Absolutely stunning. So well put. The irony of alcoholism is that you never believe you’re, strangely, “important” enough to be an alcoholic. A rich and successful man like Burton, a Welshman with a poet’s heart, how hard it must’ve been to admit the things he shares here.
Some actors are renown for their ability to interpret a brilliant script, but tongued tied when they must summon up their own words. Burton’s acting talent was accompanied by a keen intellect.
Staggering and very typical of an alcoholic to claim he isn't quite sure if he's an alcoholic. God bless him. I quit almost two years ago. It was the best decision of my life.
He clearly did not wish to considered one in that time as it would have been greatly stigmatising, especially back then - but he still more or less admitted to being such without wanting to say that
Supposedly there was a point where Burton was drinking three bottles of vodka a day. How do you a) even physically achieve such a thing without going into a coma? b) manage to convince yourself you're not an alcoholic after that?
Argh...something in my eye again. Man...those are the words of someone who knows, who has been there, and has overcome. God bless Dick Cavett...for knowing when to speak and when not to! To allow a guest to offload.....Cavett was the best of the best in my opinion....he had no ego, just let his guests speak...that is a real gift! He allowed Richard Burton to show himself...his true self..without any interruption....Dick Cavett's interviews are the best going....
@stephenswingler7959 I picked up on that, too. Cavett let Mr Burton speak and speak and speak...in what was approaching a soliloquy. I think it was for two reasons. the first was because he realised, that this was absorbing and fascinating...exactly what a talk show should be. He also, I feel, remained quiet out of respect for a magnificent human being. Flawed, yes...but a magnificent human being, nonetheless.
@@TheRealist2022Can not believe, your very eloquent,+Truthful'/Insightful Comment.!+No Thumbs up 0?/But I, appreciate it,+.Sure hope Many others do too.Thanks'+..Always Kp Making Comments.:-)
I love Richard Burton's impish grin at 0:05. I get the impression he respected Dick Cavett to a degree he likely didn't all of Hollywood's interviewers. Burton's honesty and frankness is almost shocking in a modern world of curated profiles and constant self awareness of image. Always get the feeling I'm listening to the real thing.
To the question of being an alcoholic, Burton reply's; " I'm not quite sure I am one." Then He goes on to state," I can't say I've beaten it." Denial is so common with alcoholism.
Why wouldn’t it be when it is so stigmatised ? Despite the great irony that it’s made such a big part of British culture - which of course, he was a part of
He wasn't acting here. He was from the heart knowing that many people watching the show were in the same dark pit that had been in, and that his words might give them some tiny bit of encouragement to keep the drink at bay for at least that one day more.
There are MANY former alcoholics who can now enjoy a few drinks without problem... this is IMPOSSIBLE in the world as Burton clearly describes. In the world one permanently remains an alcoholic constantly fighting an evil master. CHRIST and His HOLY SPIRIT FREE one from all slavery & bondage such as alcoholism. This is the wonderful news!!!
AA was started by two alcoholics who told horror stories to each other all night and what life they could have if they didn't drink. So one night of not drinking and reminding each other why they wanted to stay sober lead to another and another. And a society for accountability was born. It doesn't work for everyone but when it does . I thank Richard for being so honest back in a time when addiction was not spoken of nor the idea that it could happen to otherwise good successful people. He made a difference just as Yul Brenner did with lung cancer and smoking. All this long before stars told us what they had for breakfast. You were not to talk of your personal problems at the time.
He did that old chestnut of I am not an alcohoic and proceeds to describe he is a an alcoholic. I knew a guy, from who held one of the most senior roles in a very large global company in Switzerland. That guy had a bottle of brandy in his desk.He could drink and hold meetings and be the most charming guy you could meet. An amazingly intelligent and driven guy who delivered serious numbers for his company but he was absolutely beholden by booze. He would always say to me, 'I like a drink, Paul, maybe sonetimes too much. But I'm OK'. But he had a grsat life and died when he was well into his 70s. Most people, however, alcoholism ends up in ruin
His voice, as great as it was, was always an act. A good act at that. His real accent was proper South Wales valleys. Sometimes, it used to slip through. Like then. I’ve herd im drop is haitches a few times too butt
1:33: "Uh, alcoholism 🍸 is a dreadful disease", well put, Mr Burton, well put, Sir 👏. Even now, it's sad so many people don't see alcoholism as a disease. Mr Burton was decades ahead of his time with his comment.
And then as the years go by, turn into decades, one lazy hot afternoon out of nowhere you can taste the gin and tonic, literally, and you know it really never ends. One day at a time
There are MANY former alcoholics who can now enjoy a few drinks without problem... this is IMPOSSIBLE in the world as Burton clearly describes. In the world one permanently remains an alcoholic constantly fighting an evil master. CHRIST and His HOLY SPIRIT FREE one from all slavery & bondage such as alcoholism. This is the wonderful news!!!
I read somewhere that Burton would have been in the league of Sir Lawrence Olivier, the legendary actor - supposedly the best the world's ever seen - had it not been for his drinking. Burton's drinking was no secret, he and his wife Liz Taylor shared the same disease. They were both what been termed "functioning alcoholics". This coming from an alcoholic who's been reformed now for about 10 years.
He was knocking back 3 bottles of hard alcohol a day and still wasn’t sure if he was an alcoholic 😂 The good old days. Nonetheless a beautifully honest description of the horrible struggle so many go through, often silently.
Richard Burton was not knighted. He did receive the CBE, which is technically the one below knighthood his namesake was Sir Richard Burton, but Richards original surname was actually Jenkins.🏴🇬🇧🏴
LIT A CANDLE FOR YOUR BIRTHSDAY LAST NIGHT WHICH IS TODAY HOPE YOU ARE WITH THE LORD AND AT LAST BE COMPLETELY AT PEACE AND BE TOTALLY HAPPY THIS PLACE IS NOT REALLY OUR HOME WE ARE JUST PASSING BY GOD BLESS YOU MR BURTON MISS YOU AND GOD BLESS YOUR WIFE WHO TRIED TO HELP YOU
Just don't call him "Sir." Unlike his elder contemporaries (Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud and Ralph Richardson), Richard Burton was never knighted. He was a "Commander" of the British Empire or C.B.E.
Richar Harris, Peter Otoole, and Richard Burton were regular drinking buddies back in their day. they enjoyed it without drama. these men knew how to drink
No no. Don't dare censor it. That nervous laughter is fully part of the whole syndrome. Both for the drinker, and for those around him. Don't make it into a lecture, or an after school special. Burton was so up front and honest about his experience, that it silenced that reaction instantly. No censorship necessary...
Eloquently put but I fear inaccurate. The obsession can be removed and every day does not have to be a metaphorical boxing match. Some of us left the ring many years ago and scarcely, if at all, feel tempted to re-enter the ring.
You can choose to quit, sure, but the desire doesn't go away. That's the disease. While you are taking a break from the habit, it's out in the parking lot doing pushups. I'm glad you are sober and don't struggle. Other people do. Is it a disease? Potato/potahto.
It is a disease Sir, a disease of the 'mind', same with any habit, smoking, gambling, drugs, etc., as it's the 'pleasure' of doing so that is the 'kick', and the awfulness that is, if you don't :)
"50 million Americans who are alcoholics". I think that's way overestimating. The current statistic is 14 million have a drinking problem, 8 million alcoholics. But if he meant 50 million drink too much that's probably true.
Well, now it is Opiates that curse the American people.....same problem, different drug. And here was a man identifying with those people and sending them love and pity.
Ye and the auld audience laughing in the back ground, sure half them r alcoholics 2 but they didn't no it, sure its a serious game i call it, cause im one, and its a death game, im the last one, everyone is dead 2023
No it's not a choice. Most people who drink don't end up as alcoholics, most people who have the odd flutter on the dogs or the horses don't end up as hardened gamblers. There is something in the psyche of all addicts which make them prone to going that step too far. It is not a life choice.
There are MANY former alcoholics who can now enjoy a few drinks without problem... this is IMPOSSIBLE in the world as Burton clearly describes. In the world one permanently remains an alcoholic constantly fighting an evil master. CHRIST and His HOLY SPIRIT FREE one from all slavery & bondage such as alcoholism. This is the wonderful news!!!
Leave it to Richard Burton to turn the answer to a question into a beautifully delivered poetic soliloquy.
Absolutely stunning. So well put. The irony of alcoholism is that you never believe you’re, strangely, “important” enough to be an alcoholic. A rich and successful man like Burton, a Welshman with a poet’s heart, how hard it must’ve been to admit the things he shares here.
It rakes a 'big man' to admit his failings and frailties. All things considered, I've long felt he was a class act. Rest in peace Sir.
As long as he enjoyed his life, I hope he did.
He is a big, classy man. Sorry he had to go to alcohol for splice.
He never stammers, stutters. He is a sentence ahead of the words that come out of his mouth .. the man is a legend
He speaks of the horrors of alcoholism in such an intelligent and eloquent manner.
Some actors are renown for their ability to interpret a brilliant script, but tongued tied when they must summon up their own words. Burton’s acting talent was accompanied by a keen intellect.
Men like this don't exist anymore....he's asked a question and responds with a Shakespearian delivery. Incredible.
Staggering and very typical of an alcoholic to claim he isn't quite sure if he's an alcoholic. God bless him. I quit almost two years ago. It was the best decision of my life.
Well done Sir, may you have the strength to remain upon your new path.
He clearly did not wish to considered one in that time as it would have been greatly stigmatising, especially back then - but he still more or less admitted to being such without wanting to say that
@@jaybowden2658 He never really admitted it enough to quit and get help, poor soul. Great actor, suffering man.
@@peterjonas4971 it wasn’t the best time to seek help back then - and addictions often cause problems that only what they’re addicted to can alleviate
Supposedly there was a point where Burton was drinking three bottles of vodka a day. How do you
a) even physically achieve such a thing without going into a coma?
b) manage to convince yourself you're not an alcoholic after that?
Powerful, no one could have articulated that message better!
His readings of Dylan Thomas' poetry will Never be equaled.
Thank you for the reminder :)
Also john gielgud reading Shakespeare
@@SilvertortoisePiano Even better: Burton reading Shakespeare.
Argh...something in my eye again. Man...those are the words of someone who knows, who has been there, and has overcome. God bless Dick Cavett...for knowing when to speak and when not to! To allow a guest to offload.....Cavett was the best of the best in my opinion....he had no ego, just let his guests speak...that is a real gift! He allowed Richard Burton to show himself...his true self..without any interruption....Dick Cavett's interviews are the best going....
@stephenswingler7959 I picked up on that, too. Cavett let Mr Burton speak and speak and speak...in what was approaching a soliloquy. I think it was for two reasons. the first was because he realised, that this was absorbing and fascinating...exactly what a talk show should be. He also, I feel, remained quiet out of respect for a magnificent human being. Flawed, yes...but a magnificent human being, nonetheless.
@@TheRealist2022Can not believe, your very eloquent,+Truthful'/Insightful Comment.!+No Thumbs up 0?/But I, appreciate it,+.Sure hope Many others do too.Thanks'+..Always Kp Making Comments.:-)
So true.
Richard Burton handled this beautifully. I have a very close relative who is a horrendous alcoholic and he matches Richards description perfectly.
one day at a time is so true - what a wonderful actor giving a frank insight into the challenges he faced. Sadly missed
I love Richard Burton's impish grin at 0:05. I get the impression he respected Dick Cavett to a degree he likely didn't all of Hollywood's interviewers. Burton's honesty and frankness is almost shocking in a modern world of curated profiles and constant self awareness of image. Always get the feeling I'm listening to the real thing.
Richard Burton would be the ideal spokesperson for humanity.
To the question of being an alcoholic, Burton reply's; " I'm not quite sure I am one." Then He goes on to state," I can't say I've beaten it." Denial is so common with alcoholism.
Why wouldn’t it be when it is so stigmatised ? Despite the great irony that it’s made such a big part of British culture - which of course, he was a part of
Alcoholic or not Richard Burton was a great actor and he proved it even in this monolog!
He wasn't acting here. He was from the heart knowing that many people watching the show were in the same dark pit that had been in, and that his words might give them some tiny bit of encouragement to keep the drink at bay for at least that one day more.
I’m 8.5 sober I can’t say I’ve beaten it. Your always fighting!! So true you know you can’t have that one drink!
There are MANY former alcoholics who can now enjoy a few drinks without problem... this is IMPOSSIBLE in the world as Burton clearly describes. In the world one permanently remains an alcoholic constantly fighting an evil master. CHRIST and His HOLY SPIRIT FREE one from all slavery & bondage such as alcoholism. This is the wonderful news!!!
AA was started by two alcoholics who told horror stories to each other all night and what life they could have if they didn't drink.
So one night of not drinking and reminding each other why they wanted to stay sober lead to another and another.
And a society for accountability was born. It doesn't work for everyone but when it does .
I thank Richard for being so honest back in a time when addiction was not spoken of nor the idea that it could happen to otherwise good successful people. He made a difference just as Yul Brenner did with lung cancer and smoking. All this long before stars told us what they had for breakfast. You were not to talk of your personal problems at the time.
He did that old chestnut of I am not an alcohoic and proceeds to describe he is a an alcoholic.
I knew a guy, from who held one of the most senior roles in a very large global company in Switzerland. That guy had a bottle of brandy in his desk.He could drink and hold meetings and be the most charming guy you could meet. An amazingly intelligent and driven guy who delivered serious numbers for his company but he was absolutely beholden by booze. He would always say to me, 'I like a drink, Paul, maybe sonetimes too much. But I'm OK'. But he had a grsat life and died when he was well into his 70s. Most people, however, alcoholism ends up in ruin
Class act admitting to the horrof of alcoholism, unless you have been there, you will never know.
"Stare out of a window for two yurs" A very welsh pronunciation of years.
His voice, as great as it was, was always an act. A good act at that. His real accent was proper South Wales valleys. Sometimes, it used to slip through. Like then.
I’ve herd im drop is haitches a few times too butt
Straight to the point no bull lovely man full respect from the heart ❤️
That's got to be one of the most honest interviews I've ever seen, especially from such a legend who was so notoriously private.
Wise Wise Words RIP Richard Burton, ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
1:33: "Uh, alcoholism 🍸 is a dreadful disease", well put, Mr Burton, well put, Sir 👏. Even now, it's sad so many people don't see alcoholism as a disease. Mr Burton was decades ahead of his time with his comment.
"As diseases go, you got the best one" - Norm Macdonald.
RIP Norm
As a big fan of both Burton and Norm, I would pay a hell of a lot of money to hear Burton reading Norm’s blue card jokes from the podcast.
Norm hadn't a clue so...
He led the life a thousand people could not compare
And then as the years go by, turn into decades, one lazy hot afternoon out of nowhere you can taste the gin and tonic, literally, and you know it really never ends.
One day at a time
There are MANY former alcoholics who can now enjoy a few drinks without problem... this is IMPOSSIBLE in the world as Burton clearly describes. In the world one permanently remains an alcoholic constantly fighting an evil master. CHRIST and His HOLY SPIRIT FREE one from all slavery & bondage such as alcoholism. This is the wonderful news!!!
@@vancouveruzbekistan5350
“Christ”
Just another crutch
What a great Man he was.
Think he was the greatest british actor of the 20th century. And he was welsh.. 👍👍👍👍
it's why he was so perfect in the role of disheveled alcoholic MI6 officer alec leamus in "the spy who came in from the cold" (1965), a brilliant film
Good video, thanks... a superb actor...but I believe he was never knighted...
Should have been.
I didn’t ‘fight’ it I surrendered. I lost the power of choice. 31 years. Happy joyous and free.
The guy took simply saying he's a drunk and turned it into a Shakespearian aside.
"...it's always November and it's raining...". Me, "Go on...", *takes a swig*. "Don't leave me hanging.".
Brilliant man celt of course
I read somewhere that Burton would have been in the league of Sir Lawrence Olivier, the legendary actor - supposedly the best the world's ever seen - had it not been for his drinking. Burton's drinking was no secret, he and his wife Liz Taylor shared the same disease. They were both what been termed "functioning alcoholics". This coming from an alcoholic who's been reformed now for about 10 years.
You probably read that, as I did, in Burton's obituaries.
They don't make men like this anymore!
I'm the same age as he was when he died and I feel like I'm just getting started on the fun side of life.
Mr Burton should have been a Sir but he unfortunately wasn't.
He is in my book, and that's all that matters.
Every genius has a flaw...
Man takes a drink. The drink takes a drink. The drink takes the man.
Brilliant man
Can hear his welsh accent at times, poor man, rip.
The world of addiction is like being against the ropes
Great video, the summary should include when. All we get is the day it was posted which is unhelpful.
August 4, 1980 according to the Internet Movie Database, which includes television credits when actors appear as "self."
That's called research.
@@bromleysimon7414 The same month I saw him onstage. I shall never forget.
He was knocking back 3 bottles of hard alcohol a day and still wasn’t sure if he was an alcoholic 😂 The good old days. Nonetheless a beautifully honest description of the horrible struggle so many go through, often silently.
Richard Burton was not knighted. He did receive the CBE, which is technically the one below knighthood his namesake was Sir Richard Burton, but Richards original surname was actually Jenkins.🏴🇬🇧🏴
It's quite notable that he mentioned alcoholism as a "disease,." Even now, the classification that it is indeed a disease is controversial.
It's definitely not a disease... ridiculous classification. It's an addiction. Addictions aren't diseases.
@@justinbennett2852 Thanks for the clarification, doctor.
Miss this great man
yes a true class act he was born about 5 miles from me in the next vally fab speaker gob bless richard burton xx colin carrington neath south wales
Can’t believe some were laughing
Exactly my thoughts.. I think that’s why he said it’s no laughing matter..There’s some right ignoramuses out there..
Amazing man ❤
Sheer boredom or fiscal restaraint is no laughing matter.
THere are so many other possible traumas too, Craig Jasper.
LIT A CANDLE FOR YOUR BIRTHSDAY LAST NIGHT WHICH IS TODAY HOPE YOU ARE WITH THE LORD AND AT LAST BE COMPLETELY AT PEACE AND BE TOTALLY HAPPY THIS PLACE IS NOT REALLY OUR HOME WE ARE JUST PASSING BY GOD BLESS YOU MR BURTON MISS YOU AND GOD BLESS YOUR WIFE WHO TRIED TO HELP YOU
Powerful stuff.
Just don't call him "Sir." Unlike his elder contemporaries (Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud and Ralph Richardson), Richard Burton was never knighted. He was a "Commander" of the British Empire or C.B.E.
Richar Harris, Peter Otoole, and Richard Burton were regular drinking buddies back in their day. they enjoyed it without drama. these men knew how to drink
I wish whoever posted this video would dub out the audience laughter. He is speaking profoundly, and nothing he says warrants laughter.
No no. Don't dare censor it. That nervous laughter is fully part of the whole syndrome. Both for the drinker, and for those around him. Don't make it into a lecture, or an after school special. Burton was so up front and honest about his experience, that it silenced that reaction instantly. No censorship necessary...
@@garyspence2128couldn't agree more. Alcoholic here.
An Alcoholic "I'm not quite sure that I am one" - you are, or were
Eloquently put but I fear inaccurate. The obsession can be removed and every day does not have to be a metaphorical boxing match. Some of us left the ring many years ago and scarcely, if at all, feel tempted to re-enter the ring.
1980.
Down to earth. The moon star
Alcohol Loves me, and that's ok.
wow honesty
Those giggling laughs at the very start were made by alcoholics who could relate.
You think so?
If only he had avoided alcohol: lost far too early.
Well he was Richard Burton CBE --- may well have got the K but didn't while he was alive .
💯
Not a laughing matter agree
Why was the audience laughing???
It's not a disease.
You can't decide to stop a disease.
You can choose to quit, sure, but the desire doesn't go away. That's the disease. While you are taking a break from the habit, it's out in the parking lot doing pushups. I'm glad you are sober and don't struggle. Other people do. Is it a disease? Potato/potahto.
It is a disease and it's often terminal if you don't get (and keep getting) treatment. x
Alcoholism is a Disease it effects brain 🧠 chemistry and causes Addiction
It is a disease Sir, a disease of the 'mind', same with any habit, smoking, gambling, drugs, etc., as it's the 'pleasure' of doing so that is the 'kick', and the awfulness that is, if you don't :)
The disease is addiction
Dick Cavett is a TWIT!
I'm sick
"50 million Americans who are alcoholics". I think that's way overestimating. The current statistic is 14 million have a drinking problem, 8 million alcoholics. But if he meant 50 million drink too much that's probably true.
He said 15, not 50.
He said 15 million
Well, now it is Opiates that curse the American people.....same problem, different drug. And here was a man identifying with those people and sending them love and pity.
Ye and the auld audience laughing in the back ground, sure half them r alcoholics 2 but they didn't no it, sure its a serious game i call it, cause im one, and its a death game, im the last one, everyone is dead 2023
Not funny
How many people choose to have cancer. Liver or kidney disease, etc ? Alcoholism is not a disease. It's a choice.
Wrong
No it's not a choice. Most people who drink don't end up as alcoholics, most people who have the odd flutter on the dogs or the horses don't end up as hardened gamblers. There is something in the psyche of all addicts which make them prone to going that step too far. It is not a life choice.
You're so wrong, no one plans to drink or take drugs till it controls and destroys their whole life. There's a massive majority masking trauma.
They should sit closer, there's too much space in between these two 👀🪑
There are MANY former alcoholics who can now enjoy a few drinks without problem... this is IMPOSSIBLE in the world as Burton clearly describes. In the world one permanently remains an alcoholic constantly fighting an evil master. CHRIST and His HOLY SPIRIT FREE one from all slavery & bondage such as alcoholism. This is the wonderful news!!!