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Dear Me
Sir Peter Ustinov's beautifully crafted autobiography is told with exquisite wit and insight. From his birth in April 1921, it spans his extraordinary career as actor, playwright, film star and director, confirming his early belief that he is 'irrevocably betrothed to laughter'. Ustinov's renowned gift for mimicry is exploited to the full in Dear Me . Eccentric relatives, school masters, sergeant majors and manic Hollywood moguls are all brought unforgettably to life.
Audio Cassette
First published October 3, 1977
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About the author
Peter Ustinov
148 books55 followersSir Peter Alexander Ustinov, CBE, was a English actor, writer and dramatist.
He was also renowned as a filmmaker, theatre and opera director, director, stage designer, screenwriter, comedian, humorist, newspaper and magazine columnist, radio broadcaster and television presenter.
A noted wit and raconteur, he was, for much of his career, a fixture on television talk shows and lecture circuits, as well as a respected intellectual and diplomat who, in addition to his various academic posts, served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and President of the World Federalist Movement.
Ustinov was the winner of numerous awards over his life, including Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Golden Globes and BAFTA Awards, as well the recipient of governmental honours from, amongst others, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. He displayed a unique cultural versatility that has frequently earned him the accolade of a Renaissance Man.
He was also renowned as a filmmaker, theatre and opera director, director, stage designer, screenwriter, comedian, humorist, newspaper and magazine columnist, radio broadcaster and television presenter.
A noted wit and raconteur, he was, for much of his career, a fixture on television talk shows and lecture circuits, as well as a respected intellectual and diplomat who, in addition to his various academic posts, served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and President of the World Federalist Movement.
Ustinov was the winner of numerous awards over his life, including Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Golden Globes and BAFTA Awards, as well the recipient of governmental honours from, amongst others, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. He displayed a unique cultural versatility that has frequently earned him the accolade of a Renaissance Man.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
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December 20, 2019Reading The Mystery of the Blue Train, Hercule Poirot led me to recall Peter Ustinov's autobiography - although I don't think he mentions playing him there, indeed the book strengthen the impression that he was a good raconteur who got in the lazy habit of appearing in indifferent films for easy money. But it gave him a comfortable life I suppose. The implicit idea that this is what all celebrities do is suggested by an anecdote of shortly before his imminent divorce his wife (possibly wife #1) believes he does nothing while neighbour Frank Sinatra constantly practises his singing at which point neighbour Frank is seen changing the record.
Other stories give perhaps a better sense of his story telling style, his parent Russian refugees from Germany, or maybe German refugees from Russia arrive in England his father noticing that Englishmen of a certain class wear a monocle adopts the habit of wearing two monocles to appear doubly English. While at his school sports day his mother is persuaded to participate in a race for parents and does very well for the first ten metres were upon she collapses laughing overwhelmed by the sense of the inherent ridiculousness of it all and has to be stretchered off the field to receive medical attention.
Later during WWII Ustinov finds himself turned down for Officer training in the British army, in Ustinov's opinion because he was over qualified, with men of Goldilocks intelligence being preferred over those with like himself, more considerable intellectual powers.
Other stories give perhaps a better sense of his story telling style, his parent Russian refugees from Germany, or maybe German refugees from Russia arrive in England his father noticing that Englishmen of a certain class wear a monocle adopts the habit of wearing two monocles to appear doubly English. While at his school sports day his mother is persuaded to participate in a race for parents and does very well for the first ten metres were upon she collapses laughing overwhelmed by the sense of the inherent ridiculousness of it all and has to be stretchered off the field to receive medical attention.
Later during WWII Ustinov finds himself turned down for Officer training in the British army, in Ustinov's opinion because he was over qualified, with men of Goldilocks intelligence being preferred over those with like himself, more considerable intellectual powers.
December 9, 2020
So good to smile while working at home, to hear the great comedy voice of Peter Ustinov, reading his own autobiography with an incredible talent of numerous dialect, you feel like the book is being read by many different characters from all nationalities...
This expertise in dialectic and physical comedy made him a regular guest of talk show hosts and late-night comedians. His witty and multidimensional humour was legendary, and he later published a collection of his jokes and quotations summarizing his wide popularity as a raconteur, this shows through so much in his audible autobiography "Dear Me"
He was also an internationally acclaimed TV journalist. Ustinov covered over 100,000 miles and visited more than 30 Russian cities during the making of his well-received BBC television series Russia (1986).
In his autobiographies, "Dear Me" (1977) and "My Russia" (1996), Ustinov revealed his observations on his life, career, and his multicultural and multi-ethnic background. He wrote and directed numerous stage plays, successfully presenting them in several countries. His drama, "Photo Finish", was staged in New York, London and St. Petersburg, Russia, where Ustinov directed the acclaimed production, starring Elena Solovey and Pyotr Shelokhonov.
In addition to his acting and writing, Ustinov served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and a president of WFM, a global citizens movement. He was knighted in 1990. From 1971 until his death in 2004, Ustinov lived in a château in Bursins, Vaud, Switzerland.
Such an intelligent, witty man with a wicked dry sense of humour, his stories of so many actors, and also using these actors voices so perfectly made this audible so interesting.
A lifelong friend of David Niven, so talented in languages speaking Russian, German, Spanish, French as well as English, a talent as an actor, writer and director. He surely lived life to the full and enjoyed it !
He was knighted in the 1990 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to drama.
He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1975 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to drama.
Was the Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF from 1968 until his death in 2004.
During WWII Pvt. Peter Ustinov was batman to Lt Col David Niven.
He died of heart failure on March 28, 2004, in a clinic in Genolier, Vaud, Switzerland. His funeral service was held at Geneva's historic Cathedral of St. Pierre, and he was laid to rest in the village cemetery of Bursins. He was survived by three daughters (Tamara, Pavla, and Andrea) and one son (Igor). His epitaph may be gleaned from his comment, "I am an international citizen conceived in Russia, born in England, working in Hollywood, living in Switzerland, and touring the World".
This expertise in dialectic and physical comedy made him a regular guest of talk show hosts and late-night comedians. His witty and multidimensional humour was legendary, and he later published a collection of his jokes and quotations summarizing his wide popularity as a raconteur, this shows through so much in his audible autobiography "Dear Me"
He was also an internationally acclaimed TV journalist. Ustinov covered over 100,000 miles and visited more than 30 Russian cities during the making of his well-received BBC television series Russia (1986).
In his autobiographies, "Dear Me" (1977) and "My Russia" (1996), Ustinov revealed his observations on his life, career, and his multicultural and multi-ethnic background. He wrote and directed numerous stage plays, successfully presenting them in several countries. His drama, "Photo Finish", was staged in New York, London and St. Petersburg, Russia, where Ustinov directed the acclaimed production, starring Elena Solovey and Pyotr Shelokhonov.
In addition to his acting and writing, Ustinov served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and a president of WFM, a global citizens movement. He was knighted in 1990. From 1971 until his death in 2004, Ustinov lived in a château in Bursins, Vaud, Switzerland.
Such an intelligent, witty man with a wicked dry sense of humour, his stories of so many actors, and also using these actors voices so perfectly made this audible so interesting.
A lifelong friend of David Niven, so talented in languages speaking Russian, German, Spanish, French as well as English, a talent as an actor, writer and director. He surely lived life to the full and enjoyed it !
He was knighted in the 1990 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to drama.
He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1975 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to drama.
Was the Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF from 1968 until his death in 2004.
During WWII Pvt. Peter Ustinov was batman to Lt Col David Niven.
He died of heart failure on March 28, 2004, in a clinic in Genolier, Vaud, Switzerland. His funeral service was held at Geneva's historic Cathedral of St. Pierre, and he was laid to rest in the village cemetery of Bursins. He was survived by three daughters (Tamara, Pavla, and Andrea) and one son (Igor). His epitaph may be gleaned from his comment, "I am an international citizen conceived in Russia, born in England, working in Hollywood, living in Switzerland, and touring the World".
November 8, 2017
Sir Peter Ustinov's autobiography goes from his birth in April 1921, and spans his extraordinary career as actor, playwright, film star and director to the mid to late 1970's.
Narrated by the author, Ustinov's renowned gift for mimicry is exploited to the full in Dear Me.
I found it interesting and entertaining, as Peter always is on interview/talk shows. He is a storyteller who is a joy to listen to.
Would I listen to the audiobook again? Yes, I read the book back in the 90's and this is the second time that I have listened to the audiobook.
An enjoyable, entertaining read/listen.
If you like the review and would like to read my other reviews on books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres...... like, comment and follow.
December 14, 2016
I saw Peter Ustinov live, where he talked about his life. He was so entertaining, I remember laughing until I cried. Somehow, this did not come through in his biography. I'm not sure if it is because the writing is a bit dated, or if I just was expecting something else.
The first few chapters focus on his parents, grandparents etc. rather than his own life. Even once Peter entered his own story, it remained quite dark rather than the humorous story I was hoping for. This book is on my 'unfinished' shelf as it failed to deliver for me. (I think I got about a third of the way through it.)
The first few chapters focus on his parents, grandparents etc. rather than his own life. Even once Peter entered his own story, it remained quite dark rather than the humorous story I was hoping for. This book is on my 'unfinished' shelf as it failed to deliver for me. (I think I got about a third of the way through it.)
July 21, 2011
I thought this was dull. Although he can write, he didn't actually tell you anything. Had dinner with Frank Sinatra. So??? What happened???? One or two funny anecdotes but no personal information about acting or his feelings.
September 9, 2018
I loved the opening chapters of this classic memoir, but the story dragged for me a bit toward the end. This is often the way with biography/autobiography - the tension is all in the early years, when the subject is not yet sure of making a success of whatever they want to do or become. Once success is affirmed, that tension dissipates. But the other thing I found oddly galling were the 'dialogues' between Ustinov and the 'Me' he holds dear. These often debate points of politics that are no longer the sensitive issues they might have been in the 1960s or 1970s, so they leave me a bit cold (as does most politics, TBH). All in all, it's a good book and worth reading if you remember Ustinov fondly, as I do.
September 11, 2007
No idea how I came across this book. Turns out to be an absolute gem. The funniest autobiography I have read. Ustinov is very witty. This book makes fantastic light reading.
read-partially
May 24, 2010RE: _Dear Me_ by Peter Ustinov
I believe I discovered this book in the bibliography of _Royal Feud_.
An Amazon customer review by Thomas Duff says:
===============================================
"Dear Me by Peter Ustinov is an autobiography of the actor/screenwriter/playwright. I'm not a big film fan, and I can't say I've seen any of his acting roles or stories. But as an avid reader, I greatly enjoyed his way with words. The book takes you from his birth through 1977 when it was penned. The writing style is unique, in that he's carrying on a conversation with his internal self, or ego. The ego interjects at the end of most chapters (or at the start in some cases) and attempts to draw Ustinov out when it comes to some of his motives and thought processes. The writing is funny and sharp, as he has a great sense of irony and sarcasm. While not a encyclopedia of his life, it does dwell on many of the life episodes (like the Army) that turned him into what he became.
"If you're a fan of Ustinov, then you'll likely enjoy the book a great deal. Even if you're Ustinov-ignorant like me, it's worth the time to watch how an accomplished writer can spin a tale..."
FROM: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0749...
=======================================================
PS-Another customer review on the same web page said:
" ... so many quotes that have held up through the years. Most notably; "Your friends are not always the people you like best, more likely they are the people that got there first." Don't know what the previous reviewer is talking about, that alone made the book worth reading..."
I believe I discovered this book in the bibliography of _Royal Feud_.
An Amazon customer review by Thomas Duff says:
===============================================
"Dear Me by Peter Ustinov is an autobiography of the actor/screenwriter/playwright. I'm not a big film fan, and I can't say I've seen any of his acting roles or stories. But as an avid reader, I greatly enjoyed his way with words. The book takes you from his birth through 1977 when it was penned. The writing style is unique, in that he's carrying on a conversation with his internal self, or ego. The ego interjects at the end of most chapters (or at the start in some cases) and attempts to draw Ustinov out when it comes to some of his motives and thought processes. The writing is funny and sharp, as he has a great sense of irony and sarcasm. While not a encyclopedia of his life, it does dwell on many of the life episodes (like the Army) that turned him into what he became.
"If you're a fan of Ustinov, then you'll likely enjoy the book a great deal. Even if you're Ustinov-ignorant like me, it's worth the time to watch how an accomplished writer can spin a tale..."
FROM: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0749...
=======================================================
PS-Another customer review on the same web page said:
" ... so many quotes that have held up through the years. Most notably; "Your friends are not always the people you like best, more likely they are the people that got there first." Don't know what the previous reviewer is talking about, that alone made the book worth reading..."
January 4, 2017
I've never rated Ustinov highly as an actor as I've found the performances of his that I've seen to be clever but somewhat superficial. I can't remember ever feeling moved by him in a film and I've got little time for all that Hercule Poirot shite. However, I recently watched an interview with him (an extra on the DVD of Spartacus), and realised that here was one of the great speakers of the English language. I could have listened to him all day and it's obviously not for nothing that he became a famous raconteur often hired to get up on a stage and just prattle on for a couple of hours.
This book demonstrates further what a magnificent command of language he had and the way he uses words is a pleasure in itself to read. As you would expect, he's also very witty, sometimes hilariously so, but I also found much to appreciate in the more reflective moments, and his thoughts on a range of subjects from acting to the death penalty are very eloquently expressed.
There's quite a lot about his family and childhood at the beginning, but I found all of it interesting. The later years seemed a bit rushed in comparison, but you know you've read a good book when it leaves you wanting more.
I'll end with an anecdote of my own. In the '80s in London, a friend of mine (who was at the time a teenager) was being attacked in the street by a gang of skinheads. A cab pulled up and a man in his 60s sprang out and confronted them, telling them they should be ashamed of themselves and to leave my friend alone. They all ran away. That man was Peter Ustinov.
This book demonstrates further what a magnificent command of language he had and the way he uses words is a pleasure in itself to read. As you would expect, he's also very witty, sometimes hilariously so, but I also found much to appreciate in the more reflective moments, and his thoughts on a range of subjects from acting to the death penalty are very eloquently expressed.
There's quite a lot about his family and childhood at the beginning, but I found all of it interesting. The later years seemed a bit rushed in comparison, but you know you've read a good book when it leaves you wanting more.
I'll end with an anecdote of my own. In the '80s in London, a friend of mine (who was at the time a teenager) was being attacked in the street by a gang of skinheads. A cab pulled up and a man in his 60s sprang out and confronted them, telling them they should be ashamed of themselves and to leave my friend alone. They all ran away. That man was Peter Ustinov.
November 26, 2020
For a clever, comic writer like Ustinov, I thought the book lacked humor, and was so self-consciously erudite that it verged on being pretentious.
I was also put-off by how very little of Ustinov himself was in the book. He spent a great deal of time detailing his family history, and delving into his parent's lives and their motivations, and not much time on his own. When he does "open up", he simply gives his intellectual opinions of various matters, and shares very little of himself on a personal level.
There's a sense of opinionated disdain that permeates Ustinov's writing, a kind of pseudo-sophistication which suggests that Ustinov felt he was above including any interesting anecdotes for fear they would be seen as mere gossip -- and that would never do! He's self-deprecating at times, but he also "stands upon his dignity" which makes the modesty seem contrived.
In the end, it wasn't a bad read -- Ustinov had a marvelous skill with prose. But, ultimately, it's an unrevealing, uninformative and, in a what is probably the most fatal flaw for an autobiography, and uninteresting book.
I was also put-off by how very little of Ustinov himself was in the book. He spent a great deal of time detailing his family history, and delving into his parent's lives and their motivations, and not much time on his own. When he does "open up", he simply gives his intellectual opinions of various matters, and shares very little of himself on a personal level.
There's a sense of opinionated disdain that permeates Ustinov's writing, a kind of pseudo-sophistication which suggests that Ustinov felt he was above including any interesting anecdotes for fear they would be seen as mere gossip -- and that would never do! He's self-deprecating at times, but he also "stands upon his dignity" which makes the modesty seem contrived.
In the end, it wasn't a bad read -- Ustinov had a marvelous skill with prose. But, ultimately, it's an unrevealing, uninformative and, in a what is probably the most fatal flaw for an autobiography, and uninteresting book.
February 11, 2017
Having heard Ustinov speak and knowing him to be a great raconteur, I eagerly bought this book many years ago. Totally bored and disappointed I didn't even finish it.
March 17, 2024
If it doesn't quite make five stars, it's only because the second half lacks the brilliance of the first. Ustinov himself states that there's more interest for him writing about his formative years than his working years, so perhaps there was an argument for settling what the book was actually to be about before writing it.
That said, there are few books I've felt more compelled to read bits out of to my wife, or for her to ask to hear. Endlessly fascinating and hilarious, like the man himself.
That said, there are few books I've felt more compelled to read bits out of to my wife, or for her to ask to hear. Endlessly fascinating and hilarious, like the man himself.
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November 13, 2024Great fun! As he always was
April 27, 2021
Such an interesting and funny man. This book was written in 1977, so missed out the last 27 years of his life. Sir Peter was the Stephen Fry of my youth, the person you'd invite for dinner. I grew up listening to many of the anecdotes that are in the book from his numerous appearances on Parkinson. Listening to this on audible allowed for his accents, many fluent languages and impersonations to come out how he intended.
April 2, 2011
Fascinating autobiography of one of my favorite actors. A genuine renaissance man and raconteur. If you enjoyed seeing him interviewed on shows like Dick Cavett etc., you'll love this book. Acting aside, if you're a fan of humorous fiction, check out his novel KRUMNAGEL. (If you can find a copy.)
May 19, 2017
An entertaining autobiography. A little long perhaps, but told with humour. Sir Ustinov was a great storyteller, and he enlivens the story of his life with many little anecdotes about his contemporaries.
December 15, 2017
I normally don't touch abridged books but in this case I wanted to listen to the audiobook because he himself is the narrator...big mistake. Ustinov completely fails to be the funny raconteur that I know he was famous for. Read the book.
July 9, 2009
Ok I suppose.I would rather listen to him than read about his life.
May 31, 2015
"Comunicar é a arte de ser entendido".
September 2, 2017
If all autobiographies were this charming and fascinating, I wouldn't be able to read anything else.
May 10, 2022
The man was a genius but this must be the worst thing he did; pompous and self-aggrandising. The David Niven books are incalculably better.
May 18, 2021
Ustinov has a voice entirely his own, witty, sparkling, cosmopolitan. He writes rather well too, and has natural storytelling ability to spare. I am particularly taken with his account of his early years and his affectionately cruel portraits of his parents and various nannies and headmasters. Some of my favorite bits include how he was convinced he was a motorcar when he was a child, his first paid (anonymous) writing gig spying on his classmate at boarding school who happened to be the German ambassador's son, the firing ofhis nanny Miss OR, his requested branch upon induction into hte British military (tanks, so he could enter into battle sitting down).
All in all, excellent light reading, good for passing the time.
It's perhaps unfortunate that the interest wanes considerable as Ustinov gets older. Years go by with no more remark than "I did such and such a film and wrote such and such a play". He also starts skating over anything painful or difficult. We hear him tell us rather matter-of-factedly that his second marriage ended , and hope that he will elaborate and reveal something more, but he never does.
Ustinov reading the book himself in audio form should be the preferred method of encountering this work. He was a great mimic and acts out all the parts with their various verbal tics and voices quite amusingly.
All in all, excellent light reading, good for passing the time.
It's perhaps unfortunate that the interest wanes considerable as Ustinov gets older. Years go by with no more remark than "I did such and such a film and wrote such and such a play". He also starts skating over anything painful or difficult. We hear him tell us rather matter-of-factedly that his second marriage ended , and hope that he will elaborate and reveal something more, but he never does.
Ustinov reading the book himself in audio form should be the preferred method of encountering this work. He was a great mimic and acts out all the parts with their various verbal tics and voices quite amusingly.
November 27, 2019
Peter Ustinov didn't just have an interesting life. He had an interesting background and he spends the first forty pages or so writing about his ancestors who came from numerous different countries. It's fair to say that there were a few eccentrics along the way, too!
The childhood years and National Service days are written about in considerable detail. Admittedly, there can be an air of pretentiousness about Ustinov's style, but there is no small amount of wit either. Careerwise, Ustinov had a number of strings to his bow and he writes about some of his projects in detail, other more fleetingly. He also uses his 'Dear Me' device, where he effectively talks to himself. Some of this works well in clarifying thoughts and tying up loose-ends , but it becomes rather excessive as the book goes on. Indeed, his life story seems to just fizzle out towards the end with Ustinov seemingly more interested in name-dropping and showing off his not inconsiderable intelligence.
Still, there was a lot to enjoy along the way.
The childhood years and National Service days are written about in considerable detail. Admittedly, there can be an air of pretentiousness about Ustinov's style, but there is no small amount of wit either. Careerwise, Ustinov had a number of strings to his bow and he writes about some of his projects in detail, other more fleetingly. He also uses his 'Dear Me' device, where he effectively talks to himself. Some of this works well in clarifying thoughts and tying up loose-ends , but it becomes rather excessive as the book goes on. Indeed, his life story seems to just fizzle out towards the end with Ustinov seemingly more interested in name-dropping and showing off his not inconsiderable intelligence.
Still, there was a lot to enjoy along the way.
June 24, 2023
Before I read this book or even knew that Peter Ustinov wrote things, I had watched a couple or so of movies in which he's acted. Given his proportions, he worked well for those comic roles.
And then I somehow came to know more about him and my appreciation for this talented actor grew. He's penned a lot of non-fiction, and many novels, novellas, short stories and plays. I think he's also composed music and more. Thus, we can call him an all-rounder, pun intended.
Dear Me: Peter Ustinov was engaging especially since I was about 13 and an introvert.
Try it before you buy it: DEAR ME - Peter Ustinov reads from his autobiography. (Part 1).
And then I somehow came to know more about him and my appreciation for this talented actor grew. He's penned a lot of non-fiction, and many novels, novellas, short stories and plays. I think he's also composed music and more. Thus, we can call him an all-rounder, pun intended.
Dear Me: Peter Ustinov was engaging especially since I was about 13 and an introvert.
Try it before you buy it: DEAR ME - Peter Ustinov reads from his autobiography. (Part 1).
April 22, 2024
Peter Ustinov was best known for his acclaimed character roles in such international film productions as Spartacus, Quo Vadis, Topkapi, Billy Budd, Viva Max and Logan's Run. Less known today is that he was also an acclaimed playwright and filmmaker in his own right. With forebears from Russia, Germany, Great Britain and Ethiopia, his heritage and mastery of several foreign languages were truly remarkable. A noted wit and raconteur, he has much to say in this autobiography about his upbringing, career as a British Army Private in WWII, his three marriages and role in raising his children. He pontificates at length about the arts, culture, mores and politics of the world of fifty years ago. While he tells interesting stories about the international film community including those about world renown directors and actors, it would have been a more interesting book if he had more to say about the most notable films he starred in, rather than merely giving some of them only the briefest mention. That's why I rate the book three out of five stars.
June 24, 2023
I read this in my late teens and loved it. Some of the stories I have remembered ever since. I saw Ustinov live over 10 years later and he was wonderful. With all of his varied talents, I think that eventually he settled for being ‘Peter Ustinov’.
Coming back to this book over 40 years later, I was disappointed. It doesn’t live up to my memory of it, but then I have read a lot more books since then to compare it with. The conversations with himself now seemed mannered. Also, he seems to lose interest after the end of the war and the rest of the story is rushed through. There is no explanation of how a moderately successful actor, director and writer becomes the confidante of presidents and prime ministers. It is a huge leap that really needed more context. Similarly with the play-writing (did it stop?) and the acting career.
I feel that I am being mean to my younger self.
Coming back to this book over 40 years later, I was disappointed. It doesn’t live up to my memory of it, but then I have read a lot more books since then to compare it with. The conversations with himself now seemed mannered. Also, he seems to lose interest after the end of the war and the rest of the story is rushed through. There is no explanation of how a moderately successful actor, director and writer becomes the confidante of presidents and prime ministers. It is a huge leap that really needed more context. Similarly with the play-writing (did it stop?) and the acting career.
I feel that I am being mean to my younger self.
March 9, 2020
Thanks Jan Roker for mentioning this book in a recent comment. I don't know why I had missed it, but I have made up now and it is a great reading experience. What a guy! Ustinov could do it all in the film and theatre arts. Playwright, author, actor, director of films, plays and opera, as well as being a superb raconteur. A man of Russia, England and France he set a standard that will not be reached again. This book has so many outstanding passages that it is hard to summarise them all, except to highlight the statement on democracy that he recorded for the BBC when he was working in the US. It should be required reading for every child growing up, particularly those in Russia and China.
May 30, 2025
As I was growing up in the United States, I always enjoyed seeing Peter Ustinov as a guest on programs like ‘The Jack Paar Show’. He was a brilliant raconteur and could imitate not just famous people’ accents but their facial expressions as well. He was a polyglot and a highly cultivated man. His performances in ‘Spartacus’, ‘Quo Vadis’, and ‘Barefoot in Athens’ were stellar. I was delighted to find a copy of this book and I found it larded with anecdotes not just from Ustinov’s own life but the lives of his ancestors as well, quite an international troupe. I learned a great deal about his theatrical output—he was quite a prolific playwright and designed theatrical sets. He was truly a renaissance man and I intend to find his other books as soon as I can.
December 15, 2024
“Dear Me” by Peter Ustinov is an autobiographical work filled with humor, wit, and introspection. In this memoir, Ustinov reflects on his life as an actor, playwright, and director, recounting his experiences with a blend of self-deprecation and keen observation. The book is structured as a series of anecdotes and personal reflections, revealing his relationships, professional achievements, and his perspective on the human condition. Ustinov’s narrative captures his eclectic career and complex identity, navigating themes of creativity, fame, and personal growth. With his trademark charm, he offers a candid and entertaining glimpse into the life of a celebrated artist and intellectual.
November 9, 2024
I read this book not long after it came out. I was about eight or nine. The library assistant asked me if l was allowed adult books. I replied that it was nothing l couldn't handle...hehe.
It was funny and l was given suspicious looks from behind the library desk. But l just found him to be so witty and interesting and you just wished that you could have a grandad like that!
It covered the famous people he met and also l seem to remember he liked food? Is that right?
So, l shall be hunting down another copy and having another go! If l can find it!
I will report back!
It was funny and l was given suspicious looks from behind the library desk. But l just found him to be so witty and interesting and you just wished that you could have a grandad like that!
It covered the famous people he met and also l seem to remember he liked food? Is that right?
So, l shall be hunting down another copy and having another go! If l can find it!
I will report back!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews