{"product_id":"telling-some-tales","title":"Telling Some Tales","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 2005, Anna Massey was awarded a CBE for services to drama.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDaughter of the Canadian actor, Raymond Massey (perhaps best-known for his role as Dr Gillespie in the TV series \u003ci\u003eDr Killdare\u003c\/i\u003e), and Adrianne Allen (also a very successful stage actress), drama was in her blood. Her brother, Daniel, was a much-acclaimed actor. And even her godfather was one of the great film directors of all time - John Ford.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnna's first marriage was to Jeremy Brett, famous in his later years for his elegantly febrile performance on television as Sherlock Holmes. They had a son, David, together. But it was not a happy relationship and ended in divorce.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn fact, family life was never easy or straightforward. Raymond fled the roost for the United States when Anna was very little, and married again. Adrianne was the most marvellous hostess who filled the house with an exotic mixture of guests, but, as a child, crucial emotional support was supplied by Nanny, who remained with Anna until her death.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom her stage debut in \u003ci\u003eThe Reluctant Debutante\u003c\/i\u003e to her performance in Michael Powell's notorious film, \u003ci\u003ePeeping Tom\u003c\/i\u003e, on through TV successes like \u003ci\u003eThe Pallisers\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eHotel du Lac\u003c\/i\u003e to a range of work in radio, Anna Massey has enjoyed the most remarkable career. And a whole host of extraordinary, often highly eccentric characters make their entrances and exits during its course. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn and off set or stage, there are encounters with the theatrical knights, Olivier, Redgrave, Richardson and Gielgud. Noel Coward takes more than one bow. Great friendships are formed with fellow actors like Alan Rickman, Alec McCowen, Dame Judi Dench, and the playwright, David Hare. And there are inevitable difficulties with directors like Otto Preminger. Anna also has to play the part of hostess to the Duke of Edinburgh - in real life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter all the inevitable vicissitudes and upsets, Anna Massey ends her book with the story of personal happiness, achieved without make-up, lighting or script. \u003ci\u003eTelling Some Tales\u003c\/i\u003e does not kiss and tell, or tell tales out of school. It is the candid, wry, funny and emotional account of a life intensely lived.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cornerstone","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251325784408,"sku":"9780099486947","price":19.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/1295\/4195\/files\/9780099486947_ff8da876-9796-4909-b980-10b2c8d4005d.jpg?v=1764662433","url":"https:\/\/agendabookshop.com\/products\/telling-some-tales","provider":"Agenda Bookshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}