The Extraordinary Life of Dame Margaret Rutherford

Early Life and Education

Dame Margaret Taylor Rutherford, DBE, was born on May 11, 1892, in Balham, London. Her early life was marred by tragedy involving both parents. Her father, William Rutherford Benn, had a severe mental breakdown shortly after marrying Florence Nicholson. Margaret’s mother also suffered from mental health issues and committed suicide when Margaret was just three years old.

Margaret was sent to live with her aunt Bessie Nicholson in Wimbledon, South London. Her aunt, whom she called her “adoptive mother and one of the saints of the world,” funded Margaret’s education and private acting lessons. Margaret attended Wimbledon High School and later Raven’s Croft School, where she developed an interest in theatre.

Stage Career

Margaret Rutherford began her acting career relatively late, debuting on stage at age 33 in 1925 at the Old Vic. Due to her distinctive appearance, she was cast in comedic roles, quickly gaining recognition for her performances. Her breakthrough came in John Gielgud’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest (1939), where she played Miss Prism.

During World War II, Rutherford’s portrayal of Madame Arcati in Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit earned her critical acclaim. She continued to dazzle audiences with roles in Rebecca (1940), The Happiest Days of Your Life (1948), and other theatrical successes. Her final stage performance was in 1966 as Mrs. Malaprop in The Rivals.

Film Career

Rutherford’s film debut came in 1936, but it was her role as Madame Arcati in David Lean’s Blithe Spirit (1945) that cemented her film career. She starred in various comedies and classics, including Miranda (1948), Passport to Pimlico (1949), and The Importance of Being Earnest (1952).

In the early 1960s, she became widely known for her portrayal of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple in a series of films directed by George Pollock. Despite her success, Christie herself was critical of these adaptations. Rutherford also won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for her role in The V.I.P.s (1963).

Personal Life, Illness, and Death

In 1945, Rutherford married character actor Stringer Davis after a 15-year courtship. Davis was devoted to her, serving as her personal secretary and caregiver through her bouts of depression. They unofficially adopted writer Gordon Langley Hall in the 1950s.

Rutherford suffered from Alzheimer’s disease in her later years, and Davis cared for her until her death on May 22, 1972, at the age of 80. She was buried at St. James’s Church in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. A memorial service at the Actors’ Church in Covent Garden saw tributes from many of Britain’s top actors.

Legacy

Margaret Rutherford left an indelible mark on British theatre and film. Her unique talent, combined with her resilience in the face of personal tragedy, has made her a beloved figure in the entertainment world. Her connection to other notable figures, such as her goddaughter actress Imogen Hassall, adds another layer to her fascinating life story. Hassall, herself an actress, was in a relationship for a year with Alan Whitehead, drummer of the chart-topping band Marmalade.

Dame Margaret Rutherford remains a celebrated icon of British culture, remembered for her warmth, humor, and unforgettable performances.