Dorothy Reynolds

Dorothy Reynolds

Dorothy Reynolds was best known for her work on the British stage, not as an actress -- although she was busy enough in that field -- but, rather, as the co-lyricist and librettist for Salad Days, in collaboration with composer Julian Slade. That 1954 work -- the most successful musical ever produced in England up to that time (with over 2,200 performances) -- as with their other, earlier collaborations, grew out of Reynolds' association with the Old Vic in Bristol. She also appeared in the original cast of the show, both at Bristol and in London, and on the 1954 cast recording (still in print as of 2008). As a screen actress, Reynolds appeared in small roles in a tiny handful of feature films, including Peter Ustinov's Lady L (1965) and Richard Attenborough's Oh, What a Lovely War (1969); she was, as one might gather from those credits, a particular favorite of actors-turned-directors. Most of her screen work from 1964 until her retirement in the mid-'70s, however, was confined to British television, including appearances on Trevor Preston's magic-based mystery series Ace of Wands (1970) and the Cilla Black anthology vehicle Cilla's World of Comedy (1976). But her lasting legacy around the world will be Salad Days, which remains one of the most beguiling musicals ever to come out of England. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide