Dandy Nichols (21 May 1907 – 6 February 1986) was an English actress most noted for her role as Else Garnett, the long-suffering wife of the racially bigoted and misogynistic character Alf Garnett in the BBC sitcom Till Death Us Do Part.
Early life and career
She was born Daisy Nichols in Hammersmith, London, and started her working life as a secretary in a London factory. Twelve years later, after drama, diction and fencing classes, she was spotted in a charity show by a producer, who offered her a job in his repertory theatre company in Cambridge. During her early career, on stage, she acted under the name Barbara Nichols, but she later changed it to Dandy, which had been her childhood nickname.
When the Second World War broke out, she returned to office work for two years, but undertook a six-week tour with the entertainment organisation ENSA. When the war was over, she went back into the theatre and then became involved with comedy films, often becoming typecast as maids or chars.
She had success as a comedy character actress, appearing in many British films and the theatre, including the Royal Court Theatre and Broadway productions of Home. Nichols made her big screen debut in Hue and Cry, in 1947 and became in demand. She followed this movie with performances in Nicholas Nickleby, The Winslow Boy, The History of Mr Polly, Scott of the Antarctic, Mother Riley Meets the Vampire and Dickens' The Pickwick Papers.
But it as Else Garnett that she will always be remembered, despite the fact that the part was originally played in the pilot episode of the BBC's Comedy Playhouse by future EastEnders actress Gretchen Franklin. Then the Garnetts were called the Ramseys, but this was changed as the manager of the England football team was called Alf Ramsey.
Til Death Us Do Part
Dandy's role in the programme seemed, at first, almost negligible. Famously, she spent almost an entire episode reading the telephone book, bored to tears as Alf embarked on another of his tirades. However, Else was a perfect foil for Alf, who could put him down effortlessly with a withering look or a cutting remark. Perhaps her finest hour - in an episode shown by the BBC in tribute to Dandy in 1986 - was when, in 1974, Else took a leaf out of Edward Heath's book and went on a three day week. Else was rather puzzled however - she couldn't understand it... the three day week was supposed to mean working people would lose money, but, refusing to cook Alf's meals twice a week meant she was saving money.
Controversy
In the original scripts, Alf was to refer to his wife as a "silly cow". This was firmly vetoed by BBC Head of Comedy Frank Muir, who thought this was inappropriate. Una Stubbs said that it was "a lot of silly fuss about a silly moo" which was overheard by script writer Johnny Speight and became the series most enduring catchphrase.
Eventually, Dandy became disillusioned with the series, mostly due to artistic differences with co-star Warren Mitchell, who was allegedly difficult to work with.citation needed Else was written out of the series when she emigrated to Australia to live with her sister. Alf was furious about this - not only because he hated his sister-in-law ("We only have one thing in common - I hate 'er and she hates me!") but because he was losing his unpaid housekeeper. However, Alf's mask slipped after she had gone, and the viewer could see that he genuinely missed her.
In Sickness And In Health
"Till Death Us Do Part" came to an end in 1976, amid allegations of racism and political incorrectness.citation needed The series was revived, however, in 1985. Dandy agreed to appear, but had been suffering from malnutrition and rheumatoid arthritis, meaning she had to use a wheelchair. In order to accommodate this, her illnesses were written into the scripts, and the series was appropriately re-named In Sickness and in Health.
When Dandy died, the decision was taken to continue the series, as the ratings and audience appreciation had been excellent. In the series she died from natural causes. Left alone after all the other mourners have gone home, Alf, the belligerent old curmudgeon who had always treated his wife appallingly, gently touched the handle of her (now empty) wheelchair and sobbed "Silly old moo!"
Film career
She appeared in numerous films, which included, Carry On Sergeant and Carry On Doctor, the Beatles movie Help!, Doctor in Clover, Confessions of a Window Cleaner and Britannia Hospital amongst others.
Later years
After finding fame as the character Else in 'Till Death Do Us Part', Nichols was given other notable work to do on television, most notably playing opposite Alistair Sim in the William Trevor play The Generals Day. She also made appearances in Flint, The Tea Ladies and Bergerac. On the stage, she appeared in Ben Travers's comedy 'Plunder', as well as playing alongside Ralph Richardson and Sir John Gielgud in David Storey's 'Home', in both London and on Broadway.
Nichols, whose only marriage had ended in divorce, died at the age of 78.
Television roles
References
- [1] Dandy Nichols at screenonline.
- [2] Dandy Nichols at The Museum of Broadcast Communications.
External links
|
