May 27, 2017
This is the first of a series of podcasts called "the British Are Coming." The series will cover the lives and careers of 4 great British film stars who left their mark on British and American Films in the 1930s, 40s and 50s.
Merle Oberon, David Niven, Stewart Granger and the late great Stanley Baker were and remain filmatic forces to be reckoned with.
Talented, good looking, charming and unique they represented at least in terms of their public image the best of the British Empire.
Forging careers in the UK and Hollywood they reached levels of success that many British actors of today aspire to but are unlikely to achieve. But in true Classic film fashion they were also decidedly imperfect human beings who experienced many tears as well as laughter.
Merle Oberon, a child of the British Empire, was one of the most beautiful women that filmdom ever produced. She was a major film star of the 1930s, 40s and 50s.
When she died in 1979 she appeared to have it all, a handsome husband 25 years her junior, wealth, fame, children and a respected film career. But Merle Oberon was a women full of mystery and anxiety who spent over 40 years covering up her past and denying her true identity.
Enjoy the telling of the story of Merle Oberon by Mrs Classic Film Fan an actress who chose never to look back.
NB: Check out the pictures, articles and other sources of information which informed this episode on the great MO, which will be put on the Classic Hollywood MTC Facebook page over the next few days.