In this first biography of the man and his work, the authors trace his life in fascinating detail. Not only was he the first officially appointed British Officer Cartoonist, whose help was subsequently formally requested by the French, the Italians, the Americans and the Aussies, but he was also an international playwright, actor, accomplished lecturer, film producer and author. The man himself was a compelling paradox-a desperately shy person who adored the limelight: a loyal, lovable personality, ridden with suspicion: an upper class product who was more comfortable in the company of the working man: a lonely celebrity who should have won, but lost, a fortune

Bairnsfather s work can be found on plates, cups, jugs, mugs, pots, car mascots, ashtrays and the like – all now collectors pieces. His characters appeared on postcards, playing cards, cigarette cards. jig-saw puzzles. and during World War II on the noses of the daylight bombers of the American Eighth Airforce, for which he acted as official cartoonist.

In 1978 the Canadian National Film Archives gave a showing of the film, Carry on, Sergeant! on the 50th anniversary of its world premiere. It had been the first major movie produced in Canada. Its writer and producer was Bruce Bairnsfather and it resulted in scandal, intrigue and heavy financial loss. Nevertheless, it was a milestone in Canadian history.

Tonie and Valmai Holt recount the successes, the failures, the ventures with Charles Cochran. Darryl Zanuck and Seymour Hicks: how Sydney Chaplin played Old Bill and John Mills played Young Bill: the days as 'Lord of the Manor’- and bankruptcy: the episode with the actress, Constance Collier.

The story is illustrated with over 150 photographs and drawings, many of them never before published, and includes a section setting out the range and the values of Bairnsfather memorabilia and collectables that can be found by assiduous collectors.