Margaret Rutherford
ActingAbout Margaret Rutherford
Dame Margaret Taylor Rutherford DBE (11 May 1892 – 22 May 1972) was an English character actress, who first came to prominence following World War II in the film adaptations of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, and Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. She is best-known for her 1960s performances as Miss Marple in several films based loosely on Agatha Christie's novels. Description above from the Wikipedia article Margaret Rutherford, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Margaret Rutherford reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 47 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Margaret Rutherford's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 36% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Margaret Rutherford remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Miss Robin Hood, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Margaret Rutherford Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Margaret Rutherford's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Margaret Rutherford.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Truly Miss Marple: The Curious Case of Margaret Rutherford | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 1977 | To See Such Fun | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1970 | The Virgin and the Gypsy | Grandma (scenes deleted) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1967 | The Wacky World of Mother Goose | Mother Goose (voice) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1967 | Arabella | Princess Ilaria | Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | A Countess from Hong Kong | Miss Gaulswallow | Average | Similar → |
| 1965 | The Alphabet Murders | Miss Jane Marple (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1965 | Chimes at Midnight | Mistress Quickly | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | The Stately Ghosts of England | Herself | Flop | Similar → |
| 1964 | Murder Ahoy | Miss Jane Marple | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Murder Most Foul | Miss Jane Marple | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | The V.I.P.s | The Duchess of Brighton | Average | Similar → |
| 1963 | Murder at the Gallop | Miss Jane Marple | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | The Mouse on the Moon | Grand Duchess Gloriana XIII | Average | Similar → |
| 1961 | Murder She Said | Miss Jane Marple | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | On the Double | Lady Vivian | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | I'm All Right Jack | Aunt Dolly | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Just My Luck | Mrs. Dooley | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | The Smallest Show on Earth | Mrs. Fazackalee | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | An Alligator Named Daisy | Prudence Croquet | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Aunt Clara | Clara Hilton | Flop | Similar → |
| 1954 | Mad About Men | Nurse Carey | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Trouble in Store | Miss Bacon | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Innocents in Paris | Gwladys Inglott | Flop | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Runaway Bus | Miss Cynthia Beeston | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | Miss Robin Hood | Heather Honey | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Importance of Being Earnest | Miss Prism | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Castle in the Air | Miss Nicholson | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | Curtain Up | Catherine Beckwith / Jeremy St. Claire | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Magic Box | Lady Pond | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Her Favourite Husband | Mrs. Dotherington | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Happiest Days of Your Life | Muriel Whitchurch | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Passport to Pimlico | Professor Hatton-Jones | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Miranda | Nurse Carey | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | Meet Me at Dawn | Madame Vernorel | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | While the Sun Shines | Dr. Winifred Frye | Flop | Similar → |
| 1945 | Blithe Spirit | Madame Arcati | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | English Without Tears | Lady Christabel Beauclerk | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Yellow Canary | Mrs. Towcester | Flop | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Demi-Paradise | Rowena Ventnor | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Quiet Wedding | Second Magistrate | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Spring Meeting | Aunt Bijou | Flop | Similar → |
| 1938 | Big Fella | Nanny (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Catch as Catch Can | 'Crafty' Maggie Carberry | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Beauty and the Barge | Mrs. Baldwin | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Talk of the Devil | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1936 | Dusty Ermine | Evelyn Summers aka Miss Butterby | Average | Similar → |
Margaret Rutherford - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Margaret Rutherford?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Margaret Rutherford is "Miss Robin Hood" with a rating of 7.9/10.
How many movies has Margaret Rutherford acted in?
Margaret Rutherford has been featured in at least 47 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Margaret Rutherford?
Other notable films include "Murder She Said", "Chimes at Midnight", and "The Importance of Being Earnest".