Don't Let the Bastards Grind You Down

Plot

Jaw-dropping tales of legendary excess and bad behaviour from the British stars of the 1950s and 60s, from the author of the bestselling Hellraisers""and Hollywood Hellraisers. Expanding on the winning formula that made Hellraisers' such a success, this book explores the rise and camaraderie of that entire generation of hard-living, boozing actors who ripped apart the staid British theatre and film industry in a trail-blazing ten year period from the mid-50s to the mid-60s. It features actors like Richard Harris, Sean Connery, Alan Bates, Tom Courtney, Albert Finney, Robert Stephens, Terence Stamp, Peter O'Toole, Robert Shaw and Michael Caine. Like David Kynaston's Austerity Britain, this book takes a fresh approach to recent history. Britain of the 50s and 60s will come alive through the vibrant energy and exploits of this revolutionary generation of stars, these hard drinking braggadocios who raised hell in Soho and the West End, then the film capitals of the world, holding an acting award in one hand and a bottle of vodka in the other.