Spike Milligan was one of the most gifted and creative individuals of our time, and is remembered as a true comic genius. However, many people are unaware that he battled throughout his adult life against anxiety and depression, neither of which he was able to conquer. He allowed his biographer and close friend, Pauline Scudamore, complete and unfettered access to all his files and correspondence, as well as to his home and family. She also interviewed scores of his friends and colleagues to be able to present a full and well-rounded picture of a greatly misunderstood but hugely popular man. His anarchic writing and performing established him as one of the great anti-authoritarian figures of British comedy, but he paid a high price for the pleasure he gave to others. Without his cooperation, this exceptionally candid, perceptive and moving portrait could not have been written.
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