In my world, history comes down to language and art. No one cares much about what battles were fought, who won them and who lost them - unless there is a painting, a play, a song or a poem that speaks of the event.

We live in a world of guns, bombs and terror. To conquer hate seems a nigh-impossible task.

I created the role of Captain Von Trapp.

I am determined to give the Yiddish language a fighting chance to survive.

Audiences are audiences.

Right up to the middle of this century all perceptions of the world around us were delivered via the bookshelf or the paper route.

By showing hunger, deprivation, starvation and brutality, as well as endurance and nobility, documentaries inform, prod our memories, even stir us to action. Such films do battle for our very soul.