Esma Cannon

Acting

Esma Cannon

Born December 27, 1905 · Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Died October 18, 1972 · aged 66

Esma Ellen Charlotte Littman, credited as Esme or Esma Cannon, was a diminutive (4 feet 7 inches) Australian-born character actress and comedian, who moved to Britain in the early 1930s. Although she frequently appeared on television in her latter years, Cannon is best known as a film actress, with a lengthy career in British productions from the 1930s to the 1950s.

Known For

A Canterbury TaleA Canterbury Tale · 1944
A Canterbury Tale
★ 6.91944
MovieMysteryWar
Three modern-day pilgrims investigate a bizarre crime in a small town while on their way to Canterbury.
I'm All Right JackI'm All Right Jack · 1959
I'm All Right Jack
★ 6.61959
MovieComedy
Naive Stanley Windrush looks for a career in a family business. Much to his dismay, he finds work at a munitions factory where he has to start from the bottom, while both the management and the labor union use him as a tool in their fight for power.
That's Carry On!That's Carry On! · 1977
That's Carry On!
★ 5.81977
MovieComedy
Celebrating twenty years of classic Carry On films, two of the films’ best-loved stars, Kenneth Williams and Barbara Windsor return to Pinewood film studios to unwrap some rib-tickling moments from the series. From the original, military mayhem of Carry On Sergeant, through to the really ancient archaeological gags of Carry On Behind, our saucy hosts get their titters out for this laugh-a-second gallop through the most successful series of British comedy films ever made.
The Flesh and the FiendsThe Flesh and the Fiends · 1960
The Flesh and the Fiends
★ 6.71960
MovieHorror
Edinburgh surgeon Dr. Robert Knox requires cadavers for his research into the functioning of the human body; local ne'er-do-wells Burke and Hare find ways to provide him with fresh specimens...
Fanny by GaslightFanny by Gaslight · 1944
Fanny by Gaslight
★ 5.51944
MovieDramaRomance
Returning to 1870s London after finishing at boarding school, Fanny winesses the death of her father in a fight with Lord Manderstoke. She then finds that her family has for many years been running a bordello next door to their home. When her mother dies shortly after, she next discovers that her real father is in fact a well-respected politician. Meeting him and then falling in love with his young advisor Harry Somerford leads to a life of ups and downs and conflict between the classes. Periodically the scoundrel of a Lord crosses her path, always to tragic effect.
Last HolidayLast Holiday · 1950
Last Holiday
★ 7.11950
MovieComedyDrama
George Bird is a salesman of agricultural machinery who finds out that he hasn't long to live. On his doctor's advice, he goes to an exclusive seaside resort to spend his savings on one last holiday.
Here Come the HuggettsHere Come the Huggetts · 1948
Here Come the Huggetts
★ 6.71948
MovieComedyDrama
The Huggetts have their first telephone installed, sleep rough on The Mall whilst waiting for the Royal Wedding and deal with a fire at the 'Oatibix' factory.
Expresso BongoExpresso Bongo · 1959
Expresso Bongo
★ 5.31959
MovieComedyMusic
A seedy London promoter turns a naive, working-class teenager into a pop singing sensation.

Filmography

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The Rag TradeThe Rag Trade · 1961
The Rag Trade
★ 6.21961
SeriesComedy
The Rag Trade is a British television sitcom broadcast by the BBC between 1961 and 1963 and by LWT between 1977 and 1978. The scripts were by Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney, who later wrote Wild, Wild Women, Meet the Wife and On the Buses. Wild, Wild Women was a period variation of The Rag Trade. The action centred on a small clothing workshop, Fenner Fashions in London. Although run by Harold Fenner and Reg the foreman, the female workers are led by militant shop steward Paddy Fleming, ever ready to strike, with the catchphrase "Everybody out!" Other cast members included Sheila Hancock, Esma Reese Cannon, Wanda Ventham and Barbara Windsor. The Rag Trade was revived by ITV company LWT in 1977, with Jones and Karlin reprising their roles. The 1977 version ran for two series, most of the scripts being based on the BBC episodes from the 1960s, and featured Anna Karen and future EastEnders star Gillian Taylforth as factory workers. The theme tune for the LWT series was written and performed by Lynsey De Paul.