Bernard Who? cover art

Bernard Who?

75 Years of Doing Just About Everything

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Bernard Who?

By: Bernard Cribbins, James Hogg
Narrated by: Gordon Griffin
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About this listen

Seventy-five years in the making and packed with entertaining anecdotes, Bernard Who? tells the wonderful story of one of the longest and most celebrated careers in show business.

Bernard Cribbins's life has been an eventful one. In 1943, he left school aged fourteen and joined Oldham Repertory Company where he earned fifteen bob for a seventy-hour week. After being called up for National Service in 1946 he became a paratrooper and spent several months in Palestine being shot at. On returning home, and to the theatre, Bernard was eventually approached by George Martin, then an A&R man for Parlophone Records, who suggested he made a record. Just months away from producing The Beatles, Martin asked Bernard to come to Abbey Road Studios in north London and, after teaching him how to sing into a microphone, they eventually recorded two hit singles - 'The Hole in the Ground' and 'Right Said Fred'.

These, together with appearances in now classic films such as Two Way Stretch and The Wrong Arm of the Law (not to mention a certain television programme called Jackanory), catapulted Bernard to stardom and, by the time he started filming The Railway Children in 1970, he was already a national treasure. Since then, Bernard's CV has been an A-Z of the best entertainment that Britain has to offer, and, thanks to programmes such as the aforementioned Jackanory, The Wombles, and, more recently, Old Jack's Boat, he has become the voice of many millions of childhoods.

©2018 Bernard Cribbins (P)2023 W. F. Howes Ltd
Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity Transportation Funny

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Critic reviews

"A fitting celebration of one of our most versatile and enduring acting talents." (Sunday Express)

"[C]harming, unassuming and full of amiable, homespun wit." (The Oldie)

All stars
Most relevant  
Nothing comes to mind. Great anecdotes and wonderful insights. An enduring appeal to all ages🙏

The man himself 🙏

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This a really good and enjoyable autobiography to read. The writing was fantastic and you could feel like you were in the room being told these stories and anecdotes. Bernard Cribbins character really came out in this book and made you feel that you would have loved to meet him and he came a cross as such a warm, friendly and caring person. It was great to learn about his early life and experiences, also all the great roles which he has played including classic Dr Who and modern series. A recommended read.

Fantastic warmhearted autobiography

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Very interesting listen.
What an amazing life. A well written and well read account of one of my childhood stars. And it's not just about Wombles! 🤣
Just a shame it wasn't read by the man himself, but still had my sitting in the car, when I should have been going into the house or office! 🤣🤣

what a character

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Very interesting and fun listen to tales from a showbiz legend!
Can highly recommended it.

An excellent listen

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I had forgotten quite how many great projects and productions Mr C has been involved in. This is a really good listen and a fantastic journey through an amazing life and career. The narrator hits just the right tone & tempo - Highly recommended 👍👍👍👍👍

Really good listen

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Very well read, but i do wish it Uncle Bernard narrated his own book before he passed away.

Great tales from a varied life

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I’ve returned this item as it’s such a shame that Bernard couldn’t have told his own story, I loved his tale telling so much, I’ve ordered the printed version instead.

Such a disappointment

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What a beautifully written book. The dialogue shines through, such an interesting and friendly man. Narrator does a good job relaying Bernard's stories throughout.

Bernsrd's Loveable Character Shines Through

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I loved this book, humble, honest and very entertaining. I have so many fond memories of listening to Bernard when I was a child. It was fascinating to hear how the wombles came into existence. What a varied life Bernard lived and I love how he said yes to so many opportunities which led to a life well lived and he was so positive. RIP Bernard, you will always be a legend. The narrator was also excellent and really captures the essence of Bernard.

Humble, honest and very entertaining.

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It is a shame that Bernard himself couldn't record all of this. I did read somewhere that he had recorded some of it but then of course sadly passed away. But the chap reading this I thought did a very good job. As for the book itself. I have seen some people complaining about how it's just ramblings and like a CV. Well no offence, our lives are a CV. what did you want him to write about?! Ignore the naysayers. This was very enjoyable. yes there is bits where your eyes may glaze over, the same way when you are having a conversation with someone but then it soon picks up again. I thought it was very insightful and if you are like me and have seen many of the films and listened to his songs and stories then you will feel like you a e listening to an old friend or relative hearing what actually happened behind the scenes of those wonderful productions. And if you truly hate the book then personally you're just a misery. write an autobiography yourself and see if you are more entertaining! Sorry, I just can't stand petty peoples reviews. But yes I personally really enjoyed it. Really wish I could have met him.

Excellent life story

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