In memory of a star
I was saddened to read in the news that Jean Simmons had died on January 22, at the age of 80.
It was while attending the prestigious Aida Foster Stage School in Golders Green that she obtained her first major film role as Estella in Great Expectations. The year was 1946. I can remember seeing the film as a young child and even then, was struck by her magnetism and beauty. The film has remained one of my favourites throughout the years.
In 1950, I also became a pupil of the Aida Foster school and although Jean had left by then, her photographs still hung from the walls of the studio there.
When she married Stewart Granger and went to America, she continued to write to Mrs Foster (the principal) and our form teacher was allowed to read some of her letters to the class. She will be remembered by the legacy of films that she has left behind for us all to enjoy.
Valerie Braithwaite
Brookshill Avenue
Harrow Weald
Middlesex
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