It was such a fabulous role that I can't be at all surprised, let alone upset, that people still mention it. We were very lucky to have 13 episodes in which to dramatize
Evelyn Waugh's novel, and one reason for the series' impact is a combination of time, money and producing talent that was unique. I think it's fair to say that you'll never again have that length of time (we shot it over nearly two years) or that sort of budget to shoot a television series about one book. "Sebastian" was the part I wanted to play, having read the book, and though I was initially seen for the part of "Charles Ryder" - which
Jeremy Irons played in the end - it was "Sebastian" that I was after, and luckily I got him! AA, regarding his role in
Retour au château (1981).
