High Spirits

by Joan Sims

1

Genres: Biography, Autobiography

224 pages, Hardback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Ant Koplowitz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat disappointing autobiography by Joan Sims, lacking enough detail about her work and feelings towards it. The book is infused with a slight sadness about a career that wasn't really totally fulfilled. From middle-age onwards she describes wanting to take on more serious dramatic roles, but for the most part this wasn't to be. This is also a book that once again dispels the myth that famous people are always rich and live in comfort and style. Joan Sims shows the often hand to mouth existence of those in the acting and entertainment industry.

© Koplowitz 2021

[Elvis2 · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first time I saw Joan Sims was on the wonderful series, Only Fools and Horses. She played a very small role as Trigger's Aunt Reenie at a wedding. I was struck by her luminous charm and obvious talent and wondered who she was. I have now watched the series three times, always enjoy seeing her character, and recently read this book.

I liked the description of her childhood as the daughter of a stationmaster. She told of entertaining passengers and it was clear even then that she belonged in entertainment. The book is infused with brief mentions of drinking but she doesn't let us know how devastating a role her alcoholism played in her life until near the end. There is a sadness to Joan and her life story.

Unfortunately, the book is a disappointment. Too much of it is spent listing names of people she worked with and roles she played. That is boring. I found myself skipping pages and that says it all. This could have been a great book but it lacks depth.

[Mikey James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant book from one of the Carry On stars. I agree with some other reviewers though with regards to knowing a bit more details about where she lived and her troubles with alcohol. I guess she just didn’t want it known though. There were lots of behind the scene stories of the Carry On days which I loved reading about but a little to much of who she worked with and when with regards to plays and other bits she was in. Felt liked name dropping a lot. That being said, still a quality book for any Carry On fan.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad story narrated by Joan herself which finishes shortly before her death

[Sid Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Joan ❤️

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this autobiograhy I really enjoyed reading about Joan's life and her good times with all of the Carry On cast. An enjoyable read.

Back Cover Blurb:
For the first time Joan Sims tells of her fascinating life in show business, with funny and touching anecdotes from her celebrated career. Joan Sims appeared in 24 Carry On films. Sadly Joan died in June 2001 and will be sadly missed.

[Carol Cropp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! As a big 'Carry On' fan, Joan Sims has always been a favourite of mine. However I would have liked a bit more detail about what it was like to work with some of the 'Carry On' actors. She was so upbeat and optimistic about the future at the end of the book and yet not long after it was published, she sadly died. She is sorely missed!

[Tony · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book slipped down nice and easily. Kenneth Williams comes out of it looking like a nasty snobby piece of work.

[Anne Homeschooling-Mama · Rating 2 out of 5]

a light read, interesting but not engrossing

[Ipswichblade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting if not very revealing autobiography of the great actress

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read. I enjoyed reading about the Carry-on films and cast.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but would have liked more detail.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely to read and remember her - very sad in parts.