A Small Tribute to Angela Lansbury

I have very little regard for Hollywood stars and their sordid lives, but Angela Lansbury was in a class by herself. My father loved mysteries and my mom liked good, clean entertainment so Murder, She Wrote was a staple in our home. When it would come on, my mom would call out, "Jessica's on!" and everyone would head to the living room. 

Only later did I realize she had been a successful movie actress when I saw glimpses of her in two favorite movies: The Court Jester and Dear Heart. (Both of these links have brief clips of her.)

Nostalgia led my husband and me to watch one of her films last night. The three that are on YouTube are based on books that I have read and enjoyed. I'll link to the films and to my reviews of the books in case your are interested. 

The Love She Sought is based on the book A Green Journey by John Hassler, which I reviewed here. Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris is based on Paul Gallico's novel of the same name (reviewed here) and has only a few minor changes. Because of one of those changes, though, the book comes off as less saccharine. The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax is a mystery based on the novel by Dorothy Gilman.

In every case the book is better than the movie, but it was still a joy to watch these delightful performances by Lansbury. 

Any other Lansbury fans among us?

Blessings,