Dandy Nichols

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Dandy Nichols (21 May 1907 – 6 February 1986) was an actress most noted for her role as Else Garnett, the long-suffering wife of the racially bigoted and misogynistic character Alf Garnett in the BBC sitcom Til Death Us Do Part.

1 Early Life and Career
2 Til Death Us Do Part
3 Controversy
4 In Sickness And In Health
5 External links

[edit] Early Life and Career

She was born Daisy Nichols in Hammersmith, London, and had success as comedy character actress, appearing in many British films. But it as Else Garnett that she will always be remembered, despite the fact that the part was originally played in the pilot episode of the BBC's Comedy Playhouse by future EastEnders actress Gretchen Franklin. Then the Garnetts were called the Ramseys, but this was changed as the manager of the England football team was called Alf Ramsey.

[edit] Til Death Us Do Part

Dandy's role in the programme seemed, at first, almost neglibile. Famously, she spent almost an entire episode reading the telephone book, bored to tears as Alf embarked on another of his tirades. However, Else was a perfect foil for Alf, who could put him down effortlessly with a withering look or a cutting remark. Perhaps her finest hour - an episode that was justifiably shown by the BBC in tribute to Dandy in 1986 - was when, in 1974, Else took a leaf out of Edward Heath's book and went on a three day week. Else was rather puzzled however - she couldn't understand it...the three day week was supposed to mean working people would lose money, but, refusing to cook Alf's meals twice a week meant she was saving money! It led to a memorable exchange:

ALF: Look, are you going to make my dinner or not?

ELSE: (VAGUELY) I think there's some cheese in the kitchen...

ALF: (SHOUTING) I want something hot!

ELSE: (EVEN MORE VAGUELY) Well you could put some mustard on it.

[edit] Controversy

In the original scripts, Alf was to refer to his wife as a "silly cow". This was firmly vetoed by BBC Head of Comedy Frank Muir, who thought this was inappropriate ("Abwasive, far too abwasive,") Muir - famous for his inability to pronounce his 'r's - said this was not acceptable. Una Stubbs said that it was "a lot of silly fuss about a silly moo" which was overheard by script writer Johnny Speight and became the series most enduring catchphrase.

Eventually, Dandy became disillusioned with the series, mostly due to artistic differences with co-star Warren Mitchell, who was allegedly difficult to work with. Else was written out of the series when she emigrated to Australia to be live with her sister. Alf was furious about this - not only because he hated his sister-in-law ("We only have one thing in common - I hate 'er and she hates me!") but because he was losing his unpaind housekeeper. However, Alf's mask slipped after she had gone, and the viewer could, touchingly, see that he genuinely missed her.

[edit] In Sickness And In Health

"Til Death Us Do Part" came to an end in 1976, amid (unfounded) allegations of racism and political incorrectness. The series was revived, however, in 1985. Dandy agreed to appear, but had been suffering from malnutrition and rheumatoid arthritis, meaning she had to use a wheelchair. In order to accommodate this, her illnesses were written into the scripts, and the series was appropriately re-named In Sickness and in Health. Although clearly ill, Dandy had lost none of her comic timing, and was as excellent as she had ever been. Sadly, the series never really managed to re-ignite the comic flame of old; what was the point of bigoted, racist, ultra-right wing reactionary Alf Garnett ranting against Thatcher's government when, ironically, their policies were very much in line with Alf's own. There were some excellent touches in the series - such as the introduction of Else's home help (health care worker) who not only was black and gay, but was called Winston Churchill!! Alf hated him instinctively, but Else got on famously with him.

When Dandy died, the decision was taken to continue the series, as the ratings and audience appreciation had been excellent. In the series she died from natural causes. This led to one of the most moving scenes in the history of TV comedy. Left alone after all the other mourners have gone home, Alf, the belligerent old curmudgeon who had always treated his wife appallingly, gently touched the handle of her (now empty) wheelchair and sobbed "Silly old moo!" Very powerful stuff for a comedy.

Dandy's place in the history of comedy, having so marvellously portrayed an immortal character like Else Garnett, is assured.