A Terrible Liar: A Memoir

by Hume Cronyn

``Memory can be a terrible liar,'' notes Cronyn in the foreword, but this candid and witty autobiography seems totally true. Born in 1911 into a prestigious Canadian family, the author left home in 1932 for drama classes in New York and the start of a renowned acting career on stage and screen. Married to actress Jessica Tandy since 1942, Cronyn has also been a successful scriptwriter, director and producer, working with such notables as Eliza Kazan and Alfred Hitchcock. Cronyn's story is a delight, refreshingly free of mean-spirited gossip while crammed with entertaining stories about show-biz friends, including Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor during the chaotic filming of Cleopatra. The modest actor doesn't mention several Oscar nominations, his Tony and Emmy awards or other honors. This is essentially the story of his love for his wife of nearly 50 years, their children and his art. Photos.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

Hardcover

First published October 1, 1991

Reviews

[Raimo Wirkkala · Rating 3 out of 5]

This well-written memoir is, ultimately, just a little bit disappointing for being incomplete. Cronyn only takes us to the mid-60s and thereby deprives the reader the story of so many successes that came to him and Jessica Tandy in subsequent decades.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining for the most part. Useful in terms of learning something about acting. Could have used a better editor.

[John Kues · Rating 4 out of 5]

I add books to my list when I remember reading them, and this one was from around 1991. I could not find mention of the book when I searched for it, but found an interview with Hume and his wife, Jessica Tandy which mentioned the book. It was entertaining and interesting. Somehow they got a lease on an uninhabited island in the Caribbean and built a home there, which was a challenging proposition.

[Cynthia Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the life of a true studied actor. A friendly easy read and very informative. He reveals a sense of humor and humility when it came to his accomplishments. He gives great advise to those who are interested in acting, especially on the stage.

[Pavel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, sensitive and gentle.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassettes. He loved Jessica Tandy So...

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and well written, but it goes only to 1966. I would have preferred to hear more about his later life and less of his childhood.