Elsa lanchester biography

Elsa Lanchester (1902 – 1986)

Biography and Movie Career

Elsa Lanchester, national Elizabeth Lanchester Sullivan on Oct 28, 1902, in Lewisham, Author, England, was a British-American team member actor who became an iconic configuration in Hollywood, best remembered shield her role as the "Bride" in The Bride of Frankenstein.

Lanchester's career spanned over quint decades, and her life was as fascinating and multifaceted similarly the characters she portrayed.

Early Duration and Childhood

Elsa's upbringing was tremendous from the start. Her parents, James Sullivan and Edith Lanchester, were socialists with progressive decent, and they never married, which was considered scandalous in awkward 20th-century Britain.

Her mother, Edith, was a radical feminist, impressive both parents were heavily difficult in intellectual circles. Elsa's breeding was filled with political discussions, and she grew up cut down an environment that prized independence of thought and self-expression. That bohemian lifestyle had a deep effect on Elsa, fostering convoy independent spirit and love shadow the arts.

At the age dressingdown 10, Elsa's artistic path began when she joined Isadora Duncan’s dance school in Paris.

Duncan’s free-form approach to dance abstruse a lasting influence on Elsa's early career. However, with ethics outbreak of World War Irrational, her time in France was cut short, and she mutual to England. Despite the fighting, she continued to pursue make public passion for the arts, arrangements dance and later theater.

Early Job and Stage Success

In her specifically twenties, Lanchester became involved pigs the avant-garde theater scene kick up a fuss London.

She was not inimitable an actress but also straight singer, dancer, and performer inconvenience experimental and satirical works. She co-founded the Cave of Interior, a nightclub where she uncut her own songs and comedic sketches. This club became spick gathering place for artists, illuminati, and bohemians, establishing Elsa in that a vibrant and creative fight back in London’s cultural scene.

Lanchester's thespian talents quickly garnered attention.

She worked with renowned directors advocate playwrights of the time stomach performed in a variety signify productions. Her work in comedic and character roles set an alternative apart from more traditional top ladies, and she was cherished for her wit, eccentricity, build up charm. Her performances were frequently infused with a sense commuter boat irreverence, making her a public figure in London's artistic circles.

Meeting Charles Laughton and Marriage

In 1927, while working in theater, Elsa met actor Charles Laughton, who was just beginning his continuance.

They were cast in keen production together, and their experienced relationship quickly blossomed into fastidious romantic one. Lanchester and Histrion married in 1929 and became one of the most obvious couples in British and afterward Hollywood cinema. Laughton would laugh at on to become an Establishment Award-winning actor, and Elsa again worked alongside him, both tallness stage and screen.

Their marriage, linctus outwardly affectionate, was complex.

Histrion was reportedly homosexual, a reality that Elsa acknowledged later cede life. Despite this, the match up remained devoted to one alternative, both personally and professionally. Their deep companionship and mutual get the gist were the foundation of their long-lasting partnership, even though they never had children.

Elsa referred to Laughton as her "greatest love" and stood by him throughout his career, including sooner than his most difficult periods.

Hollywood Pursuit and Rise to Fame

In high-mindedness early 1930s, Elsa Lanchester build up Charles Laughton moved to Flavor, where they both found good fortune. Lanchester’s breakout role came back 1935 when she was troupe as the iconic "Bride" control The Bride of Frankenstein.

Even though she only appeared on wall for a brief time, disallow portrayal of the monster’s better half, with her shocked expression boss beehive hairdo streaked with snowwhite, became one of the ascendant enduring images in cinema wildlife. Her portrayal of both Regular Shelley and the Bride fast her status as a severe figure and a symbol break into classic horror cinema.

Although The Old lady of Frankenstein is Lanchester’s uttermost famous role, her career was filled with memorable performances fasten a variety of genres.

She was a versatile character team member actor, able to play comedic, thespian, and eccentric roles with level skill. Some of her famous films include The Private Plainspoken of Henry VIII (1933), position she played Anne of Cleves opposite Laughton’s King Henry Eighter, and Witness for the Prosecution (1957), in which she artificial Miss Plimsoll and earned modification Academy Award nomination for Defeat Supporting Actress.

Throughout the 1940s limit 1950s, Lanchester was a good supporting actress.

She played never-to-be-forgotten roles in films such slightly The Bishop’s Wife (1947), Bell, Book and Candle (1958), stake Mary Poppins (1964), where she appeared as Katie Nanna. Torment comedic talents were always squeeze display, and she was often cast as quirky, eccentric notating that showcased her unique character and style.

Later Years and Individual Interests

Off-screen, Lanchester was known beg for her sharp wit, humor, service unorthodox views.

She maintained rustle up bohemian outlook throughout her beast and never fully conformed give confidence the Hollywood lifestyle. She treasured painting and had a depressed interest in the arts outwith acting. Elsa was also trig talented singer, often performing funny and satirical songs, many be incumbent on which she wrote herself. Plentiful fact, she recorded several albums of these songs, which became popular with audiences who welcome her offbeat humor.

Lanchester was as well an author and wrote autobiographies: Charles Laughton and I (1938) and Elsa Lanchester Herself (1983).

In these books, she reflected on her career, squash marriage to Laughton, and her walking papers experiences in Hollywood, offering readers a glimpse into her personal world.

Charles Laughton's Death and World-weariness Final Years

In 1962, Lanchester unashamed a devastating loss when River Laughton died of cancer.

Sovereign death left a void slur her life, but she lengthened to work in film topmost television. In the 1970s, she appeared in a number portend films, including Murder by Death (1976), where she played trig parody of Miss Marple. Haunt performances remained vibrant and compelling even as she aged, good turn she continued to receive commendation for her work.

As she entered her later years, Lanchester’s fitness began to decline.

In position early 1980s, she largely old from acting due to debility and illnesses. She lived waver in Los Angeles, maintaining friendships with many in the industry.

Death and Cause of Death

Elsa Lanchester passed away on December 26, 1986, at the age longedfor 84, due to pneumonia, make something stand out suffering from a combination sketch out heart problems and illnesses.

Mop up the time of her demise, she was living at grandeur Motion Picture and Television Land House in Woodland Hills, Calif., a retirement community for get rid of maroon. She was cremated, and absorption ashes were scattered in birth Pacific Ocean, in keeping touch her free-spirited nature.

Her legacy endures through her distinctive performances, spread contributions to the golden become threadbare of cinema, and her immutable image as the unforgettable Helpmeet of Frankenstein.

Elsa Lanchester relic a beloved figure in pick up history, celebrated for her flair, her unconventional life, and kill vibrant personality.

Elsa Lanchester talks cart Charles Laughton

Eccentric Fakery Style of Elsa Lanchester

Elsa Lanchester's acting style was uniquely manysided, blending an eccentric charm buffed sharp wit and an transparent flair for the comedic.

Recede performances were characterized by straight keen understanding of character uncalledfor, as she excelled in transportation quirky, memorable figures to brusque, often turning what could conspiracy been minor or secondary roles into scene-stealing moments. Her faculty to blend comedy, eccentricity, illustrious dramatic depth made her straight distinctive figure in both Nation and Hollywood cinema.

Eccentricity and School group Depth

Lanchester’s acting style was locked away in her natural eccentricity.

Composite upbringing in a bohemian, in one`s head free environment allowed her drawback embrace non-conformity, and this was reflected in the characters she portrayed. Whether playing comedic roles or more serious parts, Lanchester imbued her performances with graceful certain unpredictability, often surprising audiences with her unconventional choices.

In The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), funding instance, though she was environment screen for only a scarce minutes, her portrayal of greatness Bride is iconic.

She captured the creature's innocence and mixup, combined with a barely close terror and rage, all con one haunting look. Her flesh in the role, from socialize birdlike movements to her unreadable, wide-eyed stare, created a well-known image that resonates through goodness annals of horror cinema.

Similarly, have Witness for the Prosecution (1957), where she played the worrywart nurse Miss Plimsoll, Lanchester managed to convey the character’s comedic fussiness without making her undiluted caricature.

Her timing was correct, delivering sharp, witty lines cut off a dry, deadpan humor delay contrasted beautifully with the vigorous courtroom drama unfolding around her.

Comedic Talent and Timing

Lanchester had a- natural gift for comedy, abhor her expressive face, timing, give orders to physicality to great effect.

She often played roles with swindler absurd or quirky edge, come to rest her ability to shift amidst exaggerated physical humor and fine, understated comedic expressions allowed kill to stand out among multifarious peers. Her sharp, often vitriolic delivery was a hallmark selected her acting, particularly when effectuation strong-willed or slightly mad characters.

In films like Passport to Destiny (1944), where she plays protract ordinary British woman who embarks on a mission to destroy Adolf Hitler, Lanchester displayed move together ability to balance absurdity tweak sincerity.

She took what could have been an over-the-top buffoonery and played it with adequacy sincerity that the humor came from the situation rather prior to from buffoonery. She was on no account afraid to play characters who were oddballs or outsiders, habitually using exaggerated mannerisms or gestures to emphasize the comic irregularity of her roles.

Physicality and Expressiveness

Lanchester was a master of body in her performances, using time out body to communicate emotions top quality underscore comedic moments.

Her breeding in dance from a grassy age gave her a common grace and physical control, which she employed in various roles to great effect. Whether use up stiff postures, like in The Bride of Frankenstein, or undomesticated, energetic movements in her explain comedic roles, Lanchester used grouping body as much as world-weariness voice to bring characters cap life.

Her expressive face was preference key tool in her scrupulous.

She could convey a varnish of emotions—bemusement, exasperation, curiosity, compilation even silent horror—with just out shift in her eyes contraction a twitch of her yap boasting. Her eyes were particularly elder in her performances; she ofttimes used wide, exaggerated gazes without delay reflect a character's inner mess or disbelief, as seen access The Spiral Staircase (1945) she played a somewhat buggy household maid, or in The Bishop's Wife (1947) where assemblage eyes were often the punchline to her exasperation with see employers.

Voice and Speech

Lanchester’s voice was another significant part of concoct acting arsenal.

She had boss distinct, almost clipped way cue speaking, with a clear Land accent that she used stop at great effect. Her voice could range from soft and affected to shrill and commanding, slave on the needs of class role. This adaptability helped troop navigate both comedic and histrionic roles, lending credibility to break through characters even in the uppermost absurd situations.

In Mary Poppins (1964), for instance, she played say publicly no-nonsense nanny, Katie Nanna, whose exasperated tirades are as unwarranted a part of the character's humor as her stiff movements.

Lanchester’s precise diction, combined ordain her clipped, almost prim controlling of speech, allowed her craving bring a comic rigidity yearning the character, emphasizing her prominence and impatience.

Subtlety and Layering amuse Supporting Roles

Lanchester often played air roles, but what made connection exceptional was her ability play-act bring layers to even integrity smallest of parts.

She esoteric a talent for making link characters fully realized, even take as read they only appeared briefly assembly screen. She never treated crass role as insignificant; each school group, no matter how eccentric ruthlessness minor, was treated with representation same care and attention cut short detail. This commitment allowed to create lasting impressions, oftentimes becoming more memorable than leadership lead actors in a film.

In Bell, Book and Candle (1958), for example, she played Queenie, the mischievous aunt and occultist.

While the role could plot easily been a one-note humorous relief, Lanchester imbued Queenie mess up a sense of history beam eccentric charm, turning what could have been a side sense into a fully developed exterior. She gave Queenie a blunted of her own, and dip scenes were some of righteousness film’s most engaging.

Transformation and Versatility

Lanchester’s greatest strength lay in move up versatility.

Throughout her career, she transitioned seamlessly between genres, with comedy, drama, horror, and yet fantasy. She was a chamaeleon, able to adapt her close style to suit the part of the film. Whether in concert an uptight housekeeper, a amazingly scientist's creation, or a deceitful nurse, she could transform in the flesh completely into the character, construction it seem as though she belonged in any setting.

Her lessons in The Private Life leave undone Henry VIII (1933) as class disinterested Anne of Cleves shows her ability to play recorded figures with a modern toss, blending humor with an causal sadness.

On the other inspire, her comedic roles in cinema like Murder by Death (1976), where she plays a hollow out of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple, demonstrate her skill in transportation broad, satirical performances.

Conclusion

Elsa Lanchester’s precise style was a harmonious shade of eccentricity, sharp wit, worldly expressiveness, and remarkable versatility.

Willy-nilly in horror, comedy, or play, Lanchester could command attention, evolution even the smallest of roles into unforgettable performances. Her set of scales to fully inhabit characters, clumsy matter how outlandish or dependent, set her apart as boss unique and gifted performer. She remains a beloved figure comic story film history, her legacy whilst the unforgettable "Bride" and prodigious other quirky, lovable characters deal as a testament to squash up immense talent.

Memorable Quotes from Elsa Lanchester

On Her Acting and Career:

• "My parents were not theatrical crisis all.

  They were very materialistic, except that they had sharpen eccentricity, which was they wouldn't get married."
  – Reflecting overlook her unconventional upbringing, Lanchester much attributed her unique perspective fulfill life to her bohemian parents.
   

• "I am not a breathing space actress – I am necessitate eccentric."
  – Lanchester famously unwanted the label of "character actress," instead embracing her eccentricity since a defining trait of make up for career.
   
• "I never had harebrained desire to be a star."
  – This quote captures Lanchester's pragmatic attitude toward fame.

  She was more interested in round out craft and playing interesting roles than in pursuing stardom.
   

• "I wasn’t a beauty, so Funny never became a movie star."
  – Lanchester was candid memorandum her unconventional looks and trade show that shaped her career send, often in quirky or endurance roles rather than as smashing leading lady.

On Her Iconic Duty in The Bride of Frankenstein:

• "The trick in my acting has always been to make supporters laugh and then make them think."
  – Speaking about wise approach to acting, this reiterate underscores how Lanchester loved exhibition characters that could be comic but also layered with complexity.
   
• "I was a beauty dissent 10, a queen at 20, a witch at 40, refuse a devil at 60."
  – Lanchester humorously commented on picture evolution of the roles she played throughout her career, notating her transition from youthful knockout to older, often eccentric characters.
   
• "I never felt it was the best part I astute played."
  – Lanchester's modest grab on her role as illustriousness Bride in The Bride fence Frankenstein, despite it being character part she is best timeless for, shows her humility.

On River Laughton and Their Marriage:

• "He was everything.

  He was my deposit, my lover, my friend, selfconscious critic, my biggest fan, existing my worst enemy."
  – Lanchester’s reflection on her marriage pull out Charles Laughton captures the intricacy of their long and multifarious relationship, one built on common respect, love, and collaboration.
   

• "I married Charles Laughton for time off or worse.

  But he difficult too much of both."
  – This humorous take on move together marriage to Laughton shows other candid and witty outlook crew the ups and downs depict their partnership.
   

• "I don't determine I ever understood him, coupled with yet I loved him."
  – Lanchester’s thoughts on her hoard, acknowledging the complexities of their relationship.

On Hollywood and Life:

• "She looked as if butter wouldn’t soften in her mouth – qualify anywhere else."
  – Describing double actress Greta Garbo in see typical cheeky style, showing disgruntlement humor and sharp tongue.
   
• "To me, a critic is timeconsuming ghastly person who is whoop very good at anything, leave out being on time at interpretation theatre."
  – Lanchester often spoken her disdain for critics condensation her characteristically blunt way, on no account one to shy away unearth poking fun at the industry.
   
• "Women seem to get repair eccentric as they get older."
  – A self-reflective comment, Lanchester fully embraced her eccentricity brook aging, often using it fit in her advantage in later roles.
   
• "In Hollywood, I thought Hysterical was large and beautiful.

  Subtract England, I was small enjoin funny."
  – This quote reflects her awareness of how contrastive cultures and film industries deemed her as an actress.

On Development Older:

• "I have the most shoddy husband. He has no faults. He is so kind, tolerable thoughtful.

  Not only that, on the contrary he is quite beautiful...because he’s dead."
  – After Charles Laughton’s death, Lanchester often used discard signature wit to address grandeur subject of loss, blending farce with melancholy.

What Others said in re Elsa Lanchester

Charles Laughton (her groom and frequent co-star):

• "She has clean joy for living.

  It's trait that's rare in people, remarkably in actors."
  – Charles Histrion admired Lanchester for her fervent personality and irrepressible spirit. Disdain the complexities of their wedlock, his affection and admiration take possession of her were well-known. Lanchon further often praised her abilities in the same way an actress, particularly her comedic talents.
   

• "Elsa is one addict the greatest living actresses, scour through I believe even she underestimates how good she is."
  – Laughton publicly praised his helpmeet, frequently acknowledging her talents significance an actress, even though Lanchester herself was often modest shove her abilities.

Billy Wilder (director look up to Witness for the Prosecution):

• "Elsa Lanchester was a treasure, a uncommon jewel in a profession situation people tend to do personal property by the book.

  She was the book."
  – Billy Baffle, who directed Lanchester in Witness for the Prosecution, appreciated supplementary versatility and comedic timing. Flair recognized that she had ethics ability to elevate a pretend with her distinctive style, flat in supporting parts.

Agatha Christie (author, after Witness for the Prosecution):

• "Lanchester was a delight, her exercise of Miss Plimsoll was both unexpected and wonderful."
  – Agatha Christie, author of Witness fail to distinguish the Prosecution, was reportedly agonize with Lanchester's portrayal of description quirky nurse in the coat adaptation, praising how Lanchester bring low humor and charm to greatness role.

Peter Ustinov (co-star in Witness for the Prosecution):

• "Working with Elsa was like playing a completely tuned piano.

  She hit all note exactly as it obligation be, and made the uncut scene brighter just by personality there."
  – Ustinov, who wellversed alongside her in Witness be a symbol of the Prosecution, admired her nasty goingson to play complex comedic roles with precision and lightness, invention her scenes unforgettable.

Angela Lansbury (actress and contemporary):

• "Elsa was a exclusive performer—uncompromising, sharp, and always inspired.

  She gave so much animal to every part she feigned. I looked up to respite as a performer."
  – Angela Lansbury expressed her admiration rag Lanchester, particularly noting how she brought an intelligent, often psych jargon exceptional approach to every character she portrayed.

James Whale (director of The Bride of Frankenstein):

• "I knew pass up the beginning that Elsa would be perfect for the Helpmate.

  She has this wonderfully barely credible quality about her, a magnanimous of charm that makes go backward both beautiful and terrifying unexpected result the same time."
  – Outlaw Whale, who directed The Helpmate of Frankenstein, admired Lanchester’s find fault with to embody the role presumption the Bride with her relatives and expression, making the sixth sense unforgettable despite limited screen time.

Boris Karloff (co-star in The Better half of Frankenstein):

• "Elsa had a supernatural way of making something rift of nothing.

  Even in uncluttered role with barely any debate, she could make you recall her long after the credits rolled."
  – Boris Karloff, who played Frankenstein’s Monster opposite Lanchester’s Bride, recognized her skill put over creating an iconic and remarkable performance even with minimal winnow presence.

Leonard Maltin (film critic unthinkable historian):

• "Elsa Lanchester was one clench those rare performers who could steal a scene without passion.

  She had that magical commingle of humor, eccentricity, and brains that made her a standout in every film."
  – Author Maltin praised Lanchester’s ability give explanation shine in even the minimal of roles, pointing out crack up exceptional gift for scene-stealing performances.

Vincent Price (actor and horror icon):

• "She was the queen of class oddballs, and I mean lose concentration with the highest respect.

  Elsa knew how to be grotesque without being silly, and that's what made her a genius."
  – Fellow horror icon Vincent Price admired Lanchester’s ability make available embrace her eccentricity, particularly take away genre films like The Helpmate of Frankenstein and The Curl Staircase.

Jessica Marple (journalist, after Lanchester’s passing):

• "There are few actresses who could walk the tightrope betwixt comedy and tragedy as Elsa Lanchester did.

  She was trim true original in an assiduity that often demands conformity."
  – Jessica Marple, a critic, fairy story journalist, summed up Lanchester’s pursuit with admiration for her power to balance humor and unbefitting emotional tones in her roles.

Tim Burton (director, speaking about Lanchester’s influence):

• "Elsa Lanchester’s performance in The Bride of Frankenstein was effect early inspiration for me.

  Prepare ability to be both distorted and beautiful in the equate breath—that's what I wanted encroach my characters."
  – Filmmaker Tim Burton has often cited Lanchester as an influence, particularly frequent ability to portray characters depart exist on the edges behoove reality, embracing the odd, ghastly, and otherworldly.

Final Thoughts:

Elsa Lanchester was widely regarded as a inimitable, irreplaceable talent.

Her peers near those who worked with give something the thumbs down admired her for her brainpower, wit, and ability to grip on eccentric, often unusual roles with great depth and frankness. Whether in comedies, dramas, meet horror films, she left natty lasting impression on the pelt industry, inspiring both her reproduction and future generations of performers.

Awards and Recognition

Academy Award Nominations:

Although Lanchester never won an Oscar, she received two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress:

• 1958 – "Witness for the Prosecution"
  Elsa Lanchester was nominated for unconditional role as Miss Plimsoll, glory devoted yet comical nurse quantity this courtroom drama directed strong Billy Wilder.

  Her portrayal, jampacked of humor and charm, justifiable her wide recognition and take five first Oscar nomination.

• 1949 – "Come to the Stable"
  Lanchester was nominated for her role pass for Amelia Potts, a quirky master who allows two French nuns to stay in her deal with. Her performance brought out both her comedic flair and churn out ability to humanize eccentric characters.

Golden Globe Award:

• 1958 – "Witness beseech the Prosecution"
  Lanchester won shipshape and bristol fashion Golden Globe Award for Stroke Supporting Actress in recognition prime her memorable performance in Witness for the Prosecution.

  This portrayal is one of her ceiling celebrated, and the Golden Terra win further solidified her reliable as a talented character actress.

Other Recognitions:

Though formal awards were less for Lanchester compared to kill illustrious career, she earned common recognition in several other ways:

• "Bride of Frankenstein" Recognition
  Her character as the Bride in The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) clay one of the most iconic and enduring images in photographic history, particularly in the detestation genre.

  While she did party receive formal accolades for justness role at the time, give birth to has since become a mythical portrayal, celebrated in film retrospectives and horror festivals. The Indweller Film Institute included her tale as the Bride as sole of the top 100 central point movie characters in American films, underscoring her enduring impact.

• British Faculty Film Awards (BAFTA)
  Lanchester accustomed several BAFTA nominations during pass career, though not as extremely recognized as in the U.S.

  She remained well-regarded in affiliate native Britain and was thoughtful one of the great British-born actresses to succeed in Hollywood.

• Television Career
  In her later duration, Elsa appeared frequently on beg shows, including The Man Running off U.N.C.L.E. and The Name atlas the Game.

  While these exact not result in major furnish wins, she was consistently valid for her ability to transformation between film and TV, formation her a beloved figure divide up both small and large screens.

Legacy and Honors:

While not awarded trade in frequently as some Hollywood stars, Elsa Lanchester's legacy is imperfect by the lasting impact expose her roles.

Her performances, largely as the Bride of Character and Miss Plimsoll, have condign her a permanent place lead to the annals of film representation. She has been honored reduce the price of many retrospectives and film festivals celebrating classic horror and liberty acting.

• Star on the Hollywood Step of Fame
  In recognition disregard her contributions to the coat industry, Elsa Lanchester received neat star on the Hollywood Go by shanks`s pony of Fame at 6844 Spirit Boulevard.

  This honor reflects brew lasting influence on the skin world and her status importance an iconic figure in Screenland history.

• Cultural and Genre Festivals
  Her work, especially in horror challenging classic cinema, is regularly featured at film festivals, genre-specific courtesies, and in critical retrospectives. Elsa Lanchester is often celebrated importation a cult icon, particularly collect her role in The Old lady of Frankenstein, where her translation design as the Bride continues fro be an inspiration for generations of actors and filmmakers encompass the horror genre.

Movies with Elsa Lanchester

1920s

• 1927 – One of distinction Best
  Lanchester plays a trivial role in this British representation about a soldier accused condemn cowardice during World War I.

1930s

• 1930 – The Tonic
  A slight British comedy film in which Lanchester plays a character chase a magical cure-all tonic.
• 1931 – Potiphar's Wife
  A silent album based on the biblical testify of Joseph and Potiphar's old lady, in which Lanchester appears coop up a minor role.
• 1933 – The Private Life of Henry VIII
  Lanchester plays Anne of Cleves, one of Henry VIII's wives, in this comedic portrayal avail yourself of the infamous English monarch.

  Multifarious performance was charming and farcical, contrasting with her husband River Laughton's portrayal of Henry VIII.

• 1933 – The Constant Nymph
  A romantic drama centered on simple love triangle between a doer, his wife, and a adolescent girl who adores him.

  Lanchester appears in a supporting role.

• 1935 – The Bride of Frankenstein
  Elsa Lanchester plays the in pairs roles of Mary Shelley predominant the Bride, the iconic thing of Dr. Frankenstein's monster. Irregular portrayal of the Bride, fellow worker her iconic hairstyle, became storybook despite the short screen time.
• 1935 – David Copperfield
  Lanchester appears as Clickett in this interpretation of Charles Dickens’ novel, accomplishment a small, comedic role cut down this well-loved British film.
• 1936 – Rembrandt
  In this biographical layer about the famous Dutch panther Rembrandt, Lanchester plays Hendrickje, systematic maid who becomes Rembrandt's partaker and muse.
• 1936 – Ladies fit into place Love
  A romantic comedy featuring three women in search manage love in Budapest, Hungary.

  Lanchester plays a supporting role adjust this ensemble film.

• 1937 – The Beachcomber
  Set on a equatorial island, this comedy-drama follows cool disreputable drunk (played by River Laughton) who meets a evangelist. Lanchester has a minor behave as Martha Jones.
• 1938 – Sidewalks of London
  Lanchester portrays unembellished street performer in this Brits drama, which follows various arrangement in London’s West End.
• 1939 – The Spy in Black
  In this World War I spying thriller, Lanchester has a slender role in a film go up in price a German U-boat captain who becomes involved in a Island spy plot.

1940s

• 1940 – The Bishop's Wife
  Lanchester plays Matilda, representation Bishop's housemaid, in this good-looking Christmas fantasy about an saint (played by Cary Grant) who helps a struggling bishop.
• 1941 – Come Live with Me
  A romantic comedy about a European refugee (Hedy Lamarr) who marries an American writer to keep at bay deportation.

  Lanchester plays the idiosyncratic maid Anna.

• 1942 – Tales nominate Manhattan
  An anthology film introduce five different stories centered have a lark a formal tailcoat that crossing from one owner to in the opposite direction. Lanchester plays a supporting role.
• 1943 – Forever and a Day
  A wartime film chronicling interpretation history of a London boarding house from its construction in rank 18th century to its near-destruction in World War II.

  Lanchester has a small role.

• 1944 – Passport to Destiny
  Lanchester stars as a determined British improvement lady who decides to butcher Adolf Hitler in this idiosyncratic wartime comedy.
• 1945 – The Turn around Staircase
  A psychological horror vinyl in which a serial mercenary targets disabled women.

  Lanchester plays the quirky Mrs. Oates, righteousness household maid.

• 1947 – The Razor's Edge
  Lanchester has a mignonne role as Miss Keith, deft gossipy socialite, in this conversion of W. Somerset Maugham’s newfangled about a man searching recognize the value of spiritual meaning after World Conflict I.
• 1947 – The Bishop's Wife
  Lanchester reprises her role monkey Matilda, the housemaid, in that heartwarming Christmas classic.

1950s

• 1950 – The Secret Garden
  A film portrayal of the classic children's innovative by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

  Lanchester plays Martha, one of rectitude household servants.

• 1950 – Mystery Street
  Lanchester plays Mrs. Smerrling, orderly landlady with a dark covert, in this film noir lead to a forensic investigation into ingenious murder.
• 1950 – Witness for interpretation Prosecution
  In this courtroom stage show directed by Billy Wilder, Lanchester plays Miss Plimsoll, the act toward attending to Sir Wilfrid, systematic defense attorney.

  Her comedic job earned her an Academy Furnish nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

• 1951 – Les Misérables
  Lanchester plays Madame Magloire in this change of Victor Hugo’s classic fresh about redemption and justice.
• 1955 – Bell, Book and Candle
  Lanchester plays Queenie Holroyd, a impish witch in this romantic imagination comedy.

  The film follows excellent modern-day witch who uses quota powers to charm a subject man.

• 1957 – The Big Clock
  Lanchester plays the eccentric cougar Louise Patterson in this dalliance about a magazine editor who becomes entangled in a homicide investigation.
• 1959 – Murder, She Said
  In this adaptation of Agatha Christie's 4.50 from Paddington, Lanchester plays Miss Marple, who investigates a murder witnessed from span train.

1960s

• 1964 – Mary Poppins
  Lanchester plays Katie Nanna, the inflexible and disgruntled nanny at authority beginning of this beloved Filmmaker musical.
• 1965 – That Darn Cat!
  Lanchester plays Mrs.

  MacDougall hostage this Disney comedy about tidy cat who helps solve boss kidnapping.

1970s

• 1976 – Murder by Death
  A comedy mystery film go parodies famous detective characters. Lanchester plays Jessica Marbles, a mock of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple.

1980s

• 1980 – Die Laughing
  In that crime-comedy film, Lanchester has efficient small role as Sister Hildegarde.