Peter Ustinov: The Gift of Laughter

by John Miller

Actor, playwright, director, novelist, wit, and raconteur, Peter Ustinov is a show business polymath. He wrote his first play before he was 20, and has since had more than a dozen produced, three of which were later filmed. As an actor his films include Spartacus and Topkapi, for which he won an Academy Award, and he has more recently directed operas in every major opera house in Europe. His one-man show,  An Evening with Peter Ustinov  was hit in London and on Broadway.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Daisy May Johnson]

I tried with this but I just couldn't cope with how it was written and had to quit. It's very complimentary, very "and then Peter told me this in a witty, charming fashion", very admiring, and I just couldn't. This will work very well for somebody else but it did not work for me.

[Bridget Spear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Ustinov 1921 - 2004

I knew he was renowned as an actor, director, writer and wonderful raconteur. And had seen him in many films and on TV.

What I did'nt know, and this book warmly records, is his personal life, his ancestory, and how as a child he showed
his gift for mimicry that continued throughout his career.

Also a historian and above all a wonderful entertainer

[Ray Spencer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry, but this was just TOO fawning. the man could do no wrong - unless you consider ( as I do) his constant avoidance of paying tax, which was lauded throughout.
I gave up! A shame, cos I used to like him as an actor. I am less sure after reading this.
AVOID

[Lily Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had Peter Ustinov in films but knew nothing about his directing or opera work. He was a fascinating character and very talented and this book is a good account of the many facets of his work. There is little about his private life though, so I didn't feel I knew him any better at the end. Enjoyable read nevertheless.

[Darla Ebert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ustinov was a talented and captivating personality. I had wished for more anecdotes in this particular biography. Still and all it is an informative read especially the early years of the Ustinov family.

[Jayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

A long slow read, it was great for sending me to sleep!