Eileen Bennett (born 8 July 1919) is a British retired film actress who was active in the late 1930s and early 1940s. She was born in London, United Kingdom. She attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and started out as a model.[1] She made her screen debut in the 1939 film The Outsider in an uncredited role. She played Eve in the thriller Trunk Crime later that year. Also, in 1939, she deputised as a television announcer for Jasmine Bligh when she was on leave.[2] She was described as "Britain's new screen star" in 1942.[3] She had significant roles in the comedy Much Too Shy (1942) and Thursday's Child (1943).[4]

Eileen Bennett
Born (1919-07-08) 8 July 1919 (age 105)
London, England
Occupation(s)Actress, model
Years active1939–1943
SpouseThomas Hammond West Jr.
Children2, including Nicholas Hammond

Personal life

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Bennett married Thomas Hammond West Jr. during World War II. The couple had two sons: David Hammond and film actor Nicholas Hammond.[4] Bennett turned 100 on 8 July 2019.[5]

Filmography

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Year Title Role
1939 The Outsider Uncredited
Q Planes Uncredited
The Gang's All Here Cigarette seller
Trunk Crime Eve
Cæsar's Friend (TV movie) Marcella
1941 He Found a Star Sleepy
1942 Back-Room Boy Uncredited
Breach of Promise Uncredited
Much Too Shy Jackie Somers
1943 Thursday's Child Phoebe Wilson

References

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  1. ^ "Sequel to Fantasia". Evening Standard. 6 April 1942. p. 6. Retrieved 22 September 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ Corbishley, H (April 1939). "Scannings and Reflections" (PDF). Television and Short-Wave World. 12 (134): 209–210 – via World Radio History.
  3. ^ "Untitled". Coventry Evening Telegraph. 3 August 1942. p. 6. Retrieved 22 September 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ a b "Eileen Bennett". The George Formby Society. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
  5. ^ "Oldest surviving leading lady". George Formby.com. July 2021. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
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