Barbara Bel Geddes (aka Miss Ellie in Dallas) has died at the age of 82 ~ Story (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4140322.stm)

For my sins, I was a huge fan of Dallas back in the 80s, and remember thinking there could only be ONE Miss Ellie, and the replacement they put in for one season (or was it two) just didn't cut it.

The obit does not play up the fact that she played a wonderful co-star as James Stewarts' drab girlfriend in Vertigo, it merely mentions it, and there is no mention of what many think was her greatest acting part, opposite Danny Kaye in the 1959 biopic of Red Nicholls called 'The Five Pennies'.

She was also the original Maggie in ths stage production of Tennessee Williams' 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof'. A part taken on screen by Elizebeth Taylor.

It was Donna Reed that took over her part as Miss Ellie in 1984 when she suffered a heart attack. Donna stayed for one season.

Her film career was not as great as it could have been as she refused to name names to the House Un-American Activities Committee during the communist witch hunt years that ended the careers of many such as Larry Parkes. For that she was jeopodised.

There was much more to Barbara than Dallas.

Barbara Bel Geddes was a great actress and will always remember her as 'Miss Elle' in that great ole 80's show Dallas!

Donna reed never had that same edge as Barbara Bel Geddes...

RIP

I was so sad to hear the news. I'm a long standing fan of Dallas.

Just as a reminder of how OTT and camp the thing was, have a look at this guide to Dallas cliffhangers (http://www.ultimatedallas.com/episodeguide/cliff1.htm)