Susan's on film - but in Spain!

Nov 23 2002 By Richard Porritt, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A TASTE of Summer Wine led to a role in a Spanish film for a Holme Valley woman.

Susan Mallinson, an elocution teacher from Upperthong, appears as the landlady of a hostel for down- and-outs in the psychological thriller Second Name.

It is the first speaking part in the cinema for Susan, who has a cameo role.

The film, which has gone on general release in Spain, tells the story of a daughter's search for truth after her father's suicide.

Susan, who lived in Spain for four years in the 1960s, was spotted by director Paco Plaza when she once played a barmaid in BBC television's Holmfirth-based sitcom Last Of The Summer Wine.

She met the film's casting director while on holiday in Barcelona two years ago - but heard nothing more for 12 months.

Then she got a phone call out of the blue, asking if she was interested in the role.

Susan said: "I was delighted to be considered for this challenging role of a very unpleasant character. I must say, though, that it makes me look like a cross between Ena Sharples and a pantomime dame!"

She took time out from her teaching schedule to film the scenes in Barcelona.

Susan performed professionally as a classical singer when she lived in Spain. She released an album of songs under her maiden name of Susan Colledge.