Author: ambler1

I recently found this photograph in the Daily Herald Archive/Popperfoto/Getty Images Library. I don't think it is known to any historians, film critics or literary critics working on Greenwood, and I think may be the only photo showing writer, film director and two of the actors rehearsing a scene in the film on the set… Continue reading New Article: A Forgotten Love on the Dole Rehearsal Photograph by James ‘Jimmy’ Jarché (December 1940)

Like Greenwood, Formby came from a poor Lancashire background, and both of them became stars in their own spheres and ways. They also worked on two films together: No Limit (1935) and Much Too Shy (1942). I can find no evidence that they became in any way friends or worked closely together despite some things… Continue reading New Article: Walter Greenwood and George Formby

Wendy Hiller's performance in the play of Love on the Dole made her into a star, and there has been an article posted about that for some time. I can now add an article about how the film also made Deborah Kerr into a star, though perhaps not a wholly conventional one. See: Deborah Kerr,… Continue reading New Article: Deborah Kerr, Stardom and Love on the Dole

I was delighted recently to discover that the NPG had a portrait of Hiller in role, painted by the then very well-known portraitist Thomas Cantrell Dugdale. I think I can add a little bit more information to what the NPG currently knows about the painting (and as well as publishing this here, will send it… Continue reading New (short) Article: The National Portrait Gallery Painting of Wendy Hiller as Sally Hardcastle (1935)

I thought I had found an original and attractive thirties ticket for Greenwood and Gow's play - and I had, but there is a bit more to say about it and the intriguing story of the 'Privilege Ticket Register'. I Have a Ticket for Love on the Dole at the Garrick! (January 1935) – Walter… Continue reading New (Short) Article: I have a ticket for Love on the Dole (Garrick, 1935)