Heather Thatcher
Birthday: September 3rd, 1896 Date of Death: February 15th, 1987 Place of Birth: London - England - UK
From Wikipedia
Heather Thatcher (3 September 1896 – 15 February 1987) was
an English actress in theater and films. She was from London.
The Plaything (1929), produced by Castleton Knight and
Elstree Studios, begins as a silent film. It develops into an audible film
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 visited 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 autumn of 1931
she was invited to a reception following the premiere of Strictly Dishonorable
(1931), at the Carthay Circle Theatre. Among her friends in films were Anthony
Bushell and Zelma O'Neal.
Thatcher was signed by MGM 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 film 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 cancelled 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
Elstree Studios. The film 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
films. Among these is Will Any Gentleman...? (1953), filmed at Elstree Studios
in Borehamwood. Thatcher appears together with George Cole and Veronica Hurst.
The film was a short adventure about a hypnotist who puts a man in a trance.
Thatcher made her last films in 1955. The Deep Blue Sea has
a screenplay written by Terence Rattigan and features Vivien Leigh and Kenneth
More. Thatcher depicts Aunt May Luton in Josephine and Men. The film is a
comedy starring Glynis Johns and Peter Finch.
Thatcher died in Hillingdon, London in 1987.
