Margaret Barton facts for kids

Margaret Ann Barton (born May 27, 1926) is a British actress who is now retired. She is famous for her part in the 1945 movie Brief Encounter. In this film, directed by David Lean, she played Beryl Walters. Beryl was a young girl who worked in a cafe at a railway station.

Early Acting Days

Margaret Barton started acting in plays when she was just 12 years old. During World War II, she often played the roles of children or young women. This was because she was quite small for her age.

When she was 17, Margaret acted in a play called Pink String and Sealing Wax. This play was shown at the Duke of York's Theatre in London. She remembered performing even when "doodlebugs" (which were V-1 flying bombs) flew overhead.

While acting on the big stage in London's West End, she was noticed by famous director David Lean and writer Noël Coward. They chose her to play Beryl in their movie Brief Encounter. Margaret filmed her scenes at Denham Film Studios. David Lean also invited her to watch other parts of the movie being filmed from behind the camera.

Life After the War

After World War II ended, Margaret Barton kept acting. She performed in plays, movies, and on television shows.

She married Raymond James in 1949. They had a son named Michael. Later, Margaret and Raymond started the Michael James Music Trust. This trust helps young musicians. Raymond James passed away in 2016 when he was 93 years old.

Today, Margaret Barton lives in Dorset, England. She runs a tea room there. She still gets many letters from people who loved her role in Brief Encounter. On August 30, 2018, when she was 92 years old, Margaret married Rob Cave, who was 91. Their combined age of 183 was thought to make them Britain's oldest newlyweds!

Movies Margaret Barton Was In