The Kenneth Williams Diaries - Kenneth Williams

Advantages: See Op
Disadvantages: See Op

...This is probably one of the reasons - no, let's be honest, this is the reason - I bought Kenneth Williams' diaries. It certainly wasn't out of admiration for the man: I'd always found him annoying. Sure, I liked the 'Carry On' saga, of which Williams was an integral component but I ignored him and just enjoyed the others. That isn't to take anything away from his abilities as a comedy actor, I believe he did have superb timing and equisite delivery, ...
...around the world. It's just that he was always too nasal and vocally grating for me. I know, features of which are loved by others. But I couldn't resist the diaries. Did I feel any different after reading the 40+ years of journals? No, if anything I disliked him even more, but I did feel so very sorry for him. Such a lonely and emotionally barren man. I pitied him. I really did. His upbringing was a typical working class affair, nothing out of the ... Read review

Advantages: Intimate and intriguing pen portrait
Disadvantages: None

...Kenneth Williams Diaries". Yet, at the same time, I would never have imagined that I could become so intrigued and fascinated by the inane ramblings of an actor and comedian whom I had previously dismissed as being as funny and entertaining as a bout of chronic bronchitis. This book is, as the title explains, a selection of extracts from the 4 million or so words written by actor, broadcaster and comedian Kenneth Williams, best known for his appearances ...
...which list Williams' addresses and the frequent film references throughout the book (Williams being something of a film buff) and an index. There are also three sections of black and white photographs of the public and private Williams. The remainder of the book is Williams' own writing - and what writing it is too. The book starts with a few brief entries which pre-date his career in show business, dealing with his teenage years and National Service, ... Read review

Advantages: You get to meet the REAL Kenneth Williams
Disadvantages: You might not like the real Kenneth Williams

...help yourself. With the diaries of Kenneth Williams, you don't so much saunter down a glittering memory lane, as plunge into a private, squirming hell. Y'see, Kenneth wasn't what he looked, and let's face it, that was an already pretty strange image. Here was a man with blantant homosexual leanings, with which he repulsed himself. He detested and loved the general public simultaneously. He was morbidly afraid of other people's germs, to the point ...
...their need arose. The book is filled with his printable thoughts on many of his co-stars and friends, and much had to be edited out, a sublime job by Russell Davies, as they were deemed unsuitable, and more importantly down right libelous. Considering those that were left in, I'd sell my grandmother to read the unprintable ones! His relationships are complex and torturous. Names are rarely, if ever, given so don't pant with the thought of salacious ... Read review