Product Description

In her autobiography, Joan shares memories of co-stars Sid James, Kenneth Williams and Barbara Windsor amongst others. She reveals the darker side of the "Carry On" phenomenon - the static salaries, the breakneck schedules and the less than comfortable working conditions.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #145313 in Books
• Published on: 2000-06-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 212 pages

From the Back Cover
From Nurse Dawson in Carry On Nurse to Mrs Dangle in Carry On Emmanuelle, Joan Sims has appeared in twenty-four Carry On films, and roles such as Belle ('my intimate friends call me Ding Dong') in Carry On Cowboy and Lady Ruff-Diamond in Carry On Up The Khyber have brought her world-wide recognition.

Here Joan Sims shares affectionate memories of co-stars Sid James, Hattie Jacques, Kenneth Williams, Bernard Bresslaw and Barbara Windsor, as well as revealing the darker side of the Carry On phenomenon - the poor salaries, breakneck schedules and less than comfortable working conditions. She remembers the great comedy stars she has appeared alongside - amongst them Frankie Howerd, the Two Ronnies, Stanley Baxter and Victoria Wood. In this nostalgic trip through the very best of film TV and theatre from the last forty years, one of our best-loved actresses tells her story for the first time.

About the Author
Joan Sims
As a long-serving member of the world-famous Carry On team, Joan Sims starred in twenty- four of the classic comedies. She has also appeared in many acclaimed productions in the West End and her film credits include The Belles of St Trinian's with Alastair Sim, The Naked Truth with Peter Sellers, Davy, Trouble in Store, the last ever Ealing Comedy, with Norman Wisdom, and five Doctor films opposite Dirk Bogarde and Leslie Phillips. Joan has over 100 TV credits to her name, most recently she appeared in the acclaimed BBC TV production of Martin Chuzzlewit.

Customer Reviews

A Great Book From The Late Carry On Legend
I bought this book last year as I have been a huge fan of Joan's since watching the Carry On films. It follows her life from a child all the way through until the year 2000 where she appered in the BBC comedy film "The Last Of The Blond Bombshells". It tells of the battles she had through her life and the great people she worked with. Saldy Joan died in June 2001, she will be sadly missed - one of our last great's!

A Classy Lady Carries On
I have been a great fan of Joan Sims since I first saw "Carry On Nurse" in 1959. When possible I tried to see every "Carry On" film that came out. Sadly not all of them had Ms. Sims wonderful talents. Also sad is the fact that most of her films were never shown in the U.S. Her autobiography is a delight. With intelligence and warmth she tells us of her life in show business. We learn of her very private life and her relationship with her Carry On co-stars. There was sadness in her life, but she never feels sorry for herself. A very endearing and funny lady. Most if not all of the "Carry On" cast have died. Joan Sims passing last year was a sad day. A real lady with class.

National treasure
At one point, early in her career, Joan Sims was told that she waould never succeed in tragedy as she had "too happy a face" and how true that is. Even saying the words "Joan Sims" brings a smile to the face as you imagine her in one of her trademark matron roles but sadly her career hit a rocky patch and her personal life was at times unhappy. To read in the later chapters of her being passed over for other actors for recent BBC costume dramas is sad indeed: what a waste of a unique talent in British theatre. I bought and read this book as a tribute to Joan Sims who gave me so much pleasure on film. It's a very good read.