Luckier Than Most: An Autobiography

by David Tomlinson

Best known for his performances in the films "Mary Poppins" and "Bedknobs and Broomsticks", David Tomlinson has appeared in many films throughout his career. This book is his autobiography and tells of his relationship with Walt Disney and his autistic son.

Genres: Biography

208 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1992

Reviews

[Gina House · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a book I would normally choose to read, but lovely Victoria (Director of the Dean Street Press Ltd. team) thought I would enjoy it. And she was right! Now, I have the urge to watch more of David Tomlinson's movies.

Things I Truly Admire About David Tomlinson:

❊ Extraordinary ability to adapt to stressful and difficult situations
❊ Sense of humor, loyalty and affection for his friends and family
❊ Skill at being polite in even the most challenging circumstances
❊ Continuing zest for life...from humble beginnings in a small, windowless room near Charing Cross looking for any sort of acting job to owning his own property in the country after years of theatrical success.

Favorite Parts From the Book:

- "Often Julie Andrews, a new mother, took me under her wing as well. She cooked for me while I occasionally held the baby."
- "On my birthday, May 7th, 1960, Audrey presented me with our third son—an especially beautiful, especially perfect little boy."
- When Walt Disney assisted in bringing in a consultant for David and Audrey's third child for possible deafness (which he did not have).
- Finding the best person to aid his autistic son when professionals were discouraging and unhelpful.
- Wonderful photographs in two sections of the book.

Overall, I really appreciated learning about DT's life. It completely changed my view of him— in the most positive way. Reading about the human being behind the actor is a powerful thing. I very much encourage you to give this book a try!

Many thanks to DSP for sending me an advance copy of this book to read and review! I'm almost always reading a Dean Street Press book and they never fail to delight me in some way :)

NOTE: For more details about this book, please check out my blog post.

[Dave Dellecese · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting career and life.

[Gerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this autobiography. David Tomlinson seemed like a remarkable man. He had a variety of experiences throughout his lifetime. He had a less than ideal childhood and a cold father. He was a pilot in WWII, overcame tragedy in his personal life, and had a near death experience. He was a successful stage and screen actor. He and his wife created a loving and close knit family with their four boys. Tomlinson struggled to help his son who was diagnosed with autism before people really knew what that meant.

Tomlinson’s brother discovered something about their father when they were adults, which could have ruined the tenuous relationship with their father. But this episode was told with some humor. And didn’t turn out as one would expect.

I don’t know if he was “luckier than most”. But he certainly was an example of how to make the best of your life, take the bad along with the good and not let it defeat you. A good example of not letting your past ruin your future. He was the picture of resilience. This was a very refreshing autobiography that left me happy that I had read it.

#LuckierthanMost #DeanStreetPress

[Simon S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bashed my foot up pretty badly on a walk last week and, in need of comfort-food-for-the-mind, I threw myself into auto/biographies of vintage British actors - Eric Portman, Dennis Price and this, the best of all, Luckier Than Most by David Tomlinson.

Rereleased last year by the peerless @dean_street_press_ltd, it’s a little gem.

Tomlinson writes with such perception, humility, wit and charm.

Aside from his theatrical work and film appearances , Tomlinson had a rich and complex family life: a tragic first wife, a father who kept two families going in broad ignorance of each other, and a son who was one of the first people in the UK to receive an autism diagnosis.

His writes about his friends and family which such affection - particularly the egregious Robert Morley - that you cannot help but warm to him.

A literal tonic.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Mr. Tomlinson.
Emotionally-driven story of his life and legacy, full of vulnerability, acting experiences, family struggles and perseverance. Smiles and tears. I loved it.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid 3.5. The title is apropos. The book seems quite vague. A long life is a short book.

[Summer Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This read like the reminisces of an old gentleman. It wasn't your typical memoir, but was interesting in its own way. Quick read.