Remembering Thelma Ritter On Her Birthday

[Thelma Ritter, 1955]

To me, Thelma Ritter (14 February 1902 - 5 February 1969) was the best character actor ever to appear on film. I loved her and believed everything she ever said. Co-incidentally, or is it, Ritter appeared in all my favorite films:

• Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
• Call Northside 777 (1948)
• All About Eve (1950) - Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role
• The Mating Season (1951) - Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role
• Rear Window (1954)
• Pillow Talk (1959) - Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role
• How the West Was Won (1962)
• Move Over, Darling (1963)
• Boeing Boeing (1965)

Just to name a few.

Ritter also delivered what I believe is the best comeback line ever to be uttered on film. In All About Eve when Gary Merrill asks Ritter on his way out of town to direct a movie in Hollywood, "What do you want me to tell Tyrone Power," Ritter responds, "Just give him my phone number. I'll tell him myself."

Oh, how I love you Thelma Ritter. Happy Birthday.