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Dame Edith Evans (1888-1976) |
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- Freda Jackson, Henry V, 1944. John Gielgud suggested Edith as Mistress Quickly - while pushing himself as the French King. Laurence Olivier, starring and directing, did not accept either notion.
- Peggy Ashcroft, Sunday Bloody Sunday, 1970. Despite having spent their veteran careers with and surrounded by gays, many a veteran actress - like Dame Edith and the future Dame Thora Hird - snobbishly complained that director John Schlesinger’s demi-gay project was too risqué and declined to be Glenda Jackson’s mother. Dame Peg enjoyed risk.
- Ruth Gordon, Harold and Maude, 1971. There were obviously quite a few possible Harolds, but surely Ruth was the only possible Maude - even if shecouldn’t drive a car.Not quite. Director Hal Ashby chatted up every funky old bird still breathing and insurable... Peggy Ashcroft, Elisabeth Bergner, Gladys Cooper, Edwige Feuillère, Mildred Natwick, Dorothy Stickney.
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