Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Angela Lansbury, we all love to love you!!

She is so beloved the world over, due in part, to the fact that she is so much like everyone's favourite grandmother.

The majority of us are probably familiar with her role as lovable sleuth Jessica Fletcher on "Murder She Wrote." Those old enough to remember however, also grew up with her in the movie "Bedknobs and Broomsticks".  (Ok, so I'm dating myself a bit here......)

To think that these roles were actually a second-coming of sorts for her.......

One of her earliest roles is as a housemistress in Gaslight (1944).  Although she plays such a small part, she received an academy award nomination.  A truly great movie and a great showcase for Ingrid Bergman as well...... What strikes me most is how young she truly is in this .....

Another must see movie is The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945).  Her portrayal of Sibyl Vane in this is marvellous, and must have solidfied her love for singing on the stage.  Also of mention, is her brilliant role as the calculating Mrs. Iselin in the Manchurian Candidate (1962).  For this role, she did receive an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She dared to play a role where she was cold, callous and you had no problems disliking her.

 A far cry from the roles she quite often played later in life......

While she is getting up there is years and you can't help but think she'll hang up her hat at some point, she pulls out a role like the one in Nanny McPhee.  Even as a persnickity old bitty, she still manages to bring a smile to your face....