Director Mike Nichols

The great Mike Nichols—famed director of “The Graduate,” “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,” “The Birdcage” and more—on bringing Harold Pinter to the stage.

Super director Mike Nichols is as big as they come for the span of a great American directing career.  Stage and big screen.  Classics and work that just keeps coming.

He directed Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"  Directed "The Graduate."  "Silkwood."  "Heartburn."  "Working Girl."  "Spamalot."  "The Bird Cage."  "Primary Colors."  "Angels in America."  "Charlie Wilson’s War."

Last year he revived “Death of a Salesman” on Broadway.  Now, Harold Pinter’s "Betrayal," with Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz.

This hour, On Point:  the great Mike Nichols, and "Betrayal."
- Tom Ashbrook

Mike Nichols, multiple-award-winning film and stage director. His films include "The Graduate," "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?," "Working Girl," and "Closer." On stage, he's directed the original productions of "Barefoot in the Park," "The Odd Couple," and "Spamalot." His production of Harold Pinter's "Betrayal" opens next month.

Associated Press: 'The most interesting problem in the theater' - Mike Nichols returns to adultery in 'Betrayal' -- It's only 3 p.m. but master director Mike Nichols warns that he's been through a lot already. 'I'll be a little slow,' he tells a visitor to his rehearsal room at Lincoln Center, where he is readying his next Broadway play. His assistants have been shooed away and he's given the actors the afternoon off."

The New York Times: Two’s Company, Three’s a Show -- "Mr. Nichols recalls working with the newlywed Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in 1966 on the first movie he directed, 'Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' They were a 'giant worldwide circus,' he says fondly, with 'absolute freedom about using their relationship in the work.' This is the reverse,' he says of Mr. Craig and Ms. Weisz. 'They are completely private. What they have in common is a kind of grace, an adroitness with people. It’s very rare.'"