Tuesday, July 31, 2012

ON THE COVER : SUNDAY SUN TELEVISION .. FEBRUARY 1986 ..

This cover fro 1986 features a great shot of Joan as Helene Junot in the 1985 mini-series 'Sins'....

PHOTO OF THE DAY : THE GLOVES ARE ON FOR HOBSON'S JOAN!

This photo was used to promote Joan's appearance in the 1997 Aaron Spelling drama 'Pacific Palisades', where she played the role of Christina Hobson...

Monday, July 30, 2012

PHOTO OF THE DAY : YOU CAN'T RUFFLE ALEXIS'S FEATHERS ..

Had requests for more 'Dynasty' photo's and even though I try to limit these as they can be seen everywhere, I try to feature little seen shots.. Joan looks sensational in this shot, as ever...

Sunday, July 29, 2012

SIGNED BY : JOAN TELLS ME HER FRIENDS SECRETS!

This photo from 1999 features Joan and myself at her book signing in Dublin at Eason's in O'Connell Street for her book 'My Friends Secrets'... This candid shot was signed by Joan a few years ago...

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOANIE'S A CHIP ON BLACK JACKETed GEORGE'S SHOULDER!

This great shot features Joan with George Hamilton in the 1986 mini-series 'Monte Carlo'....

Saturday, July 28, 2012

ON THE COVER .... NEW SCREEN NEWS ... FEBRUARY 1961..

This cover from 1961 features a stunning portrait of Joan with an article inside promoting her current release at that time..'Esther & the King'....

PHOTO OF THE DAY : DARLING! DON'T HARP ON ABOUT IT.. I'M WORD PERFECT!

This rare photo features Joan looking over the script for an episode of 'Batman', 'The Wail of the Siren'... I'm told the guy in the photo is the dialogue coach..

50'S FOCUS : THE BRAVADOS .. 1958 ...

 20TH CENTURY FOX
Presents
A CINEMASCOPE PRODUCTION

THE BRAVADOS
Starring

GREGORY PECK as Jim Douglass
JOAN COLLINS as Josefa Velarde
STEPHEN BOYD as Bill Zachary
ALBERT SALMI as Ed Taylor
HENRY SILVA as Lujan
LEE VAN CLEEF as Alfonso Parral
ANDREW DUGGAN as Padre
KATHLEEN GALLANT as Emma
BARRY COE as Tom
KEN SCOTT as Primo
GENE EVANS as Butler

       Director of Photography - Leon Shamroy   Art Director - Mark Lee Kirk & Lyle R Wheeler
       Music by Lionel Newman  Screenplay by Philip Yordan From a Novel by Frank O'Rourke
         Edited by William Mace   Costumes by Charles Le Maire   Produced by Herbert B Swope JR
                                                           Directed by Henry King

When Jim Douglass arrives in Rio Arriba, he has revenge on his mind! Believing the four men who raped and murdered his wife are awaiting the hangman's noose in the town's jail, he is determined to settle the score. But his intentions are short lived as the four escape and take a local girl hostage. Jim sets out with some local men to track them down and bring them to a final justice... His justice! See the wraith of his vengeance.. as he hunts down The Bravados!!
(c) 1958 20TH CENTURY FOX  98 MINS  REGION 1 DVD FROM FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT

This popular western was a film that Joan was not too keen in doing, as she felt the role of Josefa was not suited to her, however she was keen to work with Gregory Peck, whom she greatly admired. But she had turned down a few film scripts and was on suspension, without pay and needed to work. Joan recalled,
JIM & JOSEFA HEAD FOR CHURCH
" I was totally wrong for the role of a tough frontier woman, whose life was only complete when she was roping a horse or striding the dusty plains! Horses and I are like oil and water. But I still wanted to do the film because of Greg.. He was a great actor and a wonderful looking man, tall and rangy, with a classic profile."

At that time Joan was seeing George Englund, who was best friends with Marlon Brando. But the relationship was erratic as Englund was still married to Cloris Leachman. The film was shot over three months, with location shooting in the Mexican city of Morelia. Before filming bagan, Joan spent some time at the Fox ranch in Santa Monica. She had to her horror, try and learn to ride a horse for the film, something that terrified her. She claimed to have gotten only nine hours practise before setting off for Mexico. However her co-star Peck, was an expert horseman and thought her a lot and was very patient as a teacher. That was a godsend to her as she had to ride a fiesty large black stallion called Adonis...

UK POSTER
" Greg taught me a lot about riding a horse.. Although on the last day of shooting he did tease me unmercifully by riding so fast that I was sore for a week!"
Greg commented on Joan's appearance a few years later...

" Joan was a sensational young girl at that time, a knockout!"

JOAN MAKES TRACKS DURING FILMING!
Gregory's new wife Veronique was not too impressed about her new husband spending time with the glamorous Joan and decided pregnant as she was, to endure six weeks in the hot dusty desert, to be at her husband's side! Off set was far from glamorous as the cast and crew had to stay in a crumbling motel, which was situated far away from any night-life or day-life for that matter! Joan spent her time listening to her records and eating the Mexican food, which did nothing for her waistline!  The role of Josefa was originally set for Susan Hayward, who maybe was more rugged looking than Joan!
 Chatting with Louella Parsons sometime later Joan announced.
"That I am alive is a miracle!"
Her brush with the saddle, not exactly something she planned to repeat.
Joan did say to columnist Sheilah Graham.

" The Bravados is a marvellous western. But I genuinely feel a girl is out of place in such a picture. She is only put in for the sake of the sexy ads! But it was wonderful to work with Gregory Peck. It's the only way to make stars in this business... For a girl to be put opposite a big star!"
JOAN with ANDREW DUGGAN

Gregory Peck was so fond of the cowboy life that soon after shooting "The Bravados", he purchased a vast working ranch near Santa Barbara, which had 600 head of cattle. The film although not a box office smash, it did do well enough and garnered some awards for it's stars. Albert Salmi received a Best Supporting actor award from The National Board Of Review in 1958. While Gregory came 3rd place in the top action performance category at the 1959 Laurel Awards. The film was directed by Henry King, who eight years earlier had directed Peck in a well received western, "The Gunfighter". Although Joan has little to do in the film, she does bring a touch of style to the proceedings. The film is still widely shown and is certainly one of more enduring westerns..



(c) 2010 ... Mark McMorrow...



Friday, July 27, 2012

PROMO FLASHBACK : THE JOAN COLLINS VIDEO SELECTION ... 1985 ..

This promo sheet from Paramount, features the first three videos in The Joan Collins Video Selection range of home video releases in 1985.. As well as featuring a glamorous Eddie Sanderson portrait on the packaging and promo material, the videos features a filmed intro with Joan with her thoughts and insights on the film.....

PHOTO OF THE DAY : THE ALEXIS LOOK SURE SUITS JOAN!

Photo's of Joan as Alexis are always popular, so here is another super promo shot....

Thursday, July 26, 2012

ON THE COVER : BILD + FUNK ... JANUARY 1987 ...

This cover from 1987 features Joan with John Forsythe and Linda Evans in a scene from 'Dynasty'...

PHOTO OF THE DAY : DISNEY'S THE THEME FOR JOAN'S VISIT!

This photo from 1995 features Joan at a signing appearance at Walt Disney World's.. MGM Studios, where she signed copies of her then book .. 'Health, Youth & Happiness', which was the USA edition of 'My Secrets'... Joan also placed her handprints at their Walk of Fame ceremony as their guest of honour...

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

PHOTO OF THE DAY : EMPERESS JOAN UPS THE ANTe!

This stunning shot features Joan as Marilyn Fryser in the cult classic 'Empire of the Ants'... This is a rare colour portrait from the film....

PHOTO OF THE DAY EXTRA : JOAN SIGNS ON!

This stylish photo of Joan was used as a promo shot in 1991 and has been signed by Joan.. One of many signed photo's I got from Joan over the years.. Will add more on occasion...

Monday, July 23, 2012

PHOTO EXTRA : JOAN THROWS THE TOWEL IN WITH PAUL!

This fabulous photo of Joan taken at her St Tropez home earlier, also features her guest West End dancer/singer Paul Robinson.. Thanks to Jack Rich for sharing this shot...

EVENT UPDATE : GOGA ASHKENAZI SUMMER PARTY ... CHATEAU de SAINT AME.. JULY 20TH 2012 .

JOAN WITH JACK RICH
With Denise Rich's annual Yacht Party cancelled this year, the party of the year was thrown by Goga Ashkenazi at the Chateau de Saint Ame.. Joan a regular attendee of this $1 million soiree made an appearance looking sensational as always.. She met up with friends Jack Rich and West End star Paul Robinson.. Thanks to Paul for sharing these shots!
JOAN WITH PAUL ROBINSON

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOANIE'S BOOKED! THE TRICK IS TO STAY SOBER!

This rare still features Joan in an episode of the classic series 'Police Woman', which starred Joan's good friend the legendary Angie Dickinson.. Joan made two episodes of the series. In this one entitled 'The Trick Book', which was a two parter, she played an alcho called Lorlei Frank who was involved with prostitution and drugs rackets.. This scene was at the end of the episode, where Miss Frank was on the brink and begging for a drink..

PHOTO EXTRA : JOAN'S A TOPPER, FOR TAPPER PAUL!

This fabulous shot of Joan was taken over the weekend by West End star Paul Robinson who is a guest of Joan.. Thanks to Paul for sharing this super shot of Joan...

Sunday, July 22, 2012

DVD UPDATE : SEA WIFE .. FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT .. 2007

Released as part of Fox Home Entertainment's box set 'Joan Collins Collection' and as a stand alone release.. 'Stopover Tokyo' hit the dvd shelves in 2007.. Featuring an excellant widescreen print, this edition features the following special features... Commentary by Author and film historian, Aubrey Soloman... Hollywood Highlights Reel.... Animated photo gallery... Restoration Comparison.. Original theatrical trailer.... Interactive pressbook... Advertising gallery.....  This region 1 release features an English Dolby surround soundtrack, plus a Spanish mono track... Subtitles in English, Spanish and French...

EVENT UPDATE: BOTTEGA VENETA COCKTAIL PARTY .. ST TROPEZ .. JULY 21ST 2012..

Joan now back in St Tropez attended a cocktail party at the Bottega Veneta store .. She caught up with friends including Poppy Delevigne and Paul Robinson... Joan looking sensational as ever..

WITH WEST END SINGER / DANCER PAUL ROBINSON


POPPY DELEVIGNE WITH BOTTEGA CEO MARCO BIZZARI..

PHOTO OF THE DAY : BATHTIME IS BREAKTIME FOR JOAN!

This seldom seen still features Joan taking a coffee break whilst shooting the 1956 MGM release 'The Opposite Sex'....

ON THE COVER : PLAYBOY .. JANUARY 1984 ..

I had a few inquiries about Joan's Playboy issue and the fact there were different versions of the covers.. This Spanish edition features a more saucier portrait than the glamorous USA editon..

Saturday, July 21, 2012

PHOTO EXTRA : JOAN HOLDS COURT WITH DONNIE AND JENNIFER!

While Joan was in Boston last weekend she met up with friend music mogul Donnie Demers and in this shot tennis pro Jennifer Capriati ... Thanks to Donnie for sharing this

PHOTO OF THE DAY : DARLING! YOU ARE NOT THE GIRL YOU USED TO BE!

This rare shot features Joan as Alexis with daughter Amanda played here by Karen Cellini, in the role originally played by Catherine Oxenberg...

50'S FOCUS : STOPOVER TOKYO .... 1957 ...


20TH CENTURY FOX
Presents
A CINEMASCOPE PRODUCTION

STOPOVER TOKYO


Starring

ROBERT WAGNER as Mark Fannon
JOAN COLLINS as Tina Hogart
EDMOND O'BRIEN as George Underwood
KEN SCOTT as Tony Barrett
REIKO OYAMA as Coco
LARRY KEATING as High Commander
SARAH SELBY as Wife of High Commander
SOLLY NAKAMURA as Nobka

       Assistant Director - Joseph E Rickards   Director of Photography - Charles G Clarke A.S.C
  Music by Paul Sawtell      Art Director - Lyle R Wheeler & Eddie Imazu   Edited by Marjorie Fielding
       Screenplay by Richard L Breen & Walter Reisch    Based on the Novel by John P Marquand
                                Produced by Walter Reisch    Directed by Richard L Breen

Arriving in Japan to deliver important papers to a fellow intelligence agent, Mark Fannon gets more than he bargained for! After his contact is murdered, Mark teams up with another American agent, to find the killer. His spying eye falls upon Airline employee Tina, who also happens to be involved with Tony Barrett, his new sidekick! Will Mark find the killer and escape death himself? Will Tina make her choice of agent or will she double date? One dangerous Stopover Tokyo!!

(c) 1957 20TH CENTURY FOX 100 MINS REGION 1 DVD FROM FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT

MOVIE HERALD
TINA SERENADES COCO
"Stopover Tokyo" turned out to be Joan's least favourite Fox film and along with friend and co-star Robert Wagner, have always referred to it as 'Stop overacting!' .. But she loved working with R.J. and they got to spend five weeks on location in Japan. It was shot around Kyoto, Japan's finest tourist resort at that time. All the extra's were local people and 1500 of them, the entire population of Zeze were used. The producers also decided to use the locals in other roles, apart from the experienced Japanese featured players. During the Olympic torch scenes, the real Japanese Olympic team were featured. The film's young co-star Reiko Oyama, who was known as the Shirley Temple of Japan, so impressed production head Buddy Adler, that she was offered a long term contract. But little has been heard of her since the film's release! The screenplay was based on a novel in the popular Mr Moto series by John P Marquand, but the studio decided to erase the oriental detective from the plot and replace him with American spies! This was Robert Wagner's 17th film release and although he enjoyed the location he was missing his girlfriend Natalie Wood.. However Natalie was a little neurotic and got it into her head that both Robert and Joan were becoming too close.. Robert spend endless hours on the phone trying to convince her otherwise! He had even brought his parents to Japan with him and his mother acted as a chaperone for him. But Natalie was not convinced and started seeing Nicky Hilton, who also had dallied with Joan, who had since found her affair with Arthur Loew fizzle out! Joan was doing well for herself otherwise with an apartment on Shorehan Drive, a pink Thunderbird and she was earning a good salary..

TINA HAS A HIGH TEA AT A LOW TABLE!
A 'New York Times' Review read....

" Fox sent a unit headed by Robert Wagner, Joan Collins and Edmond O'Brien to Japan to make this film..the trip was not entirely wasted! They have found a dark haired, eight year old girl named Reiko Oyama who portrays Koko - a joy to behold.. All she had to do is smile and you forget you're watching satire triumph over skullduggery!"

MARK KEEPS ABREAST OF THE SITUATION
SOAP AD TO TIE-IN WITH FILM'S RELEASE..
JOAN AND ROBERT ATTEND A DINNER IN THEIR HONOUR..
JOAN SHOWS HER BEST SIDE TO CO-STAR EDMUND O'BRIEN..
CAST ARE GIVEN PARTING GIFTS..

JOAN AND ROBERT TAKING A BREAK FROM FILMING...