Binnie Barnes
A vivacious character actress who stole scenes from Hollywood's biggest stars with her sharp wit and impeccable comic timing.
1903–1998 (age 95)·English actress·Birthday: March 25·The Greatest Generation
Biography
With a grin that could convey mischief or malice in equal measure, Binnie Barnes carved out a unique space in Hollywood's Golden Age as the indispensable best friend, the scheming rival, or the worldly wisecracker. Born in London, she began in British music halls and early talkies before catching the eye of producer Alexander Korda, who cast her as the boisterous Katherine Howard in 'The Private Life of Henry VIII.' This launched her Hollywood career, where her English accent and spirited presence made her a perfect foil. She sparkled opposite Errol Flynn in 'The Adventures of Robin Hood,' matched wits with Cary Grant in 'The Toast of New York,' and provided the backbone for numerous comedies and musicals. Never quite the top-billed star, Barnes became one of those character players whose appearance guaranteed a lift in energy, her career gracefully transitioning into television roles in later decades.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Binnie was born in 1903, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Binnie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1903
Binnie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1903Born
Wright brothers achieve first powered flight
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1908Started school
Ford Model T goes into production
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1916Became a teenager
The Battle of the Somme claims over a million casualties
President: Woodrow Wilson
1919Could drive
Treaty of Versailles signed; Prohibition ratified
President: Woodrow Wilson
1921Could vote
First commercial radio broadcasts
President: Warren G. Harding"My Man" — Fanny Brice
1924Turned 21
First Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France
President: Calvin Coolidge"It Had to Be You" — Isham Jones
1933Turned 30
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1943Turned 40
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1953Turned 50
DNA structure discovered by Watson and Crick
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,750Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Song from Moulin Rouge" — Percy FaithBest Picture: From Here to Eternity
1963Turned 60
JFK assassinated in Dallas; Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,100Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Sugar Shack" — Jimmy Gilmer & The FireballsBest Picture: Tom Jones
1973Turned 70
US withdraws from Vietnam; Roe v. Wade decided
Gas: $0.39/galHome: $22,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" — Tony Orlando & DawnBest Picture: The Sting
1983Turned 80
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1998Died at 95
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
Key Achievements
- Her breakout role as Katherine Howard in 'The Private Life of Henry VIII' (1933) helped establish the British film industry's international appeal.
- Played the memorable Lady de Candren in 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' (1938), holding her own against Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone.
- Starred as the female lead in a series of successful 1940s comedies, including 'The Hour Before the Dawn' and 'It's in the Bag!'
- Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 for her contributions to motion pictures.
Did You Know?
She worked as a dance instructor and a milkmaid before breaking into show business.
During World War I, she served as a driver for the British Red Cross.
She was married to film producer Mike Frankovich for over 50 years, from 1940 until her death.
She turned down the role of the Wicked Witch of the West in 'The Wizard of Oz,' which later went to Margaret Hamilton.
In her 70s, she played the mother of Goldie Hawn's character in the hit film 'The Last of the Secret Agents?' (1966).
“I never played the ingénue; I was always the one with the secret.”
