Renée Houston: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Scottish comedy actress and revue artist}} |
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| birth_name = Katherina |
| birth_name = Katherina Rita Murphy Gribbin |
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| birth_date = {{Birth date|1902|7|24|df=y}} |
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1902|7|24|df=y}} |
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| birth_place = [[Johnstone]], [[Renfrewshire (historic)|Renfrewshire]], Scotland |
| birth_place = [[Johnstone]], [[Renfrewshire (historic)|Renfrewshire]], Scotland |
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| death_date = {{Death date and age|1980|2|9|1902|7|24|df=y}} |
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1980|2|9|1902|7|24|df=y}} |
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| death_place = [[ |
| death_place = [[Brinsworth House]], [[Twickenham]], [[England]] |
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| nationality = Scottish |
| nationality = Scottish |
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'''Renée Houston''' (born '''Katherina |
'''Renée Houston''' (born '''Katherina Rita Murphy Gribbin''';<ref name=baker/> 24 July 1902 – 9 February 1980) was a Scottish comedy actress and [[revue]] artist who appeared in television and film roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/individual/4839|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080426011614/http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/individual/4839|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 April 2008|title=Renée Houston|website=Ftvdb.bfi.org.uk|access-date=26 October 2018}}</ref> |
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==Biography== |
==Biography== |
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Born in [[Johnstone]], [[Renfrewshire (historic)|Renfrewshire]], into a theatrical family who performed as James Houston and Company,<ref name=hudd>Roy Hudd and Philip Hindin, ''Roy Hudd's Cavalcade of Variety Acts'', Robson Books, 1998, {{ISBN|1-86105-206-5}}, pp.84-85</ref> she toured [[music halls]] and revues with her sister Billie Houston (born Sarah McMahon Gribbin; 1906–1972) as the "Houston Sisters".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://universityofglasgowlibrary.wordpress.com/2015/05/18/the-houston-sisters-back-in-the-spotlight/|title=The Houston Sisters: Back in the Spotlight|last=clairemckendrick|date=18 May 2015|publisher=}}</ref> They became a leading [[variety show| |
Born in [[Johnstone]], [[Renfrewshire (historic)|Renfrewshire]], into a theatrical family who performed as James Houston and Company,<ref name=hudd>Roy Hudd and Philip Hindin, ''Roy Hudd's Cavalcade of Variety Acts'', Robson Books, 1998, {{ISBN|1-86105-206-5}}, pp.84-85</ref> she toured [[music halls]] and revues with her sister Billie Houston (born Sarah McMahon Gribbin; 1906–1972) as the "Houston Sisters".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://universityofglasgowlibrary.wordpress.com/2015/05/18/the-houston-sisters-back-in-the-spotlight/|title=The Houston Sisters: Back in the Spotlight|last=clairemckendrick|date=18 May 2015|publisher=}}</ref> They became a leading [[variety show|variety]] act in the 1920s, sometimes performing as two children in over-sized furniture; Billie played the part of a boy.<ref name=hudd/> |
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In 1926, the sisters made a short musical film, the script of which Renée had written. It was produced by [[Lee De Forest]], whose process, [[Phonofilm]], enabled a soundtrack to be played alongside the film (a year before ''[[The Jazz Singer]]'').<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britishpathe.com/video/a-match-or-two-two-little-tricks-by-the-houston|title=A Match Or Two - Two Little Tricks By The Houston Sisters|first=British|last=Pathé|website=www.britishpathe.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://reneehoustonsite.wordpress.com/film-career/|title=Film Career|date=23 February 2017|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9NX_8KbH89oC& |
In 1926, the sisters made a short musical film, the script of which Renée had written. It was produced by [[Lee De Forest]], whose process, [[Phonofilm]], enabled a soundtrack to be played alongside the film (a year before ''[[The Jazz Singer]]'').<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britishpathe.com/video/a-match-or-two-two-little-tricks-by-the-houston|title=A Match Or Two - Two Little Tricks By The Houston Sisters|first=British|last=Pathé|website=www.britishpathe.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://reneehoustonsite.wordpress.com/film-career/|title=Film Career|date=23 February 2017|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9NX_8KbH89oC&q=houston+sisters+short+film+1926&pg=PA27|title=The British Musical Film|first=John|last=Mundy|date=15 July 2007|publisher=Manchester University Press|isbn=9780719063213|via=Google Books}}</ref> The sisters ended their working partnership in 1936, when Billie reportedly became ill,<ref name=hudd/> although it is suggested that the split may have been due to the sisters' frequent disagreements.<ref name=baker>Richard Anthony Baker, ''Old Time Variety: an illustrated history'', Pen & Sword, 2011, {{ISBN|978-1-78340-066-9}}, pp.28-30</ref> |
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Renee Houston continued as a solo comedienne and actress, appearing in the [[Noel Gay]] [[revue]] ''Love Laughs!''. She eventually revived her double act, this time with her third husband, the actor [[Donald Stewart (actor)|Donald Stewart]], until his death in 1966.<ref name=hudd/> |
Renee Houston continued as a solo comedienne and actress, appearing in the [[Noel Gay]] [[revue]] ''Love Laughs!''. She eventually revived her double act, this time with her third husband, the actor [[Donald Stewart (actor)|Donald Stewart]], until his death in 1966.<ref name=hudd/> |
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In her later years, she specialised in "[[Battle-axe (woman)|battleaxe]]" roles, notably as [[shop steward]] Vic Spanner's ([[Kenneth Cope]]) formidable mother in ''[[Carry On at Your Convenience]]'' (1971).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/carry-on-at-your-convenience-v8373/cast-crew|title=Carry On at Your Convenience (1971) - Gerald Thomas - Cast and Crew|website=AllMovie}}</ref> She also worked for director [[Roman Polanski]] in ''[[Repulsion (film)|Repulsion]]'' (1965) and ''[[Cul-de-sac (1966 film)|Cul-de-sac]]'' (1966).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6b42e4b1|title=Repulsion (1965)|website=BFI}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6a83e56d|title=Cul-de-sac (1966)|website=BFI}}</ref> She published her autobiography in 1974 which was entitled ''Don't Fence Me In''.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lXnXDQAAQBAJ& |
In her later years, she specialised in "[[Battle-axe (woman)|battleaxe]]" roles, notably as [[shop steward]] Vic Spanner's ([[Kenneth Cope]]) formidable mother in ''[[Carry On at Your Convenience]]'' (1971).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/carry-on-at-your-convenience-v8373/cast-crew|title=Carry On at Your Convenience (1971) - Gerald Thomas - Cast and Crew|website=AllMovie}}</ref> She also worked for director [[Roman Polanski]] in ''[[Repulsion (film)|Repulsion]]'' (1965) and ''[[Cul-de-sac (1966 film)|Cul-de-sac]]'' (1966).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6b42e4b1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419230001/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6b42e4b1|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 April 2016|title=Repulsion (1965)|website=BFI}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6a83e56d|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811125819/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6a83e56d|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 August 2016|title=Cul-de-sac (1966)|website=BFI}}</ref> She published her autobiography in 1974 which was entitled ''Don't Fence Me In''.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lXnXDQAAQBAJ&q=renee+houston+don%27t+fence+me+in&pg=PA728|title=The Encyclopedia of British Film: Fourth edition|first=Brian|last=McFarlane|date=16 May 2016|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9781526111975|via=Google Books}}</ref> |
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Houston was also in early episodes of radio's ''[[The Clitheroe Kid]]'', playing his Scottish mother in half a dozen 1958 broadcasts (but the role was quickly recast to use an English actress instead), and was a regular guest on radio panel show ''[[Petticoat Line]]'' chaired by [[Anona Winn]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/c1cc488fb52a4d02bea83176d2ea78a2|title=Jimmy Clitheroe as 'THE CLITHEROE KID'|date=2 May 1958|publisher=|issue=1799|pages=31|via=BBC Genome}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/214b3a9b912642d59f1edc826a9e1ffd|title=Petticoat Line|date=28 September 1967|publisher=|issue=2290|pages=68|via=BBC Genome}}</ref> According to entertainment historian Richard Anthony Baker: "So many listeners found her forthright language unacceptable that she was eventually limited to two swear words per show."<ref name=baker/> |
Houston was also in early episodes of radio's ''[[The Clitheroe Kid]]'', playing his Scottish mother in half a dozen 1958 broadcasts (but the role was quickly recast to use an English actress instead), and was a regular guest on radio panel show ''[[Petticoat Line]]'' chaired by [[Anona Winn]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/c1cc488fb52a4d02bea83176d2ea78a2|title=Jimmy Clitheroe as 'THE CLITHEROE KID'|date=2 May 1958|publisher=|issue=1799|pages=31|via=BBC Genome}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/214b3a9b912642d59f1edc826a9e1ffd|title=Petticoat Line|date=28 September 1967|publisher=|issue=2290|pages=68|via=BBC Genome}}</ref> According to entertainment historian [[Richard Anthony Baker]]: "So many listeners found her forthright language unacceptable that she was eventually limited to two swear words per show."<ref name=baker/> |
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She died in [[London]] at the age of 77 on 9 February 1980. Houston was married three times. The second was to the actor [[Pat Aherne]], the brother of [[Brian Aherne]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lXnXDQAAQBAJ& |
She died in [[London]] at the age of 77 on 9 February 1980. Houston was married three times. The second was to the actor [[Pat Aherne]], the brother of [[Brian Aherne]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lXnXDQAAQBAJ&q=houston+sisters+short+film+1926&pg=PA369|title=The Encyclopedia of British Film: Fourth edition|first=Brian|last=McFarlane|date=16 May 2016|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9781526111975|via=Google Books}}</ref> Her third husband was the actor [[Donald Stewart (actor)|Donald Stewart]].<ref>{{cite ODNB|url=http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-49223|title=Houston, Renée [real name Caterina Rita Murphy Gribbin] (1902–1980), actress |year=2004 |doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/49223}}</ref> |
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== Filmography == |
== Filmography == |
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|1932 |
|1932 |
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|''Come Into My Parlour'' |
|''[[Come Into My Parlour]]'' |
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|Jenny MacDonald |
|Jenny MacDonald |
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|Maggie Oliphant |
|Maggie Oliphant |
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| 1933 |
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|''[[Radio Parade]]'' |
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|Herself |
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|1934 |
|1934 |
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|1956 |
|1956 |
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|''{{sortname|A|Town Like Alice|A Town Like Alice ( |
|''{{sortname|A|Town Like Alice|A Town Like Alice (film)}}'' |
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|Ebbey |
|Ebbey |
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|1958 |
|1958 |
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|''Them Nice Americans'' |
|''[[Them Nice Americans]]'' |
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|Mrs. Adams |
|Mrs. Adams |
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|1961 |
|1961 |
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|''[[Watch |
|''[[Watch It, Sailor!]]'' |
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|Mrs. Mottram |
|Mrs. Mottram |
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|''[[Repulsion (film)|Repulsion]]'' |
|''[[Repulsion (film)|Repulsion]]'' |
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|Miss Balch |
|Miss Balch |
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|1966 |
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|''[[Cul-de-sac (1966 film)|Cul-de-sac]]'' |
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|Christopher's Mother |
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|1963 |
|1963 |
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|''[[Taxi! ( |
|''[[Taxi! (British TV series)|Taxi!]]'' |
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|Gig Lambert |
|Gig Lambert |
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|Episode: "Barricades in Bailey Street" |
|Episode: "Barricades in Bailey Street" |
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[[Category:Scottish film actresses]] |
[[Category:Scottish film actresses]] |
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[[Category:Scottish television actresses]] |
[[Category:Scottish television actresses]] |
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[[Category:Scottish women comedians]] |
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[[Category:Vaudeville performers]] |
[[Category:Vaudeville performers]] |
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[[Category:People from Johnstone]] |
[[Category:People from Johnstone]] |
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[[Category:20th-century Scottish actresses]] |
[[Category:20th-century Scottish actresses]] |
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[[Category:20th-century |
[[Category:20th-century Scottish comedians]] |
Latest revision as of 14:15, 14 May 2024
Renée Houston | |
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Born | Katherina Rita Murphy Gribbin 24 July 1902 Johnstone, Renfrewshire, Scotland |
Died | 9 February 1980 | (aged 77)
Nationality | Scottish |
Occupation(s) | Actress, comedian |
Years active | 1910s–1980 |
Renée Houston (born Katherina Rita Murphy Gribbin;[1] 24 July 1902 – 9 February 1980) was a Scottish comedy actress and revue artist who appeared in television and film roles.[2]
Biography[edit]
Born in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, into a theatrical family who performed as James Houston and Company,[3] she toured music halls and revues with her sister Billie Houston (born Sarah McMahon Gribbin; 1906–1972) as the "Houston Sisters".[4] They became a leading variety act in the 1920s, sometimes performing as two children in over-sized furniture; Billie played the part of a boy.[3]
In 1926, the sisters made a short musical film, the script of which Renée had written. It was produced by Lee De Forest, whose process, Phonofilm, enabled a soundtrack to be played alongside the film (a year before The Jazz Singer).[5][6][7] The sisters ended their working partnership in 1936, when Billie reportedly became ill,[3] although it is suggested that the split may have been due to the sisters' frequent disagreements.[1]
Renee Houston continued as a solo comedienne and actress, appearing in the Noel Gay revue Love Laughs!. She eventually revived her double act, this time with her third husband, the actor Donald Stewart, until his death in 1966.[3]
In her later years, she specialised in "battleaxe" roles, notably as shop steward Vic Spanner's (Kenneth Cope) formidable mother in Carry On at Your Convenience (1971).[8] She also worked for director Roman Polanski in Repulsion (1965) and Cul-de-sac (1966).[9][10] She published her autobiography in 1974 which was entitled Don't Fence Me In.[11]
Houston was also in early episodes of radio's The Clitheroe Kid, playing his Scottish mother in half a dozen 1958 broadcasts (but the role was quickly recast to use an English actress instead), and was a regular guest on radio panel show Petticoat Line chaired by Anona Winn.[12][13] According to entertainment historian Richard Anthony Baker: "So many listeners found her forthright language unacceptable that she was eventually limited to two swear words per show."[1]
She died in London at the age of 77 on 9 February 1980. Houston was married three times. The second was to the actor Pat Aherne, the brother of Brian Aherne.[14] Her third husband was the actor Donald Stewart.[15]
Filmography[edit]
Film[edit]
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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1932 | Come Into My Parlour | Jenny MacDonald | |
1933 | Their Night Out | Maggie Oliphant | |
1933 | Radio Parade | Herself | |
1934 | Lost in the Legion | Mary McFee | |
1934 | Mr. Cinders | Mrs. Phipps | |
1935 | No Monkey Business | Jessie | |
1936 | Happy Days Revue | Kitty Seymour | |
1937 | Fine Feathers | Teenie McPherson | |
1939 | A Girl Must Live | Gloria Lind | |
1941 | Old Bill and Son | Stella Malloy | |
1943 | The Peterville Diamond | Lady Margaret | |
1944 | Two Thousand Women | Maud Wright | |
1951 | Lady Godiva Rides Again | Beattie | AKA, Bikini Baby |
1954 | The Belles of St. Trinian's | Miss Brimmer | |
1955 | Track the Man Down | Pat Sherwood | |
1956 | A Town Like Alice | Ebbey | |
1956 | The Big Money | Bobbie | |
1957 | Time Without Pity | Mrs. Harker | |
1958 | The Horse's Mouth | Sara Monday | |
1958 | Them Nice Americans | Mrs. Adams | |
1960 | The Flesh and the Fiends | Helen Burke | |
1960 | And the Same to You | Mildred Pomphret | |
1961 | Three on a Spree | Mrs. Gray | |
1961 | Watch It, Sailor! | Mrs. Mottram | |
1961 | No My Darling Daughter | Miss Yardley | |
1962 | The Phantom of the Opera | Mrs. Tucker | |
1962 | Fog for the Killer | Ma Johnson | |
1963 | Nurse on Wheels | Mrs. Beacon | |
1963 | The Rescue Squad | Mrs. Manse | |
1963 | Tomorrow at Ten | Masie Maddox | |
1963 | Carry On Cabby | Molly | |
1964 | Carry On Spying | Madame | |
1965 | Repulsion | Miss Balch | |
1966 | Cul-de-sac | Christopher's Mother | |
1966 | Secrets of a Windmill Girl | Molly | |
1966 | The Spy with a Cold Nose | Lady Blanchflower | |
1971 | Carry On at Your Convenience | Agatha Spanner | |
1975 | Legend of the Werewolf | Chou-Chou |
Television[edit]
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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1956–57 | ITV Television Playhouse | Mrs. MacDonald, Marthy | Episodes: "The Blood Is Strong", "Anna Christie" |
1957 | The Errol Flynn Theatre | Mrs. Bridie | Episode: "Take the High Road" |
1957 | Armchair Theatre | Ethel Watts | Episode: "Rappaport Always Pays" |
1957 | Anna Christie | Marthy | TV film |
1957–58 | Sunday Night Theatre | Vi Vining, Bessie | Episodes: "The Day's Mischief", "A Nest of Robins" |
1960 | Maigret | Madame Ja Ja | Episode: "Liberty Bar" |
1960–61 | No Hiding Place | Grannie Wheedon, Mrs. Lacey | Episodes: "Footsteps on the Ceiling", "Fever" |
1961 | Doctor Knock | Madame Remy | Episode: "Act 3" |
1962 | Dinner with the Family | Madame de Montrachet | TV film |
1962 | A Matter of Conscience | Korableva | TV film |
1962 | Man of the World | Mrs. Van Kempson | Episode: "The Runaways" |
1963 | Z-Cars | Big Rosie | Episode: "Scare" |
1963 | Taxi! | Gig Lambert | Episode: "Barricades in Bailey Street" |
1963–64 | The Saint | Ida Warshed, Mrs. McAlister | Episodes: "The Gentle Ladies", "The Wonderful War" |
1964, 1967 | Dr. Finlay's Casebook | Mrs. Bright, Mrs. Johnston | Episodes: "My Late Dear Husband", "Over My Dead Body" |
1966 | Dixon of Dock Green | Mrs. Loman | Episode: "Death of a Donkeyman" |
1966 | ITV Play of the Week | Mother Brinicombe | Episode: "The First Thunder" |
1966 | Knock on Any Door | Marion Scoullar | Episode: "The Dear Ones" |
1967 | Trapped | Ivy | Episode: "Goodnight Mrs Dill" |
1967 | River Rivals | Mrs. Fredericks | TV series |
1969 | W. Somerset Maugham | "Frank" Hickson | Episode: "The Three Fat Women of Antibes" |
1969 | Doctor in the House | Mrs. Muir | Episodes: "Peace and Quiet", "If In Doubt - Cut It Out!" |
1969 | ITV Sunday Night Theatre | Olive | Episode: "The Comic" |
1973 | Special Branch | Scotswoman | Episode: "You Won't Remember Me" |
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Richard Anthony Baker, Old Time Variety: an illustrated history, Pen & Sword, 2011, ISBN 978-1-78340-066-9, pp.28-30
- ^ "Renée Houston". Ftvdb.bfi.org.uk. Archived from the original on 26 April 2008. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
- ^ a b c d Roy Hudd and Philip Hindin, Roy Hudd's Cavalcade of Variety Acts, Robson Books, 1998, ISBN 1-86105-206-5, pp.84-85
- ^ clairemckendrick (18 May 2015). "The Houston Sisters: Back in the Spotlight".
- ^ Pathé, British. "A Match Or Two - Two Little Tricks By The Houston Sisters". www.britishpathe.com.
- ^ "Film Career". 23 February 2017.
- ^ Mundy, John (15 July 2007). The British Musical Film. Manchester University Press. ISBN 9780719063213 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Carry On at Your Convenience (1971) - Gerald Thomas - Cast and Crew". AllMovie.
- ^ "Repulsion (1965)". BFI. Archived from the original on 19 April 2016.
- ^ "Cul-de-sac (1966)". BFI. Archived from the original on 11 August 2016.
- ^ McFarlane, Brian (16 May 2016). The Encyclopedia of British Film: Fourth edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9781526111975 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Jimmy Clitheroe as 'THE CLITHEROE KID'". 2 May 1958. p. 31 – via BBC Genome.
- ^ "Petticoat Line". 28 September 1967. p. 68 – via BBC Genome.
- ^ McFarlane, Brian (16 May 2016). The Encyclopedia of British Film: Fourth edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9781526111975 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Houston, Renée [real name Caterina Rita Murphy Gribbin] (1902–1980), actress". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. 2004. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/49223. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
Bibliography[edit]
- Halliwell's Who's Who in the Movies HarperCollins ISBN 0-06-093507-3
- Renée Houston: Spirit of the Irresistibles by Miranda Brooke Tempest Time ISBN 978-1-5262-0636-7