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Knight Errant: Memoirs of a Vagabond Actor
£3.60
Robert Stephens is one of the best-loved and most unpredictable of great actors. He has endured good times and bad times, surviving four marriages, countless love affairs, years of hard living and drinking, illness and professional setbacks, and more recently a life-saving kidney and liver transplant operation. In his memoirs we learn how he fell in love with Maggie Smith, was nearly seduced by Marlene Dietrich and rubbed shoulders with, among others, Olivier, Nowl Coward, John Gielgud and Vanessa Redgrave.
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Additional information
| Publisher | 1st Edition 1st Printing (2 Nov. 1995), Hodder & Stoughton Ltd |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Hardcover | 209 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0340649704 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0340649701 |
by Nancy Beiman
Sir Robert Stephens’ life reads in one sense like popular fiction–a poor, abused working-class boy becomes a Knight. It is clear that Stephens regarded his knighthood as the culmination of his career. There are many other high points that are worthy of note, and they are written in a manner that makes it seem that you are having a conversation over dinner with a charming storyteller. There is much to recommend this book. Stephens is a witty raconteur, and there are hilarious and touching stories about the many people with whom he worked. My favorites included the story of Skippy the dog and his fabulous owner Esme, and the disastrous Garcia Lorca play Stephens starred in. There are also very touching (and funny) stories of Stephens’ best friend Jeremy Brett, who apparently saved Stephens’ life on at least one occasion. Under the cheery surface are many desperately unhappy people. Stephens does not apologize for his drinking and womanizing, but he is unable to understand how this might have hurt his wives and friends. There are occasional bitchy descriptions of fellow actors and a very sad portrait of Sir Laurence Olivier. Well, Stephens knew the man, admired him greatly, and is saddened by the fact that the great Olivier was a jealous and unhappy person. You feel the sadness and share in it with him when Stephens must leave the National due to a feud with Olivier. This is a worthy addition to any theatrical book collection, particularly if you want to know more about the early years of the National Theatre and the people in it who worked (and often slept) together.
by Euphemia
He did It his way, as so many actors do, and a lot to do with relationships. More a journey of a vagabond needing to find like minded others; not too judgementally but what a melee they inhabit!
by Booklover
If you’re looking for an opportunity to knock this epic of the classical stage then go ahead! He’s a rogue in rogue’s clothing and what a brilliant rogue he makes. The history of Robert Stephen’s is as much about the loves in his life as the acting but if you wish to separate the two then you may be missing the point. Out of a HARD upbringing this man made himself into someone very special and lived a fascinating life while he did it. If the names Olivier, Brett, Finney …. and every other RSC/60s-80s stage actor, mean anything to you then read this. You’ll probably want to read it again…. like I did.
by Nicola Power
I must be one of his youngest fans. I have always liked Robert Stephens ever since I saw him in a Box Delights and The Winters Tale on BBC. He is a very interesting actor and pretty much tells it how it is. From his early years to his decline and then rise again when he appeared with his son Toby in Shakespeare. A very enjoyable read which sometimes is sad sometimes funny.
by Dr A. L. Czajkowski
Ah, yes, Robert Stephens, whose divine voice has been my ultimate tipple for 20 years. It was amazing what he could do with it as it slipped from a high soft palate, public school drawl to the occasional larynx-plummeting vowel. We were shocked one minute with a rhythmic attack of consonants which then flowed into a lazy, smooth ‘bel canto’ and it oscillated from a gentle, soft tenor to a booming resonant baritone.
This rich and versatile vocal instrument, subjected to a heavy daily dose of camel cigarettes is only one aspect of him, of course, but it haunted me from the tender, influential age of 14. I fell for him as Abner Brown in ‘The Box of Delights’ – an odd pin-up for a teenager of the 80’s – and it certainly influenced the type of man I went for later.
I have been lucky enough to find Ian Bannan’s old copy of ‘Knight Errant’ and there we find RS full of entertaining stories and sadly missed chances.
We find out his side of the story on his break ups with Laurence Olivier and Maggie Smith, feel a great deal of sadness for Tarn Bassett, his second wife and learn about the old luvvies of the early days in the National Theatre. There are entertaining stories of the famous and the not so famous and some interesting insights on productions and films he was in from within. I was pleased to find him a long time partner of Patricia Quinn, who played Sylvia Daisy Pouncer in ‘Box of Delights’ and this sent me back to the dusty video box to re-watch with new eyes. Funnily, he demanded they used some of Hely-Hutchinson’s ‘A Carol Symphony’ as the theme tune and I loved it at the time and bought it as a result never knowing his input.
He must have been a fascinating person to know. He rests lightly on the bad days whereas the good days are full of sunshine and vigour. His career never really seemed to take off as it should but he didn’t have many dull moments either.
After reading this book I really wish I could have met him – even made love to him now I find he was a determined flirt and philanderer. Oh, to have those dulcet tones privately and intimately caressing you inner ear. What a guy!
by Amazon Customer
Received promptly and as described. Very interesting
by Mr. Andrew Towers
Great item, prompt delivery – many thanks!