Noël Coward

Writing

Noël Coward

Born December 15, 1899 · Teddington, Middlesex, England, UK

Died March 26, 1973 · aged 73

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Sir Noël Peirce Coward (16 December 1899 – 26 March 1973) was an English playwright, composer, director, actor and singer, known for his wit, flamboyance, and what Time magazine called "a sense of personal style, a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise". Born in Teddington, a suburb of London, Coward attended a dance academy in London as a child, mak…

Known For

Brief EncounterBrief Encounter · 1945
Brief Encounter
7.71945
MovieDramaRomance
Returning home from a shopping trip to a nearby town, bored suburban housewife Laura Jesson is thrown by happenstance into an acquaintance with virtuous doctor Alec Harvey. Their casual friendship soon develops during their weekly visits into something more emotionally fulfilling than either expected, and they must wrestle with the potential havoc their deepening relationship would have on their lives and the lives of those they love.
The Italian JobThe Italian Job · 1969
The Italian Job
6.91969
MovieCrimeComedy
Charlie's got a 'job' to do. Having just left prison he finds one of his friends has attempted a high-risk job in Torino, Italy, right under the nose of the mafia. Charlie's friend doesn't get very far, so Charlie takes over the 'job'. Using three Mini Coopers, a couple of Jaguars, and a bus, he hopes to bring Torino to a standstill, steal a fortune in gold and escape in the chaos.
Around the World in 80 DaysAround the World in 80 Days · 1956
Around the World in 80 Days
6.71956
MovieAdventureComedy
Based on the famous book by Jules Verne the movie follows Phileas Fogg on his journey around the world. Which has to be completed within 80 days, a very short period for those days.
A Choice of Coward: Design for LivingA Choice of Coward: Design for Living · 1964
A Choice of Coward: Design for Living
1964
MovieRomanceComedy
Independent Gilda is resigned fo a life of married tedium when Otto and Leo, having gotten past their jealousy, come to America and whisk Gilda away to live an exciting polyamorous life in Paris.
Pretty PollyPretty Polly · 1967
Pretty Polly
4.21967
MovieDramaRomance
Miss Polly decides to spend a few months with her wealthy spinster aunt as a traveling companion. While in Singapore her aunt's demise leaves her alone to pursue her freedom and explore an arm's length romance with a local boy.
Fallen AngelsFallen Angels · 2026
Fallen Angels
2026
MovieComedy
Two upper-class wives, their husbands away for the day, share a few toasts to their pre-marital dalliances—with the same man, who just may be en route from France to visit. Old rivalries and past scandals bubble to the surface in this intoxicating romp from one of theatre’s comedy masters.
Burton and TaylorBurton and Taylor · 2013
Burton and Taylor
6.22013
MovieDramaTV Movie
Legendary acting duo and married couple Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor prepare for a 1983 theatrical production of the play "Private Lives."
Boom!Boom! · 1968
Boom!
5.91968
MovieDramaThriller
Secluding herself in an island mansion in the Mediterranean with her servants and nurses, the wealthy Flora "Sissy" Goforth prepares for her impending death -- and she isn't the only one who's waiting. Known for his attraction to the dying rich, poet Chris Flanders ingratiates himself with the wilting Sissy. Although her friend explains Flanders' "Angel of Death" nature to her, Sissy embraces the vulture-like Flanders.

Movies

Brief EncounterBrief Encounter · 1945
Brief Encounter
7.71945
MovieDramaRomance
Returning home from a shopping trip to a nearby town, bored suburban housewife Laura Jesson is thrown by happenstance into an acquaintance with virtuous doctor Alec Harvey. Their casual friendship soon develops during their weekly visits into something more emotionally fulfilling than either expected, and they must wrestle with the potential havoc their deepening relationship would have on their lives and the lives of those they love.
The Italian JobThe Italian Job · 1969
The Italian Job
6.91969
MovieCrimeComedy
Charlie's got a 'job' to do. Having just left prison he finds one of his friends has attempted a high-risk job in Torino, Italy, right under the nose of the mafia. Charlie's friend doesn't get very far, so Charlie takes over the 'job'. Using three Mini Coopers, a couple of Jaguars, and a bus, he hopes to bring Torino to a standstill, steal a fortune in gold and escape in the chaos.
Around the World in 80 DaysAround the World in 80 Days · 1956
Around the World in 80 Days
6.71956
MovieAdventureComedy
Based on the famous book by Jules Verne the movie follows Phileas Fogg on his journey around the world. Which has to be completed within 80 days, a very short period for those days.
A Choice of Coward: Design for LivingA Choice of Coward: Design for Living · 1964
A Choice of Coward: Design for Living
1964
MovieRomanceComedy
Independent Gilda is resigned fo a life of married tedium when Otto and Leo, having gotten past their jealousy, come to America and whisk Gilda away to live an exciting polyamorous life in Paris.
Pretty PollyPretty Polly · 1967
Pretty Polly
4.21967
MovieDramaRomance
Miss Polly decides to spend a few months with her wealthy spinster aunt as a traveling companion. While in Singapore her aunt's demise leaves her alone to pursue her freedom and explore an arm's length romance with a local boy.
Fallen AngelsFallen Angels · 2026
Fallen Angels
2026
MovieComedy
Two upper-class wives, their husbands away for the day, share a few toasts to their pre-marital dalliances—with the same man, who just may be en route from France to visit. Old rivalries and past scandals bubble to the surface in this intoxicating romp from one of theatre’s comedy masters.
Burton and TaylorBurton and Taylor · 2013
Burton and Taylor
6.22013
MovieDramaTV Movie
Legendary acting duo and married couple Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor prepare for a 1983 theatrical production of the play "Private Lives."
Boom!Boom! · 1968
Boom!
5.91968
MovieDramaThriller
Secluding herself in an island mansion in the Mediterranean with her servants and nurses, the wealthy Flora "Sissy" Goforth prepares for her impending death -- and she isn't the only one who's waiting. Known for his attraction to the dying rich, poet Chris Flanders ingratiates himself with the wilting Sissy. Although her friend explains Flanders' "Angel of Death" nature to her, Sissy embraces the vulture-like Flanders.
Easy VirtueEasy Virtue · 2008
Easy Virtue
6.52008
MovieComedyRomance
A young Englishman marries a glamorous American. When he brings her home to meet the parents, she arrives like a blast from the future - blowing their entrenched British stuffiness out the window.
Blithe SpiritBlithe Spirit · 2020
Blithe Spirit
5.72020
MovieComedyFantasy
A spiritualist medium holds a seance for a writer suffering from writers block but accidentally summons the spirit of his deceased first wife which leads to an increasingly complex love triangle with his current wife of five years.
Mr. and Mrs. EdgehillMr. and Mrs. Edgehill · 1985
Mr. and Mrs. Edgehill
7.31985
MovieDrama
Eustace and Dorrie Edgehill have decided to leave Samola, a British protectorate in the Pacific. After the failure of his latest harebrained scheme, no one is likely to give Eustace a job now. Or are they?
Fallen AngelsFallen Angels · 1974
Fallen Angels
2.01974
MovieComedy
Two men go off on a golfing trip, leaving their wives to amuse themselves as best they can. The wives each receive a postcard from Maurice Duclos, a former lover both had before their marriages.
In Which We ServeIn Which We Serve · 1942
In Which We Serve
6.81942
MovieDramaWar
The story of the HMS Torrin, from its construction to its sinking in the Mediterranean during action in World War II. The ship’s first and only commanding officer is Captain E.V. Kinross, who trains his men not only to be loyal to him and the country, but—most importantly—to themselves.
Blithe SpiritBlithe Spirit · 2020
Blithe Spirit
2020
Movie
While holding a séance for skeptical novelist Charles Condomine, self-proclaimed 'spiritualist medium' Madame Arcati inadvertently summons the spirit of his deceased first wife Elvira, leading to an increasingly complex love triangle with Ruth, his current wife of five years.
What Mad PursuitWhat Mad Pursuit · 1985
What Mad Pursuit
10.01985
MovieTV MovieDrama
If you were a famous English novelist doing a whistle stop tour of the United States to promote your books, wouldn't you welcome with open arms the chance of a quiet weekend away from it all in a remote corner of Long Island? Of course you would. Well, let what happened to Evan Lorrimer be an awful warning....
Paris When It SizzlesParis When It Sizzles · 1964
Paris When It Sizzles
6.31964
MovieRomanceComedy
Hollywood producer Alexander Meyerheimer has hired drunken writer Richard Benson to write his latest movie. Benson has been in Paris supposedly working on the script for months, but instead has spent the time living it up. Benson now has just two days to the deadline and thus hires a temporary secretary, Gabrielle Simpson, to help him finish on time.
Blithe SpiritBlithe Spirit · 1945
Blithe Spirit
7.01945
MovieComedyFantasy
While holding a séance for skeptical novelist Charles Condomine, self-proclaimed 'spiritualist medium' Madame Arcati inadvertently summons the spirit of his deceased first wife Elvira, leading to an increasingly complex love triangle with Ruth, his current wife of five years.
A Song At TwilightA Song At Twilight · 1982
A Song At Twilight
7.01982
MovieComedyTV Movie
Enormously successful writer Sir Hugo Latymer has a tryst with the past not altogether to his liking. This bittersweet comedy is the story of a cosmopolitan author caught in his declining years between two women, one being his wife of convenience for twenty years, the other, one of his former lovers.
Meet Me TonightMeet Me Tonight · 1952
Meet Me Tonight
7.11952
MovieComedy
Meet Me Tonight was the American title for the British-filmed Tonight at 8:30, adapted from the Noel Coward stage production of the same name.
This Happy BreedThis Happy Breed · 1944
This Happy Breed
7.11944
MovieDrama
A chronicle of the lives of the Gibbons family, from shortly after the end of the First World War to the beginning of the Second.
National Theatre Live: Present LaughterNational Theatre Live: Present Laughter · 2019
National Theatre Live: Present Laughter
8.52019
MovieComedyDrama
As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, star actor Garry Essendine’s colourful life is in danger of spiralling out of control. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching.
Bunny Lake Is MissingBunny Lake Is Missing · 1965
Bunny Lake Is Missing
7.21965
MovieMysteryThriller
A woman reports that her young daughter is missing, but there seems to be no evidence that she ever existed.
Design for LivingDesign for Living · 1933
Design for Living
7.11933
MovieComedyRomance
Independent Gilda is resigned fo a life of married tedium when Tom and George, having gotten past their jealousy, come to America and whisk Gilda away to live an exciting polyamorous life in Paris.
Relative ValuesRelative Values · 2000
Relative Values
6.12000
MovieComedyRomance
A comedy of discriminating taste and dirty little secrets. In 1952 England, Nigel, the Earl of Marshwood, woos Hollywood star Miranda, upsetting both Nigel's mother, Countess Felicity, and Miranda's former love fellow Hollywood star Don. Right before the engagement party at Marshwood, Moxie, the Countess's personal maid and best friend, reveals that Miranda is her estranged sister. Crestwell, the Countess's butler, devises a plan - but an inebriated Don's arrival at Marshwood to talk to Miranda causes all chaos to break loose.

TV Shows

Play for TodayPlay for Today · 1970
Play for Today
6.61970
SeriesDrama
Play for Today is a British television anthology drama series, produced by the BBC and transmitted on BBC1 from 1970 to 1984. During the run, more than three hundred programmes, featuring original television plays, and adaptations of stage plays and novels, were transmitted. The individual episodes were between fifty and a hundred minutes in duration.
What's My Line?What's My Line? · 1950
What's My Line?
7.01950
SeriesFamilyComedy
Four panelists must determine guests' occupations - and, in the case of famous guests, while blindfolded, their identity - by asking only "yes" or "no" questions.
PlayhousePlayhouse · 1974
Playhouse
7.01974
SeriesDrama
A one-hour anthology television series of one-off contemporary and classic dramas produced by the BBC.
The Dick Cavett ShowThe Dick Cavett Show · 1968
The Dick Cavett Show
6.81968
Series
The Dick Cavett Show has been the title of several talk shows hosted by Dick Cavett on various television networks.
The Ed Sullivan ShowThe Ed Sullivan Show · 1948
The Ed Sullivan Show
6.81948
SeriesComedy
The Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan. It was replaced in September 1971 by the CBS Sunday Night Movie, which ran only one season and was eventually replaced by other shows. In 2002, The Ed Sullivan Show was ranked #15 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
OmnibusOmnibus · 1967
Omnibus
7.21967
SeriesDocumentary
Omnibus was an arts-based BBC television documentary series, broadcast mainly on BBC1 in the United Kingdom. The programme was the successor to the long-running arts-based series 'Monitor'. It ran from 1967 until 2003, usually being transmitted on Sunday evenings. During its 35-year history, the programme won 12 Bafta awards. Among the series' best remembered documentaries are Cracked Actor, a profile of David Bowie, and Rene Magritte, a graduate film by David Wheatley, 'Madonna: Behind the American dream', a film produced by Nadia Hagger, and a profile of the British film director Ridley Scott. For a season in 1982, the series was in a magazine format presented by Barry Norman. The series was replaced by 'Imagine' hosted by Alan Yentob.
Tony AwardsTony Awards · 1956
Tony Awards
1956
Series
The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes achievement in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City. The awards are given for Broadway productions and performances, and an award is given for regional theatre.
BBC Play of the MonthBBC Play of the Month · 1965
BBC Play of the Month
5.31965
SeriesDrama
A BBC television anthology series featuring productions of classic and contemporary stage plays usually broadcast on BBC1. Each production featured a different work, often using prominent British stage actors in the leading roles. The series was transmitted from October 1965 to September 1983.
Alta comediaAlta comedia · 1970
Alta comedia
6.01970
SeriesComedy
ITV PlayhouseITV Playhouse · 1967
ITV Playhouse
7.01967
SeriesDrama
ITV Playhouse is a British comedy-drama TV series that ran from 1967 to 1983, which featured contributions from playwrights such as Dennis Potter, Rhys Adrian and Alan Sharp. The series began in black and white, but was later shot in colour and was produced by various companies for the ITV network, a format that would inspire Dramarama. Actors appearing in the series included Leslie Anderson, Gwen Nelson, Ricky Alleyne, Pat Heywood, Michael Elphick, Ian Hendry, Edward Woodward, Margaret Lockwood, Jessie Matthews and Lloyd Peters.
The Wednesday PlayThe Wednesday Play · 1964
The Wednesday Play
5.21964
SeriesDrama
An anthology series of television plays which aired on BBC1 from October 1964 to May 1970. The plays were usually written for television, although adaptations from other sources also featured.
Estudio UnoEstudio Uno · 1965
Estudio Uno
1965
Series
Schlitz Playhouse of StarsSchlitz Playhouse of Stars · 1951
Schlitz Playhouse of Stars
7.21951
SeriesDramaComedy
Schlitz Playhouse of Stars is an anthology series that was telecast from 1951 until 1959 on CBS. Offering both comedies and drama, the series was sponsored by the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company. The title was shortened to Schlitz Playhouse, beginning with the fall 1957 season.
Armchair TheatreArmchair Theatre · 1956
Armchair Theatre
6.01956
SeriesDrama
Armchair Theatre is a British television drama anthology series of single plays that ran on the ITV network from 1956 to 1974. It was originally produced by Associated British Corporation, and later by Thames Television from mid-1968.
A Choice of CowardA Choice of Coward · 1964
A Choice of Coward
7.01964
SeriesComedyDrama
Noël Coward hosts these four episodes, each an adaptation of one of his plays.