Mary Clare (1892 - 1970)

Some character players are like music hall turns: they come on and do their shtick. As soon as you see their names in the opening credits you know exactly what to expect. Mary Clare belonged to a different breed. She tailored each performance to the demands of her character and script. As a result, she's not as well known as she should be. 

Because of her relatively low profile, biographical details are sketchy. Thanks to Graham Hill we now have an accurate birthdate (17 July 1892) and know she was born Mary Clare Absalom. She's a Londoner who first went on the stage in 1912. She married Lionel P Mawhood in 1915 and had one daughter Rozanne.

She was at her best in ensemble casts and originated roles in such classic plays as The Skin Game, The Constant Nymph, White Cargo and Cavalcade. She reprised her role in The Skin Game for the movies and then there was no stopping her. Like many actresses of her generation she divided her time between the stage and the pictures.

For most filmgoers she's best remembered as the sinister countess in The Lady Vanishes. Compare her in that Hitchcock to the weary aunt in charge of a children's party in Young and Innocent: two very different women. You might also want to compare her performances playing the same role in two versions of The Constant Nymph and Hindle Wakes.

Though she mainly did showy cameo roles, she did occasionally get a lead. I long to see her in the title role of Mrs Pym of Scotland Yard. If anyone has a copy please let me know.

So let's hear it for Mary Clare - for giving pleasure to so many film buffs.

Filmography