Happy Birthday Ann Firbank!

A very Happy Birthday to the actress Ann Firbank who celebrates her birthday today. Ann is probably best remembered to Carry On fans for her appearance as Staff Nurse Helen Lloyd in the second Carry On film, Carry On Nurse, in 1958. However Ann has enjoyed a long, diverse career across all mediums and is still very active in the profession today.

Born in India in 1933, Ann Firbank first started appearing on screen in the UK in 1956, mainly on the small screen in series such as Kenilworth, The Adventures of Robin Hood and the ITV Play of the Week. Ann's first film was Behind the Mask in 1958, playing Mrs Judson. Carry On Nurse quickly followed. Eschewing typecasting as a Carry On actor, Ann went on to appear in an incredible mix of productions over the next few decades.

On television there have been roles in Emergency Ward 10, from 1960 to 1963, playing Mary  Nesbitt, The Plane Makers in1964, as Pamela and in 1971 Ann played Anne Elliot in an adaptation of Persuasion. In complete contrast, Ann played Varda in Space 1999 in 1977 and the following year took on the role of Queen Alexandra in the serial, Lillie. More recently Ann has been seen in Kavanagh QC, Elizabeth I and New Tricks.

On film, Ann Firbank has played Sybil Martin Darling (1965), Miss Nolan in A Man Could Get Killed (1966) and Laura in Accident the following year. She had a small role in Sunday Bloody Sunday n 1972 and the following year played Anna in Asylum. In 1984 Ann played Mrs Callendar in the classic A Passage to India and more recently starred as Lady Bradley in Anna and the King.

Acting on stage for many years, Ann's most recent credits have included Billy Liar at the West Yorkshire Playhouse; The Golden Dragon at the Jagrit Theatre in India and The Crucible at the Old Vic in 2014.

Still active in the acting profession in 2018, you can catch Ann in the short film Molly and Me, as Aunt Cissie in The Little Stranger and in the first episode of the BBC's brand new adaptation of the epic Les Miserables, playing 'Old Lady'.

Whatever Ann is up to today, I hope she has a wonderful birthday. 



You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Meet Carry On Stars at the London Film Fair!

Now into its 45th Year, this event is the continuation of a legacy that started back in the early seventies, and over the years have seen different names and organizers but its roots orginate from the original Collector’s Film Convention’s that were organized by Ed Mason.  Now under new management, the future of the event is secured. 

The event’s are held at London’s Central Hall Westminster, with up to 6 events a year.
The conventions presents dealers from all over the UK, Europe, US, Canada, Australia and South America that specializes in vintage and modern film memorabilia.  Items cover the history of cinema from the silents to the present day blockbusters.

The London Film Fair will appeal to avid film buffs, collectors, archivists researchers and students. A must for anyone with an interest in cinema and cult television! 

The next Fair takes place on 30 June and this time fans can get the chance to meet three brilliant Carry On actresses! First up is the lovely Patricia Franklin! Patricia appeared in five Carry On films and the big screen version of Bless This House. Patricia's debut in the series was playing the pregnant daughter of Derek Francis in Carry On Camping in 1968. Two years later she played the cameo role of Mrs Dreery opposite Bill Maynard and Kenneth Williams in Carry On Loving. In 1973 Patricia played Augusta Prodworthy's assistant Rosemary in Carry On Girls and then in 1975 she appeared in Carry On Behind as Vera, wife to Ernie (Jack Douglas) and best friend to Sylvia (Liz Fraser). Patricia made her last Carry On appearance the following year in the small role of the canteen cook in Carry On England.

Patricia has enjoyed a fantastic acting career away from the Carry Ons with many wonderful stage roles over the years. You can read more about this in my recent interview with the lady herself here - Part 1 and Part 2. Patricia is a lovely lady to talk to so if you get the chance, do go along and meet her on the day.

Also attending on 30 June is the superb actress Rosalind Knight. Rosalind continues to enjoy a fantastic career on stage and screen but is probably best known for her role as Beryl in the rather naughty hit BBC comedy series Gimme Gimme Gimme, which starred Kathy Burke and James Dreyfus. Early on in her acting career Rosalind appeared in two Carry Ons. Following a brief but memorable cameo as Nurse Nightingale in Carry On Nurse, Rosalind was promoted to a starring role as strict school inspector Felicity Wheeler in 1959's Carry On Teacher. 

And finally, Carry On Nurse actress Ann Firbank will be joining Patricia and Rosalind at the Film Fair. Ann played Staff Nurse Helen Lloyd in the film and most of her scenes saw her working with the likes of Susan Beaumont, Charles Hawtrey and Shirley Eaton. Sadly this was Ann's only Carry On appearance however she has gone on to enjoy a rich and varied career across all mediums which continues to this day.

The next London Film Fair will take place on Saturday 30 June at the Central Hall Westminster. Further details can be found on the Film Fair Website


You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Meet Carry On Stars at the London Film Fair!

Now into its 45th Year, this event is the continuation of a legacy that started back in the early seventies, and over the years have seen different names and organizers but its roots orginate from the original Collector’s Film Convention’s that were organized by Ed Mason.  Now under new management, the future of the event is secured. 

The event’s are held at London’s Central Hall Westminster, with up to 6 events a year.
The conventions presents dealers from all over the UK, Europe, US, Canada, Australia and South America that specializes in vintage and modern film memorabilia.  Items cover the history of cinema from the silents to the present day blockbusters.

The London Film Fair will appeal to avid film buffs, collectors, archivists researchers and students. A must for anyone with an interest in cinema and cult television! 

The next Fair takes place on 30 June and this time fans can get the chance to meet three brilliant Carry On actresses! First up is the lovely Patricia Franklin! Patricia appeared in five Carry On films and the big screen version of Bless This House. Patricia's debut in the series was playing the pregnant daughter of Derek Francis in Carry On Camping in 1968. Two years later she played the cameo role of Mrs Dreery opposite Bill Maynard and Kenneth Williams in Carry On Loving. In 1973 Patricia played Augusta Prodworthy's assistant Rosemary in Carry On Girls and then in 1975 she appeared in Carry On Behind as Vera, wife to Ernie (Jack Douglas) and best friend to Sylvia (Liz Fraser). Patricia made her last Carry On appearance the following year in the small role of the canteen cook in Carry On England.

Patricia has enjoyed a fantastic acting career away from the Carry Ons with many wonderful stage roles over the years. You can read more about this in my recent interview with the lady herself here - Part 1 and Part 2. Patricia is a lovely lady to talk to so if you get the chance, do go along and meet her on the day.

Also attending on 30 June is the superb actress Rosalind Knight. Rosalind continues to enjoy a fantastic career on stage and screen but is probably best known for her role as Beryl in the rather naughty hit BBC comedy series Gimme Gimme Gimme, which starred Kathy Burke and James Dreyfus. Early on in her acting career Rosalind appeared in two Carry Ons. Following a brief but memorable cameo as Nurse Nightingale in Carry On Nurse, Rosalind was promoted to a starring role as strict school inspector Felicity Wheeler in 1959's Carry On Teacher. 

And finally, Carry On Nurse actress Ann Firbank will be joining Patricia and Rosalind at the Film Fair. Ann played Staff Nurse Helen Lloyd in the film and most of her scenes saw her working with the likes of Susan Beaumont, Charles Hawtrey and Shirley Eaton. Sadly this was Ann's only Carry On appearance however she has gone on to enjoy a rich and varied career across all mediums which continues to this day.

The next London Film Fair will take place on Saturday 30 June at the Central Hall Westminster. Further details can be found on the Film Fair Website


You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Whatever Happened to Susan Beaumont?

 

After enjoying Carry On Nurse today I thought I would write a blog about one of the lesser known actresses to appear in that excellent, classic Carry On film. Susan Beaumont played Nurse Frances James, a supporting role in this, her only film in the series. I confess I only know Susan for this role so had to look her up on the internet to find out a bit more about her. 

Susan's character Frances James appears throughout Nurse, mostly working alongside Ann Firbank's character Sister Helen Lloyd. Mainly on night duty, her character gets mauled at by a sedated Terence Longdon and also has to deal with Cyril Chamberlain's Bert Able when he goes on the rampage without his pyjamas! The joy of Nurse is that many of the nursing staff play it straight and this makes them all the more believable. Writer Norman Hudis included elements of reality in his script, mainly provided by his wife Rita, a nurse in real life. This adds a great deal to the film and balances nicely with the broader comedy provided by the likes of Kenneth Connor and Charles Hawtrey.

Susan Beaumont, who was born in Balham, South London in February 1936, sadly didn't return to Pinewood to work again with the Carry On team. I like her performance in Nurse however I guess the character being quite normal and down to earth would mean perhaps she'd struggle to fit in with later, more outlandish efforts. Of course that wouldn't have happened anyway as Beaumont appears to have left acting by the end of the decade, her last credit coming in 1959. Aged just 23 at the time, it seems an odd decision but I can't find any details on why she left the limelight.

 

Susan was born to parents both involved in the business. Her father, Alfred Black, was a theatre producer and impressario, himself the son of George Black who was also a theatre impressario. George had been the Managing Director of the London Palladium from the late 1920s through until the war years and was even in charge of the Royal Variety Performance for a time. George Black was also the Managing Director of Moss Empires which, for a time made him one of the most important figures in the London theatre scene. 

George Black Senior died in 1945, leaving his business interests in the hands of his two sons - Susan's father Alfred and George Junior. Together, they began to investigate the new medium of television and once independent television came along in the mid-1950s, they were soon producing their own show, Strike A New Note. Billed as a talent show, it didn't last for long however it did see the teaming up of comedy great Arthur Haynes with the living legend that is Nicholas Parsons. Nicholas would continued to play Arthur's straight man for several years to come. Susan's father was also involved in setting up Tyne Tees Television, the regional station which served North East England from early 1959. So Susan came from quite a background!

Susan's mother was the musical comedy actress Roma Beaumont. It was therefore no surprise that young Susan took after her parents and was admitted to the Royal Academic of Dramatic Art (RADA). Despite this big step towards becoming a professionally trained actress, Susan only lasted one term at the prestigious school before leaving to take up a job in a pantomime. What may have seemed a rash decision at the time obviously worked out well for her as Susan was soon working with Norman Wisdom, dancing in a show with him at the London Palladium, the same theatre her grandfather had run twenty years before. From there Susan Beaumont went on to appear in a stage musical called Limelight. At around this time, at the age of just 19, she was spotted and signed up to the famous Rank charm school. A contract player, Susan went on to appear in several films during the 1950s.

Susan at Olympia in 1956

Susan Beaumont's first film credit was as a girl in a dream sequence in the 1955 film comedy The Lyons Abroad, directed by Val Guest and based on the famous, popular radio series. That same year she also had small parts in the film Simon and Laura, starring Peter Finch, Kay Kendall and Muriel Pavlow and an uncredited part in the Norman Wisdom comedy, Man of the Moment. A more substantial part came along the following year when she played Susan Storer in the Frankie Howerd vehicle, Jumping for Joy. The cast of this film included both Joan Hickson and Terence Longdon, actors she would meet again two years later on the set of Carry On Nurse. 

In 1957 Susan co-starred in the romantic drama, High Tide at Noon, which was set in Nova Scotia and starred Michael Craig and Flora Robson. Susan played the part of Kristy. She would work again with Flora Robson and for director Philip Leacock in another drama the following year, Innocent Sinners. In 1958 Beaumont had a starring role in the thriller The Spaniard's Curse and later that same year worked with Carry On Sergeant actor and future Doctor Who William Hartnell in the crime drama On the Run. This film was written by Brian Clemens who would go on to dominate the small screen in the 1960s and 70s with hits such as The Avengers, Thriller and The Professionals. 

Susan with Leslie Phillips in The Man Who Liked Funerals

In January 1959, Susan co-starred with Carry On Nurse colleague Leslie Phillips in the comedy feature, The Man Who Liked Funerals. This film, in which a man attempts to save a condemned youth club by blackmailing the families of the recently deceased (doesn't sound much like a comedy to me!) featured reliable support from the likes of Marianne Stone and Jimmy Thompson. Also in '59, apart from Carry On Nurse that is, came Susan's final two film roles, as Janet Shenley in the crime drama Web of Suspicion (again penned by Brian Clemens) and finally, No Safety Ahead, another crime thriller in which she starred with the infamous Soho legend and Carry On Regardless cameo-maker, Denis Shaw.

Susan only made two known excursions in the blossoming 1950s world of television. She co-starred in a one off play in the Theatre Night strand called Living for Pleasure, in 1958. In this play Susan worked for prolific director William Chappell, a veteran of theatrical revues, and a cast which included Carry On Sergeant star Dora Bryan, Anna Massey's older brother Daniel and George Rose, a close friend of Kenneth Williams in the 1950s and 60s. Susan also made two appearances in the popular series Ivanhoe, which of course starred Sir Roger Moore in the years before he found lasting fame as Simon Templar in The Saint and James Bond.

Roma Beaumont, Susan's actress mother

After No Safety Ahead in 1959, Susan Beaumont quietly retired from acting. As far as I am aware she is still alive at the age of 81. Her mother Roma passed away in 2001 at the age of 87 with Alfred passing away the following year aged 89. You can see Susan's parents as guests on actress Pat Kirkwood's This is Your Life tribute show in 1994 by following this link
and you can read more about Susan's mother Roma's career in her obituary which is available here.

If anyone knows what happened to Susan once she left the acting profession, I'd love to hear from you.




You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan on Facebook and on Instagram

The Silent Stars of Carry On

We all love hearing from those involved with the Carry On films, especially those who appeared in front of the camera. Sadly many of the original cast are now, as Bernard Cribbins referred to it as "in the bar upstairs", however there are still plenty of interesting characters around with stories to tell.

It is always great to hear from the likes of Bernard, Jim Dale, Shirley Eaton and Fenella Fielding, however there are many other Carry On actors who we rarely (if ever) hear from. While some actors may not want to (or enjoy) being interviewed or others may prefer not to discuss their involvement in the Carry Ons, there are a few who have stayed silent for no known reason.

Back in the day, there just weren't the same kind of opportunities for actors to be interviewed. When Hattie, Peter and Sid were still with us there were only three television channels and the internet was a long way off. 

So who would I like to hear more from these days? The actress Ann Firbank is still working today in her early 80s and although she only appeared in one Carry On, it was the marvellous Carry On Nurse. Together with her colleague in that film Susan Beaumont, they are rare surviving members from those early days. It would be great to hear their recollections of working on that wonderful medical Carry On.

Another actress I'd love to hear from is the great Carole Shelley. Carole has gone on to a highly successful career in stage and screen in the United States however she began her career in Britain and with supporting roles in two early Carry Ons, Regardless and Cabby. Much later on in the lifespan of Carry On, but another actress who left for work over in America is Judy Geeson, star of Carry On England. While we often see her sister Sally Geeson interviewed or appear at film conventions, Judy has never spoken about England (to my knowledge). 

Staying with the later Carry Ons, one figure who has stayed silent on her appearance in Emmannuelle is Suzanne Danielle. It would be fascinating to hear Suzanne's memories of working on this controversial film and on working so closely with Kenneth Williams. 

If Carry On Abroad actress Gail Grainger is out there, I'd love to hear from her on her work with the team on what many consider the last truly great film in the series. She appears to have completely disappeared but I'd love to track her down. 

Two stars of Carry On Behind who are both very definitely still around have never really spoken about their involvement in the series. International guest star Elke Sommer has long been based in Hollywood but wouldn't it be fascinating to hear what she made of her few weeks filming with Williams, Connor and Sims in the orchard at Pinewood? Also, legendary star of the small screen Windsor Davies has been retired for several years now, but it would be lovely to hear what he thought about stepping into Sid James' shoes for his role as butcher Fred Ramsden.

Finally, one more actor I'd like to hear from is the infamous Trisha Noble who played Sally in Carry On Camping. Legend has it that this young Australian actress didn't quite fit with what the Carry On team at Pinewood expected and the role was cut back as a result. It would be great to hear her take on all that!

It is possible we'd one day here from these actors on their times making the Carry On films. After all, some years back it was thought Margaret Nolan had retired into obscurity somewhere in the Spanish countryside. Now, back in London it was great to see her take part in Carry On Forever last year. So here's hoping more of these names break their silence!

So who would you like to hear more from?

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan 

What a Carry On at the London Film Convention!

The London Film Convention is new to me but this event is now in it's 40th year. My attention has been drawn to this by one of my lovely Twitter followers (thanks Michael!) The Convention gives fans of classic film and television a chance to meet stars, have photos taken with them and go home with an autograph as a lovely memento.

The next Convention is due to take place on Saturday 25th July and although it's early days, there have already been some guests announced with strong Carry On connections! Leading the field is Carry On and British film legend, the lovely Liz Fraser! Liz of course starred in four Carry Ons - Regardless, Cruising, Cabby and Behind.

Also making a (very rare) appearance will be Carol Hawkins, star of Abroad, Behind and several Carry On Laughing shows. Joining Liz and Carol so far are three other Carry On actors - Ann Firbank, who appeared in the classic Carry On Nurse and Patricia Franklin who had supporting roles in Camping, Loving, Girls, Behind and England. Finally, the lovely Sally Geeson will also be making an appearance. Sally appeared in Abroad, Girls and of course, played Sid's daughter in Bless This House from 1971 until 1976.

The London Film Convention will be taking place on Saturday 25th July, between 10am-4pm at Central Hall, Westminster, in Central London. 

And fear not if you cannot make it along tomorrow. The Convention will be back on Saturday 19 September and yet again there will be a Carry On presence. Shirley Eaton, star of Sergeant, Nurse and Constable will be there, as will fellow Carry On legends Anita Harris and Margaret Nolan. Also, Oscar winning production designer Peter Lamont will be there - he worked on Carry On Matron.

If you attend either of these events, please do get in touch and let me know how it went and who you met!

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook

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Still Carrying On: What are they up to now?

I thought it might be a good idea to have a quick run through what some of our favourite Carry On actors are up to at the moment. So without further ado...

...Let's start with Lew Boggs himself, that wonderful actor Richard O'Callaghan. Richard has just started a run in The Importance of Being Earnest at the Vaudeville Theatre in London's Theatreland. Richard plays Canon Chasuble and stars alongside Michele Dotrice and David Suchet in the production, which is booked to play until early November. You can find out more by visiting the website .

I have already blogged about the London Film Convention, due to take place on Saturday 25 July. Carry On actors Liz Fraser, Carol Hawkins, Ann Firbank and Patricia Franklin have already been confirmed as guests. Carry On and Bless This House favourite Sally Geeson has also just been confirmed. You can find out more here 

Meanwhile, legendary actress Fenella Fielding will be making a number of personal appearances over the summer. Fenella will be at theTyneside Cinema on Sunday 2 August, Forum Music Centre in Darlington on Monday 3 August and the Camden Fringe Festival on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August. You can book tickets for any of these events by visiting Fenella's website.

Fan favourite Anita Harris is currently touring the country with her own show, An Evening with Anita Harris. For more information on tour dates and locations, you can check out Anita's website .

As always, June Whitfield has been busy. Following on from her well-received cameo appearance as a nun in EastEnders, June has filmed a role in upcoming BBC adaptation of Cider with Rosie, co-starring alongside Timothy Spall, Annette Crosbie and Samantha Morton. June is also due to reprise her role in the BBC sitcom Boomers, which also features the likes of Alison Steadman and Stephanie Beacham. Thankfully there is no stopping June as she approaches her 90th birthday later this year.

It was also lovely to discover that Ian Lavender, one of the stars of Carry On Behind, will feature in the new Dad's Army film, due for release next year.

Finally, actress Rosalind Knight, wonderful as Felicity Wheeler in Carry On Teacher, has recently filmed a supporting role in the new film version of Alan Bennett's classic stage play, The Lady in the Van. The film, starring Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent and Frances De La Tour, will be released later this year.

If you have any information on film, television, stage or other appearances by Carry On actors, please do drop me a line!

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook

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What a Carry On at the London Film Convention!

The London Film Convention is new to me but this event is now in it's 40th year. My attention has been drawn to this by one of my lovely Twitter followers (thanks Michael!) The Convention gives fans of classic film and television a chance to meet stars, have photos taken with them and go home with an autograph as a lovely memento.

The next Convention is due to take place on Saturday 25th July and although it's early days, there have already been some guests announced with strong Carry On connections! Leading the field is Carry On and British film legend, the lovely Liz Fraser! Liz of course starred in four Carry Ons - Regardless, Cruising, Cabby and Behind.

Also making a (very rare) appearance will be Carol Hawkins, star of Abroad, Behind and several Carry On Laughing shows. Joining Liz and Carol so far are two other Carry On actors - Ann Firbank, who appeared in the classic Carry On Nurse and Patricia Franklin who had supporting roles in Camping, Loving, Girls, Behind and England.

Their website promises that even more names will be announced before the event and I can't wait to see who else will be appearing! I will definitely try to get along on the day.

The London Film Convention will be taking place on Saturday 25th July, between 10am-4pm at Central Hall, Westminster, in Central London. 

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook

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