Many people only know Petula Clark for her massive 1965 hit “Downtown,” but her career is far more extensive and impressive. Her success had begun years before when she was just a child with her own “Pet’s Parlour” radio programme, as well as a successful acting career in films for the Rank Organization. So, well before “Downtown” and the British Invasion, Petula was an established star in Britain .
What is not as well known is that as well, years before “Downtown”, she had become an almost overnight sensation in France, launching an incredible music career there, and also throughout much of Europe. There were also Hollywood movies like Finian’s Rainbow, and Goodbye Mister Chips, and receiving a Best Actress Golden Globe nomination for her role in the former. Later, her work on Broadway and in the West End included acclaimed performances in shows like The Sound of Music, Blood Brothers, and Sunset Boulevard, as well as a more recent appearance in Mary Poppins in London.
With her upcoming autobiography, Is That You, Petula?, due out in October, people will get an inside look at the full scope of her career as an international star, actress, and songwriter. Hopefully, it will be a well-deserved opportunity for her to receive the overwhelming acclaim she is rightfully due.
Petula Travellers 
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