New film looks at 'the man behind the enigma' of Peter Sellers

BBC to air major new documentary

BBC Two is to air a documentary to mark the 40th anniversary of the death of Peter Sellers.

The 75-minute film, which has the working title A State Of Comic Ecstasy, features an exclusive interview with the comedian's second wife, Britt Ekland, who has never spoken before to any documentary or biographer about their turbulent marriage.

Others taking part include his daughters Sarah and Victoria and famous fans such as Michael Palin, Steve Coogan and the author Hanif Kureishi.

Producer-director John O’Rourke also spoke to some the women he was associated with - including co-stars Nanette Newman, Sinead Cusack, Janette Scott - his multiple secretaries, director Joe McGrath and actor Simon Williams, who appeared with him in The Prisoner of Zenda (and The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu,

The BBC says that between them they will ‘recall tales of Sellers' extravagant behaviour on set to give a fully rounded picture of the comic genius and the man behind it’. Sellers

Mark Bell from BBC Arts said: ‘Peter Sellers had a profound impact on film and comedy, a genius as a performer but a mercurial personality; this in-depth look offers many revealing insights into his life and times, and I hope will offer an engaging diversion for people in lockdown.’

BBC Two controller Patrick Holland added: ‘Peter Sellers is a unique figure, a homegrown comic talent who took America by storm and became one of the major cultural influencers of the 1970s. This film for BBC Two explores the man behind the enigma and promises to be a real treat.’

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