Laurence Olivier In His Own Words

Oct 7, 2024 7:26 AM

Author:Laurence Olivier,Laurence Olivier

Regarded by many as the greatest actor of the 20th Century, Laurence Olivier enjoyed a stellar career in film, theatre and television, winning multiple awards along the way from the 1920s to the 1980s.

In this absorbing collection of archive interviews he discusses his schooldays and early acting career; his drama training; his spells as actor-manager running the Old Vic and the National Theatre (which he helped create); his wartime service, and his friendship and collaboration with fellow actors including John Gielgud and Ralph Richardson.

Hear all the highlights from Olivier's legendary life, as he recounts his fascinating story in his own words.

Due to the age and nature of this archive material, the sound quality may vary.

Reviews

Borrowed Time is a witty, creative and exciting tale of manipulation by an alien intelligence, in which the real villain happens to be compound interest.

—— Daniel Tessier , http://www.doctorwhoreviews.co.uk

the writing and acting are so tight they're in danger of cutting off your blood supply

—— Jane Anderson , Radio Times

Cabin Pressure is one of the best written, cast, acted and directed comedies on anywhere.

—— Gillian Reynolds , Daily Telegraph

The more I listen to John Finnemore's Cabin Pressure, the more I think what a stonking masterpiece it is. Perfect in every department.

—— Philip Pullman

no-holds-barred

—— List

very funny but also very moving

—— The London Paper

very funny

—— Hampshire View

there are moments here that shine with the genius for observational comedy for which Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders (the Fatty of the title) are famous

—— Guardian

Dawn writes (with) tenderness, caring and oodles of charm. Well-paced, it's a reminder of why she has been a staple of the British comedy scene since the early 1980s

—— Guernsey Press

Anyone perparing for another dry, identikit celebrity autobiography is going to be delighted by these hilarious memoirs

—— She

French can still cut the comic mustard

—— Time Out

while much of the book's tone is that of the unassailably jolly Dawn we all expect ... other letters are tear-jerkingly poignant and none more so than those she writes to her late father Denys French

—— Daily Express

For all her honesty anyone hoping for a light-hearted romp will be delighted ... While her charm shines throughout, the more intense moments stay with you in a way that most celeb autobiographies can only strive for

—— Sunday Express

you'll be captivated by her witty and warm style

—— Prima

Self-depracating yet never self-pitying, irreverent yet never truly cynical, she comes across as a woman genuinely at ease with herself ... French is engaging company, and at her best she writes about heartbreak and elation with such grace that her book is impossible to dislike

—— Boston Standard

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