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Just Williams: An Autobiography
Excellent Book
252 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1985
3 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Kenneth Williams
58 books21 followersLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Kenneth Williams was an English comic actor and comedian, star of 26 Carry On films, numerous British television shows, and radio comedies with Tony Hancock and Kenneth Horne.
His professional career began in 1948 in repertory theatre. Failure to become a serious dramatic actor disappointed him, but his potential as a comic performer gave him his break when he was spotted playing the Dauphin in George Bernard Shaw's St Joan in 1954 by radio producer Dennis Main Wilson. Main Wilson was casting Hancock's Half Hour, a radio series starring Tony Hancock. Playing mostly funny voice roles, Williams stayed in the series almost to the end, five years later. His nasal, whiny, camp-cockney inflections (epitomised in his "Stop messing about...!" catchphrase) became popular with listeners.
He joined Kenneth Horne in Beyond Our Ken (1958–1964), and its sequel, Round the Horne (1965–1968). His roles in Round the Horne included Rambling Syd Rumpo, the eccentric folk singer; Dr Chou En Ginsberg, MA (failed), Oriental criminal mastermind; J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock, telephone heavy breather and dirty old man; and Sandy of the camp couple Julian and Sandy (Julian was played by Hugh Paddick). Their double act was notable for double entendres and Polari, the homosexual slang.
Williams worked regularly in British film during the 1960s and 1970s, mainly in the Carry On series (1958–1978) with its British double entendre-laced humour. He appeared in the series more than any other actor. He often criticised Carry On films, his own performances and those of others, considering them beneath him. Despite this, he spoke fondly of the Carry On films in interviews. Peter Rogers, producer of the series, recollected, "Kenneth was worth taking care of because, while he cost very little – £5,000 a film, he made a great deal of money for the franchise."
Williams was a regular on the BBC radio panel game Just a Minute from its second season in 1968 until his death. On television he was a frequent contributor to the 1973-1974 revival of What's My Line?, hosted the weekly entertainment show International Cabaret and was a reader for the children's story-reading series Jackanory on BBC1. He appeared on Michael Parkinson's chat show on eight occasions, during which he told anecdotes from his career. Williams was a stand-in host on the Wogan talk show in 1986.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Kenneth Williams was an English comic actor and comedian, star of 26 Carry On films, numerous British television shows, and radio comedies with Tony Hancock and Kenneth Horne.
His professional career began in 1948 in repertory theatre. Failure to become a serious dramatic actor disappointed him, but his potential as a comic performer gave him his break when he was spotted playing the Dauphin in George Bernard Shaw's St Joan in 1954 by radio producer Dennis Main Wilson. Main Wilson was casting Hancock's Half Hour, a radio series starring Tony Hancock. Playing mostly funny voice roles, Williams stayed in the series almost to the end, five years later. His nasal, whiny, camp-cockney inflections (epitomised in his "Stop messing about...!" catchphrase) became popular with listeners.
He joined Kenneth Horne in Beyond Our Ken (1958–1964), and its sequel, Round the Horne (1965–1968). His roles in Round the Horne included Rambling Syd Rumpo, the eccentric folk singer; Dr Chou En Ginsberg, MA (failed), Oriental criminal mastermind; J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock, telephone heavy breather and dirty old man; and Sandy of the camp couple Julian and Sandy (Julian was played by Hugh Paddick). Their double act was notable for double entendres and Polari, the homosexual slang.
Williams worked regularly in British film during the 1960s and 1970s, mainly in the Carry On series (1958–1978) with its British double entendre-laced humour. He appeared in the series more than any other actor. He often criticised Carry On films, his own performances and those of others, considering them beneath him. Despite this, he spoke fondly of the Carry On films in interviews. Peter Rogers, producer of the series, recollected, "Kenneth was worth taking care of because, while he cost very little – £5,000 a film, he made a great deal of money for the franchise."
Williams was a regular on the BBC radio panel game Just a Minute from its second season in 1968 until his death. On television he was a frequent contributor to the 1973-1974 revival of What's My Line?, hosted the weekly entertainment show International Cabaret and was a reader for the children's story-reading series Jackanory on BBC1. He appeared on Michael Parkinson's chat show on eight occasions, during which he told anecdotes from his career. Williams was a stand-in host on the Wogan talk show in 1986.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 2, 2024
The delightful nasal whine of Kenneth Williams resonates throughout this book, which is full of amusing, and sometimes pathetic, anecdotes of his career. A light-hearted autobiography that is gentle on the reader who is definitely not inclined to shout, "Ah, stop messing about!"
March 26, 2008
When i went to London I wanted to get something so 'English' that it would put a stamp on my head that I was on this great island. What I bought was Kenneth Williams' autobiography, who is basically totally unknown in this country. I know his name via the diaries of Joe Orton (worth ten points alone) and that he was in the 'Carry On" series. Which I gather never played in the U.S.
This was something like bangers and Mash, or a deep appreciation of music like the Kinks' Village Green Preservation Society album (which by the way is the greatest pop album ever). Anywho I became sort of obsessed with Kenneth Williams, because I felt he was the secret key that opened up Briitsh pop culture from the late 50's to the 70''s. And the fact that he is sort of a walking 'Morrissey' reference type of character makes it a must. Oh, and the book is good!
This was something like bangers and Mash, or a deep appreciation of music like the Kinks' Village Green Preservation Society album (which by the way is the greatest pop album ever). Anywho I became sort of obsessed with Kenneth Williams, because I felt he was the secret key that opened up Briitsh pop culture from the late 50's to the 70''s. And the fact that he is sort of a walking 'Morrissey' reference type of character makes it a must. Oh, and the book is good!
October 14, 2020
While working in YouTube, this audio book popped up. I generally don't listen to audio books, but it wasn't just about Kenneth Williams, but READ by him, too. This is the ONLY away to take this in. Williams does what would be expected of him, he doesn't just read his story, he performs it. The famous voices and a slew of imitations make this a wonderful piece!
Sure, there is plenty missing and lots gone around, but as a whole, this is prefect! The stories of growing up, the military, early theatre, movies, radio, fun with Maggie Smith, etc., etc. Hilarious stuff in this! Favorite are his tales of a lesser of the 'Carry On' films with Phil Silvers. His Silvers tales are along the lines of just about everyone who has told Silvers tales. This time around, it all gets the Williams treatment. Hilarious.
I could listen to many hours more...even if Williams had made it all up! :)
Bottom line: i recommend the AUDIO version. 10 out of 10 points.
Sure, there is plenty missing and lots gone around, but as a whole, this is prefect! The stories of growing up, the military, early theatre, movies, radio, fun with Maggie Smith, etc., etc. Hilarious stuff in this! Favorite are his tales of a lesser of the 'Carry On' films with Phil Silvers. His Silvers tales are along the lines of just about everyone who has told Silvers tales. This time around, it all gets the Williams treatment. Hilarious.
I could listen to many hours more...even if Williams had made it all up! :)
Bottom line: i recommend the AUDIO version. 10 out of 10 points.
February 9, 2016
An enjoyable if rather dry autobiography by the late comic actor. Full of dates and facts, but lacking in feeling.
August 12, 2022
I couldn't help reading this in Kenneth William's voice!
There are some humorous tit-bits here and amusing conversations between Williams and his many co-stars, showbiz peeps and industry folk. The part about Williams being in the Army is quite funny as well.
Overall though, not an amazing autobiography. More of a read to pass the time.
There are some humorous tit-bits here and amusing conversations between Williams and his many co-stars, showbiz peeps and industry folk. The part about Williams being in the Army is quite funny as well.
Overall though, not an amazing autobiography. More of a read to pass the time.
unread
February 6, 2024definitely gonna try reading this one from the beginning again at some point, not right now though bc i tried picking it up again and got bored 😭 also i need to get my 'currently reading' list down...
February 10, 2016
Got drawn in to the easy read rapidly and found it interesting and fun until he left the army and then it became VERY tedious indeed,lots of name dropping and facts and read like a C.V,it became less funny and a bit of a chore,glad i have finished it,as always i did like the pictures !
April 24, 2024
An interesting , but not what I expected of his autobiography. I must admit I expected it to be funny because of his humorous roles , but this was much more serious. I did enjoy reading about the times in the carry on film sets and his friendship with the glorious Hattie Jacques, and rather poignantly the great Barbara Windsor who passed away in December.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2022
This is the start of a 4 book Kenneth Williams book marathon for me. So I decided to begin with his autobiography first, to get his public face. The character of Kenneth Williams that he shared with people. Next will be his Diaries which I think will definitely delve deeper than this"guarded" autobiography. Then the more warm book of his letters and finally an in-depth biography. So let's begin.
I sometimes get put off by some autobiographies as the author tends to name drop and the books end up quite dry. Or even an intricate list of what the writer has done without much fleshing out. Kenneth's book isn't one of those but it's not exactly overflowing with his wit, or I feel, his anecdotal prowess. I'd recommend it to people who want a glimpse at the private Williams but it doesn't scratch enough of the man to give it 5 stars. It moves along at a healthy pace and doesn't drag in any places. It does seem at the end that he just ends it rather than looking forward to his next project or concluding it satisfactorily. No big dreams or even big regrets.
So for any Carry On fans wanting any insights, you aren't going to get any. Not even a hint in anyway whom he liked or disliked; or much about the film's in general. In fact, as with other parts of his life, they seem to be skimmed over without too much fleshing out. I think he could have gone more in-depth with parts of his life but then it would have been more than just one volume. So perhaps he didn't want to put too much detail in because after one book he had done enough book writing. It appears as he chose highlights of years from his diaries. As the book is chronological and doesn't have specific chapters devoted to certain subjects, which I feel would have helped the narrative. Even his duo with Hugh Paddick, Julian and Sandy gets a couple of sentences.
I do think it was a missed opportunity but as a base line for looking into his life it's an ok start. I'd say give it a go if you have even the slightest interest in finding out about Kenneth.
I sometimes get put off by some autobiographies as the author tends to name drop and the books end up quite dry. Or even an intricate list of what the writer has done without much fleshing out. Kenneth's book isn't one of those but it's not exactly overflowing with his wit, or I feel, his anecdotal prowess. I'd recommend it to people who want a glimpse at the private Williams but it doesn't scratch enough of the man to give it 5 stars. It moves along at a healthy pace and doesn't drag in any places. It does seem at the end that he just ends it rather than looking forward to his next project or concluding it satisfactorily. No big dreams or even big regrets.
So for any Carry On fans wanting any insights, you aren't going to get any. Not even a hint in anyway whom he liked or disliked; or much about the film's in general. In fact, as with other parts of his life, they seem to be skimmed over without too much fleshing out. I think he could have gone more in-depth with parts of his life but then it would have been more than just one volume. So perhaps he didn't want to put too much detail in because after one book he had done enough book writing. It appears as he chose highlights of years from his diaries. As the book is chronological and doesn't have specific chapters devoted to certain subjects, which I feel would have helped the narrative. Even his duo with Hugh Paddick, Julian and Sandy gets a couple of sentences.
I do think it was a missed opportunity but as a base line for looking into his life it's an ok start. I'd say give it a go if you have even the slightest interest in finding out about Kenneth.
August 26, 2021
Always wondered about Kenneth Williams life and it certainly was filled with ambition and determination to succeed in the acting profession - starting from being a very comedic/confident child! You could honestly hear his voice reading his autobiography with his way of words and was fun to hear about his projects and stories from behind the 'Carry On...' films! You don't get actors like him anymore!
October 12, 2023
I just love this actor and I was quite sad when he died in 1988. When I went to Scotland in 1998 and saw all these books about Carry On and specifically about Kenneth Williams, I had to buy them all. This one is really interesting and I will need to read it again in the near future.
August 23, 2017
The bittersweet autobiography by Kenneth Williams. His frustration at some of his low-brow work is tangible throughout. Fascinating man and a terrific read. Written beautifully.
December 29, 2018
Light, chatty, charming.
November 29, 2019
loved it!
gossipy and articulate,
just what you want in a memoir...carry on, kenneth!
gossipy and articulate,
just what you want in a memoir...carry on, kenneth!
January 12, 2021
A strange person in many respects this is a fascinating book.
July 21, 2020
Such an entertaining bloke in the Carry On films! Really funny. I didn't know how well educated he was until I read this. I also wasn't aware of how much radio and theatre he did. I assumed he sort of sat around waiting for the next Carry On film to come around again. On the contrary! He was very busy and a really talented writer. After reading this I liked him even more. A rewarding read!
July 4, 2014
Kenneth Williams tells (almost) all about his life and career, from being called up in World War II, to his beginning on the stage, and his success in cabaret...and, of course, the Carry On films.
An easy read, you find yourself being drawn into the worlds Kenneth Williams inhabited. The cover photograph shows a tantalizing glimpse of his famous diaries, which were later edited by Russell Davies and published in the early 90s.
An easy read, you find yourself being drawn into the worlds Kenneth Williams inhabited. The cover photograph shows a tantalizing glimpse of his famous diaries, which were later edited by Russell Davies and published in the early 90s.
November 27, 2012
"A fan club is a group of people who tell an actor he's not alone in the way he feels about himself."
– Kenneth Williams
– Kenneth Williams
November 10, 2017
vwery good really enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews