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.

I created the role of Captain Von Trapp.

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.

No heirloom of humankind captures the past as do art and language.

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

All too often arrogance accompanies strength, and we must never assume that justice is on the side of the strong. The use of power must always be accompanied by moral choice.

I prefer to make common cause with those whose weapons are guitars, banjos, fiddles and words.