John Fisher (5) (1909–)

Good to have it of course, but Sid is desperately in need of an up to date biography, one that can consider properly his huge impact on the generation that came after him, in particular the camp comedy of Frankie Howerd, Larry Grayson, even Kenny Everett. Also, there are times when Tony Hancock almost IS Sid Field!

The chapter in John Fisher's Funny Way to be a Hero gives a better sense of his act, and London Town (one of his 3 films) has been available on DVD. Just ignore the padding and watch Sid!… (more)

This book did exactly what I hoped it would: it made Sid Field live for someone too young (it's rare that I get the chance to say that, these days!) to remember him as a performer.
The biographical details are skipped over fairly lightly, and we learn little about Sid's life prior to the seven year spell prior to his death, when he had hit the big time. We are, however, given a real insight into why the man became one of this country's most loved comedians and, although I have been warned that his appearance in two feature films did little to enhance his reputation, I shall endeavour to find copies and will enjoy them all the more for the look into what made him tick, which this excellent book provides.… (more)