Happy birthday, Glynis!
She may not be one of the most well-known actresses from classic films, but I think everyone can name one particular film that this incredibly fantasmagorical lady was in. If you're struggling to think of it, let me give you a hint:
From Kensington to Billingsgate one hears the restless cries. From every corner of the land, WOMANKIND ARISE! Political equality and equal rights with men - take heart for Mrs. Pankhurst has been clapped in irons again!
Got it yet? YES! She was the mother of Jane and Michael Banks in Mary Poppins. Nevermind Miss Poppins being practically perfect in every way, Winifred Banks is practically awesome in every way. She's a singing and dancing suffragette. No one will ever top her coolness.
I thought I'd honour her this year by doing a "6 Reasons" post. I could hardly narrow her magnificence down to 6 reasons though...
Reason #1 - Her Voice
Glynis' voice is one of those that you can't stop listening to. It captivates you with it's unique, beautiful tones. I could listen to her read the phone book quite happily. Whilst so many wonderful actresses have performed the song, Glynis' rendition of Send in the Clowns from Sondheim's A Little Night Music will always be my favourite version, which isn't surprising seeing as it was written for her.
Reason #2 - Her face
Pretty self-explanatory really. She has such a beautiful, interesting face and the weirdest nickname ever regarding her eyes, "The Girl with the Upside-Down Eyes". Yeah.
Reason #3 - Her 1954 film, Mad About Men
(start at about 6:00 if you want to see the most brilliant part of the film!)
She made the prequel to this film back in 1948 (Miranda), but, if I'm honest, it's a bit rubbish. This film, however, is 90 minutes of pure and unadulterated, ridiculous rubbish, and it makes for a very entertaining, albeit somewhat brain-mushing, film. SHE'S A MERMAID. SHE HAS AN IDENTICAL RELATIVE WHO IS NOT HER TWIN. SHE DANCES. AND THERE'S A SEA LION LIKE IN JULIA MISBEHAVES. It's always going to be good when there's a sea lion.
Reason #4 - The two films she made with Deborah Kerr
She made Perfect Strangers (1945) and The Sundowners (1960) with Deborah and they are both cracking films. I wish they'd made more films together because they really seemed to compliment each other well.
Reason #5 - Her talent as an actress
(blatantly the best photo of anyone. ever.)
It pains me how underrated she is! She has huuuuge talent as an actress. She can be so spectacular in films that she almost blows you away. A great example of this is her segment in the 1951 film, Encore. She was in the third part of the film called Gigolo and Gigolette and played a young daredevil who entertains the crowds at a nightclub by diving into a shallow barrel of water from a very great height. It's by far the best part of the film and the way she manages to pull you into the story in such a short time is truly phenomenal. I urge everyone to check out her films!
Reason #6 - Well done, Sister Suffragette!
You didn't really think I was going to leave it out, did you? ;D
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Hope both my readers and the lovely Glynis have a wonderful day! ♥
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