Natasha Little isn’t necessarily a Big Name in frock flicks, but she’s played some major roles — most notably, Becky Sharp in the 1998 BBC adaptation of Vanity Fair. She’s still going, playing Cromwell’s wife Elizabeth in Wolf Hall. Let’s take a look at this sometimes under-the-radar actress who deserves more recognition!
Far from the Madding Crowd (1998)
As Fanny Robin, a destitute mother who dies tragically in the Thomas Hardy novel.
Who apparently can’t afford hairpins?
Vanity Fair (1998)
As Becky Sharp, anti-heroine of Thackeray’s novel.
This production was very well costumed!
Becky is ALL bitchy glam.
Gotta love those military-inspired Regency styles!
The Clandestine Marriage (1999)
As the ingenue in this adaptation of the 1766 stage play.
They did some weird things with prints in this thing.
She needs a curling iron, he needs some pomade.
Ok those ringlets are better…
I guess this is a dressing gown? Because it’s SO not 1760s!
Another Life (2001)
As a woman who has an affair, which leads to some dark turns, in World War I and 1920s London.
She looks SO GOOD in 1920s.
I also like her as a brunette. And as a blonde!
Ioan Gruffudd! (Photo by PA Images via Getty Images)
Byron (2003)
As Augusta Leigh, half-sister (and maybe more?) to Romantic poet Lord Byron.
There were some hairpin issues, but otherwise it was well done.
She was WEIRDLY PERKY in her first scene… I was surprised when she didn’t turn out to be a ditz!
Vanity Fair (2004)
Returning to the Thackeray novel, this time in a supporting role, the kind Lady Jane Sheepshanks Crawley (wife of Rawdon’s brother), in the feature film version.
It’s sadly hard to find any pics of Little in this, but she’s in a bunch of scenes!
Just noticed the Greek key design on her dress!
Poirot: “Cat Among the Pigeons” (2008)
In one episode of the 1930s Agatha Christie detective serial.
That’s Little on the right, in the cool deco print.
She’s got the perfect look for deco.
That bow is TOO perfect!
Any Human Heart (2010)
An English novelist’s life traced from the 1920s through the 1950s; Natasha plays supporting character Allanah Mountstuart.
I guess this is from the 50s scenes?
Young James Herriot (2011)
A miniseries based on James Herriot, the veterinarian who was the inspiration for All Creatures Great and Small. Little plays Elspeth, a friend of Herriot.
I would have bet you $1000 that this was from Miss Fisher!
Breathless (2013)
A TV series about a hospital staff who perform illegal abortions in 1960s England.
Little is in front, in orange.
This is very Betty Draper.
Wolf Hall (2015)
As Elizabeth Wyckes Cromwell, wife of Thomas Cromwell, in Tudor England.
We specifically loved the gentry costumes, like those worn by Little!
What’s your favorite Natasha Little frock flick role?
I enjoyed the costuming in the 1998 Vanity Fair, but I hated her character (which is appropriate). I also quite enjoyed Breathless and I wish it had more than one season.
Gotta say that the only 3 I’ve seen are Vanity Fair where she’s Lady Jane, Young James Herriot and Wolf Hall. My favourite is Wolf Hall.
I’ve only seen Wolf Hall, but that’s nothing to sneeze at.
hi, could you write a text about the sausage curls and how they are used in period films?
Any Human Heart was such a sad, sad story. Her character in this piece was a a vicious wretch, as I recall.