Born in 1913 in Southport, Lancashire, Anthony Quayle's career embraced every aspect of the actor's trade. It began with music hall in the 1930s and the pre-war Old Vic, then at Stratford-upon-Avon, as Artistic Director from 1948 to 1956, he laid the foundations for what later became the Royal Shakespeare Company. This autobiography, which he finished just before he died, is an account of his childhood and growing-up, of a romantic love story, tales of wartime adventures and his life in the British theatre.