Big Red Book

Celebrating television's This Is Your Life

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THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Barbara Mullen, actress, was surprised by Eamonn Andrews outside the BBC Television Theatre, while filming for the BBC television series, Dr Finlay's Casebook.

Barbara, who was born in Boston, USA, to Irish parents, made her stage debut as a dancer at the age of three and, after performing in various theatres across America, moved to London in 1934 to train at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.

She became an overnight star after leaving drama school, taking the title role in the West End comedy Jeannie in 1939, and later reprised the role on television and in the film version. Having appeared in numerous stage productions and various film roles, including Thunder Rock, she became a household name in 1962 as the housekeeper Janet in BBC television's Dr Finlay's Casebook.

"Oh, I was taken for the biggest ride... oh, those two devils!"

programme details...

• Edition No: 250
• Subject No: 250
• Broadcast date: Thu 19 Mar 1964
• Broadcast time: 8.50-9.15pm
• Recorded: Mon 16 Mar 1964 8.00pm
• Repeated: Thu 7 May 1964 8.50pm
• Repeated: Sun 22 Sep 1991 6.00pm
• Venue: BBC Television Theatre
• Series: 9
• Edition: 24

on the guest list...

• Eric Portman
• Mary Mullen-Nolan - cousin
• Pat Mullen - father
• PJ Mullen - brother
• Dolly Gibson
• Harry Watt
• John Taylor - husband
• Susan - daughter
• Brigid - daughter
• Finlay Currie
• Andrew Cruickshank
• Bill Simpson
• Winnie - sister
• Eddie - nephew
• Eileen Bernadette - niece

related appearances...

• Ada Reeve - Oct 1956
• Noel Purcell - Mar 1958
• Dulcie Gray - Mar 1973
• Arthur Askey - Dec 1974
• Michael Denison - Feb 1977

production team...

• Researcher: Suzanne Twiston-Davies
• Writer: Suzanne Twiston-Davies
• Director: David Matthews
• Producer: Vere Lorrimer
• Executive Producer: T Leslie Jackson

• names above in bold indicate subjects of This Is Your Life

An Actor's Life For Me

spotlight on the stars

Finlay Currie

Screenshots and photographs of Barbara Mullen This Is Your Life