Peter Cushing: The Complete Memoirs

by Peter Cushing

This lavish new book collects both volumes of Peter Cushing’s memoirs – An Autobiography and Past Forgetting – with extensive unseen material from his private collection. Cushing was widely known as ‘the gentleman of horror’, his kind and sensitive nature a sharp contrast with the Hammer Horror roles that dominated his work from the 1950s onwards. This is Cushing’s own account of his remarkable career, and the devastating sense of loss he suffered following the death of his wife. It offers unparalleled insight to the meticulous professionalism and private torment of a legendary film star.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Autobiography

336 pages, Hardcover

First published April 23, 2013

About the author

Peter Wilton Cushing, OBE was an English actor, known for his many appearances in Hammer Films, in which he played the distinguished-looking but sinister scientist Baron Frankenstein and the vampire hunter Dr. Van Helsing, amongst many other roles, often appearing opposite Christopher Lee, and occasionally Vincent Price. A familiar face on both sides of the Atlantic, his most famous roles outside of "Hammer Horror" include his many appearances as Sherlock Holmes, as Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars (1977) and as the mysterious Doctor in Dr. Who and the Daleks and Daleks – Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D. in 1965 and 1966, two cinema films based on the television series Doctor Who.

Cushing's first appearances in his two most famous roles were in Terence Fisher's films The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) and Dracula (1958). Cushing is closely associated with playing Baron Victor Frankenstein and Van Helsing in a long string of horror films produced by Hammer Film Productions. He later said that career decisions for him meant choosing roles where he knew the audience would accept him. "Who wants to see me as Hamlet? Very few. But millions want to see me as Frankenstein so that's the one I do."

Cushing was often cast opposite the actor Christopher Lee, who became his best friend. "People look at me as if I were some sort of monster, but I can't think why. In my macabre pictures, I have either been a monster-maker or a monster-destroyer, but never a monster. Actually, I'm a gentle fellow. Never harmed a fly. I love animals, and when I'm in the country I'm a keen bird-watcher", he said in an interview published in ABC Film Review in November 1964.

In the mid-1960s, Cushing played the Doctor in two films (Dr. Who and the Daleks and Daleks – Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D.) based on the television series Doctor Who. He decided to play the part as a lovable and avuncular figure to escape from his image as a "horror" actor. "I do get terribly tired with the neighbourhood kids telling me 'My mum says she wouldn't want to meet you in a dark alley'." he said in an interview in 1966.[this quote needs a citation] He appeared in The Avengers and its successor, The New Avengers. In 1986, he played the role of Colonel William Raymond in Biggles. In Space: 1999, he appeared as a Prospero-like character called Raan.

Cushing was one of many stars to guest on the Morecambe and Wise Show — the standing joke in his case being the idea that he was never paid for his appearance. He would appear, week after week, wearily asking hosts Eric and Ernie, "Have you got my five pounds yet?" When Cushing was the subject of This Is Your Life in 1989, one of the guests was Ernie Wise (Morecambe had died in 1984), who promptly presented him with a five pound note, but then, with typical dexterity, extorted it back from him. Cushing was absolutely delighted with this and cried "All these years and I still haven't got my fiver!"

Cushing played Sherlock Holmes many times, starting with Hammer's The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959), the first Holmes film made in colour. Cushing seemed a natural for the part and he played the part with great fidelity to the written character — that of a man who is not always easy to live with or be around — which had not been done up to that point. He followed this up with a performance in 16 episodes of the BBC series Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes (1968), of which only six episodes remain. Finally, Cushing played the detective in old age, in The Masks of Death (1984) for Channel 4.

After Star Wars, Cushing continued appearing in films and television sporadically, as his health allowed. In 1982, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but managed to survive for the remaining 12 years up to his death without surgery, though his health was precarious.

Cushing appeared in a comedy play written by Ernie Wise in The Morecambe and Wise Show on BBC2 in 1969. Throughout the BBC era of the shows he would appear often with More

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is a collection of the late, great Peter Cushing's autobiographies in one handy volume.
While I am a huge fan of Peter Cushings film roles the story of his life outside this area is equally fascinating. Cushing's tales of his early life (in An Autobiography) are very amusing. He tells us of such things as the sweets he used to eat & the comics he read & how he tried to supplement his pocket money to buy these things. The actor's early career is told in enough detail to be entertaining without ever becoming dull.
His second autobiography (Past Forgetting) concentrates more on his roles in the theatre & in all those wonderful old Hammer horror films. As I read I could hear Cushing's voice telling the story in my head & that was a great feeling.

[James Hold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many years ago, it was the late 70s in fact, I met this extremely snobbish Cuban exile who in the course of a conversation asked me who my favorite actor was. It was not something I gave much thot to. I enjoy good stories and if the story is good I feel any competent actor should be able to pull off a credible performance. My answer did not satisfy the snob and he pressed me for a specific name. So I told him I'd always found Peter Cushing to be an effective and entertaining performer whenever I saw him. The snob looked down his nose and said, 'Who?' I told him of some films I'd seen him in. The snob gave a loud snort and walked away. I wasn't especially offended and was glad to see him go.

I suppose I might have mentioned some 'big' name actors such as Spencer Tracy, that moral degenerate whose religious beliefs didn't allow him to divorce his wife but at the same time did not prevent him from committing adultery. Or I could have said Bogart, an actor with no range who played the same character over and over and finally smoked and drank himself to death despite doctors orders to clean himself up. Or the many other greats who died recklessly driving their cars at high speeds or overdosing on drugs; or actresses who 'earned' their roles thanks to their chest size. But no, in the end I feel I was right in choosing Peter Cushing, a reverent man, faithful husband, and teetotaler--whose dedication and hard work gave him the strength of character to tackle a variety of roles that left a bullfrog-voiced Bogart in the dust. (This isn't to say I don't like movies with Bogart in them. It's just saying I don't feel Bogart's presence was what made those movies great.)

All that said, I have to confess being disappointed with this volume. The first part, 'An Autobiography', while interesting, was too abrupt. It gives very little detail about the movies themselves, which is what I most wanted to hear. The second part, 'Past Forgetting', is subtitled 'Memoirs of the Hammer Years', yet once again very little is said about those films themselves. Christopher Lee is mentioned only in passing. And the attempts at humor are terribly forced and ofttimes embarrassing. Generally I don't care for ghost writers but in this case a second set of hands might have benefited in fleshing thing out.

This is not to say one shouldn't read the book. Cushing comes across as a genuinely nice person and his utter devotion to his wife--and the effect of her passing--is truly heart-rending. So hey, Mr Snobby Cuban Exile of the 70s, go ahead and look down your nose and snort all you want. I happen to enjoy the work of someone who was a truly nice human being and a talented, versatile thespian as well. And if you have a problem with that, then the loss is yours; not mine.

[Jim Dooley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really want to give this autobiography collection a higher rating because the presentation of the material is excellent. The publishers have gathered both of Peter Cushing’s autobiographies, AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY and “PAST FORGETTING,” together in one volume. They’ve also included a serialized memoir from 1955 called THE PETER CUSHING STORY, which was obviously used as a mental refresher for AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY, and lots of photographs (which may have been in the original books).

The reason why I must give the overall collection a lower rating is because of the limited information provided about the film productions from the Hammer Film period on. Imagine reading an autobiography of Jonathan Frid and having him mention ... almost in passing ... that he was in a television series called “Dark Shadows” and then talking about only a few things that had happened during that sojourn. That is the issue here. Peter Cushing was incredibly prolific in theater and television, but most people today know him from his film work. Cushing shares some information about that time, but the details are scant.

Having listened to interviews of people who worked with him, mostly the leading ladies, there appears to be unanimous agreement that Peter Cushing was extremely courteous and polite, always professional when working, generous to friends, and sporting a pixie-ish sense of humor. All of those qualities shine through in his words here. In fact, I often found myself thinking how wonderful it would be to have a conversation with him.

However, the death of his wife emotionally devastated him, and AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY began as a form of therapy without any intent to publish. Consequently, he revisits those moments in his life that provide very strong personal associations. Also, using THE PETER CUSHING STORY as a guidepost, it was written before the Hammer Film era began for him. So, the recalling of things that happened during that period is very slim.

Persuaded to publish AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY and having it meet with success, he addressed the paucity of later film information in “PAST FORGETTING” ... supposedly. Yes, there are more details here than there were in the first book, but they are still very limited. Many photographs of moments from those movies are included, but most of the films aren’t mentioned.

For those wanting to learn more about theater and stage work in Great Britain from pre-WWII to the early 1950’s, PETER CUSHING: THE COMPLETE MEMOIRS is “must” reading.

[Andrew Garvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An uneven collection of Peter Cushing's autobiographical writings, this is one of the most purely enjoyable, but also disappointing books I've read in a long time.

I'm not foolish enough to think ANY autobiography is truly honest. They're generally an exercise in entertainment, myth-making and self-promotion. Cushing's might be exactly that. But I don't especially care because the bulk of this volume - 1987's 'An Autobiography' is so incredibly enjoyable to read.

Cushing's England is so delightfully nice and friendly and good and kind that it seems like he conjured it out of his imagination. But he comes across as such a decent, honest man that it feels like he simply must be telling the truth. And he probably is for the most part.

It's just that the England he grew up in and became an early television star in, just doesn't really exist anymore, for both good and bad. His England is one of kind, considerate strangers and wonderful, theatrical friends (OK, you can still find all of that stuff, you might just need to look a bit harder for them).

His stories are bright and gleeful and always positive. From the little black boy whose job it was to follow Oliver Hardy around with a trolley groaning with doughnuts to being the butt of a theatrical prank that saw him convinced he needed to carry a huge iron key around his neck day and night, he tells great little anecdotes about lovely, humorous people.

He writes movingly, and lovingly about his wife Helen. The book's final chapter - on her death is genuinely painful reading but it's a fitting and necessary end to a life story that's a joy to read.

True, the book is disappointingly light on the one thing most people will likely know him best from - his Hammer film career - but that's covered in the second part of this book, 'Past Forgetting: A Memoir of the Hammer Years' (written in 1988) isn't it?

No. Not really. Barely at all. Instead, it's a rambling, poorly edited collection of stories that are individually just as lovely as some of those in the first volume but taken together, feel more like a jumbled mass of material that didn't make the cut first time around.

Cushing is still amusing, self-deprecating, kind and gentlemanly, but it's still a real, and at times, hugely frustrating disappointment. Thirdly, there's a short, previously unreleased essay written in the mid-1950s detailing his life to that point that he obviously used as the basis, over thirty years later, for 'An Autobiography'.

Cushing's 'Complete Memoirs' closes with a fairly comprehensive chronology of his work on stage, television, film and radio and an index littered with publicity photos. And the photographic inserts are all well-chosen and usually meaningful.

Overall, this is (those weaknesses of 'Past Forgetting' aside) almost a blueprint for any celebrity autobiography. Assuming of course, you can find a celebrity as lovable as Peter Cushing.

Good luck with that one.

[Barry Hammond · Rating 3 out of 5]

While not as complete an account of Cushing's life as was David Miller's "Peter Cushing: A Life In Film," Cushing's own memoirs, originally published in two volumes and here presented in one book with new forewords, introductions, and appendixes, have a personality, charm and appeal that's all their own. Fans of the Hammer films will probably appreciate Miller's book more as there are more remembrances of those films and many other stories about Cushing's performances by others, his own recollections are interesting in what they leave out. He, himself, seems far more interested in his stage, Hollywood, and television years than in his films, though fans (except for perhaps those in England) probably have more interest in the latter. Still, it offers a unique and personal view into an extremely gifted and much-appreciated actor. - BH.

[Jamie Manley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s still early in the year, but I have a feeling this will a top contender in the nonfiction category for me. I really enjoyed reading his anecdotes about the friends he met in his journey to be an actor. He talks a lot about “the Hammer Years” and his good friend Christopher Lee. There are also a couple of tidbits about Star Wars. So yes. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. 4.75 stars.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually haven't seen too many of his movies, but I adore him. That said, there is some very old timey casually racist language going on. I guess it's of the time, but meh.

[Jack Haringa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cushing is too much of a gentleman to write some sort of "tell-all" autobiography. Instead, we get a behind-the-scenes view of his stage, television, and film career. What are most apparent are his devotion to his wife Helen (who died in 1971) and his self-deprecation. Cushing also humbly thanks many of his fellow actors for all kids of support throughout his career. It's a pleasant book, but really for die-hard fans

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to use one word to sum up both book and author it would be “Genuine”. Peter Cushing was the product of a bygone age (in fact even 1986, the year in which the first volume was written, seems a bit like that now), and he writes about himself, family, friends and colleagues in the refined, gentlemanly way that anyone who knew of him would expect. He shares his memories with honesty and candour and in doing so leaves us a portrait of a lost world.

In the first volume, “An Autobiography”, we learn a great deal about his personal life and in particular his devotion to his wife Helen, tragically taken from him in 1971. That’s not to say there isn’t plenty about his steely determination to become a professional actor, his early adventures in Hollywood and the trials and tribulations of a television performer in the era of live TV drama. The second volume, “Past Forgetting,” deals with some of the memories of Hammer and his other acting work which was not covered by the first, and does so with good humour and a light touch.

Interestingly there is no mention in either book of his starring role in the “Doctor Who” films, and though there is an anecdote about Eric Morecambe, the vexed question of the unpaid fee is also unexplored. Perhaps he was just too much of a gentleman to bring it up!

Other reviewers have pointed out shortcomings and it would be wrong to deny those, after all any autobiography is bound to be subjective, but even given what’s left out, there’s so much in it, this is one I expect I shall want one day to read again.

[Thomas Radigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Cushing is little known in the USA, but I found this book in the library and found it interesting. Though he had ancestors who were professional actors, his father took up a career as a surveyor and expected his son to do the same. Peter was a poor student at school though, and he did try following his father's footsteps but was unsuccessful. Fortunately Peter managed to get into stage acting anyway after tremendous persistence, and even then had to struggle and overcome physical difficulties.

He had an ironic career, going to Hollywood with help from his father, only to return to Britain during World War Two, trying to join the military but being disqualified, finding a wife with serious health and emotional problems and suffering them himself, but finding continued success in his chosen profession.

He never became a huge star outside of Britain, but his memoirs were still interesting reading.

[April Balasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the risk of sounding like a complete sap, this book made me for more in love with Peter Cushing then I already was. This books made me laugh and cry and gave me better insight into the life of one of the greatest actors that has ever walked this earth. I only wish I could have met the man in person. He was in every meaning of the word a gentleman. His wife Helen was a lucky woman. But I think in truth he was even luckier to have Helen in his life. In Peter Cushing's own words "my life I knew and loved it ended with the passing of my beloved wife Helen." you don't find love like that every day. It's rare, it's pure, it's raw. And I am very glad I got to read about his work and their life together.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I always suspected Peter Cushing was a kind and gentle chap with a mischievous sense of humour. I was brought up on his horror films, not just with Hammer but with the likes of Amicus and Tigon. Star Wars brought him to a new generation in his latter years but, and I discovered this fact a long time ago, it is the fact that he appeared with the great Laurel and Hardy in A Chump at Oxford that I love the most. He was a lucky man in the life he led (apart from the death of his wife which he never truly recovered from) and he was living the dream.

Ray Smillie

[Keith CARTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Cushing is a man from a bygone era, he was a gentleman. If you are looking for a tell all tittle tattle book of his life go elsewhere. Peter Cushing was not that sort of man, he gives an honest, gentle view of his marriage and his working career.Having said all that this book is well worth a read as there are no more of his ilk left. Very very enjoyable.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful recollection of Peter's life and his resilience in the face of adversity. It is a very inspiring read, and there are many lessons in his life that all of us could benefit from learning.

[Mike Malony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful glimpse of this actor, so many movies I now want to see.

[Julio Gagne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only for his fans. Probably drops to two stars for non-fans as his life is not really that interesting.

[Aaron Badgley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this man, and I love this book. It includes both of his autobiographies and a rough draft of his first autobiography. The book is informative, funny and sentimental. He writes well and reveals just enough.

[Chip · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was some really funny stuff in this book, as well as some tender stories when he discusses his wife. Excellent book.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Birthday Present.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating set of memoirs, only a little thin on the Hammer years

[Hilary Scroggie]

This being possibly the most British book I have ever read, I am unable to rate it in stars and must give it 4 out of 5 teacakes.