W.C. Fields by Himself: His Intended Autobiography with Hitherto Unpublished Letters, Notes, Scripts, and Articles

by W.C. Fields, Conan O'Brien (Foreword)

Fields never got around to writing his autobiography, but at his death in 1946, he left behind a vast assortment of notes, outlines, scrapbooks, letters, scripts, scenarios, and photographs. Now his grandson, Ronald J. Fields, has edited and woven this wealth of previously unpublished material into a unique new portrait of the Great One--in his own words. This book establishes the true facts about W.C. Fields's early years: how, around 1895, he really got started juggling; how met his future wife Hattie; and how he felt about his incessant tours, triumphs, and film career.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Media Tie In, Humor, Plays

729 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2016

About the author

W. C. Fields was born William Claude Dukenfield, the eldest of five children. Field's parents were a Cockney immigrant James Dukenfield and Philadelphia native Kate Felton

He was an American juggler, comedian, and actor. Fields created one of the great American comic personas of the first half of the 20th century—a misanthrope who teetered on the edge of buffoonery but never quite fell in, an egotist blind to his own failings, a charming drunk; and a man who hated children, dogs, and women, unless they were the wrong sort of women.

Fields was a marvel of marketing, he would go as far as pretending to drown in the ocean or other bodies of water, hoping to draw crowds (i.e. customers). His notoriety began around the age of 19, being propelled by his early 20s. His stardom would reach the heights Perform for Sarah Bernhardt at Buckingham Palace and other high profiled dignitaries. During his life, he would preform with some of the greatest names (e.g. Charles Chaplin) and on some of he greatest stages.

As a person, W. C. Field's had two sons: William Rexford Field Morris and William Claude Fields, Jr. Fields was married only once to Harriet Hughes from 1900 to 1946. Harriet bore Field's one son and a girlfriend by the name of Bessie Poole bore him the other son. However, there is rumor that he had a number of girlfriend's throughout his life, but the most significant were Bessie Poole and Carlotta Monti.

Reviews

[Tony · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was ok, but dragged a little when it gave entire sketches/ routines in detail, page after page, which didn't really work for me. But the rest of the book, letters, etc. did give a pretty good picture of the man himself. Just a pity I had to skip the comedy routines, because I hate doing that, but they were just too long (although thankfully not that numerous).

[Rob Smith, Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a predecessor to the more recent volumes of notable volumes full of various reproductions of materials of their time periods. This appeared as large paperback books were appearing with printed reproductions of mostly those of the film era. One even of Fields. That one and others by Richard J. Anobile. I review this with all of those in mind.

Considering the publication date and the effort, this is a volume chock full of Fields items. Mostly letters and images of his advertising of his early performances. The images are very interesting and insightful. The letters tell much of who Fields was and mindset. For a Fields fan, this is an essential volume. I am glad grandson Fields ventured this as it seems it would not have otherwise been collected and published.

For those looking for a biography of Fields, this book is severely lacking. Though grandson Fields begins the book by claiming that which follows will clear up and correct earlier biographies, this book never actually does that. Having a firm grasp of Fields life is essential to trying to check one volume from another.

Grandson Fields has little written beyond the documents presented. Some of that writing is hard to connect to that which it is to connect. Many of the letters of Fields lead to more questions as to whys and what-happeneds. More of this would make sense if the layout wasn't broken up in sections involving the areas of life and entertainment he was part of. These aren't in timely order.

Bottom line: I do not recommend this book, except for real Fields fans. 5 out of ten points.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

As his grandson, Ron Fields had access to every movie script, letter to his wife, letter to a creditor, reviewer, or studio head, or radio script W.C. Fields ever wrote. But rather than editing these, so letters and scripts from the same period went together, he separated them. It didn’t tell the story of W.C. Fields’ life as well as I would have preferred it, but I am glad it exists and that I have a copy of it. And it made me want to see again his movies, so I call that a win. Autographed copy from 12/17/17 from my friend Gigi.

[John Kennedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book contains a hodgepodge of 500 pages of unpublished diary entries, personal letters, film script ideas, and notes by the great comedian as relayed by a grandson who never knew him. Much of it, such as W.C's thoughts on alcohol and dogs, isn't all that interesting. The bottom line is that Fields wasn't such a bad guy and he didn't really hate kids. Watching his movies would be a better investment of time.

[Woody Woodrum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, if you are into W.C. Fields. Stories, scripts, notes and letters from William Claude Dunkenfield, better known as WC Fields.

[Ronald · Rating 3 out of 5]

read during summer 1974

[Evan]

I've only nibbled at my copy of this over the years, mainly because I've read four other Fields biographies and this just seemed redundant. The "by himself" thing is kind of misleading; this is a cobbled-together compilations of letters and such wrenched into book form by Fields' grandson, Ronald, which hardly constitutes a genuine autobiography. The closest Fields ever came to anything like one, "Fields for President," is pretty godawful.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Highly recommend it. I've read and reread it as I've worked on my show W.C. Fields By Himself!, a play that I've staged in San Diego and hope to take on the road. It was written by his grandson Ronald and based entirely on W.C.'s own writings, and other documents he left behind. facebook.com/dale.aswcfields

[Cws]

791.09