00:00What a piece of work as a man. How noble in reason.
00:05Was that Shakespeare?
00:07Bit of how much?
00:08Most people just tell us what they've had for breakfast.
00:13This is Ian Charleston.
00:15He was in Chariots of Fire.
00:17You were in one of the most celebrated films of all time.
00:20Yes, and all anyone could ever remember is the theme music.
00:29Oh, wow.
00:32I just wish I had something decent to audition for.
00:34The National Theatre, they're doing Hamlet.
00:37They have someone in mind.
00:40Who?
00:41You, darling.
00:42It's the greatest part that you can play in the greatest theatre.
00:46I've got some antiseptic on that for you.
00:48Oh, don't worry, it's only dying.
00:56My job is to try to prolong life.
00:59I could extend the time you have.
01:01But not if I play Hamlet.
01:07This play is an Everest.
01:09I can't let you risk your health.
01:11I choose to do it. I want to do it.
01:14I used to look at middle-aged queens and think,
01:16please never let me get that old.
01:19No, it's please.
01:20Please just let me make it till Friday lunchtime.
01:22If you're going to play this part,
01:24there is to be no more talk of death.
01:25It might be tricky.
01:27It's one of the central themes of the play.
01:31Here hung those lips that I have kissed.
01:34I don't know how...
01:36Did we love each other?
01:38Was it real?
01:40When it comes to life.
01:42And living.
01:44It's quality that I want.
01:46Hamlet again.
01:47It's always been Hamlet.
01:51Your friends are doing this with you.
01:54I never wanted to lie to you, Dad.
01:58They make us into liars.
02:00And then they make us ashamed of it.
02:07I don't want pity.
02:10I won't be a victim.
02:14My responsibility is the preservation of life.
02:20And so is mine.
02:22But not just its preservation.
02:26It's glory.
