30 review for Sid James: A Biography

1. 

   5 out of 5

   Sean Peters – Aug 06, 2020

   Covering Sid's early years in South Africa and life as a ladies' hairdresser, his obsession with gambling and women, his questioning by Scotland Yard in a murder case, Hancock's Half Hour and the Carry On films, and Sid's death on stage at the age of 63, Cliff Goodwin reveals the amazing truth behind the legend. Yes Sid James led a full and hectic life and by no means was nothing like his screen persona, many fans will always remember Sid James and the womaniser, dirty old man of the Carry On fil Covering Sid's early years in South Africa and life as a ladies' hairdresser, his obsession with gambling and women, his questioning by Scotland Yard in a murder case, Hancock's Half Hour and the Carry On films, and Sid's death on stage at the age of 63, Cliff Goodwin reveals the amazing truth behind the legend. Yes Sid James led a full and hectic life and by no means was nothing like his screen persona, many fans will always remember Sid James and the womaniser, dirty old man of the Carry On films but he only made 19 Carry On films in a career filled with over 170 films, many television roles, many stage roles and a full career of overworking, mainly due to his need to make money. This book is a true eye opener to me and I am sure many fans, the lovable the lecherous laugh the lived in face, such a well known face of the British cinema , some critics make say the author is a little tough On Sid James, I disagree the author gives us a true story a true biography on a true British icon, but not quite the same lovable rogue in real life. Details of his life have been well researched, and as a film buff who reads many autobiographies and biographies these details are fact, although as fans we are shocked. Yes he had great qualities, a professional actor, friendly and likeable and dependable character actor always on time, always knew his lines, a gentleman (some of the time). Facts that will shock you are is womanising reputation, his severe addiction to gambling, whiskey, cigars, he relentless chasing of female co-stars, he problems through his life with money. Not afraid of hard work as always needing more money for his wife, his children but mainly for the horses, often tricking friends or using friends to help hide his addiction. Three wife's, many girlfriends, seven children a hectic and busy life, many stories will shock you. Highly recommended and well researched book.

2. 

   5 out of 5

   Mikey James – Nov 28, 2019

   If anything, I was hoping this would be longer. I’ve been a fan of Sid from such an early age. It was sad to read about how he washed his hands of his South African family and spent most of what he earned on betting. This was a well written biography and gave some great insights into his life. Definitely recommend reading if you’re a fan of the Carry On team or anything Sid did.

3. 

   5 out of 5

   joe darragh – Apr 25, 2020

   Loved every minute of the book . Sid was worse in real life than he played in the movies

4. 

   4 out of 5

   Colin Winter – Feb 05, 2020

   Very good

5. 

   4 out of 5

   stephen wiseman – Feb 27, 2018

   Interesting Sid's personal life was an amazing read, I still judge him on his professional skills that I have seen and heard. Actors also have a personal life. Interesting Sid's personal life was an amazing read, I still judge him on his professional skills that I have seen and heard. Actors also have a personal life.

6. 

   5 out of 5

   Claire Biggs – Jan 10, 2020

   A good insight into the origins of a comedy legend

7. 

   4 out of 5

   Keith Hudson – Jan 17, 2020

   A Good read and opens up the man behind that laugh

8. 

   4 out of 5

   Doug Thrower – Aug 30, 2012

   An eye opener into Sid's life. An eye opener into Sid's life.

9. 

   5 out of 5

   John –

10. 

    5 out of 5

    james lennie –

11. 

    4 out of 5

    Marcus Cerny –

12. 

    5 out of 5

    Mark Cameron –

13. 

    5 out of 5

    Gemma Trenick –

14. 

    4 out of 5

    Michele Thomas & David thomas –

15. 

    4 out of 5

    Mr A D Kay –

16. 

    5 out of 5

    Shaun –

17. 

    4 out of 5

    Mr Martyn R Nixon –

18. 

    5 out of 5

    ashley cooper –

19. 

    4 out of 5

    Ivan Gaskell –

20. 

    4 out of 5

    Steven Cadger –

21. 

    5 out of 5

    Patrick Cardy –

22. 

    5 out of 5

    Kenneth Denholm –

23. 

    5 out of 5

    Lesli Crighton –

24. 

    5 out of 5

    Catherine Yarrow –

25. 

    5 out of 5

    john clark –

26. 

    5 out of 5

    Igenlode Wordsmith –

27. 

    4 out of 5

    jenny marsh –

28. 

    5 out of 5

    julia humby –

29. 

    5 out of 5

    Cher –

30. 

    4 out of 5

    W Harrison –