The Real Nolly” is a 2023 British documentary directed by Iwan Roberts, offering an intimate exploration of the life and career of Noele Gordon, a pioneering figure in British television. Narrated by Helena Bonham Carter, the film delves into Gordon’s rise to fame, her significant contributions to the entertainment industry, and the challenges she faced, including her unexpected dismissal from the popular soap opera “Crossroads.”
Synopsis:
The film depicts the life of Noelle Gordon, starting from her career as a stage actress in the 1940s to her being television’s first trailblazer. Mere stood out as she was able to become the first woman who was able to get broadcasted in color, due to an experiment conducted by John Logie Baird in 1938. All other works pushed her to the pinnacle of fame and success , but she is best known for having played Meg Richardson in “Crossroads”. In addition, the film also examines the reason for her abrupt dismissal from the show and highlights some crucial aspects of the industry at the time.
Cast:
- Noele Gordon – Appearing through archival footage, Gordon’s presence is central to the narrative, providing authenticity and depth to her story.
- Helena Bonham Carter – Serving as the narrator, Bonham Carter guides viewers through Gordon’s life, adding a layer of gravitas to the documentary.
- Anne Diamond – Featuring as herself, Diamond offers insights and personal anecdotes about Gordon, enriching the documentary’s perspective.
- Sue Nicholls – Also appearing as herself, Nicholls shares her experiences and reflections on working with Gordon.
Critical Reception:
The film has an IMDb rating of 6.8 which implies the viewers have received it positively although, there isn’t a range of available critical reviews.
Cultural Significance:
Noele Gordon was indeed a very influential figure in British television and contributed to the industry in several ways one key idea being that she was one of the few females in a predominantly male field which furthered inspire women in the the British television industry as broadcasters and actresses. She also played a vital role in “Crossroads” as Meg Richardson and quickly became well known by many across the country. Similarly, the documentary looks at her life, tackles issues she faced but more importantly it showcases her work.
Where to Watch:
“The Real Nolly” is streaming on ITVX. And for the viewers based in UK, they can find it on the ITVX platform as well.
