TV FLASHBACK : THE PERSUADERS ... FIVE MILES TO MIDNIGHT .. 1971

As a tribute to Tony Curtis who has just died.. here is another chance to read my post on Joan's episode of "The Persuaders" ... which starred Tony and Roger Moore.. Another Hollywood Legend gone but certainly not forgotten...

ITC ENTERTAINMENT
Presents

THE PERSUADERS
Starring

ROGER MOORE as Lord Brett Sinclair
TONY CURTIS as Danny Wilde
LAURENCE NAISMITH as Judge Fulton

"FIVE MILES TO MIDNIGHT"
Guest Starring
JOAN COLLINS as Sidonie
JEAN MARSH as Nicole
ROBERT HUTTON as Frank Rocco
FERDY MAYNE as Sangallo

Directed by VAL GUEST

JOAN as Sidonie checks our Roger as Brett's profile

JOAN persuades the guys to let her tag along

Danny Wilde a self made millionaire from the Bronx meets Lord Brett Sinclair, a member of the British upper classes on the French Riviera. After they become involved in a bar room brawl they come face to face with retired Judge Fulton. They have two choices, spend 90 days in jail or help him bring criminals to justice whom the court system failed in prosecuting...they decide to keep their freedom! They become two unlikely partners known as The Persuaders, seekers of justice throughout Europe. Their latest mission to escort the assassin of an underworld boss, out of the country, who for a reduced sentence promises to expose a crime syndicate. Along for the ride is the glamorous photographer Sidonie, who is beautiful, but certainly not dumb! Can they get him out alive? When there is still Five Miles To Midnight! 

FERDY MAYNE greet JOAN while TONY & ROGER look on

"The Persuaders" first aired in 1971 on ITV and then ABC in America and for it's time was the most expensive television series made for British TV at £100,000 an episode. Star Roger Moore was involved in the production from the start, but it took awhile to cast the role of Danny Sinclair. Rock Hudson and Glenn Ford rejected the role, with Tony Curtis finally accepting the part. But the series only ran for a season, while it was a hit in Europe and as far a Australia, it never caught on with American viewers. It did not help that the schedulers pitted it against the hit series "Mission Impossible". Joan had been friends with Roger for many years, ever since he was married to singer Dorothy Squires, as her father Joe was a theatrical agent and he represented Dorothy and then Roger. Joan is funny and lively in the episode as the trendy but eccentric Sidonie, however she does don a hideous early 70's wig!! Even though Roger was a gent to work with as expected, Joan found Curtis to be rude and arrogant and it did not help when he insulted her on the set one day. Tony recalled this story only recently as did Joan in her autobiography "Second Act". Any tension between them is not visible on screen, which shows how professional true stars really are whilst at work! Now a cult favourite.."The Persuaders" is certainly worth viewing today...

EVENT ALERT : SAG FOUNDATION SEPTEMBER 29TH 2010

Following her very successful event at the BFI in London earlier this year.. Joan appeared at the Screen Actors Guild Foundation on Wilshire last night in their "Conversations" strand, where following a screening of her film "Fetish"..she spoke about her career and looked sensational.. Apparently photo's were not allowed in the theatre, but included here is a clip of Joan after the event, as she dined at BOA Steakhouse.. SAG may post a video of hi-lites from the event in the near future.. Watch that space...

PHOTO OF THE DAY : ABSOLUTELY JOAN IS THE FULL WAX!

This photo by Richard Young features Joan at a theatre event in the 90's with two of my other favourite ladies Joanna Lumley and Ruby Wax..

ON THE COVER : HOME VIDEO .... DECEMBER 1982 ..

This cover is for the Christmas issue of the American home video magazine "Home Video", featuring a fur wrapped Joan, among other releases from that period..

ON THE COVER : US .... MARCH 1982 ...

This cover from 1982 is one of Joan's first major magazine covers from the early days of "Dynasty" and also features co-stars Pamela Sue Martin and Linda Evans... This ever popular celebrity gossip/news magazine first hit the stands as a bi-monthly in 1977 and has been updated over the years and still is a big seller worldwide...

PHOTO OF THE DAY : THE LADIES AND THE PAPS... 1980

This photo features Joan and Sylvia Kristel with a group of photographers at a press launch for a proposed film version of Pat Booth's best seller "The Lady And The Champ".. sadly the film was never made.. but great to see two of the 70's biggest sex symbols together...

ON THE COVER : SUPERSTAR CROSSWORDS .. MAY 1986.

This cover is from an American puzzle magazine called "Superstar Crosswords" featuring a suitably glamorous 80's shot..

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN NOSE AN ITALIAN!

This rare photo see's Joan flirt with the host of the Italian variety show, "Ci Vediamo In TV"... I can't recall the name of the host! This is from the late 90's not sure of year!

EVENT ALERT : LACMA AVANT GARDE PARTY .. SEPTEMBER 25TH 2010 ..

While I was in London at the weekend, where among other things I had a gala dinner myself Saturday night with Linda Gray, Joan was in Los Angeles, where she attended the Los Angeles County Museum of Art Gala Opening of the new Resnick Exhibition Pavilion.. Here are some shots of Joan and the invitation..Among others attending the event were Tom Hanks and Teri Hatcher...

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN COLLINS SIGNATURE COLLECTION ..

This photo was used to promote Joan's  QVC USA line of Jewellry .. "The Joan Collins Signature Collection".. in the early 90's .. Joan had various collections over the years that it's hard to keep up!

ON THE COVER : TV GUIDE ... NOVEMBER 1986 ...

This TV Guide cover features Joan and George Hamilton in the mini series "Monte Carlo", which was screened that week..

PHOTO OF THE DAY : TOO DAMN FAMOUS BOOK LAUNCH 1995

This photo by Richard Young, see's Joan at the launch of her 3rd novel "Too Damn Famous" at  Daphne's restaurant near Knightsbridge in London.. Joan's outfit was designed by herself and was streamlined by daughter Katy, who was working at that time with couturier Maryam Owji, as they were partnered as Maryam & Katy Couture Ltd.. Their fashion house designed many outfits worn by Joan right through the 90's..Many of which will adorn these pages in future!

PHOTO OF THE DAY : MAGIC MOMENT WITH SIEGFRIED & ROY ...

This photo features Joan backstage at The Mirage, on one of her many visits to the much missed "Siegfried & Roy Show".. This was one of numerous visits by Joan to see the spectacular stage show.. Not sure of the date this was taken.. probably the late 80's..early 90's ...

ON THE COVER : VANITY FAIR ... DECEMBER 1984 ...

This classic cover see a platinum Joan on an issue of legendary Vanity Fair magazine with an article entitled "She Rhymes With Rich - What Makes Alexis Go On And On?" ...

PHOTO OF THE DAY : PAST IMPERFECT .. PROMOTION USA..

This photo was used to promote the USA paperback edition of her best selling autobiography "Past Imperfect" in 1984/5 .. The cover shown on the books in the photo is an edition I have not seen too many off..

PROMO FLASHBACK : THE JOAN COLLINS LINGERIE COLLECTION ... 1987

This rare store display card was used to promote Joan's range of nightwear entitled " Joan Collins Lingerie Collection" .. Featuring a classic portrait by Mario Caselli.....

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN COLLINS FASHION JEWELLERY COLLECTION 1989..

This stylish photo was used to promote Joan's 1989 collection of jewellery... This photo was taken by one of Joan's favourite photographer's Gary Bernstein...

ON THE COVER : KATEPIVA 1980'S!

This cover features Joan in pink on the cover of the Greek magazine KATEPIVA .. cant read Greek, so not sure of the date..but probably in the eighties at the height of Dynasty's popularity..

PHOTO OF THE DAY : REFLECTIONS OF JOAN!

This rare photo see's Joan touch up her make-up for a photo shoot.. not quite sure of date..but probably in the mid to late 70's...

PROMO FLASHBACK : PLAYBOY INTRO OFFER 1986..

This rare booklet was issued by Playboy to promote their Subscription service and to herald a major competition..where you could win an Audi..Luxman Duo CD Player...Honda Scooter..Minolta Camera and 1.500 winners got a copy of the Playboy Video Magazine, featuring Joan on the cover and a candid live interview...

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S A JEANS GAL...

This photo was used to promote Joan's short-lived range of designer Jeans in the early 80's...

ON THE COVER : MEN ONLY ... FEBRUARY 1958 ..

This vintage cover see's  a caricature of Joan from a pocket magazine that first hit the stands in 1935 and was taken over in the 60's and eventually ended up in the Paul Raymond stable as a top shelf mag! This 1958 issue probably was saucy for it's time, but today is a little old fashioned!

ON THE COVER : THE TIMES MAGAZINE ... OCTOBER 2001 ..

This cover from The Times newspaper supplement magazine, features an elegant Joan backstage at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guilford, where she was appearing in Ken Ludwig's "Moon Over Buffalo".. retitled "Over The Moon" for British audience, before it's transfer to London's Old Vic Theatre for a limited run.. More on "Over The Moon" to come...

PHOTO OF THE DAY : HOLIDAY CHEER'S GIRLS! 1996

This photo see's a bevy of legendary ladies celebrating Christmas at Nikki Haskell Beverly Hills home in December 1996. Featured with Joan are Nikki .. Connie Stevens and the much missed Suzanne Pleshette. 

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN & BOB AIDS GALA 1989 ..

This photo features Joan with legendary designer Bob Mackie from March 1989, when they attended a Gala Tribute for Bob in aid of Aids Project Los Angeles.. Joan is wearing one of Bob's sparkling creations .. of course lots of glitz courtesy of Bob can be seen on Cher, Ann Margret, Carol Burnett and Diana Ross to name just four!

ON THE COVER : PRIME TIME TV ... OCTOBER 1985 ...

This cover see's Joan in full Alexis mode for the cover of PRIME TIME TV magazine.. This magazine featured all the TV hits of the day with an emphasis on the night time drama.. the cover also features Larry Hagman.. rumours of Elizabeth Taylor starring in "The Colby's" and Emma and John from "Dynasty"....

ON THE COVER : FILMS IN REVIEW ... JANUARY 1959 ..

This vintage cover features Joan as Angela Hoffa in the Fox film "Rally Round The Flag Boys"... This classic magazine first hit the stands in 1950 and covered all the top film releases of the day.. The magazine was published until 1997, when it then ceased publication...

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S NOT TOO DAMN FAMOUS FOR A PIZZA!

This candid photo see's Joan girlishy cover her mouth as she enjoys a pizza at Harrod's restaurant following her book signing for her third novel "Too Damn Famous"in 1995...

EVENT ALERT : DICK WHITTINGTON PANTO LAUNCH SEPTEMBER 2010..

A few months ago Joan went to Birmingham to launch her role in this years most glamorous panto "Dick Whittington" at the Birmingham Hippodrome.. Today Joan's co-stars the dashing Nigel Havers and the always ultra-camp Julian Clary along with variety favourites Keith Harris and Orville attended another press launch .. here are some photo's from the launch.... You can book tickets from links on side of page!

PHOTO OF THE DAY : FRIENDS DROP IN 1958

This rare photo features Joan taking a break from filming "The Opposite Sex"... She is catching up with friend Sheree North who was also under contract to Fox at that time...

PROMO FLASHBACK : MY SECRET JEWELRY COLLECTION .. A PASSION FOR PEARLS...

Here is another item from The Franklin Mint series ...  Joan Collins - My Secret ... A Passion For Pearls..

"A Passion For Pearls Classic Tassel & Tie Necklace, is a world premiere creation from my own exclusive collection..Reveal your true passion .. and style .. in dazzling jewelry.. " .. more from this collection in future posts..

ON THE COVER : ARM EN RIJK 1950'S ..

This cover is from the 1950's .. not sure of the date as it's not on the cover! This may be a Dutch magazine ..

EVENT FLASHBACK : PAST IMPERFECT 1978 SELFRIDGES SIGNING...

This rare photo features a summery looking Joan meeting her public as she signs copies of her autobiography "Past Imperfect" at Selfridges in London in 1978 ... As always with book events..even back then there is horde of onlookers who by the looks of them are eagerly awaiting Joan's next book "The Joan Collins Beauty Book"!! More on "Past Imperfect" and indeed Joan's other books in future posts...

COLLECTOR'S JOAN! : ALEXIS BARBIE... Fall 2010/2011 ..

For Autumn 2010 into early 2011, Mattel are launching a series of nostalgic Barbie dolls, depicting classic TV characters..Among them Jeannie.. Ellie Mae .. Samantha ..  Krystle and of course Alexis.. in star terms.. Barbara Eden  ( I Dream Of Jeannie).. Donna Douglas (The Beverly Hillbillies) .. Elizabeth Montgomery (Bewitched) .. Linda Evans and of course Joan (Dynasty).. The hottest trends from the 80's are back! The newly nostalgic series of Barbie's now features the wildly wicked Alexis is now depicted as 'Alexis Barbie'..Dressed in gold lame, glamorous jewelry and perfectly coifed hair..Alexis is back!
 These Dolls will retail from $34.99/$39.99