'When Harry Met Sheila' is the story of highly-acclaimed comedy actress Sheila Steafel and her relationship with 'Steptoe and Son' actor Harry H. Corbett. This autobiography looks at how a woman, with the world at her feet, ultimately saw her life unravel thanks to a broken marriage and an unfulfilled career.
I came to this with high expectations. Sheila Steafel is a fond memory from my childhood, appearing on lots of comedy shows in those distant black and white days. She also appears in lots of films. Fame, alas, eluded her - she was never an 'A-list' performer, though she does have a loyal following. I would include myself in that group.
I was disappointed in the book because it never really engages the reader. It has that feel of an actors memoir, light on detail, partisan and a reluctance to name
I came to this with high expectations. Sheila Steafel is a fond memory from my childhood, appearing on lots of comedy shows in those distant black and white days. She also appears in lots of films. Fame, alas, eluded her - she was never an 'A-list' performer, though she does have a loyal following. I would include myself in that group.
I was disappointed in the book because it never really engages the reader. It has that feel of an actors memoir, light on detail, partisan and a reluctance to name names. Her main claim to fame (and I suppose the selling point of the book) is her (brief) marriage to Harry H Corbett, the star of 'Steptoe and Son' (a much loved, highly regarded comedy show of the 60's - 70's). But the problem is that they weren't married for long and it doesn't seem to have been a particularly happy union. The rest of the book is a rally against her lack of success and her numerous affairs, one of which was the actor Michael Horden. Reading between the lines I wonder if she was judged for her behaviour by the industry? Perhaps she wasn't discreet enough? It certainly doesn't seem to occur to her in these pages. I don't know if that's true, it's my perception. I certainly don't rush to judgement; A woman with independance and a healthy sexuality, how very modern. More power to you I say!
The book seems small and unengaging. The chapters are tiny, only a few pages. It has so much in it; Unhappy childhood in a white jewish family in South Africa, a long journey alone to London to try to be an actress etc. Surely there's the makings of a great story there? Unfortunately this book isn't it. Sorry Sheila.
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