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One of Britain's best-loved comic actors, Peter Bowles is perhaps most famous for his role as nouveau riche lord of the manor, Richard de Vere, in the hit television comedy To the Manor Born. The show earned itself cult sit-com status when it first aired in the 1970s and 80s and, as the success of the 2007 Christmas special showed, it continues to be hugely popular around the world. Now, in this witty, charming and colourful memoir, Peter Bowles recalls experiences and anecdotes from the time as well as from countless other productions he has worked on during more than half a century in the business. From his early days at Stratford under the direction of John Osborne to roles on iconic television programmes like The Avengers and The Irish R.M., to his current work with the great Peter Hall, Peter Bowles has worked, and laughed, with some of the biggest names in British drama. Funny, candid and warming in equal measure, Peter Bowlesis the very personal story of this inspiring and quintessentially British actor.
Peter Bowles invites us backstage to witness the job of acting as it really is. This is a warm-hearted look at the lived experience of a jobbing actor – and a survival guide to anyone thinking of entering this most emotionally gruelling of industries. Behind the Curtain is the inside scoop on ‘the profession’as told by a master raconteur – one who has trodden the boards in the West End for five decades. Armed with an array of classic anecdotes, Bowles shares some of the infamous ad-libs, opening night disasters and dressingroom dramas that he has been party to over the years. Full of sage advice about the pitfalls of celebrity and thefluctuating fortunes of an actor – and his own journey fromTV stardom to the labour exchange and back again. With tales of some biggest personalities in the historyof showbiz such as Michael Gambon, Noel Coward,Rex Harrison, Laurence Olivier & John Gielgud, this is a book that captures the acting professionin all its eccentric glory.
In his examination of a wide array of court papers from Albemarle County, a rural Virginia slaveholding community, Kirt von Daacke argues against the commonly held belief that southern whites saw free blacks only as a menace. Von Daacke reveals instead a more easygoing interracial social order in Albemarle County that existed for more than two generations after the Revolution—stretching to the mid-nineteenth century and beyond—despite fears engendered by Gabriel’s Rebellion and the Haitian Revolution. Freedom Has a Face tells the stories of free blacks who worked hard to carve out comfortable spaces for existence. They were denied full freedom, but they were neither slaves without mast...
Calling on seventy-five years of memories and lessons learned, Emilie Griffin reflects on the beauty and struggle of aging. Hers is a deceptively simple spiritual path--motivated only by a desire to be close to the Lord. Ideal for both individuals and discussion groups.
"Jill presents a TV drama/documentary series and is filming a reunion between Vic, a convicted robber, and Douglas who, seventeen years ealier, foiled his bank-raid attempt ... Vic ... is [now] a rich TV personality while Douglas ... lapsed into shabby obscurity ... will history repeat itself, or will justice finally be served?--P. [4] of cover.
With crisp dialog, outrageous characters, and an absurd sense of humor, it's no wonder British sitcoms are so well-loved! Best of the Britcoms covers the most noteworthy situation comedies ever to cross the pond. Each entry combines a show summary with descriptions of standout episodes and behind-the-scenes details, plus gives you production data and full cast listings. And now, the revised edition of this Britcom classic contains seven new chapters on programs that have aired in the U.S. since the original edition was published, such as The Office, Extras, and My Family. Fans of old-school Britcoms won't be disappointed either, as the revised edition also includes the later developments of older series' storylines and detailed information on specials and cast reunions that have occurred in the intervening years. Pick up this book, kick back, and get to know a Britcom!
"Set in the Villa of I Tatti outside Florence in 1937, under the menacing shadow of Mussolini, The Old Masters explores the turbulent relationship between the famous art historian Bernard Berenson and the notorious art dealer Joseph Duveen, as they edge towards an explosive final encounter." "The Old Masters premiered at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in June 2004, and later transferred to the Comedy Theatre, London."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Hanover County, Virginia was erected from New Kent in 1720, which itself had been formed from York County in 1654. (In 1742 Hanover lost that portion now embraced by Louisa County.) Most of the records of the Hanover County Court were destroyed at the end of the Civil War, which is why those that did survive, the subject of this book, are of the utmost importance. Confining itself to Chancery Wills and Notes, this work consists of copies or abstracts of bills and petitions, wills and deeds, powers of attorney, administrators' accounts, depositions, receipts, and letters, bearing reference, in total, to some 7,000 persons. In the treatment and presentation of the Notes the object was to extract every detail of genealogical, biographical, and historical significance, and to arrange such matter alphabetically and chronologically in relation to families. In the treatment of the wills the aim was to provide either a comprehensive abridgement or an authentic verbatim copy. Possessing a complete name index, this is the starting point for genealogical research in Hanover County.
What role should ambition play in our lives? Our culture generally buys the American Dream that yes, we can fulfill all our aspirations. But to seek personal power and fame in the competitive world of Western culture has a dark side. Ambition can be subtle and enticing, leading to great unhappiness. Questions about ambition are more urgent now than they have ever been. What is ambition, exactly, and is it okay to be ambitious? What part does self-esteem play in personal growth and productivity? Can the ego's drive to get ahead and make a name for oneself lead to obsession or a growing narcissism? Does the desire to do one's best constitute ambition, or faithfulness to one's calling? Can personal character and integrity be eroded by too much celebrity and success? The writers in this book address these complex questions about ambition in a variety of ways and in wonderfully different voices. The pieces range from personal musings to thought experiments and more formal reflections. With elegance and wisdom, the writers raise and reflect on the question that lies at our most intimate core of being and at the very center of our culture.
In a career spanning six decades, director of photography Alan Hume has worked on over 100 films and television shows and progressed through the ranks from a young clapper boy to one of the best lighting cameramen in the business. From early films with David Lean, through the popular Carry On series, Amicus horror, four James Bonds, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, A Fish Called Wanda, Shirley Valentine, Stepping Out, and others, Alan Hume has worked alongside some of the most acclaimed directors and producers and biggest film stars. The memoir, from his evacuation as a child in World War II to his retirement, includes a collection of rare photographs, both in front of and behind the camera. He explains technical details and insights of the industry while divulging anecdotes about celebrities and filmmaking. It concludes with a summary of the technological changes throughout his career and to the present, and a full filmography. With great good humor, Hume offers an incomparable tour behind the camera.