Maudie Edwards

Birth : 1906-10-16, Neath, Glamorgan, Wales, UK

Death : 1991-03-24

History

Elizabeth Maud Edwards (16 October 1906 – 24 March 1991), professionally known as Maudie Edwards, was a Welsh actress, radio broadcaster, comedian, dancer and singer. She started her career in theatres in Swansea and moved on to films even appearing alongside Frank Sinatra at the London Palladium. She is best remembered for having spoken the first line of dialogue in the British soap opera, Coronation Street, and playing Elsie Lappin, the first-ever owner of the corner shop in the first two episodes. Those first words were "Now the next thing you've got to do is get a signwriter in".

Profile

Movies

Under Milk Wood

Mrs Utah Watkins

The delightful if peculiar story of a day in the life of a small, Welsh fishing village called "Llareggub" in which we meet a host of curious characters (and ghosts) through the 'eyes' of Blind Captain Cat.

Band of Thieves

The Duchess

A group of prisoners are encouraged to form a jazz band and vow to go straight when they are released to tour the country. However, the trumpets and clarinets are just a cover for a series of robberies. Musical comedy, starring British jazz star Acker Bilk as himself, alongside Jimmy Thompson and Jennifer Jayne.

Only Two Can Play

Mrs. Edna Davies

John Lewis is bored of his job and his wife. Then Liz, wife of a local councillor, sets her sights on him. But this is risky stuff in a Welsh valleys town - if he and Liz ever manage to consummate their affair, that is.

The Ugly Duckling

Henrietta Jekyll

Henry Jekyll was always the outsider, a bungling and awkward buffoon, relegated to waiting for his invitation to participate in life that never arrived: until he discovers a medical formula developed by a dead uncle, which claimed to turn 'a man of timid disposition into a bold, fearless dragon'. Taking a draught of the elixir Henry is transformed into suave, sophisticated and highly desirable Teddy Hyde. Armed with his new persona, Teddy is ready to face the world; but is Henry ready for the consequences?

The Key Man

Mrs. Glass

The host of a radio crime show finds himself mixed up with real gangsters after he re-creates a notorious murder on the air. He uses his knowledge of criminology to foil the gang's wicked scheme.

Girdle of Gold

Mrs. Griffiths

The adulterous Mrs Griffiths' corset has, unbeknown to her, a fortune stashed in it by her drunken, money-loving husband.

Walking on Air

Shaw is the south end of a horse for an ice show, but she longs to be a ballerina. It looks like she will achieve that goal, but will her oversized ego get in her way?

Pink String and Sealing Wax

Mrs. Webster

Melodrama set in Victorian Brighton. Scheming pub landlady uses the timorous son of a domineering pharmacist to assist in the poisoning of her drunkard husband. (The title is from the way pharmacists used to wrap parcels containing poison).

I'll Be Your Sweetheart

Mrs. Jones

In turn-of-the-century London a young music publisher fights both competitors and piracy in a time where author's royalties were still unprotected.

The Shipbuilders

Lizzie

A patriotic, cinematic salvo, this wartime production tells the story of the owner of a shipbuilding company doing his best to contribute to the British fleet. War is good for business, but what will happen once the war is won? It was based on a novel by George Blake.

My Learned Friend

Aladdin

An insane murderer is on the loose, and gunning for the men who put him away. Will Hay is on the list, and co-opts Claude Hulbert to try and stop him from meeting a grisly end.