Heather Thatcher

Heather Thatcher (September 3, 1896 "-" February 15, 1987) was an English actress in theater and motion pictures. She was from London, England.

Dancer

By 1922 Thatcher was a dancer. She was especially noted for her interpretation of an Egyptian harem dance. Her exotic clothes were designed in Russia. They featured stencil slits in the waist, trouserettes, and sleeves. Her attire was billed as the boldest costume ever shown in England.

English theatre

Thatcher played the feminine lead in London stage productions like "Oh Daddy" and "Warm Corner". At the London Winter Garden she sang and danced in a revue in 1923. In August 1926, she appeared in "Thy Name Is Woman" at the Q Theatre. It marked her graduation from musical comedy to serious acting.

She continued her London stage work, performing with June Clyde in "Lucky Break". Premiering at the Strand Theatre in September 1934, the theatrical presentation was a production of Leslie Henson. In 1937, Thatcher came to America in "Full House". The previous season, she was paired with Ivor Novello in the English rendition. Jack Buchanan, Austin Trevor, and Coral Browne teamed with Thatcher in "Canaries Sometimes Sing" (1947). Produced by Firth Shephard, the theatrical presentation opened in Blackpool and came to London a month later. Thatcher participated in a "Salute To Ivor Novello" at the London Coliseum in September 1951. The production raised funds to run his old home, "Redroofs". It had been purchased by the Actors' Benevolent Fund.

Movie career

"The Plaything" (1929), produced by Castleton Knight and Elstree Studios, begins as a silent film. It develops into an audible movie which is recorded in good quality for its time. The theme concerns a Highland laird who falls in love with a hedonistic London heiress. Thatcher plays a prominent role as "Martyn Bennett".

In 1931 she vacationed in Hollywood while attending the wedding of James Gleason. As a star of English comedy, she was being compared to Marilyn Miller, Thatcher wore a monocle to the marriage ceremony. In the fall of 1931 she was invited to a reception following the premiere of "Strictly Dishonorable" (1931), at the Carthay Circle Theater. Among her friends in motion pictures were Anthony Bushell and Zelma O'Neal.

Thatcher was signed by Metro Goldwyn Mayer in February 1932. She was given a feature role in "But The Flesh Is Weak" (1932). The film stars Robert Montgomery and is directed by Jack Conway. The movie was adapted from a British stage production which showcased Novello. Thatcher was praised for her performance. German actress, Nora Gregor was found disappointing. The English actress "gives a brilliant performance and creates the only human being in the piece."

Thatcher sued Gloria Swanson British Productions for breach of contract in a suit which was settled in December 1933. During the filming of "Perfect Understanding" (1933) Thatcher's contract was canceled before the production was completed. No explanation was given. She was excluded from the film when a new author was hired. The replacement writer chose to eliminate her character.

"The Private Life of Don Juan" (1934) was also filmed at Ellsworth Studios. The movie has Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. as its leading man. Owen Nares plays the title role and Thatcher is "Anna Dora", one of the ladies.

Later in her career Thatcher returned to England to make movies. Among these is "Will Any Gentleman?" (1953), filmed at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood. Thatcher appears together with George Cole and Veronica Hurst. The motion picture was a short adventure about a hypnotist who puts a man in a trance.

Thatcher made her last movies in 1955. "The Deep Blue Sea" has a screenplay written by Terence Ratigan and features Vivien Leigh and Kenneth More. Thatcher depicts "Aunt May Luton" in "Josephine and Men". The motion picture is a comedy starring Glynis Johns and Peter Finch.

Thatcher died in Hiddington, England in 1987.

References

*Lima News, "Has London Gone Crazy About Clothes?", December 10, 1922, Page 38.
*Lima News, "Why They Covered Up The Three Prettiest Figures In England, April 1, 1923, Page 12.
*Los Angeles Times, "English Star Here", September 15, 1931, Page A9.
*Los Angeles Times, "Silver Wedding Bells", October 4, 1931, Page I2.
*Los Angeles Times, "Society of Cinemaland", November 15, 1931, Page B19.
*Los Angeles Times, "Heather Thatcher With MGM, February 2, 1932, Page A9.
*Los Angeles Times, "English Play Being Screened", February 21, 1932, Page B11.
*Los Angeles Times, "Feeble Follow-Up", April 24, 1932, Page B15.
*New York Times, "London Stage Notes", August 22, 1926, Page X1.
*New York Times, "London Film Notes", October 6, 1929, Page X9.
*New York Times, "Don Juan Is To Be A Film Hero", January 17, 1934, Page X2.
*New York Times, "The Cable Spies On London", September 30, 1934, Page X1.
*New York Times, "News Of The Stage", September 18, 1936, Page 19.
*New York Times, "London Notes", October 25, 1947, Page 13.
*The Times, "Actress' Action Settled", Wednesday, December 13, 1933, Page 4.
*The Times, "Stage Tribute To Ivor Novello", Saturday, September 8, 1951, Page 8.

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