Acting

Helena McCarthy

Born October 18, 1908 · Lytham St Anne's, Lancashire, England, UK

Died May 11, 1998 · aged 89

No biography available.

Known For

Up LineUp Line · 1987
Up Line
1987
MovieComedy
Three alternative comedians get involved in a pyramid-selling organization, Pathway, in order to finance their act. They gain great success by deploying their skills as entertainers, only to eventually discover the sinister purpose behind the Pathway organization.
NinaNina · 1978
Nina
4.81978
MovieDramaTV Movie
Play for Today about Russian dissidents.
Ice DanceIce Dance · 1989
Ice Dance
1989
MovieDramaTV Movie
A pair of teenagers are determined to achieve their ambition and become professional ice skaters, alternately helped and hindered by their families and friends.
Crossing the FloorCrossing the Floor · 1996
Crossing the Floor
6.81996
MovieTV MovieComedy
Political satire closely mirroring real-life British politics of the time - a self-serving Conservative minister "crosses the floor" to join the opposition Labour Party, at a time when the Conservative Party has a majority in Parliament of just one seat. Sequel to A Very Open Prison.
The Wicked LadyThe Wicked Lady · 1983
The Wicked Lady
5.01983
MovieDramaAdventure
Caroline is to be wed to Sir Ralph and invites her sister Barbara to be her bridesmaid. Barbara seduces Ralph, however, and she becomes the new Lady, but despite her new wealthy situation, she gets bored and turns to highway robbery for thrills. While on the road she meets a famous highwayman, and they continue as a team, but some people begin suspecting her identity, and she risks death if she continues her nefarious activities.
The Missing PostmanThe Missing Postman · 1997
The Missing Postman
5.01997
MovieComedyDrama
When Dorset postman Clive Peacock is forced into early retirement, the years ahead look bleak. But on his last day in the job, in a moment of unexpected rebellion he makes a decision that will change his life. As he makes his final collection from the postbox in the small seaside town where he lives, he decides to deliver the letters himself, by hand, no matter the destination. Mounting his trusty bicycle, he sets off on what proves to be an odyssey of self-discovery. Pursued by the police and lionised by the media, Clive becomes both a fugitive and a reluctant hero.
First and LastFirst and Last · 1989
First and Last
7.01989
MovieDramaComedy
The story of a retired man who decides to fulfil his life-long ambition of walking from one end of Britain to the other.
StaggeredStaggered · 1994
Staggered
5.31994
MovieComedy
Very much in love, Neil's wedding plans are sabotaged, beginning when he is abandoned, naked, on a Scottish island. A road trip ensues, with Neil encountering many obstacles as he makes his way to London for what he believes is to be his wedding day. Or is it?

Movies

Up LineUp Line · 1987
Up Line
1987
MovieComedy
Three alternative comedians get involved in a pyramid-selling organization, Pathway, in order to finance their act. They gain great success by deploying their skills as entertainers, only to eventually discover the sinister purpose behind the Pathway organization.
NinaNina · 1978
Nina
4.81978
MovieDramaTV Movie
Play for Today about Russian dissidents.
Ice DanceIce Dance · 1989
Ice Dance
1989
MovieDramaTV Movie
A pair of teenagers are determined to achieve their ambition and become professional ice skaters, alternately helped and hindered by their families and friends.
Crossing the FloorCrossing the Floor · 1996
Crossing the Floor
6.81996
MovieTV MovieComedy
Political satire closely mirroring real-life British politics of the time - a self-serving Conservative minister "crosses the floor" to join the opposition Labour Party, at a time when the Conservative Party has a majority in Parliament of just one seat. Sequel to A Very Open Prison.
The Wicked LadyThe Wicked Lady · 1983
The Wicked Lady
5.01983
MovieDramaAdventure
Caroline is to be wed to Sir Ralph and invites her sister Barbara to be her bridesmaid. Barbara seduces Ralph, however, and she becomes the new Lady, but despite her new wealthy situation, she gets bored and turns to highway robbery for thrills. While on the road she meets a famous highwayman, and they continue as a team, but some people begin suspecting her identity, and she risks death if she continues her nefarious activities.
The Missing PostmanThe Missing Postman · 1997
The Missing Postman
5.01997
MovieComedyDrama
When Dorset postman Clive Peacock is forced into early retirement, the years ahead look bleak. But on his last day in the job, in a moment of unexpected rebellion he makes a decision that will change his life. As he makes his final collection from the postbox in the small seaside town where he lives, he decides to deliver the letters himself, by hand, no matter the destination. Mounting his trusty bicycle, he sets off on what proves to be an odyssey of self-discovery. Pursued by the police and lionised by the media, Clive becomes both a fugitive and a reluctant hero.
First and LastFirst and Last · 1989
First and Last
7.01989
MovieDramaComedy
The story of a retired man who decides to fulfil his life-long ambition of walking from one end of Britain to the other.
StaggeredStaggered · 1994
Staggered
5.31994
MovieComedy
Very much in love, Neil's wedding plans are sabotaged, beginning when he is abandoned, naked, on a Scottish island. A road trip ensues, with Neil encountering many obstacles as he makes his way to London for what he believes is to be his wedding day. Or is it?
Willie's Last StandWillie's Last Stand · 1982
Willie's Last Stand
1982
MovieDramaComedy
Every man needs just one night out, off the leash. Willie's attempt to prove himself provides a painfully funny and painfully sad comment on the battle of the sexes.
DraculaDracula · 1968
Dracula
10.01968
MovieTV MovieHorror
A asylum patient intrudes upon a house party referring to the guest of honor—Count Dracula—as "Master." Moments later he insists he does not know the Count and is led back to his cell. Dr. Van Helsing is called to consult on the case. Hypnotized, the patient recounts events in Transylvania, including an attack by Dracula's brides…
BuffetBuffet · 1976
Buffet
9.01976
MovieDramaTV Movie
A quick drink in the buffet before going home. Freddie's nerves are taking a hammering lately; the economy is in dire trouble and who can blame a businessman for the occasional drink? His wife and mistress for a start.

TV Shows

CasualtyCasualty · 1986
Casualty
6.21986
SeriesDrama
Drama series about the staff and patients at Holby City Hospital's emergency department, charting the ups and downs in their personal and professional lives.
The AvengersThe Avengers · 1961
The Avengers
7.81961
SeriesCrime
A quirky spy show of the adventures of eccentrically suave British Agent John Steed and his predominantly female partners. Jonathan Steed - an urbane, proper gentleman spy - teams with various assistants throughout the series' run, including Dr. David Keel, Cathy Gale, Emma Peel and Tara King, to repeatedly save the world from diabolical schemes plotted by equally diabolical evil-doers (among them robots and man-eating monsters).
HeartbeatHeartbeat · 1992
Heartbeat
7.21992
SeriesCrimeDrama
Set during the 1960s in the fictional North Yorkshire village of Aidensfield, this enduringly popular series interweaves crime and medical storylines.
A Touch of FrostA Touch of Frost · 1992
A Touch of Frost
7.51992
SeriesDramaCrime
Jack Frost is a gritty, dogged and unconventional detective with sympathy for the underdog and an instinct for moral justice who attracts trouble like a magnet. Despite some animosity with his superintendent, Norman “Horn-rimmed Harry” Mullett, Frost and his ever-changing roster of assistants manage to solve cases via his clever mind, good heart, and cool touch.
Absolutely FabulousAbsolutely Fabulous · 1992
Absolutely Fabulous
7.61992
SeriesComedy
Set in the world of fashion and PR, immature fun-loving mother Edina Monsoon and her best friend Patsy drive Eddie's sensible daughter, Saffron, up the wall with their constant drug abuse and outrageous selfishness. Numerous in-jokes and heavy doses of cruel humour have made this series a cult hit in the UK and abroad.
Trial & RetributionTrial & Retribution · 1997
Trial & Retribution
6.81997
SeriesCrimeDrama
Devised and written by Lynda La Plante as a follow-on from her successful television series Prime Suspect, this vast police procedural follows police detectives in England as they investigate crimes and the trials that come about as a result.
Upstairs, DownstairsUpstairs, Downstairs · 1971
Upstairs, Downstairs
7.81971
SeriesDrama
Upstairs: the wealthy, aristocratic Bellamys. Downstairs: their loyal and lively servants. For nearly 30 years, they share a fashionable townhouse at 165 Eaton Place in London’s posh Belgravia neighborhood, surviving social change, political upheaval, scandals, and the horrors of the First World War.
Jonathan CreekJonathan Creek · 1997
Jonathan Creek
7.61997
SeriesMysteryComedy
Working from his home in a converted windmill, Jonathan Creek is a magician with a natural ability for solving puzzles. He soon puts this ability to the use of solving impossible crimes and mysterious murders.
Pie in the SkyPie in the Sky · 1994
Pie in the Sky
8.31994
SeriesComedyDrama
Pie in the Sky is a British offbeat police comedy drama programme starring Richard Griffiths and Maggie Steed, created by Andrew Payne and first broadcast in five series on BBC1 between 13 March 1994 and 17 August 1997 as well as being syndicated on other channels in other countries, including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The series departs slightly from other police dramas in that the protagonist, Henry Crabbe, while still being an on-duty policeman, is also the head chef of the title restaurant set in the fictional town of Middleton and county of Westershire.
Van der ValkVan der Valk · 1972
Van der Valk
6.21972
SeriesDrama
Van der Valk is a British television series that was produced by Thames Television for the ITV network. It starred Barry Foster in the title role as Dutch detective Commissaris "Piet" van der Valk. Based on the characters and atmosphere of the novels of Nicolas Freeling, the first series was shown in 1972.
LovejoyLovejoy · 1986
Lovejoy
7.41986
SeriesComedyDrama
The adventures of the eponymous Lovejoy, a likeable but roguish antiques dealer based in East Anglia. Within the trade, he has a reputation as a “divvie”, a person with an almost supernatural powers for recognising exceptional items as well as distinguishing genuine antique from clever fakes or forgeries.
Public EyePublic Eye · 1965
Public Eye
8.21965
SeriesCrimeDrama
Public Eye is a British television drama broadcast from 1965 to 1975 on ITV1. Produced by ABC Television for three series, and Thames Television for a further four, the programme follows the investigations and cases handled by the unglamourous enquiry agent Frank Marker.
Dr. Finlay's CasebookDr. Finlay's Casebook · 1962
Dr. Finlay's Casebook
6.71962
SeriesComedyDrama
Dr Finlay's Casebook is a BBC television series that was broadcast from 1962 until 1971. Based on A. J. Cronin's novella Country Doctor, the storylines centred on a general medical practice in the fictional Scottish town of Tannochbrae during the late 1920s.
As Time Goes ByAs Time Goes By · 1992
As Time Goes By
7.51992
SeriesComedy
Two lovers are reunited after decades apart following a mutual misunderstanding.
Mystery and ImaginationMystery and Imagination · 1966
Mystery and Imagination
5.81966
SeriesDramaMystery
Mystery and Imagination is a British television anthology of classic horror and supernatural dramas. Five series were broadcast from 1966 to 1970 on ITV and produced by ABC and Thames Television.
TargetTarget · 1977
Target
7.01977
SeriesDramaCrime
A crime drama set in Southampton following a team of detectives and the cases they solve.
StrangersStrangers · 1978
Strangers
7.31978
SeriesCrimeDrama
Strangers is a 1978–82 ITV police procedural created and principally written by Murray Smith, based on characters created by Kenneth Royce in his novel series and subsequent 1977–78 television adaptation The XYY Man. Don Henderson and Dennis Blanch reprise their roles, respectively, of Detective Sergeant (DS) George Bulman and Detective Constable (DC) Derek Willis. A group of police officers are brought together from across the country to the north of England. There, the fact that they're not well-known gives them the advantage to infiltrate where a more familiar local detective could not. Despite being based around a comparatively small team of detectives, a regular feature in its early years is that few episodes feature the entire team, with most using just two or three regulars in any major role.
Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? · 1973
Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?
7.71973
SeriesComedy
Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? is a British sitcom which was broadcast between 9 January 1973 and 9 April 1974 on BBC1. It was the colour sequel to the mid-1960s hit The Likely Lads. It was created and written, as was its predecessor, by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais. There were 26 television episodes over two series; and a subsequent 45-minute Christmas special was aired on 24 December 1974. The cast were reunited in 1975 for a BBC radio adaptation of series 1, transmitted on Radio 4 from July to October that year. In 1976, a feature film spin-off was made. Around the time of its release, however, Rodney Bewes and James Bolam fell out over a misunderstanding involving the press and have not spoken since. This long-suspected situation was finally confirmed by Bewes while promoting his autobiography in 2005. Unlike Bewes, Bolam is consistently reluctant to talk about the show, and has vetoed any attempt to revive his character.
The Paradise ClubThe Paradise Club · 1989
The Paradise Club
6.21989
SeriesDramaCrime
Focuses on brothers Frank and Danny Kane. Their mother is the matriarch of a South London criminal gang, assisted by Danny. Frank has become a priest but leaves the church; he inherits The Paradise Club following the death of their mother and returns to London to try and steer Danny away from crime.
Game OnGame On · 1995
Game On
7.61995
SeriesComedy
Following the lives of three 20-somethings sharing a flat in Battersea. They're young, bright and sexy - so why aren't they having a good time ? Join Matthew (the agoraphobic, self-obsessed, macho man); Martin (the wimpish, sex-starved underdog) and Mandy (the gorgeous blonde, who always ends up with the wrong men), in this outrageously funny flat-share comedy that is anything but politically correct.
The LarkinsThe Larkins · 1958
The Larkins
7.61958
SeriesComedyDrama
'The Larkins' is a British television sitcom which was produced by Associated Television and aired on ITV. It aired for four series between 1958 to 1960. An additional two series aired from 1963 to 1964.
An Unsuitable Job for a WomanAn Unsuitable Job for a Woman · 1997
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman
7.51997
SeriesDrama
Cordelia Gray inherits a struggling detective agency after her boss's suicide. Her assistant Edith Sparshott aids her as she navigates the dark underbelly of crime, uncovering clues in complex cases.
Body & SoulBody & Soul · 1993
Body & Soul
5.81993
Series
A nun leaves the convent temporarily to help save her family knitting mill from bankruptcy following the death of her brother. Outside the convent she becomes a fairly shrewd businesswoman and feels attracted to one of the men who work at the mill, and thus begins to feel conflict about her religious vows.
Gone to the DogsGone to the Dogs · 1991
Gone to the Dogs
6.31991
SeriesComedyDrama
Gone to the Dogs is a comedy-drama miniseries produced by Central Films for Central Independent Television, and broadcast by ITV between 29 November and 27 December 1991. The six-episode series revolves around the relationship of Jim Morley and Lauren Patterson in the world of greyhound racing.