Marianne Stone, Aug. 23, 1922 – Dec. 21, 2009, one of the busiest and most recognizable character actresses in Britain, has died. She was 87.
She is a recipient of the prestigious Gertrude Lawrence Award for Character Acting and has racked up literally hundreds of stage and movie appearances. In 1963 alone, Marianne Stone held roles in no less than 13 films. She appeared in the second of the “Carry On” comedy film series, that of “Carry On Nurse” playing the character of Alice Able and went on to do a total of nine of the series.
But Marianne Stone cited her favorite character as that of Vivian Darkbloom in “Lolita” directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Shelley Winters. In fact, Shelley Winters stayed with Stone during the filming of the movie and told her of the part of Vivian. Marianne Stone, in a long black wig, black shiny raincoat, black stockings and plenty of heavy black make-up, went to see Kubrick who subsequently offered her the role.
Though her parts were often cameos with few lines and briefer appearances, she was widely recognizable by the public. She was also able to work with some of the most noted directors of the day including the Boulting Brothers, who employed her in several productions, such as the 1950 thriller, “Seven Days to Noon.”
Marianne Stone continued to work up into the 1980s, making occasional television appearance in shows such as “Bless This House,” “Secret Army,” “Return of the Saint” and “The Nineteenth Hole.”
She is predeceased by her film critic husband, Peter Noble, and leaves behind two daughters.
