Blind in One Ear

Macnee was the star of the British TV series The Avengers , which aired for eight seasons and was popular in the U.S. His autobiography is interesting only in its early sections, which cover his childhood as the offspring of two upper-class English eccentrics. His mother took him to live with her lesbian lover, ``Uncle Evelyn,'' whose mansion housed a veritable harem. His father was an alcoholic horse trainer who lived in India until he was barred. ``Uncle Evelyn'' financed Macnee's schooling at Eton, but he was expelled for bookmaking and selling pornographic photos. The balance of the memoir is standard show biz fare, of difficult years and eventual success, failed marriages and drinking problems. Photos not seen by PW. (Sept.)