Peter Wyngarde

What is your idea of absolute sophistication?

To be, but not seem to be.

Do you believe that the English gentleman still has a place in the modern world?

No more, nor less, than the House of Lords.

Who, in your opinion, is or was the quintessential English gentleman?

My father, in real life, who was always kind, courteous, well-mannered to everyone, especially those who annoyed him, because he had a wicked sense of humour. David Niven, who had all these qualities. I suspect Leslie Howard and Ronald Coleman. Alas, all of a different age. Today, we see glimpses in the fictional characters on television, like Steed in the Avengers and of course Jason King!

And the quintessential lady?

Lady Cunard; the former Lady Olivier (Vivien Leigh); the Duchess of Devonshire; Dame Edith Evans. Alas all gone too. Occasionally on television: Emma Peel, Joanna Lumley, and repeats of anything with Audrey Hepburn and her namesake, Katherine.

Are you satisfied with the way young people attire themselves these days?

The young have always been the last to appreciate youth, or its foibles.

Should acts of common courtesy towards the ladies be discarded as the chauvinistic ephemera of a bygone age?

Most certainly. When practiced today it seems to be seen by women of a certain class as a weakness, who never show their appreciation except with an occasional embarrassed grunt, or push you aside with their huge shoulder bags as they fly through the door you've been stupid enough to open for them.

Are there any aspects of contemporary life which suggest that progress is not always necessarily a good thing?

Those who haven't the guts to admit they're wrong when it affects so-called progress. Like this absurd snobbery for the fastest and most expensive cars. A sure sign of impotence in men (penis envy) and in women, not getting it (substitute 4x4s, another form of penis envy).

What items of clothing do you consider to be the height of vulgarity?

Wearing trainers with evening dress, or jodhpurs at Ascot, except when riding a horse. Wearing drag when taking a bath, or someone else's when taking a shower.

Is there any kind of facial hair that you feel is acceptable in today's world?

All that help to make a dull or shapeless face altogether more pleasing to look at, not including women who grow moustaches or beards, willy nilly.

Which of your daily tasks would you prefer to be carried out by a servant?

All those I find repetitively tedious, like shaving, and spending hours in the bathroom on personal maintenance. Above all doing my exercises for me, making me feel so much better than when I do them myself.

What vices, if any, do you believe are conducive to beauty of mind and elevation of the soul?

Most, I'm glad to say, except excess.