Customer Reviews

Jon Pertwee: The Biography

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I read a biography, I'm hoping for some insight into the personality of the subject. Unfortunately for me, Bernard Bale seems more interested in going through Jon Pertwee's life with emphasis on a series of amusing anecdotes.

While this may have been fine, I got stronger impressions of the author's personality than I did that of the subject. At several points, Mr Bale makes comments which are obviously his opinion on a topic, but which have little to do with Jon Pertwee. For example, saying "Probably today's society has relaxed school rules to a ridiculous level..." (p16) sufficiently annoyed me that I began to dread what other personal opinions Mr Bale would foist upon me.

I was, however, pleased I continued because there is a truly wonderful part of the book awaiting. Jon Pertwee's last wife, Ingeborg, contributes recollections of her life with her husband, which takes up a significant part of the book (p160-237 of 246 pages!) which is a delight to read. It is during this section that we get a window on Jon Pertwee the man, rather than the public figure. (I am actually a little mystified that Ingeborg Pertwee was not listed as the co-author of the book.)

If you are a fan of Jon Pertwee, this book, especially the recollections of Ingeborg Pertwee, will help put his achievements as an actor into perspective with his life. Probably best read in conjunction with Jon Pertwee's final memoir ("I am the Doctor" by Jon Pertwee and David J Howe).

My rating is essentially 2 stars for Bernard Bale's part of the book, and 4 stars for Ingeborg Pertwee's.