Thelma Ritter: Scene Stealer of Classic Hollywood!

Explore the remarkable career of Thelma Ritter, Hollywood's ultimate scene-stealer! This video celebrates Ritter's unforgettable performances in classic cinema, showcasing her unique talent for stealing every scene she appeared in. From her early roles to her iconic appearances in some of the greatest films of the golden age, we delve into what made Thelma Ritter a cherished figure in movie history. Join us in paying tribute to this extraordinary actress and her lasting legacy in Hollywood. #ThelmaRitter #ClassicHollywood #SceneStealer #MovieHistory #FilmLegends

[@judymills6288]

You know the movie is going to be good if Thelma Ritter is in it

[@rextrek]

100% ...Id compare Frances McDormand "Fargo" to her

[@kbunky69]

True true Thelma Ritter was great 😊😊😊❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@kathywright6853]

As soon as I saw this post I was gonna say the same thing,I also feel like that about Eve Arden,Allen Jenkins,and a couple others

[@stevehaynes7516]

Miss Ritter deserves a special Oscar in recognition of her contributions to American film.

[@jamesmcinnis208]

It's a little late.

[@stevehaynes7516]

@@jamesmcinnis208, its never too late, the Acadamy has awarded over 70 posthumous, honorary and retrospective awards down through the years. Lets keep our fingers crossed.

[@jamesmcinnis208]

@@stevehaynes7516 I love Thelma Ritter. All I'm saying is that it's too bad she didn't get the recognition when she was alive to enjoy it. That would have been so much better. But, as you say, BLTN.

[@ivansampaio1635]

Thelma is hilarious on Boeing, Boeing, with Jerry Lewis and Toni Curtis

[@flenif2247]

So does Mary Wickes, Charles Lane, and Marilyn Monroe for that matter. (at least Cary Grant was finally granted an honorary one)

[@jnagarya519]

Thelma Ritter is an underrated legend.

[@minitademw6913]

She is indeed but whenever she colaborated with in a film she not only enhanced it but rose the standards of those around her, her acting~mates 🎉🤭🥳🙇‍♀️🗨💁‍♀️Bravi Thelma Ritter 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@raymeedc]

~ She should’ve been given a lifetime achievement Oscar, for every one of her performances was memorable, and a still standing record of six nominations bears witness to that ✅

[@user-jn5ux1ct4r]

What a very nice tribute to a natural born actress. Absolutely loved her in All About Eve.

[@jimmywhite3922]

I love all of her performances but Rear Window, the Misfits and Pillow Talk are absolutely unforgettable. Thank you, Thelma!❤

[@Sakina-rv7qk]

Please watch pickup on south street; it’s her best in my opinion!

[@leonoranicolaysen2784]

The mating season was just lovely!

[@gerryday9152]

She made every film she was in better. ❤️ her.

[@marterisher2335]

Oh, I absolutely adored Thelma Ritter. She improved every film. She was in with her one of a kind wit, sarcasm, plain spoke - nes!

[@rdbwdc774]

Thelma Ritter is one of the most under-rated actors in movie history.

[@LarcR]

Thelma Ritter never turned in less than a perfect acting job. Even her small role in _Miracle on 34th Street_ was a master class. From the first time I watched that movie as a kid, her part was always the highlight for me. It never gets stale with repeated viewing.

[@voceval1]

I'll watch anything and everything with Thelma Ritter in it. That's how much I love her!

[@jajones-ford2226]

One of my favorite actresses. I'll always watch a film with Ms Ritter featured in it.

[@leonoranicolaysen2784]

Every time!

[@ilanamillion8942]

Thelma Ritter was truly a great actress and simply amazing in every way on the screen.

[@TheRavendearest]

But no film clips of her? Her iconic voice! Her delivery! It’s a nice bio, but it needs examples of her work to really convey her essence and great talents.

[@susanhill149]

Oh my gosh Thank you for this. Thelma Ritter has absolutely stolen my heart in her movies and I instantly recognize her when she comes on screen. ❤❤😊😊 forever remembered

[@johng5474]

Thelma Ritter gave supporting roles a weight that often propped the stars up, without pushing then out. I think the writers loved hearing that she wad on the team. They certainly gave her great lines as they knew they would be delivered well.

[@homegown1234]

I loved Thelma Ritter due to her honest portrayal of a maid, nurse or housekeeper. She would invite all of her friends and relatives on Oscar Night and tell them - "come over and watch me lose the Oscar!" I wished she would get an Oscar because she was wonderful actress.

[@sherylcrawford8201]

I LOVED Thelma Ritter. I first saw her in With a Song in my Heart when I was a child. Have loved her ever since.

[@Aramanth]

1963's *_New Kind of Love_* is a great film for Thelma Ritter fans. She played Lena O'Connor who works in a fashionable dress shop working with the models. Thelma's character had a crush on the store's owner and had some great acid dialogue with her rival played by Eva Gabor. The stars are Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward and it was filmed in Paris. Great funny movie! Great bio by the way! Nicely done!

[@kathywright6853]

That movie is a real hoot,I had it on DVD but I don't think it plays anymore

[@Aramanth]

@@kathywright6853 I still have my DVD and enjoy it very much. Just a funny stylish movie and just the faces that Thelma makes at Eva Gabor are hilarious! Also Joanne Woodward's "transformation" scene is worth the price of the DVD alone! Glad to meet another fan!

[@sherrirabinowitz4618]

She's always been one of my favorites.

[@rosiebottom3870]

I'm glad I now know her name. She was such a staple in so many films. Rear Window is my favourite.

[@michaelgordon8763]

Thank you for recognizing Thelma...since I first spotted her in a film...I've been a fan.

[@eamestv]

One of the great character actors in the business. But to leave out 'Titanic,1953' is an oversight. Everything can't be included. It was truly shocking to see Ms. Ritter shot dead while in bed in 'Pickup On South Street' also in 1953. I hope young people find her movies and see greatness. Thanks for posting.

[@alfredbonnabel7022]

She was a treasure ❤

[@PLuMUK54]

An example of an overnight success that was decades in the making. Several of the greatest character actors did not find fame until late in life. I wonder what they might have achieved had they been recognised earlier? Watching a Thelma Ritter performance always leaves me with the same feelings as some of the greatest, most well-known actors. Watching a Thelma Ritter performance is to see a master class in the art of acting. Unforced, unhurried, pure genious. Thelma Ritter did not act the part of a character; she became that character, a rare gift.

[@sherglovier3393]

She’s not in “Boys Night Out ” The role that would be the “Thelma Ritter Role” was played by the inimitable Jessie Royce Landis. Thelma was nominated for: “All About Eve”, “The Mating Season”, “With A Song In My Heart”, “Pickup on South Street”, “Pillow Talk”, and “Birdman of Alcatraz”. Personally, I think she should have won for Pillow Talk. No how many time I have seen it, the absolutely cracks me up. Her scene in the bar with Rock Hudson is a master class of underplaying for laughs.

[@classicmovieguy]

Good catch! You really know your movies…thanks for the comment

[@melenatorr]

@@classicmovieguy I would also have mention of her role in "The Misfits": you do show stills of her and Marilyn Monroe, and Ritter shines there, as always, in Arthur Miller's script.

[@classicmovieguy]

She carries the film in the misfits…

[@jamesrobiscoe1174]

My vote would be for "Pickup..." But she was aces in every movie she was in. God has her now, though she's in our flicks and our memories.

[@anderssvensson-zf1ck]

Great to see so much love for Thelma here! So many great moments come to mind; when she struggles with a room divider in an ill fitting maid suit in ’a letter to three wives’, her defeated expression lying in bed listening to the record player in ’pickup on south street’ are two that sticks out. She was always remarkable. There’s supposed to be an earlier televised version of Chayefsky’s ’the catered affair’ where Thelma has the lead that Bette Davis took on in the movie version - has anyone seen it? Would love to find it!

[@classicmovieguy]

There are so many movies that we couldn’t even discuss here. The video would just go on too long.

[@marilynbrennan787]

I remember seeing it on live TV in the 50s Pretty sure it was 8 or 9 o'clock on a Sunday night. She was unforgettable. Ernest Borgnine played the husband in the TV version as well as the movie. They sweetened up the movie ending. But the TV version was much better. I can still see see her sitting next to her sleeping husband while sipping a cup of tea. She was the best.

[@anderssvensson-zf1ck]

@@marilynbrennan787 oh I can imagine she was stellar 😊 nice to read you enjoyed that version.

[@brianlawton8172]

Thelmla brought it no matter what she played in...will especially remember her as the aging street smart tie hustler in "pick-up on south street" I'm at an age now where l look more at character actors / actresses perform than the main ones. they had to work even harder at thier craft to make the movie memorable without the recognition. So here's to Thelma Ritter, Jane Darwell, Celia Lovsky, Rutn Nelson, Maria Ouspenskaya and the other great ladies that started out late but gave (and left) us so much. Thanks for posting!

[@maryellengrayberg9146]

She was fantastic, hands down the best of the best character actors ❤

[@mikedtw]

In All About Eve, in the dressing room when Thelma delivers the line about the "hounds yapping at her heels" I laughed so hard I snorted coffee outta my nose. Bless you for putting this together and posting it, Well Done!!

[@mkphilly]

She was utterly amazing!

[@jmnny85]

Her "All about Eve" response in reaction to Eve's tear jerking dramatic story was priceless- "What a story! Everything but the bloodhounds snapping at her rear end"

[@patbrown53]

I adore Ms. Ritter. ❤

[@queenicolumbo4857]

Fantastic tribute. Thank you! ♡♡♡

[@randilevson9547]

Thelma Ritter and Jessie Royce Landis played similar character types. Wise, witty, sarcastic, and with a great b.s. detector. They each added great dimension to the films they appeared in.

[@zyxw2000]

They should have played some of her priceless dialogue.

[@susanhill149]

❤❤ Thelma Ritter remembered forever

[@jenniferannecchini5216]

Love the movies she's been in .Amazing talented actress

[@uslines]

She is in my top ten of Featured actors, I never considered her as a supporting actor. She had the best lines in Rear Window.

[@badpuppy09]

Glad you included The Mating Season because it's a fun comedy, but you left out The Model and Marriage Broker which is very good. I think Thelma even has top billing which was rare for character actors.

[@DianeHasHopeInChrist]

Loved Thelma Ritter!! She had a natural talent that today's actors will never have nor obtain. Thank you for this!! Excellent video!! New Sub!!❤❤

[@Shineon83]

Thelma……in REAR WINDOW & PILLOW TALK….the BEST….We lost her FAR too young….😭

[@stevendaniel8126]

ALWAYS one of my favorites...

[@HarlequinDrFaustus]

Just rewatched MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET this past holiday. Forgot she had a bit in it, and she is marvelous (I also watched 2 TV versions of the same story, and her performance so much deeper than the later players).

[@CHERYLRGAY]

MS. RITTER WAS SOOO FUNNY IN THE MOVIES, "PILLOW TALK" AND " MOVE OVER DARLING."😀😀😀😀😀

[@normadesmond6017]

she was magnificent!

[@33Donner77]

And she was in other roles, like "The Misfits". A person once said they preferred being a character actor as they were not always in the public limelight.

[@pmajudge]

THE UNSUNG ACTRESS THELMA RITTER. R.I.P. (2024). HER VOICE WAS HILARIOUSLY FUNNY BLESS HER. 💯👋👋👍👍💐💐 !! A BOUCQUET FOR THELMA RITTER. FROM. U.K. (2024).

[@willieluncheonette5843]

she is terrific in everything I've seen her in Two Sam Fuller noirs immediately come to mind.

[@rizpahbaker4996]

Great actress

[@l.a.gothro3999]

I want to age into being Thelma Ritter. My favorite performance from her is in "A Letter to Three Wives".

[@carrerlluna66]

Unforgettable as the best friend of beautiful Linda Darnell's mother in Letter to Three Wives. You should have mentioned that she had a larger role in The Model and the Marriage Broker and was fabulous in it. My next Thelma is " As Young As You Feel". Thanks CMG and Thelma too

[@neildickson5394]

How could you not even mention "The Misfits"? Crazy!

[@markrichards6863]

Thelma was one of the finest characters actors of her era.

[@classicmovieguy]

Yeah, I’ll be adding more clips in upcoming videos. I’m still learning this KZbin game.

[@terryhenderson2194]

She was nominated for Pick up on South Street. She should’ve won. In my humble opinion.

[@sherryceltic9856]

Her best performance, in my opinion.

[@rabrab3]

Such a talent!!

[@ritabengermino317]

Loved her in Hole in a Head and All About Eve. Hope to find more of her films. 📽️🎭🎬

[@mrslinarcos]

Thelma Ritter was great in the movie TITANIC with Richard Basehart, Barbara Stanwick, & Robert Wagner.

[@knowglobal-Redwoman]

Pillow talk. Soooo fantastic she perfomed🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉brrrr🎉

[@Tomfrost1997]

WONDERFUL Thelma

[@user-ld1dy3yc8j]

Don’t forget her in “The Misfits!”

[@JacQues58]

You forgot the classic The Misfits.

[@nonisnest9718]

Love her!!!

[@USA-REIGNS-SUPREME]

Thelma Ritter, was in her own class and not to be compared to anyone!!! No matter their role!!!

[@dj33036]

She kinda reminded me of Jessica Tandy or Ruth Gordon.

[@porcelina956]

Love Rear Window. Now I want to watch it again.

[@Checkoutthismovie]

Loved her in Pickup On South Street. Then came across The Capetown Affair, which had the same script and character names, different setting.

[@wouldbestar]

I never get tired of seeing her as Mo Williams in "Pickup on South Street". She was robbed! I always think of her final scene on patriotic holidays. That's what being American is about!

[@classicmovieguy]

No doubt that that is one of her best films

[@mcbrion1951]

It would have been nice if the video provided a few lines of dialogue in each movie showing off Ritter's great acting chops! She had a dry, ironic delivery. I think the word we used 50 years ago was "deadpan," and she was the master of it.

[@classicmovieguy]

Yeah i’m working on a revised and expanded version of this video to include short clips but also some of our other movies that aren’t included here like Titanic, the misfits and the model and the marriage broker

[@dale19532]

One role not mentioned is in Boing Boing, playing a long-suffering housekeeper who had to cover for employer, a guy trying to cover for having affairs with 3 different stewardesses. Her tag line was, "It ain't easy, ya know!" I use that line to this day, but no one gets the reference.

[@catherine59226]

Amazing actress! 👍🏻❤️

[@bethbix]

oh man, your channel is so underrated. you deserved more

[@classicmovieguy]

Yes please help this channel grow

[@TheSaltydog07]

Deborah Kerr. "Kerr" is pronounced "CAR." She's Scottish. And Ritter played Stroud's mother. I'll be happy to edit your stuff. Thank you. ❤

[@classicmovieguy]

Email me at [e-mail]. Yes I would love to discuss editing

[@richardjarrell3585]

How could you leave out THE MISFITS?

[@Harlandwolf]

I loved her in TITANIC (1953) as Maude Young a.k.a. Molly Brown. Thelma at her best IMHO.❤️

[@classicmovieguy]

I’m going to make an expanded video with additional movies and also movie clips. Send.

[@mrslinarcos]

She takes the shawl off the survivor's head after looking down at his feet noticing men's shoes "Glad to see you could make it Mr. Meeker!"

[@Harlandwolf]

@@mrslinarcos YES!!! Or, "...hand me one of those paddles." 😂

[@mrslinarcos]

@@Harlandwolf 😂😂

[@veronicaferguson8548]

My favorites are Alma in Pillow Talk and in The Misfits .The scene in Pillow Talk where she and Rock Hudson are getting drunk is hystarical

[@richarddixon7855]

...Richard Widmark and John Peters. LOL

[@catlover34fl]

Jean Peters. Also Deborah Kerr''s last name is pronounced Car, not Ker.

[@TedH.]

Don't forget her memorable part in A Hole in the Head 1959.

[@diego-search]

In, "The Birdman of Alcatraz", she played Robert Stroud's mother, not sister.

[@classicmovieguy]

Good catch you are correct

[@Daria_Morgandorfer.]

Wow she was in the same movie as my cousin my cousin Linda Darnell was in a letter to 3 wives with her 😊

[@rogerrendzak8055]

Nominations isn't the same, as Oscar award, winning. But close, enough. For me, 'A Miracle On 34th. Street', and 'Rear Window', concreted it for me.

[@arlenekerr1198]

Loved her in Daddy Long Legs!

[@hanschristianbrando5588]

To know Thelma Ritter is to love her; every movie is better for having her in it. A sitcom should have been made around her "Letter to Three Wives" character Sadie Dugan. People don't really understand cool. James Dean wasn't cool: too much of a snuffly boy. Thelma Ritter was cool. Bette Davis even paid her the ultimate tribute by imitating her in the movie "Catered Affair" (Thelma did the TV play the movie was based on).

[@cjpreach]

"But from now on I'm gonna be a regular Macy's customer."

[@michaelgreen4183]

I'm surprised you didn't mention 'Titanic' with Barbara Stanwyck.

[@classicmovieguy]

Yeah I try to only mention 5 - 10 films per video but of course there are many other films that she is great in…Titanic and The Misfits are 2 more

[@michaelgreen4183]

@@classicmovieguy Even as a kid, I recognized that she was a special person. Not glamorous, but the woman I wanted for my aunt!😉

[@classicmovieguy]

Very true…always supportive but honest and a quick wit… even Thelma Ritter acknowledged she wish she had a Thelma Ritter like her character in real life!

[@stanedwards309]

Thelma is great, always. BTW, Deborah's studio created the phrase "Deborah Kerr, rhymes with star." so that audiences would properly pronounce her name.

[@iwaisman]

Boing Boing was a great showcase for her.

[@Metro-polis]

This retrospective omits her role as Molly Brown in the film Titanic!

[@knowglobal-Redwoman]

Great actres🎉🎉🎉love her🎉🎉rr

[@jcarterla]

I loved her in Boeing Boeing

[@raymeedc]

~ Improved and often stole any scene she was in 👌

[@classicmovieguy]

Sometimes she carried the film.

[@kbunky69]

In Birdman of Alcatraz she played the Mother not sister .

[@Weesperbuurt]

No mention of ‘The Misfits’?

[@johnjdevlin2610]

It's good to hear that Thelma Ritter had remarkable feets. I've read that her father was a shoe salesman so I suspect it wasn't just a coincidence.

[@clivecarser7356]

Thelma was in 3 films with Marilyn monroe .

[@leightonbate7516]

A nice tribute but some facts are wrong she had a 22 year career not 19 and also she was born in 1902 and died in 1969 so she was 67 not 63.

[@elaineteeter9485]

In THE BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ, Thelma Ritter portrayed Stroud's mother, not his sister.

[@jamesmcinnis208]

Those relentless zoom cuts made me want to hurl.

[@user-rw2uh5bv3o]

Stoled the scenes in all about eve to. She just chewed those scenes

[@arnesahlen2704]

Deborah "Karr" is how it is pronounced!