Kenneth More

Kenneth More was the living embodiment of British humour; steadfastness and resilience on the film screen and off. Born into a life of wealth in 1914; he fell into show business almost by accident and worked for nearly two decades – including at Londons famous Windmill Theatre – before becoming the icon we know today. After a long; distinguished stint in the Royal Navy during the Second World War; he was discovered by Noël Coward and set on the road to fame. What followed was a string of films we have come to know as the most beloved classics of British cinema; such as Genevieve; Reach for the Sky; The 39 Steps; A Night to Remember; Sink the Bismarck! and Scrooge. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s; his private life was almost as exciting as the roles he played. Following a string of affairs and eleven years of marriage; he made national headlines after running off with a young actress. Then; when a public spat with the head of Britains biggest movie studio damaged his career; he found a new home in television. On screen; Kenneth More fought some courageous battles; but his bravest fight came when Parkinsons disease ended his career in the late 1970s. Nathan Morely has produced a fascinating and insightful biography of one of the most iconic and enduring legends of British cinema; with contributions from fellow actors and directors who worked with him. Among these are Martin Jarvis; Jane Asher; Chris Sarandon; Anneke Wills; Susan Penhaligon; Alvin Rakoff; Peter Medak; Barry MacGregor; and many others.