Â鶹Éç

Paul Gambaccini talks to the team behind the rich, musical extravaganza, Amadeus.

Released in 1984, it won eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor.

It's remembered for its brilliant interpretation of the life and genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the shrill giggle of Tom Hulce and the cleavage of his wife.

Director Milos Forman, who had left Czechoslovakia as a political refugee, chose Prague as the best 'double' for Vienna - only to find himself followed by spies for his former homeland as a suspected anti-communist.

Forman recalls how he first met Sir Peter Shaffer backstage at the National Theatre in London where, Sir Peter confirms, Forman promised there and then, to make a film out of Shaffer's masterpiece of the stage.

Simon Callow who played Mozart in the original London stage production was the only actor to appear in the Hollywood version - but probably enjoyed himself more because of it.

Gambaccini also talks to Sir Neville Mariner, choreographer Twyla Tharp, producer Ken Tuohy and the actor Elizabeth Berridge, who was told she'd got the part as Mozart's wife as she most resembled a 'landlady's daughter'.

The story of how the Cold War and the greatest composer on earth – came together to create a musical and cinematic masterpiece.

Producer: Sara Jane Hall

First broadcast on Â鶹Éç Radio 4 in February 2013.

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