So Much Love

by Beryl Reid

book

Genres: Biography

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Vicuña · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard Beryl Reid when she played character roles on the radio in the 1950s. She was very funny as both Monica, the schoolgirl and Marlene, a character with a distinct accent who starred on Educating Archie. This featured ventriloquist Peter Brough and his puppet; it worked well on radio as his ventriloquist skills were dreadful.

Beryl made me laugh and over the years I watched her in numerous films and thought her talent for acting was largely unrivalled. Although widely known for comedy, she could turn her hand equally well to drama and pathos in films such as Entertaining Mr Sloane and as Connie Sachs in Smileys People. She was an excellent character actor and rather underrated. I found a used copy of her autobiography and it’s a true delight.

She writes with ease and takes the reader on a journey through her life. It’s packed with theatre and film anecdotes, witty, frank and often touching. She was a gifted entertainer, worked incredibly hard and her insight into her life on the road in theatre productions shows her dedication to her chosen profession. This is a lively, refreshing and highly enjoyable autobiography.

[Ian McNair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beryl remembers everything. Every detail is included in this witty autobiography. We hardly ever see such versatility these days. She was a singer, dancer, impressionist, comic and a serious actress. Sadly missed.

[P. W. Lapwing · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is actress Beryl Reid's autobiography. Beryl Reid will be known th John Le Carre fans for her portrayal of Connie in the BBC adaptation of "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" and "Smiley's People.
As an auto-biography I found it "scrappy" and lacking in "substance". Perhaps its because I'm not a great cat lover ...