Jessie Matthews

**Jessie Matthews: A Glimpse into Her Life and Career**

Jessie Matthews, OBE (11 March 1907 – 19 August 1981), was a celebrated English performer known for her remarkable talents as an actress, dancer, and singer during the vibrant entertainment scene of the 1920s and 1930s, with her influence extending into the post-war era.

Matthews first gained significant recognition with her leading role in the film *Out of the Blue* (1931). She starred in several successful films directed by Albert de Courville, including *The Midshipmaid* (1932) and *There Goes the Bride* (1932). Her breakout performance came in *The Good Companions* (1933), directed by Victor Saville, showcasing her captivating presence. The operetta *Waltzes from Vienna* (1933), helmed by Alfred Hitchcock, further solidified her status as a star. Notably, the film *Evergreen* (1934) introduced the song "Over My Shoulder," which became her personal anthem and inspired the title of her autobiography.

Her popularity soared, earning her a place as one of Britain's top stars, particularly in 1936 when she was voted the sixth biggest attraction in the country. Matthews showcased her versatility in films directed by her husband, Sonnie Hale, such as *Gangway* (1937) and *Sailing Along* (1938).

During World War II, she appeared in the ensemble film *Forever and a Day* (1943), but her star began to fade in the late 1940s. In the following decades, Matthews found renewed success in live theatre, touring Australia and South Africa, and later became a familiar voice as Mary Dale in the BBC radio soap *The Dales* during the 1960s. Her enduring charm and talent left a lasting legacy in British entertainment.