|
Hotel Paradiso
''Hotel Paradiso'' is a 1966 British comedy film released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in Panavision. It was directed by Peter Glenville and based on the play ''L'Hôtel du libre échange'' by Maurice Desvallières and Georges Feydeau. The film allowed Alec Guinness to reprise the role he had played in the London West End theatre production of Hotel Paradiso, which opened at the Winter Garden Theatre, Drury Lane, London. on 2 May 1956. Guinness played alongside Martita Hunt (Angelique), Irene Worth (Marcelle), Frank Pettingell (Cot), Kenneth Williams (Maxime) and Billie Whitelaw (Victoire). Douglas Byng also reprised his part from the stage play.Winter Garden Theatre Programme, printed by Henry Good & Son London (02/05/1956) Plot Playwright Monsieur Feydeau is staying in the Parisian Hotel Paradiso. He needs to write a new play, but has writer's block. He takes the opportunity to observe his fellow guests: Monsieur Boniface, henpecked by his domineering wife, and Marcelle, the beautifu ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Frank Frazetta
Frank Frazetta (born Frank Frazzetta ; February 9, 1928 – May 10, 2010) was an American fantasy and science fiction artist, noted for comic books, paperback book covers, paintings, posters, LP record album covers, and other media. He is often referred to as the "Godfather of fantasy art", and one of the most renowned illustrators of the 20th century. He was also the subject of a 2003 documentary ''Painting with Fire''. Frazetta was inducted into the comic book industry's Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame, the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame, the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame, the Science Fiction Hall of Fame, and was awarded a Life Achievement Award from the World Fantasy Convention. Early life Born Frank Frazzetta in Brooklyn, New York City, Frazetta removed one "z" from his last name early in his career to make his name seem less "clumsy". The only boy in a family with three sisters, he spent much time with his grandmother, who began encouraging him in art when he ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Irene Worth
Irene Worth, CBE (June 23, 1916March 10, 2002) was an American stage and screen actress who became one of the leading stars of the British and American theatre. She pronounced her given name with three syllables: "I-REE-nee". Worth made her Broadway debut in 1943, joined the Old Vic company in 1951 and the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1962. She won the BAFTA Award for Best British Actress for the 1958 film ''Orders to Kill''. Her other film appearances included ''Nicholas and Alexandra'' (1971) and '' Deathtrap'' (1982). A three-time Tony Award winner, she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for ''Tiny Alice'' in 1965 and ''Sweet Bird of Youth'' in 1976, and won the 1991 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for ''Lost in Yonkers'', a role she reprised in the 1993 film version. One of her later stage performances was opposite Paul Scofield in the 2001 production of ''I Take Your Hand in Mine'' at the Almeida Theatre in London. Early life Harriett Elizabeth Ab ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Peggy Mount
Margaret Rose Mount OBE (2 May 1915 – 13 November 2001) was an English actress. As a child, she found acting an escape from an unhappy home life. After playing in amateur productions, she was taken on by a repertory company and spent nine years in various British towns, learning her craft. In 1955, she got her big break in the comic play '' Sailor Beware!'': she created the leading role in a repertory production and, though unknown to London audiences, was given the part when the play was presented in the West End. She became known for playing domineering middle-aged women in plays, films and television shows. Mount occasionally performed in comedies from the classical repertoire, including works by Shakespeare, Jonson, Goldsmith and Sheridan, and she was a member of The Old Vic, National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare companies in the 1960s, '70s and '80s, respectively. Later in her career, Mount was cast more frequently in serious parts, including the title role of Bert ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Darío Moreno
David Arugete (3 April 1921 – 1 December 1968), commonly known under his stage name Darío Moreno, was a Turkish-Jewish polyglot singer, an accomplished composer, lyricist, and guitarist. He attained fame and made a remarkable career centred in France which also included films, during the 1950s and the 1960s. He became famous with his 1961 song ''Brigitte Bardot''. Biography Darío Moreno was born to a large Jewish family. He was orphaned in early childhood when his father, who worked in a train station in Aydın, was shot dead under tragic circumstances. He was placed in the Sephardic orphanage of Izmir (Nido De Guerfanos) by his mother and remained there until he was four. After a primary education in the Jewish educational establishments of Izmir, he had many odd jobs during his early youth. He put great effort into continuing his education while simultaneously working to make a living. He started working as an errand boy in the law firm of the city's prominent lawyers ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Robertson Hare
John Robertson Hare, OBE (17 December 1891 – 25 January 1979) was an English actor, who came to fame in the Aldwych farces. He is remembered by more recent audiences for his performances as the Archdeacon in the popular BBC sitcom, ''All Gas and Gaiters''. Short in stature and of unheroic appearance, Hare made his stage career in character roles. From his early days as an actor he was cast as older men. One of his favourite parts, which he played in the provinces before achieving West End success, was "Grumpy", a retired lawyer, in which he toured before the First World War. After war service in the army, Hare got his big break. He was cast in a long-running farce with Ralph Lynn and Tom Walls. His meek and put-upon character was repeated in various incarnations in the eleven Aldwych farces presented by Walls between 1923 and 1933. He also appeared in film versions of most of the farces. After the Aldwych series came to an end, Hare continued to be cast in similar roles in ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Eddra Gale
Eddra Gale (July 16, 1921 – May 13, 2001) was an American actress and singer of Czech descent. Early years Born in Chicago, Illinois, Gale was the daughter of an executive with a men's clothing company. Both of her parents were musically oriented. Gale began performing when she was three years old. She spoke French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Career Originally an opera singer, Gale later performed as a concert singer in Rome. Film director Federico Fellini spotted her in Milan, and cast her for the role of Saraghina, the "devil woman", in Fellini's ''8½'' (1963), who is used in a flashback representing the male lead's first erotic experience as a young boy. She appeared around the same time in ''Tutto e Musica'' and ''Gidget Goes to Rome'' (also 1963). Following her role in ''8½,'', she appeared in the role of Peter Sellers' wife, Anna Fassbender, in ''What's New Pussycat?'' (1965), as a guest in ''Hotel Paradiso'' (1966), and in small roles in films such as ''Three Bi ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Derek Fowlds
Derek James Fowlds (2 September 1937 – 17 January 2020) was an English actor. He was best known for his appearances as "Mr Derek" in ''The Basil Brush Show'' (1969–1973), Bernard Woolley in the sitcom ''Yes Minister'' (1980–1984) and its sequel ''Yes, Prime Minister'' (1986–1988), and as Oscar Blaketon in '' Heartbeat'' (1992–2010). Early life Fowlds was born on 2 September 1937 in Wandsworth, London, the son of Ketha Muriel (née Treacher) and James Witney Fowlds, a salesman. In early life he and his mother and sister went to live in Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire, at the home of his maternal grandmother. There Fowlds attended Ashlyns School, a former Secondary Modern School. After leaving school aged 15, Fowlds worked at a printer's firm as an apprentice and also, as his National Service, spent two years in the RAF as a wireless operator. Career After success in amateur acting, his teacher encouraged him to take it up as a career and Fowlds won a scholarship to RADA i ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Marie Bell
Marie Bell (23 December 1900 – 14 August 1985), born Marie-Jeanne Bellon-Downey, was a French tragedian, comic actor and stage director. She was the director of the Théâtre du Gymnase in Paris from 1962 onwards, and this theatre now bears her name. Early life Marie Bell was born on 23 December 1900 in Bègles near Bordeaux (France). With her Irish father, she spent her childhood between Bordeaux and England. Career Bell was a classical actress. She also appeared in avant-garde theatre, Jean Genet in particular. Her interpretation of the role of Phèdre is highly noted : "Voir Marie Bell dans Phèdre est une chance unique pour quiconque veut savoir ce qu'est le génie français." André Malraux During the German Occupation of France (1940–1944), she participated in the French resistance as one of nine directors of the Front national du théâtre. She was awarded the decoration of the Légion d'honneur by President Charles de Gaulle. Personal life Bell married Jean ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Ann Beach
Ann Beach (7 June 1938 – 9 March 2017) was a British actress. She is perhaps best remembered for her supporting role as Sonia Barrett, the quirky next-door neighbour on the comedy ''Fresh Fields'', starring Julia McKenzie and Anton Rodgers. Career She won a scholarship to RADA at the age of 16. After leaving, she went on tour with Frankie Howerd in ''Hotel Paradiso'', and then came to London in the title role of Emlyn Williams's ''Beth''. This was not a success, but she was soon busily engaged in television work, until she went back to the stage in the Theatre Workshop company at the Theatre Royal Stratford East. Among the parts she created there were Rosie in ''Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be'' (1960), and Miss Gilchrist in '' The Hostage''. She then created the role of Barbara in '' Billy Liar'' at the Cambridge Theatre in September 1960. She was also a member of the BBC's Radio Drama Company."Radio and audio book companies", in Lloyd Trott, ed., ''Actors and Performers Year ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
David Battley
David John Battley (5 November 1935 – 20 January 2003) was a British actor of stage and screen, mainly appearing in comedy roles. Early life Battley was born at Battersea, London, the elder son of John Battley, a post-Second World War Labour MP, and his wife Sybill (née Allchurch). Born with a hole in the heart, he was initially home schooled before attending a special school. He later enrolled at Camberwell School of Art but left before completing the course. He earned a living working for the family printing firm, Battley Brothers, before applying to Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Battley had one brother, Bernard. Career Battley used a dry, ironic delivery on television and in films. He found steady work as a character actor and comic stooge. Battley's TV work ranged from the satire show '' BBC-3'' and the military police drama ''Redcap'' in the 1960s through Eric Sykes' BBC sitcom, the 1975 TV adaptation of ''Moll Flanders'' and the 1977 Christmas Special of '' The Good ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Douglas Byng
Portrait by Allan Warren Douglas Coy Byng (17 March 1893 – 24 August 1987) was an English comic singer and songwriter in West End theatre, revue and cabaret. Billed as "Bawdy but British", Byng was famous for his female impersonations. His songs are full of sexual innuendo and double entendres. Due to the prejudices of the law and of the public at that time, Byng was a closeted gay performer. To have been out, would have been social and professional suicide. He was noted for his camp performances in the music halls and in cabaret. Byng made a large number of recordings, many of which have been transferred to CD. Byng was also a noted pantomime dame and appeared in over 30 pantomimes. Early life Byng was born on 17 March 1893 in Basford, Nottinghamshire. His father was a bank manager and his mother (whose maiden name was Coy)Richard Anthony Baker, ''Old Time Variety: an illustrated history'', Pen & Sword, 2011, , pp.155-157 was a former school teacher. They did not encoura ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
