourn she did have a companion. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about the terrible problems she encountered, particularly the lack of water, and she chooses the eight records she would take if she were to be castaway again.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: All By Myself by Big Bill Broonzy Book: Language Made Plain by Anthony Burgess Luxury: Mosquito coils and an apple pip

Christopher Reeve is probably best-known for his film performances as Superman and Clark Kent, but he has made several other films, including Deathtrap and The Bostonians, and he has appeared on stage many times, particularly in the United States. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his many activities, which include being a professionally qualified pilot.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Imagine by John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band Book: The Inner Reality by Paul Brunton Luxury: Scuba-diving equipment

Paul Tortelier was born in Paris, where his first job at the age of 12 was playing the cello in a cinema orchestra. Although he was a prize-winning student at the Conservatoire in 1930, it was some years before his career took off. In conversation with Roy Plomley, this internationally-famous soloist and teacher talks about his colourful life and 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: Piano Concerto in G, 2nd Movement by Maurice Ravel Book: The Cathedrals of France by Auguste Rodin Luxury: Photograph of wife

'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 Book: Complete Webster's English Dictionary Luxury: Barbeque

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 Book: Le Repertoire de la Cuisine by Louis Saulnier Luxury: Pair of waterwings

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 Book: One year of issues of the Times Luxury: Mirror