Godfrey's Ghost: From Father to Son

Ridley, Nicolas; Hunt, St. John

ISBN 10: 1906263590 ISBN 13: 9781906263591

Publisher: Fantom Films Limited, 2011

Synopsis

Godfrey's Ghost is, at its heart, the story of a father written by his son.

As a young man, Arnold Ridley was chiefly known as the author of the long-running comedy thriller, The Ghost Train. Today he is remembered for his television performances as Private Godfrey, the oldest member of the Dad's Army platoon. But Army came towards the close of a long life, and although Arnold Ridley was Private Godfrey, Private Godfrey was not Arnold Ridley. From humble beginnings living above the family boot-shop in Bath, through the horrors of the Great War, to the life of a celebrated playwright in London's West End.

From unprecedented success and sudden wealth to unforeseen disaster and financial ruin. From the nightmare of another war through painful years of struggle and obscurity to a new, late-flowering fame in a television classic.

Anecdotal, engaging and truthful, Godfrey's Ghost is an affectionate - and often moving - portrait of a remarkable man who, faced with more than his fair share of life's vicissitudes, through love, courage and the kind of well-grounded philosophy that doesn't recognise itself as such, lived his life valiantly and well.

About this title

Review

This is one of the most tender portraits of a parent by a child I have ever read. It's an extraordinarily poignant and emotionally honest account of our desire to protect our children and theirs to protect us, of selfishness and unselfishness, anxiety and letting go. There were some bits that made me cry, others that made me laugh out loud ... --Paul Donovan, author and radio columnist, Sunday Times

A remarkable achievement and a very moving testament to a fascinating man. --Nick Pollard, Former Head of Sky News

About the Author

Nicolas Ridley lives and writes in London.

Edition details

• Publisher: Fantom Films Limited
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1906263590
• ISBN 13: 9781906263591
• Binding: Audio CD