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Lucky Little Devil!
It is almost 25 years since a summer season at the Gaiety Theatre in Douglas first brought Norman Wisdom to the Isle of Man = and he has superglued himself to the place more or less ever since.
No one should be surprised by the binding love affair. It was simply thought to be. scripted by fate and sealed by the invisible forces of mutual attraction.
Both are small but exceedingly well formed. Both are famous for trips. Both have built themselves up on a spirit of fierce independence, unshakeable self-belief and doing things their own way. And over many years, both have attracted huge audiences and given pleasure and joy to millions.
In this book, which includes previously unpublished photographs from his own treasured collection, Norman Wisdom proudly welcomes us into the Isle of Man home he designed himself and takes us on a round-island tour to some of his favourite places.
Co-author and Manxman Bill Dale adds to this fascinating insight by telling of the amazing rise (and arise) of one of Britain's greatest comedy legends - and reports that even though he's fast approaching 90, Sir Norman Wisdom shows very little sign of slowing down.
No one should be surprised by the binding love affair. It was simply thought to be. scripted by fate and sealed by the invisible forces of mutual attraction.
Both are small but exceedingly well formed. Both are famous for trips. Both have built themselves up on a spirit of fierce independence, unshakeable self-belief and doing things their own way. And over many years, both have attracted huge audiences and given pleasure and joy to millions.
In this book, which includes previously unpublished photographs from his own treasured collection, Norman Wisdom proudly welcomes us into the Isle of Man home he designed himself and takes us on a round-island tour to some of his favourite places.
Co-author and Manxman Bill Dale adds to this fascinating insight by telling of the amazing rise (and arise) of one of Britain's greatest comedy legends - and reports that even though he's fast approaching 90, Sir Norman Wisdom shows very little sign of slowing down.
104 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2004
9 people want to read
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December 10, 2022
In 'Lucky Little Devil!', Norman Wisdom gives an outline of his life before giving the reader the background to his move to the Isle of Man and then a descriptive and charming tour of the island. His co-author Bill Dale adds some colour to the story from his perspective and the whole gives a superb portrait of a much liked and very funny man whose home was very definitely his castle.
Born in Marylebone, London, Norman had a rather sad and lonely childhood before he set out to make his fortune elsewhere. Even that went wrong at the outset as his mate who had taken him to Cardiff deserted him and he was once again left alone. But things turned out nice again when he landed a job on board a ship and after 'quite a few adventures and one or two harsh lessons in growing up' he found himself back in Wales.
He joined the Army, ending up with the Entertainments Officer telling him, 'Wisdom, you're in the Concert Party'. He states, 'You could have knocked me down with a feather.' But he was on the road to huge success, especially after being spotted by Lord Bernard Delfont. This launched a film career to go with his variety act and he never looked back.
Royal Variety shows, TV success, theatrical friendships that endured a lifetime, worldwide stardom - he was huge in Albania - endless charity work, any number of showbiz awards and eventually a knighthood followed. And, after a summer season at the Gaiety Theatre in Douglas, he decided to buy a property there. He had a house built but as it was being finished he decided that he could find a nicer spot on the island and did so! He named his new purpose built house Ballalaugh and he spent the rest of his days enjoying the Isle of man lifestyle.
And he was a much-loved adopted Manxman as a look at the many photographs from his private collection testify and as well as the freedom of London, he is freeman of Douglas, Isle of Man.
It is a delightful book about someone who was undoubtedly a delightful man . .. now where is that Mr Grimsdale as I must report that pesky Norman Pitkin character?!!
Born in Marylebone, London, Norman had a rather sad and lonely childhood before he set out to make his fortune elsewhere. Even that went wrong at the outset as his mate who had taken him to Cardiff deserted him and he was once again left alone. But things turned out nice again when he landed a job on board a ship and after 'quite a few adventures and one or two harsh lessons in growing up' he found himself back in Wales.
He joined the Army, ending up with the Entertainments Officer telling him, 'Wisdom, you're in the Concert Party'. He states, 'You could have knocked me down with a feather.' But he was on the road to huge success, especially after being spotted by Lord Bernard Delfont. This launched a film career to go with his variety act and he never looked back.
Royal Variety shows, TV success, theatrical friendships that endured a lifetime, worldwide stardom - he was huge in Albania - endless charity work, any number of showbiz awards and eventually a knighthood followed. And, after a summer season at the Gaiety Theatre in Douglas, he decided to buy a property there. He had a house built but as it was being finished he decided that he could find a nicer spot on the island and did so! He named his new purpose built house Ballalaugh and he spent the rest of his days enjoying the Isle of man lifestyle.
And he was a much-loved adopted Manxman as a look at the many photographs from his private collection testify and as well as the freedom of London, he is freeman of Douglas, Isle of Man.
It is a delightful book about someone who was undoubtedly a delightful man . .. now where is that Mr Grimsdale as I must report that pesky Norman Pitkin character?!!
Displaying 1 of 1 review