MY NAME ESCAPES ME

We who perform in the theater are well aware how silly, narcissistic, even dull a tribe we are. Nonetheless, we're constantly surprised to discover that the most accomplished among us share our faults. No one has enjoyed a more distinguished acting career than Alec Guinness. This diary reveals that, as a person, he's disappointingly typical -- in some ways more witty, in others more stuffy. Some surprises herein are pleasant -- his irreverence, his occasional insights into acting, his graceful writing style. His laconic reading style is a product of his advanced age, but, otherwise, his distinctive voice will send little thrills through the bodies of his fans. Y.R. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: NOV/DEC 97]