Caught with My Pants Down and Other Tales from a Life in Hollywood

For more than four decades, Jim Piddock has navigated the turbulent waters of Broadway and Hollywood as an actor, writer, and producer. In this highly entertaining and witty account of his journey from a small village in England to the heady heights of the Hollywood Hills, he pulls back the curtain—with remarkable honesty and no small amount of humour—to reveal all that goes on the behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.

But underneath this lighthearted, irreverent romp through the worlds of film, television, theatre—not to mention his involvement with Crystal Palace Football Club in his spare time—lie the deeper reflections of an ordinary man who has led an extraordinary life, and his incisive conclusions on what the real meaning of family is, how to make destiny-defining choices, and the importance of living life to the fullest.

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Dartfrog Books.

Book club questions for Caught with My Pants Down and Other Tales from a Life in Hollywood

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

People from all walks of life have said they can relate to Jim Piddock’s tales about show business and life in general. What did you find most relatable about his experiences and why?

The author touches on when he was sent away to a boarding school at the age of ten. How much do you think this impacted his personality and his approach to his life and relationships? In what ways?

There are numerous humorous anecdotes in the book. What was your favorite one and why?

There are also some very moving stories in the book. Which was the most memorable to you and why? Do you believe that stories like the one you chose create a sense of community among readers and famous authors?

Was there any behind-the-scenes revelation in particular that surprised or shocked you? Why or why not? Did you find these anecdotes illuminating?

A number of Hollywood insiders have commented on Jim’s refreshing openness and honesty in naming and shaming wherever he thought it was justified. Do you agree? If so, why do you think he was less afraid to pull punches than other authors of showbiz memoirs?

One of the obvious aspects of the book is that’s it’s the story of an Englishman abroad. Did you feel that the author being an “outsider” was a hurdle for him to overcome, or an asset to his career? Why, and what parts of the book really drove this home for you?

The theme of finding and belonging to a “family,” both in personal and professional terms, is a recurrent one in this book. Did any of this get you thinking about your own beliefs and feelings about family and community? In what ways?

There are several pieces of acquired wisdom and philosophical conclusions about life in the book. Were there any that resonated particularly with you? How so?

Caught with My Pants Down and Other Tales from a Life in Hollywood Book Club Questions PDF

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