Ruth Cracknell
Acting
Biography
Ruth Winifred Cracknell was an Australian character and comic actress, comedienne and author, her career encompassing all genres including radio, theatre, television and film. She appeared in many dramatic as well as comedy roles throughout a career spanning some 56 years. In theatre she was well known for her Shakespeare roles.
Born: July 6, 1925
Place of Birth: Maitland, New South Wales, Australia
Known For
The Singer and the Dancer
An older woman relives the bitter memories of her past, through her friendship with a younger girl who is experiencing a very insecure relationship with her boyfriend.
Mother and Son
Mother and Son was a multiple Logie Award-winning Australian television sitcom produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from 16 January 1984 until 21 March 1994. The show stars Ruth Cracknell, Garry McDonald, Henri Szeps and Judy Morris. It was created and written by Geoffrey Atherden AM. Its classic theme song features the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, playing to I Want a Girl, a jazz standard which was recorded by Al Jolson in the 1920s.
Smiley Gets a Gun
The happy-go-lucky young Smiley gets into more strife as he attempts to prove himself a responsible citizen by helping others - all so he can earn a new gun from Sergeant Flaxman.
The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith
The true story of a part Aboriginal man who finds the pressure of adapting to white culture intolerable, and as a result snaps in a violent and horrific manner.
Spider and Rose
A young ambulance driver befriends an elderly woman.
The Dismissal
The sensational dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam's Labor Government by the Queens representative in Australia, the Governor General, Sir John Kerr on November 11, 1975.
Emerald City
A couple move to Sydney from Melbourne, and soon become lured by the bright lights of the big city. Colin, the scriptwriter husband, is corrupted by his editor and then falls for the girlfriend of his writing partner, while Colin's wife Kate begins to lose sight of her ideals in a new world of hustlers and cynics.
Joey
Billy is a boy who is trying to save a baby kangaroo called Joey when it is caught and taken to Sydney. Linda, the young daughter of the U.S. Ambassador is helping Billy in his task.
The Night, the Prowler
Felicity Bannister is a young woman living in the shadow of her overpowering mother. Her oppression is her worst enemy until the day she is attacked by an intruder who breaks into her bedroom and forces Felicity into action. The tables are suddenly turned and Felicity transforms from the helpless victim into a ruthless renegade in search of trouble, driven by the anarchic thrill of malevolence.
Lilian's Story
For forty years Lilian Singer has been locked up in a 'loony bin' by her father. Her release is eventually secured by her eccentric Aunt Kitty and her brother, John. Lilian starts to carve out a place for herself. As she explores Sydney and the people who live and work around her she sees others looking for love. Lilian shows us it is never too late to change your life and that even unusual choices can bring contentment.
Filmography
as Sylvia Vanderberg
as Lilian Singer
as Rose Dougherty
as Alice
as Narrator
as Elaine Ross
as Maggie Beare
as Mrs. Reach
as Margaret Whitlam
as Iris
as Mrs. Heather Newby
as Doris Bannister
as Mrs. Bilson
as Fortune Teller
as Mrs Gaspen