Article: Alec Guinness was a vicious bully who tormented his wife and son. Was the actor's gay past to blame? A new book reveals the dark side of one of our greatest film stars.

Byline: SARAH CHALMERS

THEIRS was one of the most enduring unions in showbusiness. To the outside world, Sir Alec Guinness and his wife of 62 years, Merula, had the perfect marriage.

While Sir Alec enjoyed international acclaim for his roles in 77 films and 55 stage productions - including an Oscar for his part in The Bridge On The River Kwai - his devoted wife remained firmly in the shadows, raising their son Matthew.

Merula, although once an accomplished actress, was rarely seen in public and hardly ever accompanied Sir Alec to London, preferring to remain in the couple's Hampshire home.

But the truth is that the dutiful role she ...

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