Out of the Firing Line . into the Foyer: My Remarkable Story

The truly unique story of a gay war hero who was forced to hide his sexuality for half of his adult life

War hero Bruce Copp has lived a unique life in which he has formed lifelong friendships with celebrities, swam regularly with a James Bond, hung out with Lenny Bruce, and spent an unforgettable night with Marlene Dietrich. Serving in the army throughout the Second World War, he witnessed the deaths of his comrades, suffered a nervous breakdown, and tried to commit suicide by walking into enemy fire. He miraculously survived and was subsequently mentioned twice in dispatches for bravery. Bruce describes his extraordinary experiences as a young gay man in the army and provides a unique insight into how homosexual relationships persisted with the tacit agreement of the authorities. Out of the Firing Line . . . Into the Foyer is a fascinating memoir covering nearly 100 years of social history and personal experiences, all told for the first time.

Bruce Copp was an important figure in London’s “swinging sixties,” running a series of successful theatrical restaurants. Andrew Merriman is author of the acclaimed biographies Hattie: The Authorised Biography of Hattie Jacques and Margaret Rutherford: Dreadnought with Good Manners . Dame Judi Dench is an English actress and auhtor.