My Autobiography: The World Was My Lobster

by George Cole, Brian Hawkins

The World Was My Lobster tells the story of George Cole's more than 70 years in the acting profession that began with a walk-on part at the age of 14 in the stage musical The White Horse Inn in 1939, and continues today having included such roles as David Bliss in radio's A Life of Bliss, Flash Harry in the St. Trinian's films, and Arthur Daley in television's Minder.

Genres: Biography

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2013

About the author

George Edward Cole, OBE was an English actor whose career spanned 75 years. He was best known for playing Arthur Daley in the long-running ITV comedy-drama show Minder and Flash Harry in the early St Trinian's films.

(with thanks to Wikipedia)

Reviews

[John Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this a couple of weeks ago. I have fond memories of Minder, and he provides some insight into that. But I was awed also by the depth of his work over a long period of time

[David Highton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads a little like a serial list of his parts, he says he is very private and he does not give much away

[Steve Cann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've thoroughly enjoyed reading George's memoirs, and it's an absorbing and comprehensive review of his life and long career.
He admits he's a very private person, so there's not so much here about his family life per se - don't bother to read this book if you want to know every detail of his personal trials and tribulations.
He chooses to skip over his first marriage completely, and mentions this from the outset - and this is something that we as a reader can respect, & it certainly didn't mar my enjoyment of the book.

It's fascinating to read about how he rose from humble beginnings to become a jobbing actor, and to chase his dream of treading the boards from a very early age. He charts his career very thoroughly and chronologically, giving details about all the key films, TV show and stage productions he's been involved in across the decades - giving many interesting anecdotes along the way.
It's interesting too to see how Alistair Sim inspired and mentored him in his younger years, and to read his account of how this all happened - and how it transformed his fortunes.

There's a nice big chapter devoted completely to his time in Minder, which is of course is what he's going to be most remembered for. I'd imagine most people who choose to read the book will be fans of the show, me included! It's interesting to hear about the circumstances that led to him being offered the role of Arthur Daley & his friendship with Dennis Waterman, & it all makes for a fascinating section of the book.

The book is peppered with warmth, humour and fascinating insights - it made me check out a few of his lesser-known films too, & to appreciate the breadth of roles he's enjoyed over his long career.
All in all, it's a very absorbing and easy-to-read memoir of one of our country's most beloved actors.

[Sandra Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love Autobiographies and this one didn't disappoint ! I like George coles secrecy in it , and not moaning and groaning all the time ! He was a very happy person ! His mentor was Alistair sim and that explains his perfect acting skills ! He excelled himself in minder ! One of the best tv programmes of all time ! I can recommend this to anyone who loved George Cole , its a book you just cant put down !

[Ian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would have been more accurate to call it a bibliography. This book amounts to an impressive list of roles with dates, venues, cast and directors and offers little insight into his life outside film, theatre and tv. Very few anecdotes about actual experiences on set.

[Phil Hodgkiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read about the actor behind Arthur Daley

[Leslie Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellence Through Experience


A most excellent and exciting read giving full insight and unseen aspects into the acting profession. Truly a must read.

[Ray Gomm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pucker

I'm not a great reader but couldn't put this down......totally engaging........well worth reading.....what a Talent he really was .......sadly missed....

[Mitchan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
There is something endearing about Cole (and nostalgic as I grew up watching Minder and listening to Heggerty Haggerty), although it felt like at times he was just reeling off all his roles and not really anything about life experiences.

It's quite an in depth summary of his career during his 20s but not so much about the actual people in his life, relationships etc. He does mention he decided to leave his first wife out and it shows as it feels like a large chunk of his life is missing from the book.

[Colin Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not much of an autobiography; it's more of a walk through all the films, tv and plays that George Cole has appeared in. Very little in the way of personal material and not many anecdotes. I felt a bit cheated to see that there are numerous tables and lists at the end which only reiterate everything that's gone before and seem only to pad out the book. On the plus side there are quite a lot of photographs. Mediocre at best, I'm afraid.

[Michelle Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The will only ever be one Flash Harry for me!

A great trip down memory lane George Cole appeared in many of the old comedies I loved as a child along with the great Alastair Sim, as wells as an appearance in one of my favourite dramas An Inspector Calls and of course the unforgettable Arthur Daley.

George Cole is a private person so this is more about his career films, TV, radio and plays he has appeared in with funny little stories and glimpses in to his private life.

[Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

May be of interest to fans of old British movies, I'm a fan, but not quite that much! I didn't get as far as the Minder years. Poor (ghost) writing lets it down.