Jack Wild: It's a Dodger's Life

By: Jack Wild, Claire Harding-Wild

Narrated by: Richard Burnip

Length: 20 hrs

Publisher's summary

Propelled to stardom at the age of 15, until his tragic death from cancer at the age of 53, this is the story of actor Jack Wild, in his own words - published for the first time.

Jack was just an ordinary young boy whose talent was spotted by chance by a theatrical agent and propelled onto the world stage through his performance in the 1968 film musical Oliver! It brought him an Oscar nomination and international stardom. As his fame grew, Jack also began to battle with alcoholism, which eventually dominated most accounts of his life. After the glittery highs of the '60s and '70s came the 'lost decade' of the '80s, the lows of debts and sectioning under the Mental Health Act. The real story of this is here, in Jack’s own words.

But this isn’t a memoir of pity and darkness. Jack loved life and loved his life. In the '90s, and fully sober, Jack returned to the screen in films such as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Even in the face of the tragic diagnosis of mouth cancer, which eventually killed him, he remained resolutely optimistic about life. His story contains vivid behind the scenes accounts of many great names he worked with, from British favourites such as Diana Dors and Ron Moody to international stars like Bing Crosby and Kevin Costner.

Completed by Jack’s widow, Claire, the book is in Jack’s unique narrative voice with honesty, roguish charm and a breathtaking lack of self-pity.

©2018 Fantom Publishing (P)2018 Spokenworld Audio & Ladbroke Audio Ltd

Blimey Jack's Story Is Flash

And all the other cheeky slang his narrative uses.
I was a 12 year old Jack Wild Super Fan back in the day. Me and a buddy. We would tear into town and get the latest Tiger Beat, 16 and Fave magazines and haul ass on our bikes back to our fort under the front stairs of her house and pour over each edition looking for mentions of our hero.

This autobiography gives you a look at things from Jack's POV. I am happy to say he was having a ball in those early years, wearing his velvet suits and getting driven in a Rolls to do the day's shoot for H.R. Pufnstuf. Oliver had set him on a crazy course of fame and happiness.

So, yeah, he started drinking early and that habit only got worse and nearly wrecked everything for him. But somehow he broke the spell of 'the drink' eventually and began putting things back together for himself. The thing is, he tells his story with such enthusiasm that apparently was a significant factor of his trademark optimism, you don't get too bummed out about his excesses.

It's fascinating to see how someone's life plays out, isn't it? You think maybe a Jack Wild would have been set for life with that great start - but challenges came, didn't they? In the end Jack died too soon, but not before he got to tell his story, get cleaned up and back to work and find love again.

Adorable, Funny, and Tragic

Any review for this book needs to come with a warning - you will not be able to be unemotive listening to this audiobook... so careful when listening on an airplane. Reactions will range from full on out loud laughing, to tears, to big smiles, to heartache (especially for those who have ever had alcoholism via self, family or friend in your life). This audiobook was adorable, funny and unbelievably tragic. So much credit needs to be given to Richard Burnipʻs performance - he has given Jim Dale, from Harry Potter, a run for his money. Its easy to forget that its not Jack narrating, only to later be reminded that Jack is sadly no longer with us. There is nothing in my life that would come close to the celebrity superstar path that Jack took but thanks to Jackʻs (and Claire) ability to share in detail not just what was happening in Jackʻs life, but the thoughts and emotions related to the story, warts and all - I could easily relate. It was unbelievably honest - even when he wasn't being honest with himself, and because of that for the first time I could understand the thought process of an alcoholic...someone "deeply alcoholic". I had a family member that was not a celebrity but much the alcoholic Jack was, but died of liver failure. Due to Jackʻs truth in amazing detail helped me with the understanding of why alcoholics/addicts do what they do sometimes - if that makes an sort of sense. With that said - its not all sad. Most of the book is actually very very funny and quite cheeky! Gut busting laughter - be prepared..I was on an airplane and my laughing and giggling caused my rowmates turn several times. They asked what was so funny and I told them "You gotta get this audiobook!". I recommend the same to all.

Absolutely loved it and have a greater appreciation of Jack

The movie Oliver was the first movie that I ever saw. I was four years old. As I grew older, I had the biggest crush on Jack. I particularly loved HR puffin stuff. This book shows jack for the wonderful person and actor he was. I highly recommend it Richard.Burnip does a wonderful job now reading the book. I would highly recommend this awesome book.

His sense of humor and down to earth personality

I loved this so much. The narration was wonderful and so well done. It feels like Jack is sitting next to you telling stories about his life.

Very long , too long .

I was curious about jack's life and his story and enjoyed the first few hours but it just kept going and going . Some of the stories were simply fillers and should have been cut out and downsize to half it's length . His early life - climb to success - success - fall from the spotlight -struggles etc . I enjoyed the book .