R.I.P. Bruce Lester (Mr. Bingley in P&P 1940)
The Telegraph reported that Bruce Lester, who played Mr. Bingley in the 1940 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, has passed away at the age of 96.
Lester showed himself to advantage as Mr Bingley, the hero’s dapper and charming friend in MGM’s Pride and Prejudice (1940), which starred Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson. In later years he recalled how Greer Garson was too old for the lead, and the production was as over-the-top as one would expect from a studio bent on creating dreams over reality: “It was the biggest budget of my career and one that brought with it my own dresser, a bungalow on the lot and lunches where one could spot Greta Garbo, Salvador Dalí, Cary Grant and dozens of Munchkins from The Wizard of Oz.”
AustenBlog’s sincere condolences to his family and friends. Thanks to Alert Janeite Lisa for the link.
July 1st, 2008 at 1:58 am
Recently I’ve missed alot of Austenland; so passed me by. P&P0 is fluffy but fun and Bruce Lester my second-favourite Mr Bingley; RIP Bingles. Can trust Austenblog to update us on Jane media. Thanks !
July 8th, 2008 at 2:51 am
I just watched P&P ‘40 last night. My first time. How sad. I loved the scene at the end where he and Jane united in the garden. So grand.