Every Richard Burton fan should read this - a fascinating insight into the man, his thoughts, ramblings, demons, passions. Melyvn Bragg's biography quotes extensively from these but nothing beats reading them, and there's a fair bit to go around- it's not consistent, with great gaps at key periods, but there is a lot, particularly in the late 60s and early 70s.
It's all there - constant talk to "E"; ramblings about politics, sport, human nature, the industry; accounts of the making of various films; traveling to various glamorous locales. I was aware Burton was a great reader though not how passionately and consistently - as he himself writes at one stage, literature, not acting or theatre or films, was the great love of his life. He read all sorts of books too: the classics, biographies, histories, pulp, classy pulp.
I didn't realise how much of a family man he was - even though the kids didn't live with them most of the time they are always turning up for breaks and the diary entries are full of concerns for what they've been up to.
The most comprehensive behind the scenes accounts concern Raid on Rommell, Staircase, Boom, Villain, Taming of the Shrew, Anne of a Thousand Days, Assassination of Trotsky, Bluebeard plus the early 80s revival of Camelot.
The most entertaining bits are (sorry have to admit it) the bitch sessions - slagging off on actors (Elliot Gould), directors (Franco Zefferelli). He goes back and forth on Joe Losey. There are some fascinating "I remember when" bits, especially recalling getting contracted to Alex Korda, making My Cousin Rachel, the making of Cleopatra. There's also things like watching Alexander the Great on TV, making fun of Ice Palace.
There is a lot of genuine affection and admiration for Taylor (with whom he had a healthy sex life) and his family, mixed in with concern. His marriage to Susan Hunt clearly had good times too. He is enthusiastic about Welsh rugby and has interesting things to say about other actors.
The most moving entries concern his drinking - self loathing, little congratulatory moments when he cuts down on his drinking. It's a very big book but is very gripping.
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