A-Z Challenge 2013: U is for Una O'Connor!

U have returned for the Undisputed U post in this April 2013 A-Z Blogging Challenge - but this post is not about U - it's about someone else - because Undeniably -

U is for Una O'Connor!

If you’ve seen The Invisible Man (1933) or The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) I have no doubt you were indelibly impressed by the comic relief provided by Una O’Connor – the pub owner’s wife in the former; the Baron’s housekeeper Minnie in the latter.



The Invisible Man (1933).

The Bride of Frankenstein (1935).

Born Agnes Teresa McGlade in Belfast Ireland in 1880, she took on the name Una O’Connor when she started acting at Dublin’s Abbey Theater. She worked for years as a stage actress in Ireland and England – then in 1930 made her film debut in Alfred Hitchcock’s Murder! A few years later Noel Coward cast her in his stage show Cavalcade. Conseqeuently she travelled to Hollywood to recreate her role in the film adaptation – and after that – she simply stayed in Hollywood.

Cavalcade (1933).

Director James Whale adored her and cast her in The Invisible Man and Bride of Frankenstein – but she worked steadily in the 1930’s in films like The Informer (1935), Little Lord Fauntleroy (1936) and The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938).

The Informer (1935).

She continued working in supporting roles – often as comedy relief – throughout the 1940’s, with some of the titles including The Sea Hawk (1940), My Favorite Spy (1942), The Canterville Ghost (1944), Christmas in Connecticut (1945), The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945) and Of Human Bondage (1946).

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938).

In the 1950’s she moved into television, working steadily through the middle of the decade. Slowing down a bit in her mid 70’s, she made her final screen appearance recreating her stage performance as a housekeeper in Billy Wilder’s movie version of Witness for the Prosecution (1957). Una O’Connor passed away in New York City in 1959 at the age of 78.




Witness for the Prosecution (1957).

While movie buffs would be likely to recognize her and celebrate her long screen career – it’s the Monster Kids who revel in her two turns in the classic Universal Studios Monster Movies.

Una O'Connor definitely believed you should go big, or go home.

“V” have finished this post together – and hopefully you’ll see your way clear to come back tomorrow for another post – until then you Can Poke Me With A Fork, Cause I Am Outta Here.