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Irene Handl

Irene Handl

Actor · Died November 29, 1987, aged 85 · Maida Vale, London, England, UK

Irene Handl (27 December 1901 – 29 November 1987) was a British character actress who appeared in more than 100 British films; she also wrote novels. Irene Handl was born in Maida Vale, London, the younger of two daughters of an Austrian-born father—Friedrich (later Frederick) Handl (1874–1961) and German mother, Marie (née Schiepp or Schuepp; 1875 – before 1924). Both of Handl's parents became naturalised British citizens. Her father came to England via Switzerland and started as a bank clerk, before becoming a stockbroker, then became a private banker. The Handls lived a comfortable middle-class life, with a German cook and housekeeper living in the family home. From 1907 to 1915, Handl attended the Paddington and Maida Vale High School. In the 1920s Handl travelled several times to New York with her father, with the ship's log listing her on each occasion as having no occupation and residing in the family home. Handl studied at an acting school run by a sister of Dame Sybil Thorndike, and then made her stage debut in London in February 1937, at the relatively advanced age of 36. In 1939, and by now an actress, she was living with her widower father in London. She continued to live with her father until his death in 1961. Her elder sister Liane (1898–1977) had married Russian electrical engineer and photographer Victor Kraminsky (born Viktor Azar'evich Kraminskii; later known as Victor Kennett; 1894–1980) in 1920 in Marylebone, Middlesex (now London). They had at least one child, a son, Charles Kennett. Handl appeared in supporting roles in more than 100 British films, mostly comedy character parts such as slightly eccentric mothers, grannies, landladies and servants. She was a passionate lover of rock and roll, especially the work of Elvis Presley, and was president of the Lewisham branch of the Elvis Presley fan club. She was also a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and one of Britain's most avid champions of Chihuahuas, being inseparable from the pair that she owned. Handl had minor roles in such landmark films as Night Train to Munich and Brief Encounter. Her other notable roles included the wife of the union activist Fred Kite (played by Peter Sellers) in I'm All Right Jack (1959); Mrs Gammon, the formidable cook, opposite Gordon Harker in Small Hotel (1957); Tony Hancock's landlady in The Rebel (1961); Sherlock Holmes's housekeeper, Mrs Hudson, in The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970); and Morgan's Communist mother, Mrs Delt, in Morgan – A Suitable Case for Treatment (1966). She also had small roles in two of the Carry On films, Carry On Nurse and Carry On Constable), and played Miss Peach in the original version of The Italian Job. She worked until 1987, the year of her death. Her last role was released posthumously the following year. Handl died in her flat in Kensington, West London, on 29 November 1987, aged 85, reportedly from cancer. She never married. She was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium, North London.

Read more

Biography from TMDB.

Born
December 27, 1901
Died
November 29, 1987 (aged 85)
From
Maida Vale, London, England, UK
Works as
Actor
Titles
34 on MovieCove · 134 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 38 days to Oct 27Down 13% in 30 days

What are Irene Handl's films like?

Across their 15 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Self and Bonds.

Themes

share of theme weight
Self
24%
Bonds
21%
Power
17%
Morality
17%
Society
17%
Ideas
3%
Survival
2%
Community3 titles, browse their movies with this themeRomantic love4 titles, browse their movies with this themeObsession2 titles, browse their movies with this themeDeception2 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity2 titles, browse their movies with this themeClass2 titles, browse their movies with this themeLoyalty2 titles, browse their movies with this themeFreedom2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 15 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Wry: How sincerely it treats its story and characters, from ironic to earnest. Browse their wry movies.
Tone · Sincerity
ironicearnest

A split, not a type: Ironic 2 · Wry 5 · Earnest 8

Light: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their light movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

Light 12 · Serious 2 · Dark 1

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

A split, not a type: Grounded 4 · Stylized 4 · Heightened 7

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 6 · Charged 7 · Intense 2

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

A split, not a type: Steady 9 · Shifting 2 · Whiplash 4

Some laughs: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their some laughs movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

A split, not a type: Straight-faced 4 · Some laughs 5 · Funny 6

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

A split, not a type: Slow burn 7 · Even-paced 6 · Relentless 2

Casual: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their casual movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 9 · Engaged 5 · Full focus 1

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 12 · Open-ended 1 · Ambiguous 2

Roles they play

1 analyzed role
  • Mentoras Mrs. Delt in Morgan! (1966)

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Absurd
7
Tense
6
Joyful
5
Warm
3
Melancholic
3
Other
11

How their films linger

Feel-good8 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteWistful3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end

  • Happy8
  • Bittersweet5
  • Ambiguous2

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Irene Handl's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 15 of their 34 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (6).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Irene Handl's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

134 credits, 34 with a MovieCove page; 2 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • Never Say Die (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Show 6 episodes · Actor

  • Absolute Beginners(1986)

    as Mrs Larkin

    Midcredits score: 32nd percentile of all films

  • Hotel du Lac (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    as Madame de Bonneuil

  • Theatre Night (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Show 1 episode · as Nurse

  • In Sickness and in Health (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Show 2 episodes · as Gwenneth

  • Mapp & Lucia (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Show 1 episode · as Poppy, Duchess of Sheffield

  • Super Gran (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Show 1 episode · as Clinging Ivey

  • Dramarama (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Show 1 episode · as Maureen

  • It's Your Move (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Grand Old Lady

  • Legacy of Murder (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Show 1 episode · as Cousin Looby

  • Riding High (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Gran

  • The Best of the Adventures (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Miss Friggin (archive footage) (uncredited)

  • The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle(1980)

    as Cinema Usherette

    Midcredits score: 63rd percentile of all films

  • Metal Mickey (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Show 38 episodes · as Granny

  • The Cannon & Ball Show (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Show 1 episode · as Irene The Neigbour

  • The Light Princess (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Nanny

  • The Hound of the Baskervilles(1978)

    as Mrs. Barrymore

    Midcredits score: 13th percentile of all films

  • The Last Remake of Beau Geste(1977)

    as Miss Wormwood

    Midcredits score: 45th percentile of all films

  • Come Play with Me (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Lady Bovington

  • Stand up, Virgin Soldiers (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Mrs. Phillimore

  • Adventures of a Private Eye (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Miss Friggin

  • Confessions of a Driving Instructor(1976)

    as Miss Slenderparts

    Midcredits score: 11th percentile of all films

  • Maggie and Her (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Show 14 episodes · as Mrs. Perry

  • The Fosters (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Show 1 episode · as Mrs Draper

  • Room to Let (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    as Lady on Crossing

  • For the Love of Ada (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    as Ada Bingley

  • The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes(1970)

    as Mrs. Hudson

    Midcredits score: 81st percentile of all films

  • Ben Travers Farces (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    Show 7 episodes · as Mrs. Bugle

  • On a Clear Day You Can See Forever(1970)

    as Winnie Wainwhisle

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • Doctor in Trouble (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    as Mrs. Dailey

  • For the Love of Ada (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    Show 27 episodes · as Ada Cresswell

  • World in Ferment (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    Show 6 episodes · as Madame Astoria

  • The Italian Job(1969)

    as Miss Peach

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all films

  • Wonderwall(1968)

    as Mrs. Peurofoy

    Midcredits score: 32nd percentile of all films

  • Mum's Boys (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    Show 7 episodes · Actor

  • Lionheart (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    as Lil

  • Smashing Time (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    as Mrs Gimble

  • Misleading Cases (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    Show 1 episode · as Mrs Philby-Potter

  • The Mini-Affair (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    as Cook

  • The Wrong Box(1966)

    as Mrs. Hackett

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films

  • Morgan!(1966)

    as Mrs. Delt

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • You Must Be Joking!(1965)

    as Elderly Woman

    Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all films

  • The Importance of Being Earnest (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    Actor

  • Theatre 625 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    Show 1 episode · as Agnes Oaks

  • Heavens Above! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    as Rene Smith

  • Just for Fun (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    as Housewife

  • Stryker of the Yard (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    Show 2 episodes · Actor

  • Nothing Barred (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    as Elsie

  • Watch It, Sailor! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    as Edie Hornett

  • Double Bunk (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    as Mrs. Harper

  • A Weekend with Lulu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    as Florence Bell

  • The Rebel (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    as Mrs. Crevatte

  • The Pure Hell of St. Trinian's(1960)

    as Miss Harker-Parker

    Midcredits score: 50th percentile of all films

  • Two Way Stretch(1960)

    as Mrs. Price

    Midcredits score: 74th percentile of all films

  • The Night We Got the Bird (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    as Ma

  • No Kidding (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    as Mrs. Spicer

  • A French Mistress (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    as Staff Sergeant Hodges

  • Make Mine Mink (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    as Madame Spolinski

  • Doctor in Love (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    as Professor MacRitchie

  • School for Scoundrels (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    as Mrs Stringer

  • Carry On Constable (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    as Willie's Mother

  • Inn for Trouble (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    as Lily

  • Upstairs and Downstairs (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

    as Large Woman

  • Make Mine a Double(1959)

    as Mrs Billingsgate

    Midcredits score: 21st percentile of all films

  • I'm All Right Jack(1959)

    as Mrs. Kite

    Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films

  • Left Right and Centre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

    as Mrs. Maggs

  • The Crowning Touch (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

    as Bebe

  • Man in a Cocked Hat(1959)

    as Mrs. Carter

    Midcredits score: 46th percentile of all films

  • Carry on Nurse(1959)

    as Marge Hickson

    Midcredits score: 47th percentile of all films

  • Desert Mice (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

    as Miss Maud Patch

  • Educating Archie (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1958)

    Show 14 episodes · as Mrs. Twissle

  • Next to No Time!(1958)

    as Mrs. Crowley, Greengrocer

    Midcredits score: 30th percentile of all films

  • Law and Disorder (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1958)

    as Woman in Train

  • The Key(1958)

    as Clerk

    Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all films

  • Happy Is the Bride(1958)

    as Madame Edna

    Midcredits score: 50th percentile of all films

  • Small Hotel (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    as Mrs. Gammon

  • Brothers in Law (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    as Mrs. Potter

  • The Silken Affair (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1956)

    as Receptionist

  • Armchair Theatre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1956)

    Show 1 episode · as Mrs. Micawber

  • Hancock's Half Hour (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1956)

    Show 3 episodes · Actor

  • It's Never Too Late (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1956)

    as Neighbour

  • Who Done It? (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1956)

    as Customer (uncredited)

  • The Adventures of Robin Hood(1955)

    Show 1 episode · as Polly

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all shows

  • Strange Experiences (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1955)

    Show 1 episode · as Women

  • A Kid for Two Farthings(1955)

    as Mrs. Abramowitz

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • Mad About Men (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1954)

    as Mme. Blanche

  • The Belles of St. Trinian's(1954)

    as Miss Gale

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all films

  • Burnt Evidence (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1954)

    as Mrs. Raymond

  • Young and Willing(1954)

    as Waitress

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all films

  • Meet Mr. Lucifer (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1953)

    as Lady with the Dog

  • The Wedding of Lilli Marlene (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1953)

    as Rosie

  • Top Secret (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1952)

    as Mrs. Tidmarsh

  • Treasure Hunt (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1952)

    as Nanny

  • Young Wives' Tale(1951)

    as Nanny (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 29th percentile of all films

  • One Wild Oat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1951)

    as Emily Pepys

  • Stage Fright(1950)

    as Mrs. Mason (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all films

  • Dark Secret (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1949)

    as 'Woody' Woodman

  • Adam and Evelyne (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1949)

    as Mrs. Crouch, Manageress (uncredited)

  • The Perfect Woman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1949)

    as Mrs. Butters

  • For Them That Trespass (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1949)

    as Inn Proprietress

  • Cardboard Cavalier (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1949)

    as Lady Agnes

  • Silent Dust (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1949)

    as Cook

  • Woman Hater(1948)

    as Mrs. Fletcher

    Midcredits score: 37th percentile of all films

  • The Hills of Donegal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1947)

    as Mrs. Mactavish

  • The Shop at Sly Corner (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1947)

    as Ruby Towser

  • Temptation Harbour (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1947)

    as Ethel Gowshall

  • I'll Turn to You (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1946)

    as Mrs. Gammon

  • Brief Encounter(1945)

    as The Cellist and Organist (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all films

  • Great Day (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1945)

    as Lady serving Tea in Tea Stall.

  • For You Alone (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1945)

    as Miss Trotter

  • Kiss the Bride Goodbye (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1945)

    as Mrs. Victory

  • Medal for the General (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1944)

    as Mrs. Farnsworth

  • Mr. Emmanuel (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1944)

    as Trude

  • Give Us the Moon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1944)

    as Miss Haddock

  • English Without Tears (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1944)

    as (uncredited)

  • It's in the Bag (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1944)

    as Mrs. Beam

  • Rhythm Serenade (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1943)

    Actor

  • The Flemish Farm(1943)

    as Frau

    Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films

  • I'll Walk Beside You (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1943)

    as Ma Perkins

  • Millions Like Us (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1943)

    as Landlady

  • Get Cracking (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1943)

    as Maggie Turner

  • Uncensored (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1942)

    as Frau Von Koerner

  • Partners in Crime (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1942)

    as Mrs. Wilson

  • Mr. Proudfoot Shows a Light (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1941)

    as Councillor

  • Mister V(1941)

    as Bit Part

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all films

  • The Spell of Amy Nugent (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1941)

    as Mrs. Nugent

  • Gasbags (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1941)

    as Burgomaster's wife

  • George and Margaret (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1940)

    as Beer

  • Night Train to Munich(1940)

    as Stationmaster (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all films

  • The Girl in the News(1940)

    as Gertrude Mary Blaker

    Midcredits score: 66th percentile of all films

  • Mrs Pym of Scotland Yard (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1940)

    as Miss Bell

  • The Fugitive(1939)

    as Neighbour

    Midcredits score: 53rd percentile of all films

  • The Terror (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1938)

    as Kitchen Maid

  • Strange Boarders (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1938)

    as Mrs. Dewar

Career shape

Star power in the 95th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 134 titles from 1938 to 1987; peak year 1960.

Biggest box office

On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970)

$14M worldwide

Highest rated

The Italian Job (1969)

Midcredits 87th

Film career

19381987

Peak 1960 · fewer prominent film roles lately. Top draw in 1 MovieCove title. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting134 of 134: 134 only acting, 0 with another role · typical Midcredits score59th

By decade

1930s3 · acting1940s35 · acting1950s34 · acting1960s31 · acting1970s17 · acting1980s14 · acting

Billing

usually 9th · top billed in 0% of 23 roles
40606575

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.

How do Irene Handl's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 55th percentile, the median of all 33; across their 15 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 64th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

64thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Approval · how many liked their films

63rdpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Reach · how many have seen their films

61stpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Midcredits score across 34 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up7
  • 50th to 74th14
  • 25th to 49th10
  • Below 25th3

Shape of the crowd

21 of their 34 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved1
  • Crowd Pleaser21
  • Broadly Agreed3
  • Mixed9

Most divisive · actor

Confessions of a Driving Instructor (1976)

72nd percentile spread · 57% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Brief Encounter (1945)

Midcredits 98th · 86% liked

Reviewers score the acting 71/100 in their films, across 15 reviewed titles; fans 80, detractors 48. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is Irene Handl's work okay for kids?

Across a limited sample of up to 3 MovieCove titles with content scores.

Their medianMedian of all films
Sex & Nudity3 titlesmedian 33 · mildMedian of all films: 32

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted.

Who does Irene Handl work with?

People who share at least 2 of Irene Handl's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Sidney Gilliat shares the most, 3.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Composers and editors

Producers