Mary Barclay

Mary Barclay (20 July 1916 – 19 February 2008) was an English film, television and theatre actress. She was best known for playing Stella Dane in the Crossroads television series, as well as her role in the 1973 film, A Touch of Class. Early life Barclay was born Mary Biddulph in Williton, Somerset, England. She earned a double first from Cambridge University in Classics. She applied to the Civil Service Board, but was turned down for the position. Afterwards she moved in with the mother of Ivor Novello in London. Novello's mother taught Barclay how to play the piano and sing. In return, Barclay agreed to take out her gin bottles. She worked at the landmark HMV music store on Oxford Street in London during this time. Barclay enrolled in the Guildhall School of Music and Drama around the outbreak of the Second World War. She married Richard Barclay, who later became a BBC film editor, in 1940.