In Spite of Myself

In Spite of Myself is the autobiography of actor Christopher Plummer, chronicling his life from childhood in Montreal through his rise to international stage and screen stardom. Plummer recounts his early theatrical work in Canada, his experiences on Broadway and London's West End, and his transition to Hollywood films including The Sound of Music. The memoir covers his relationships with fellow actors and directors, his struggles with alcohol, and his multiple marriages. The book details Plummer's work in classical theater roles, particularly his interpretations of Shakespeare, along with behind-the-scenes stories from major film and television productions spanning over five decades. His interactions with luminaries like Laurence Olivier, Julie Andrews, and Jason Robards populate the narrative. This memoir reveals the complexities of a driven artist who maintained high standards for himself and others while wrestling with personal demons. Through candid self-reflection, Plummer examines the costs and rewards of dedicating one's life to the craft of acting.

Readers call the memoir entertaining but overly long and dense at 656 pages. Many note Plummer's sharp wit and candid storytelling about his career and relationships in theater and film. Readers appreciated: - Behind-the-scenes stories about theater and film productions - Plummer's honest accounts of his drinking and relationship problems - Rich details about mid-century Broadway and London theater scenes - Writing style that captures his speaking voice Common criticisms: - Name-dropping becomes excessive - Too many lengthy tangents and unnecessary details - First third of book moves slowly through childhood - Some found his tone pompous or self-important Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (280+ ratings) "Like having a long dinner with a charming but slightly arrogant friend who won't stop talking" - Goodreads reviewer "Worth reading but needed a stronger editor" - Amazon reviewer

Me: Stories of My Life by Katharine Hepburn The memoir chronicles Hepburn's journey through Hollywood's Golden Age with candid revelations about her relationships with fellow actors and her experiences in theater and film.

What Just Happened by James Ivory This memoir details Ivory's path through international filmmaking and theater, offering insights into the creation of period dramas and collaborations with distinguished performers.

Home by Julie Andrews Andrews recounts her rise from London's music halls to Broadway and Hollywood, sharing stories of her theatrical roots and transformation into a screen legend.

Will by G. Gordon Liddy The autobiography traces Liddy's transformation from actor to producer while navigating the entertainment industry's evolution through multiple decades.

Putting the Rabbit in the Hat by Brian Cox Cox's memoir moves from his Scottish theater roots through classical stage work to contemporary screen success, paralleling Plummer's journey through multiple entertainment mediums.

🎭 In his memoir, Christopher Plummer reveals he initially disliked his iconic role as Captain von Trapp in "The Sound of Music," referring to it as "The Sound of Mucus" 📝 The book's title "In Spite of Myself" reflects Plummer's self-deprecating nature and his belief that he succeeded in his career despite his own rebellious tendencies and occasional self-sabotage 🎬 At over 600 pages, Plummer wrote the entire memoir longhand, refusing to use a computer or typewriter, and completed it while continuing to act in films and theater 👑 The memoir details Plummer's aristocratic upbringing in Montreal, where he was raised as a single child by his mother after his parents divorced when he was an infant 🍷 Throughout the book, Plummer candidly discusses his battle with alcoholism during the 1960s and how he maintained his professional career despite his heavy drinking, until finally achieving sobriety