Anna Dawson:
Probably more of a song and dance turn than a straight actress, she made her name in West End musicals throughout the '50s and '60s, but she cornered the market in sassy, no-nonsense dames in TV comedy and variety for a good chunk of the '70s and '80s. You will have almost certainly forgotten seeing her in 'The Benny Hill Show', 'The Kenny Everett Show', 'The Morecambe & Wise Show', 'Larry Grayson', 'Bernie' (as in Winters), the excruciating 'Leslie Crowther Show', and (shudder) 'The Jim Davidson Show'.
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| With Bill Fraser in the movie 'Love Thy Neighbour' (1973) |
Acting parts encompass comedies of variable quality, from 'The New Statesman' and 'Smith & Jones' to 'Rings On Their Fingers', 'Robin's Nest' and kids' non-favourite 'Super Gran' (playing a character called Wendy Whiplash). A bonus role arrived in the '80s with a semi-regular turn in 'Keeping Up Appearances' as well-off sister Violet.
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| In the jaw-droppingly awful 1977 variety special 'Hi Summer!' |
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| On Malcolm McDowell's lap in 'O Lucky Man! (1973) |
Her film work has been more of the same. Dubious tie-ins and semi-saucy comedies: 'Love Thy Neighbour (1973), 'Stand Up Virgin Soldiers' (1977), 'The Sexplorer' (1976) and hitting the odd jackpot, see 'O Lucky Man!' (1973), and cult car-crash, see Kenny Everett's 'Bloodbath at the House of Death' (1984).
Anna Dawson - imdb
kids' non-favourite 'Super Gran' - excellent turn of phrase
ReplyDeleteI first noticed Anna in ITV's fairly dire revue show WHAT'S ON NEXT; research shows I was not the only lad smitten with her. She is fondly remembered as Captain Kremmen's sidekick Carla; I recall Kenny Everett telling Parky she was a 'fantastic chick', though she was well into her 40s.
ReplyDeleteIts bewildering to see hatred directed at old TV shows in an age when quality no longer exists. Its like a bald-headed man sniggering at a man with a receding hairline.
ReplyDeleteI agree about Anna though. An amazing, funny lady.
Currently watching her on 3-2-1.....and she looks very 'Gilf-ish'
ReplyDeleteVery agreeable actress, easing from drama to comedy effortlessly
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