Elisabeth Welch

In British films of the 1930s and 1940s, American-born singer 'Elisabeth Welch' (qv) made several memorable guest appearances in cabaret sequences, and starred opposite 'Paul Robeson' (qv) in two features. Sophisticated, glamorous and charming, her appearances were a refreshing departure from the stereotype of black women perpetuated by Hollywood films of that time. One of her best screen roles was Beulah, the nightclub owner and hostess, in Ealing's _Dead of Night (1945)_ (qv). After a long and distinguished career in West End musical theater, Elisabeth returned to the screen in 1979, making a memorable appearance as "A Goddess" in 'Derek Jarman' (qv)'s _The Tempest (1979)_ (qv), singing her theme song, "Stormy Weather".::Stephen Bourne