Margaret Rutherford - A Life in Film

A celebration of one of the big-screens best loved character actresses, Dame Margaret Rutherford. We take a look at her outstanding film career, from Madame Arcati to Miss Marple, and from Passport to Pimlico to the VIPs, for which she won an Oscar her portrayal of the Duchess of Brighton.
Margret Rutherford became synonymous with the rather eccentric, fiercely independent English spinster, a strong willed character, always willing to take on the establishment to fight for what was right.
For many she is best remembered as Miss Marple in the highly acclaimed film series in the early 1960s. It was a role that suited her perfectly and she appeared, as she did in so many of her films, alongside her husband, Stringer Davis. Her portrayal of the famous character received the ultimate accolade when in 1962 Agatha Christie dedicated her novel, The Mirror Crack'd 'To Margaret Rutherford, In Admiration.'
We take a look at Margaret's many screen appearances, from David Lean's 1945 big screen version of Noel Coward's comedy, Blithe Spirit, to her appearance in Charles Chaplin's final film, A Countess from Hong Kong in 1967, as well as many memorable film roles in between. We review her appearances in Passport to Pimlico (1949), The Happiest days of Your Life (1950), The Importance of Being Earnest (1952), The Smallest Show on Earth (1957), Orson Welles' Chimes at Midnight (1965) and The V.I.P.s from 1963, in which she appeared alongside Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, and won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of the Duchess of Brighton.
Margaret Rutherford built an international reputation as an outstanding, lovable actress. She earned a warm place in the hearts of audiences then and now, her appearances are still enjoyed by audiences around the world today.

[@Tidybitz]

For me Margaret was the ultimate Miss Marple, just loved her in those films. Really enjoyed this video, thanks for posting.

[@iplatotle6600]

Margaret Rutherford, by my calculation, was over 70 years old when she acted in Murder at the Gallop. Eleven minutes into the film she climbed upon a wagon and up barrels to reach a window over a dozen feet above the ground, all while maintaining self-confidence and speaking her lines. You wouldn't think it to look at her but not many women back then at her age could have done that. Not sure if more than a few could today, either.

[@Mr.SLovesTheSacredHeartofJesus]

I enjoyed this very much. I love Margaret Rutherford. She represents what was once a common thing in British life. The feisty spinster. Gone, but not forgotten. And she was a great actress too.

[@RABBITANDSNAIL]

Thank you for your kind comments. She was such a great actress, I never tire of seeing her films

[@reasonrestored9116]

She was amazing. Charisma unlimited. Even now, young people are blown away when they see her

[@sharoncarter4086]

Loved watching, love Margaret Rutherford! Perfect Miss Marple, and everytine I watch her, it makes me feel great 💜

[@paulamadden1766]

I absolutely love Margaret Rutherford. She was one-of-a-kind. Just the way she could put things was hilarious.this straight-laced elderly woman and some of the quit she would come off with and the way that she would say it was absolutely hilarious

[@alanb5370]

Margaret Rutherford was a very great actress. My favourite film is the VIP's. The business at the airport check-in, looking for a vaccination certificate and coming up with a flourish with a ration book was a masterclass of acting. As was the pathos in the conversation about why she was going to America - to save her home. I am not a blood relative, but by marriage, I can trace a link to Dame Margaret.

[@laurahoward5426]

She won the Academy Award for her role in the VIPS, an otherwise dreadful film, IMHO

[@BaneHuntress]

I loved her in Blithe Spirit!... I never watched her miss Marple! but omg, I'm now going to be trying to find them!

[@marysmith7792]

Murder at the Gallop, is my favorite. I saw it growing up with my parents at the MacArthur Theatre, Washington, DC.

[@kayeprescott8228]

I saw in the old black/white Miss Marple mysteries when I was very young and that’s probably why I love everything Agatha Christie.

[@davidharrison9111]

My 100% agree I love blithe spirit, days of our lives, my all time favourite miss Marple margret rutherford movies she was the best 👌 ❤😂😢😮😅😊

[@stephenkayser3147]

Margaret Rutherford is one of my most loved people on screen to those who have seen her (like I have) I believe. Your information has added (much) to my love for her. Thank you very much. I once read in a magazine her husband had presented himself ready to swim (costume / togs) as Margaret was to do a scene in case she had trouble (she didn't). She is indeed a much beloved person by many. Her skill, calm confident talent and simple humanity endear her to me and numerous people I am sure. She is everyone's favourite old aunt (etc.) or simply one who symbolises our idea of one we wish we had known in our own lives. Our world today is sadder without her and ones like her.

[@RABBITANDSNAIL]

Hi Stephen. Thanks for your kind comments. Margaret Rutherford is still so much loved by audiences, young and old for all the reasons you described. A national treasure, an independent, no nonsense woman in life and on the big screen. Her films are such a treasure trove that always leave a warm glow inside whenever you watch them. So glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks, Richard.

[@johnseven3695]

Absolutely loved her performance in "Blithe Spirit" one of my all time favorites.

[@user-yo8ep4fe2s]

Every other Miss Marple abaptation only serves to remind me of Margaret Rutherford. She was the one.

[@irenepwheeldon]

Loved her Miss Marple, watch them all the time

[@francisfischer7620]

As long as I remember she's been my favorite actress, and I'm nearly 70.

[@silvinaprioris5207]

She was so talented and marvellous !!!! Loved her ❤❤

[@susansandora7965]

Thank you so much for the video chronically listing the career starring the fabulous and my personal favorite British character actress, Margaret Rutherford. The Miss Marple series films are my favorites. I didn't know about some of her other films until now, but I'm planning on watching them very soon!!

[@DuchessCecelia72]

How wonderful would it have been to have a grandmother like Margret? It wouldn’t have done me much good as I recently discovered she died less than a month before I was born, her husband following a year later. Very sad, but also very touching. I think he must have loved her very, very much. Not that there was anything wrong with the grandmothers I had, they were wonderful too, but if I could have added a third (and if I could have had the choice to have her live longer) I’d have loved that. She was truly amazing ❤

[@peterwilson7039]

I have to say the Miss Marple films are my favourite.. I thought she the best actor for that roll.. I have the box set of Miss Marple and watch them very often. She was a beautiful person in side and out side. I would loved to have met her. She was great. God bless Margaret rutherford x Peter Wilson.

[@999Lumen]

I can't get enough of Margaret Rutherford. Watching her on film makes me feel warm and cozy!

[@sharoncarter4086]

Yes, me too. I love her films, makes me feel good to watch her.

[@Nicovertime]

One of the best Oscars ever awarded. EVER.

[@mrblueeyes7889]

Thanks, I love Margaret in Trouble In Store as a shoplifter. Comedy gold. x

[@kevinhoughton9134]

Loved her as Miss Marple, my favourite being Murder At The Gallop!

[@williamparker3765]

Thank you for this video, I enjoyed watching Margaret Rutherford in all the films I had seen her appear in, but my first choice has got to be in the Agatha Christie films, that part was Margaret Rutherford's all the way, she was first class.

[@sherrimarshall3191]

L love Margaret Rutherford but I feel bad I have never seen the other movies you've mentioned.I need to find the others. So my favorites are the Miss Marple films, their wonderful cute with her husband, Stringer Davis!

[@Pdjohnners]

Marple. Although I think each actress that played Miss Marple brought something wonderful to the role.

[@geoffcushnet3675]

Thank you for this lovely portrait of one of my favourite actresses. I remember seeing 'The Happiest Days of your Life' when it came out. I saw it first in Brighton, and I laughed so much that I nearly choked. When I left, the usherette remarked how lovely it was to see such laughter! Funnily enough, it also resonated with me because I had only recently left a Public School, where the idea of having GIRLS on the place would have caused exactly the sort of mayhem as in the film. Happy days indeed. Thank you again.

[@RABBITANDSNAIL]

You're welcome. It is a really terrific comedy, one if my all time favourite films. So pleased you enjoyed the video.

[@windstorm1000]

She's fabulous! Just saw Murder most foul-- watch her Dan McGrew poem reading on the stage in the film!!!

[@smaco1409]

Margaret Rutherford was one of those wonderful people, who, when their name came up on the Credits of a film you just knew you were in safe hands. Even if the film itself turned out to be not so good, you could be sure that the moments when Ms Rutherford appeared on the screen, it would be magical.,

[@JaredGriffiths2000]

I always find it interesting when people start acting later in life.

[@sassandsavvy007]

Thank you very much for bringing Margaret Rutherford to attention again. To me, she's a bit like a dear relative, an auntie. I'm 60 years old and I cherrish my childhood memories watching Miss Marple with my da... watched every re-run there was. In my thirties I watched her on vhs cassettes with my nieces who were about the same age as I had been watching Miss Marple with my father. When the kids came to spend a weekend and I asked what they wanted to watch all 3 of us snug in bed in the evening, they started humming the theme song. Your uploading this wonderful laudatio for a great actress and a very English lady gave me a big smile and many memories coming back. Dankeschön from a great fan in Germany. 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@RABBITANDSNAIL]

You are very welcome. I agree with you that she was a wonderful actress and her many films bring back cherished memories. Thanks for your kind comments. 👍

[@danielfontaine6977]

Well, in the 60s I was a kid and saw for the first time french dubbed versions of Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple... I am over 65 now, and still enjoy in the english version on DVD to watch those films... She was and still is "The" Miss Marple for me :-) Best regards from Montreal ....

[@schizoozy]

I dearly loved Margaret Rutherford in films. I recently purchased the Miss Marple DVD's. I saw them as a child in the 60's. I loved watching her on Runaway Bus, The V.I.P.'s, Miranda, I'm All Right Jack, Castle in the Air, Mouse on the Moon, The Mouse that Roared and Blythe Spirit. I hope to see and own all her films.

[@carolynhurlburt3054]

love m. rutherford, could we hane a film festival of a selection of her films???????? thanks

[@sarahperry2510]

Love magaret rutherford great actress

[@QuickQuix]

Love the recap of this extraordinarily talented actress, "Aunt Clara" was a wonderful role for her, too. Her performances never ring false. Thanks!

[@mediacenterman8583]

The Freeview Channel, Talking Pictures,introduced me to so many of Margaret's films. The Happiest Days of Your Life is my favourite, closely followed by Spring Meeting. Thank you for this vlog, She is a National Treasure.

[@sarahperry2510]

Happiest days of your life is my favourite film starring margaret rutherford

[@RABBITANDSNAIL]

I think I have to agree. It is such a good film, with the perfect cast. It's based on a play of the same name too. Would have loved to see it on stage.

[@francisfischer7620]

An utterly magnificent soul!!

[@dianehocker4365]

Love Blithe Spirit and her Agatha Christie pieces. Great Chanel

[@denisemann8798]

i just watched, and loved, Aunt Clara!

[@David-uf8ex]

Margaret was a one off a great actress. Murder at the gallop is my favourite with the wonderful Flora Robson

[@andicog]

Margaret Rutherford was wonderful, The happiest days of your life probably my favourite. The line involving the sports master, the upper 6th girls and petunias is a classic.

[@sandrahoward5695]

Thank you for all your contributions. There are so many of us that enjoy and look back with great fondness at the actors and actresses that were part of our childhood. A wonderful tribute to a great Actress! Thank you x

[@bartvanos1466]

There were plans for a fifth Miss Marple with Margaret Rutherford in 1965 called Murder announced, but this was cancelled for unknown reasons. She was asked to play a part in the Virgin and the gipsy in 1970, But her mental state was the reason she could not do it. There were troubles with the rights by releasing the last Miss Marple Murder most foul, so it was finally released in 1965, a year later than was planned. Margaret stays my favorite Miss Marple although Agatha Christie thought differently. Other parts I like were Blithe spirit, Happiest days of our live, falstaff and Passport to……

[@richardwroot7488]

I will say I enjoyed your profile of Margaret Rutherford career there are so many good film she we has starred in, but the one that does it for me is 'Passport to Pimlico' along with all the other actors and her portrait really pulls it altogether. Like some major actors around today she like them does not put on an accent. Another Great review Richard.

[@karstenmeyer1729]

I miss "Aunt Claire"! Stringer Davis appear in every Film with Margaret Rutherford!

[@markhayward7400]

Few actresses have so lastingly defined a single role as Margaret Rutherford did with Madam Arcati. Those who have played the part subsequently step in her shoes. Yet Coward was not enamoured by her performance on stage and fell out with David Lean over his script and direction of the movie version of 'Blithe Spirit' in which Margaret Rutherford as Madam Arcati was placed front and centre.

[@June1815VICTORY]

She was a True Star, a Brilliant Actress.

[@mena94x3]

I _LOVE_ Blythe Spirit, Miss Marple, Happiest Days…. and everything I’ve ever seen her in. 🥰🥰 My _favorite?_ Blythe Spirit. Her character in that is out of this world. She’s utterly memorable and unmatched in it.

[@RABBITANDSNAIL]

Great comment. She was a terrific actress and is still a national treasure. We're huge fans of Blythe Spirit too. Can't help feeling she was kind of playing herself in that film.

[@mena94x3]

@@RABBITANDSNAIL So true! 😂😂 Each time I watch it, it comes off as all too natural, like that was just her normal self and she didn’t have to try to put on any “character.” She was such a hoot! 😂😂😂

[@myjeevie]

Lovely tribute to a wonderful, very special actress! Thank you.

[@lorelaijones1355]

I love Runaway Bus and Aunt Clara as well the Miss Marples. Margaret Rutherford is just a joy to watch

[@jobucktin954]

I really enjoyed this, thank you

[@lostados2795]

Many lovely, unforgettable roles. Taken all into consideration, howevwer, it was "The Smallest Show on Earth", mainly the final sequence, a marvellous hommage to the Seventh Art.

[@takata98]

I always enjoyed Margaret Rutherford, I can't think of a movie she was in which I didn't enjoy. But for me the more humorous aspect of her was the "family connection" my uncle who's surname was Rutherford, was naturally a big fan of hers. When ever she was on TV he used to "say our Margaret is on TV get in here your missing her!". It was only years later when she passed I learned she was not actually related to him/us.

[@TheBlackHelicopterRevue]

A lovely retrospective of a lovely actress and lady. Thank you.

[@securityrobot]

Margaret Rutherford at her full - on eccentric best, in Miss Robin Hood.

[@lindacharles6581]

You couldn't go wrong doing a short biography of the late great Margaret Rutherford. Among my generation (baby boomers) she was so well loved. 💖

[@RABBITANDSNAIL]

Well said!

[@laurahoward5426]

Castle in the Air. Was wonderful

[@RABBITANDSNAIL]

Castle in the Air is a lovely film. The cinematographer was the talented Erwin Hillier who was also the cinematographer on The Shoes of the Fisherman with Anthony Quinn.

[@laurahoward5426]

@@RABBITANDSNAIL the man that played the Earl played Mr.Banks in the original Mary Poppins, he was a delight....in both

[@barriegilbert1315]

A great British asset to so many movies Two errors re The Smallest Show On Earth The cinema was not supposed to be in London (however the false front was built between two railway arches in Kilburn) It was in "SLOUGHBOROUGH" a fictional town in the North of England and she played the cashier (Mrs Fizaca;ley) not an usherette

[@RABBITANDSNAIL]

Thanks Barrie. Good points, about London and being an usherette. Really appreciate your kind comments.

[@hunterohara7369]

Delighted to find this lovely discussion and to find someone who loves Rutherford as I do. And I agree, "Blythe Spirit" is SO remarkable. I wore our my Rutherford Miss Marple dvds and found them on blu ray, thank god! Thank you for all that you said here and on the Rutherford Miss Marple exclusive video. You have it all in perspective as far as I am concerned. Keep all this coming!

[@marylougeorge9890]

She was the Real Miss Marple!👍👏👏👏🌹

[@franksaunders8535]

She could also play a "Heavy" you showed a brief photo of her playing Mrs Danvers in the stage version of "Rebecca" by Daphne Du Maurier "The Girl" a young Celia Jonhson

[@tonycasey3183]

My parents' favourite film was The Smallest Show On Earth and mine still is Aunt Clara. I have to say, though, that the best performance in the latter comes from Ronald Shiner.

[@stevenedwards4470]

Miss Robin Hood is a fun little movie. James R. Justice from Murder She Said is in that one too. I think they should use A.I. to crank out more retro Rutherford Marple movies. Do the world a favor.

[@almi3767]

Please add in "Castle in the Air".

[@skylongskylong1982]

Rod Taylor in the film VIPs enjoyed working with her, and believed she just played herself in the film. Also he was allowed to write his own lines in the film, as the writer said he was not used to write for a Australian !

[@thinkingahead6750]

I always think that Murder Ahoy has more than a little of They Do It With Mirrors.

[@johnmangham2802]

I love her Miss Marple films but Ahoy is ruined by Lionel Jeffries scene stealing at every opportunity.

[@bluegtturbo]

Without a doubt it was in the original Basic Instinct with Harry Enfield

[@mariamosquera8962]

👏👏👏🏆🏆🏆👏👏👏👏👏👏🥇

[@reasonrestored9116]

Constance Cummings is the first wife ‘Elvira’!

[@paulmoloney4160]

A great actress and sadly missed miss marble and she alongside with Norman wisdom as a Irish woman with a horse 4 the derby sorry I can't remember the name of the movie please let, me know

[@chrisgarvey5939]

"Put on your coat dear Mr. Waterman, I beg of you. He could for all the world be Hilary of Everest" 😆

[@mpgabriel819]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@carolynmyers2222]

Where can you get her films. Love to have them.

[@andicog]

Talking Pictures TV on free view do show them, as do TCM. The dvd versions can usually be found at resonable prices on Amazon.

[@davids8449]

Anyone else spotted a big mistake in the film Blithe Spirit

[@suzannetaylor9110]

Aunt Clara

[@daisuke6072]

"softly, softly catchee monkey.....in a mousetrap"