Doing Justice to Justice.
For those
of our readers who are unfamiliar with the name James Robertson Justice, shame
upon you. For those of you who are, then you’re in for a real treat.
James Robertson Justice: “What’s The Bleeding
Time?†A Biography,
by James Hogg (assisted by Retro’s regular columnist and author Robert Sellers,
and also Howard Watson) is a wonderful insight into the life of this amazing
and charismatic actor.
If you
thought the lives of David Niven and Peter Ustinov were fascinating, then add
James Robertson Justice to this elite bunch of theatrical raconteurs. Long-time
friend of the Royal family, Justice saw action in both the Spanish Civil War
and WWWII. He was a racing driver, a professional ice hockey player, and was
elected Rector of Edinburgh University twice! However, it is his screen
performances that we all remember and associate him with; those where he played
a commanding figure in high authority, like the head of a college, or surgeon
general of a hospital, especially that of Sir Lancelot Spratt in the famed
British comedy ‘Doctor’ series.
I’m not
going to divulge anymore, for this is a book you must read. Tomahawk Press, one
of the best independent publishing houses of niche market title books in the
world, are to be applauded for bringing this excellent tome to add to our
library of movie books. Superbly researched, handsomely illustrated (both
B&W and colour), I cannot highly recommend this enough. So far, my best
book of the last six months. If you love British film history and British film
comedy, plus want to read about the most eccentrics of actors, then this is for
you. Oh, and when I said he was a ‘friend’ of the Royal family, then one only
has to look to the foreword – it’s by H.R.H. The Duke Of Edinburgh. Need I say
more? - Dave Worrall
Click here to order from Amazon UK
Click here to order from the Cinema Retro Amazon Movie Book Store for USA orders