Product Description

For over thirty years Hattie Jacques was a familiar presence on radio (Hancock's "Half Hour"), television (60 episodes of "Sykes" alone) and film (she was a stalwart of the "Carry On" series). But her stage persona of a buxom, masterful female dragon who, both literally and figuratively, carried all before her (the formidable matron of "Carry On, Nurse" was a typical role) could hardly have been more at odds with her off-stage personality. Warm, impetuous and generous to a fault, she was almost pathetically grateful for any show of affection and painfully self-conscious about her figure which, she believed, had caused her to be type-cast in comic roles and never given the opportunity to tackle more serious parts. In 1947, after a tempestuous wartime affair with an American officer, she married the actor John Le Mesurier who was persuaded to divorce her in 1965 - though only after she had moved her chauffeur-lover into the marital home. It was, however typical of her that she actively encouraged Le Mesurier to remarry and the two remained firm friends until her death. Her lover's subsequent desertion was a bitter blow from which she never fully recovered, though she compensated my involving herself deeply in charity work and becoming a confidante to many of the young actors and actresses with whom she worked. This biography has been written with the help and encouragement of Hattie's surviving son and her many friends, including Barbara Windsor, Clive Dunn, Bill Pertwee and John Le Mesurier. This is the first full biography of one of Britain's best-loved actresses. It reveals the secrets of the sometimes strange and often sad private life that was concealed behind the matronly facade. It is written with the full cooperation and support of Hattie's family and friends.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #311968 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 208 pages

Daily Telegraph, 13th October 2007
`first-rate biography...what an altogether good book this is, excellently researched and infused with a love of it's subject. It should be the model for any future studies'

About the Author
Andy Merriman is the son of the legendary radio scriptwriter Eric Merriman and has himself written for both radio and television. His previous books include A Minor Adjustment, a biography of his daughter Sarah, who has Down's syndrome.

Customer Reviews

Absolutley Amazed
I couldn't put in down, fantastic, I never realised she was so unhappy, and having children that were off the rails, or the fact that eric sykes wasn't allowed to go to her funeral. I highly reccomend this book. Read or you really will miss a fantastic insight in to one our best underated comedy actresses of the 20th century.

A winner!
This was a fascinating and surprising read. I couldn't put it down! It was both touching and funny, giving real insight into personality, beyond the glamorous world of celebrity. It reveals a hugely likeable, witty, warm, generous, strong character, who was also riddled with insecurities. A very human tale, that will bring about a new level of understanding and appreciation of the Carry On era. Highly recommended!

Superb!
This book was fantastic!

As soon as this book arrived, I started reading it. I read it in two sessions and would have read it in one go if it wasn't for other things getting in the way, such as eating and sleeping.

The book pulls no punches and is pretty warts and all, but you feel as though you get to learn so much about Hattie and her character really shines through.

A defnite must if you are a Carry On/Hancock/Sykes fan, but worth it anyway even if you aren't.

A sympathetic, engrossing read with loads of photos and definetly highly recommended!