sharon_geitz's review
4.0
Delgado was both a very private individual, and from all accounts a lovely person. so this is a biography that is free from sensation and scandal, even the mildly sensational information of an unhappy first marriage is recounted sensitively and with respect for all parties involved. Delgado was a prolific British character actor and much of the book consists of a litany of Delgado's roles over his working life, making the book as much about the cultural history of the period, particularly mid twentieth century British television production. It was, of course towards the end of his career that Delgado took on the role for which he is most remembered, and for which he provided the defining and definitive performance, that of the Master in Doctor Who. . This is definitely a book for the serious Doctor Who fan, but it also contains interest for anyone with an interest in mid twentieth century pop culture, especially early British television production.
(Using this as my biography for the summer read, although it could also be my Australian author for the summer read.)
(Using this as my biography for the summer read, although it could also be my Australian author for the summer read.)
sharon4d046's review
4.0
Delgado was both a very private individual, and from all accounts a lovely person. so this is a biography that is free from sensation and scandal, even the mildly sensational information of an unhappy first marriage is recounted sensitively and with respect for all parties involved. Delgado was a prolific British character actor and much of the book consists of a litany of Delgado's roles over his working life, making the book as much about the cultural history of the period, particularly mid twentieth century British television production. It was, of course towards the end of his career that Delgado took on the role for which he is most remembered, and for which he provided the defining and definitive performance, that of the Master in Doctor Who. . This is definitely a book for the serious Doctor Who fan, but it also contains interest for anyone with an interest in mid twentieth century pop culture, especially early British television production.
(Using this as my biography for the summer read, although it could also be my Australian author for the summer read.)
(Using this as my biography for the summer read, although it could also be my Australian author for the summer read.)
lokster71's review
3.0
I enjoyed reading this. It does suffer the problem that similar books of its type do, which is that it becomes less about Delgado the person and more about Delgado the actor. There are not many interviews with Delgado and most of the quotes from interviews and conversations with other people in his life seem to revolve around his career. Hardly anyone, with the possible exception of Victor Pemberton.
What do we know about Delgado by the end of this book? That he was professional, tidy and kind. But we don't really know what made him tick. Why did he give up a career in banking to become an actor for example? Who knows. There is a paucity of information, which Harmes does a good job of contextualizing - by comparing Delgado's career with other actors for example. Actually, there was a similar issue with Karen Louise Hollis's biography of Anthony Ainley. You get hints of what they were like but they both are hard to pin down.
Also, Harmes does a superb job of clearing some of the myths that have grown up around his life and career. He also manages to show the breadth and development of Delgado's career. It does make you wonder how his career would have gone had he lived. Would he have come back to Doctor Who?
It's a good solid career biography of a fine actor and - by all accounts - a kind man.
What do we know about Delgado by the end of this book? That he was professional, tidy and kind. But we don't really know what made him tick. Why did he give up a career in banking to become an actor for example? Who knows. There is a paucity of information, which Harmes does a good job of contextualizing - by comparing Delgado's career with other actors for example. Actually, there was a similar issue with Karen Louise Hollis's biography of Anthony Ainley. You get hints of what they were like but they both are hard to pin down.
Also, Harmes does a superb job of clearing some of the myths that have grown up around his life and career. He also manages to show the breadth and development of Delgado's career. It does make you wonder how his career would have gone had he lived. Would he have come back to Doctor Who?
It's a good solid career biography of a fine actor and - by all accounts - a kind man.
More...