Dear John

A magical memoir of Dad's Army star John Le Mesurier: one of the greatest actors - and gentleman - of his generationSome years after John Le Mesurier's death, his widow Joan re-read her carefully stored cache of John's letters - to her, and to him from his closest friends. Dear John is her letter back to him today, helping us to understand their remarkable life together, taking us with her behind the scenes on Dad's Army and his many films, and into the world of… (more)

A magical memoir of Dad's Army star John Le Mesurier: one of the greatest actors - and gentleman - of his generationSome years after John Le Mesurier's death, his widow Joan re-read her carefully stored cache of John's letters - to her, and to him from his closest friends. Dear John is her letter back to him today, helping us to understand their remarkable life together, taking us with her behind the scenes on Dad's Army and his many films, and into the world of their friendships - including with Clive Dunne and maverick Beatles publicist Derek Taylor.Through her own recollections and John's correspondence, Joan reveals the real John Le Mesurier, a man of kindness, charm and integrity. She describes how they first met when John was unhappily married to Hattie Jacques. It was Hattie - a wonderful woman who became a lifelong friend - who encouraged Joan and John to get married. Their marriage lasted 21 years and survived Joan's love affair with Tony Hancock. Although deeply hurt, John nevertheless welcomed her back.Honest, touching, nostalgic, this is a story that will warm every reader's heart as well as give a new understanding of a remarkable man.