SIGNED JOAN : JOAN COLLINS JEANS COLLECTION..

As Joan was in the headlines recently for commenting on The Ritz hotel in London's decision to allow designer jeans throughout the hotel, I thought I would feature this photo used to promote Joan's short lived designer jean range in the late 70's, early 80's. Of course the media recently blew her comments all out of proportion as they reported how "Joan Collins slams jeans!".. She was slamming the decision by the hotel to allow them, as The Ritz is seen as an exclusive and chic establishment and should keep to it's standards. She was not talking about the actual jeans as she herself wears them for casual wear. Will feature more on Joan's jeans in a future post...

CANDID JOAN : JOAN'S OVER THE MOON TO BE BACKSTAGE!

This rare photo shows Joan posing in one of her costumes from the production "Over The Moon", backstage at The Old Vic in London, where the play ran for a limited run in 2001. This may have been from a set of photo's intended for a magazine article, but were never published.

VIDEO FLASHBACK : IETOPIEE MYETHPIOY (TALES THAT WITNESS MADNESS) .. 1973

This cover is for the 1985 Greek release on the Video Premier label of Joan's 1973 shocker "Tales That Witness Madness" which co-starred Kim Novak, Donald Pleasence, Jack Hawkins and Suzy Kendall. The film directed by Freddie Francis features Pleasence as the head of a psychiatric clinic, who listens to 4 strange tales as told by the residents. Joan appears in a memorable if silly story about her husband falling in love with a tree!
Will feature a more detailed article on this in a future post..

CANDID JOAN : DEBBIE REYNOLDS ALIVE AND FABULOUS LONDON 29TH APRIL 2010

Joan attended the press night of Debbie's show at London's Apollo theatre. Here is a photo of Joan and Debbie backstage. I will be at the show next Thursday..

VIDEO FLASHBACK : FALSCHES SPIEL (NUTCRACKER) 1982

This video cover is a German version of the 1982 British drama "Nutcracker", Set in the world of ballet it co-starred Paul Nicholas , Finola Hughes, William Franklyn and Carol White. Joan played Madame Laura Carrere the head of a London ballet school. Will feature more on this film in a future post..

ON THE COVER : PICTUREGOER 1959 ...

This vintage cover features a glamorous Joan in a typical 50's pose on the cover of popular movie magazine Picturegoer, from February 1959. Joan appeared on a few more covers for this magazine and will feature those in due course!

PROMO FLASHBACK : MY SECRETS AUSTRALIA BOOK TOUR 1994

In February 1994, Joan embarked on a tour of Australia, to promote her book "My Secrets". This is a flyer issued by Viking books to promote the tour in the book trade. The flyer features the photo used on the cover and it's another fabulous photo taken by Gary Bernstein. Will feature more on "My Secrets" in future posts...

PROMO FLASHBACK : PRIME TIME 1988 ...

This photo was used to promote Joan's first novel "Prime Time" in 1988. Joan is seen holding the UK hardback edition. Not quite sure about the frock! Reminds me of a Quality Street sweet wrapper!  Very 80's!

PROMO FLASHBACK : ISLAND IN THE SUN ... 1957 ..

This paperback cover from 1957, is for the film tie-in edition of Alec Waugh's best seller "Island In The Sun", which then was a new 20th Century Fox film release starring Joan along with Joan Fontaine, Harry Belafonte, James Mason and Dorothy Dandridge. Joan can be seen on the back of the cover..Will feature a more in-depth look at this film in a future 50's focus post!

CAMPAIGN TIME : SCOUNDREL ..

In the mid 80's Joan was the face of Revlon's fragrance, "Scoundrel" and it was a popular scent for a few years. Here is Joan promoting the range and a promotional photo showing the range of sizes and products available at that time. There were additions later on including "Scoundrel Musk". Will feature more on "Scoundrel" in future posts..

TV FLASHBACK : STAR LIVES : 2001

In 2001 Joan was the subject of the Carlton Television production  "Star Lives", a sort of cut price "This Is Your Life", which was hosted by Carol Vorderman. I was invited to attend the recording, but could not get over to London. The programme did feature an appearance by Christopher Cazenove, who sadly died recently. He shared memories of working with Joan on "Dynasty" and they even simulated a screen kiss on the show! Shown here is the letter from Hanrahan media inviting me to the show and a shot of Joan with Tara and Katy on the show..

EVENT FLASHBACK : AUTOGRAPHICA 13 ... 2009

This month in 2009, Joan attended the Autographica show in Birmingham England. I was delighted to fly over for the show and spent the weekend at The Hilton in the grounds of the NEC in Birmingham. On the Saturday evening there was a Gala Dinner attended by Joan along with Ernest Borgnine, Mickey Rooney, George Lazenby and a host of other celebrities. I was delighted to have dinner at Joan's table and chatted about various things. During the course of the evning she signed this menu and place card. The photo of myself with Joan was taking the following morning,as I was invited to her suite to spend some time chatting and signing a few items for me before she made her way down for the days signing event. I will be attending another show in few weeks and will be having dinner with legendary star of "The Birds" and "Marnie", Tippi Hedren.. You can see a report from that show on my blog www.touchoftheatre.blogspot.com .. after the event! Also shown here is a photo of Joan at her signing table for this event and a photo of Joan speaking at dinner, you can see my head just about in the frame..

ON THE SET : SINS ... 1986

This rare photo shows Joan having a giggle with her co-stars Marisa Berenson and Lauren Hutton on the set of the glamorous mini-series "Sins" from 1986. Lauren was modeling her very glam stockings! whilst taking a break from her knitting! Will feature more on "Sins" in future posts!

VIDEO FLASHBACK : I DON'T WANT TO BE BORN 1975

This cover is for the Canadian video release of Joan's 1975 shocker " I Don't Want To Be Born", better known in the more exploitative American title "The Devil Within Her". The film has seen many awful titles on video, everything from "The Monster", "It Lives Within Her" and most stupidly "Sharon's Baby", considering Joan's character was called Lucy in the film! I will of course feature a full article on this film in a future post.

CAMPAIGN TIME : CANNON MILLS 1984

This original photo features Joan's popular Cannon Mills towel ad from 1984. This campaign also used "Dallas" star Larry Hagman in a different ad. Both stars were the most popular stars on TV at the time. The president of Cannon Mills Max Messmer said at the time.
"The ads focus on personalities and are quite modest, they are the most unique advertising campaign in the home furnishing industry ever to appear. We wanted something unique, typically Cannon!"

TV Flashback! THE PERSUADERS 1972

This photo features a portrait of Joan as the character Sidonie from an episode of the short lived series "The Persuaders" which starred Tony Curtis and Roger Moore. This episode was titled "Five Miles To Midnight". The series ran for 24 episodes and featured the two stars as rich playboys who team up with the guidance of a Judge to solve crimes. Will feature more on this episode in a a future post..

VIDEO FLASHBACK : HIDDEN HOLLYWOOD 1997

In 1997 Joan hosted a special for AMC called "Hidden Hollywood - Treasures From The 20th Century Fox Vault". This video release issued by Real Entertainment is a 60 minute version, a much longer one surfaced later on DVD, as well as a sequel narrated by Joan. Will feature those in a future post. This wonderful programme features outtakes and never before seen footage from classic films.  Stars included are Shirley Temple, Jimmy Durante, Betty Grable, Carmen Miranda, Alice Faye, Ethel Merman and many others. Here is the cover for the video release..

PROMO FLASHBACK : THE JOAN COLLINS LINGERIE COLLECTION

Joan has added her name to many products over the years and in 1987 she launched a line of lingerie, promoted by SanMark Stardust and it was sold in stores such as Jordan Marsh, Emporium and Bon Marche, as well as K-Mart, Target and Shop-co. A diverse range of items were produced including ranges of sleepwear, lounge-wear and day-wear, in colours ranging from Red to Black and of course Pink. Floral shaped and beaded laces, flocked dot netting, metallics and bows and ribbons all combined to dress up the various camisoles, slips, teddies, gown, jumpsuits and peignoirs. The latter being pink, always reminds me of "Rally Round The Flag Boys" where Joan models a fetching pink peignoir, whilst reeking of a perfume called Pink Boudoir! That obviously left a lasting impression on me! The line sold for between $8 to $35 and Joan appeared in print and tv ads to promote the line. Sadly after it's fall launch and good sales it was gone by the following summer. Shown is a tag that appeared on some of the garments and a photo of Joan at the launch. will feature more on this in future posts!

SIGNED JOAN : NUTCRACKER 1982

On first glance at this photo it could well be from "Dynasty" as Joan looks suitably Alexis like! However this is a still from the 1982 British film "Nutcracker" retitled "Nutcracker Sweet" in the USA. Joan plays Madame Carrere the head of a London ballet school. Wont go into too much on this as will be featuring it in a future post. This photo is signed by Joan.

SSO EPS 4 JOAN IN YOU TUBE SERIES BY TARA NEWLEY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHIRLEY !!

Just wanted to send Birthday greetings to the legendary star, Shirley Maclaine who was born today in 1934 in Richmond Virginia. Shirley has been nominated for six Oscars, finally winning in 1983 for her role in "Terms of Endearment". As well as an award winning actress, she is also an accomplished dancer and theatre star and an authoress. Shirley could also have been Joan's sister in law as she is Warren Beatty's sister and of course Joan was engaged to Warren in the 60's. Joan and Shirley also starred together in the 2001 film "These Old Broads" which will feature in a future post. A genuine all rounder.. Happy Birthday Shirley!!

Shown here is a photo of Shirley with Joan and Warren on the set of the musical "Can Can" and Joan with Shirley at a party and Shirley with Joan, Debbie and Liz in "These Old Broads"

ON THE SET ; GIBBSVILLE

This rare photo shows Joan and Gig Young shooting a scene for the short-lived 1976 series "Gibbsville". Joan plays the role Andrea and apparently she commits suicide in this episode by jumping out of a window. Ironically star Gig Young, himself commited suicide in real life, as he shot himself and his 5th wife in an apparent suicide pact in 1978.

VIDEO FLASHBACK : ROAD TO HONG KONG

Before the advent of DVD, there was video! The majority of Joan's film back catalogue got a video release in some form and in the first of a regular thread, I will be posting many of the various video covers that were released. Here is the cover from the 1990 MGM/UA Home Video release of the 1961 comedy "Road to Hong Kong" starring Bob Hope & Bing Crosby and of course Joan. Will be featuring a full article on this film in a future post..

EVENT FLASHBACK! DECADENCE HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE 1995

As the film "Decadence" has just been made available on DVD through Steven Berkoff, here is a look at a rare invite for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Screening of the film at the Charles Aidikoff Screening Room on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.  Steven who co-star with Joan in the film, also attended last weekend's event at the BFI, which featured Joan. Will feature more on "Decadence" in future posts...

PROMO FLASHBACK : STAR QUALITY

  This rare cover was a early draft for Joan's novel "Star Quality". Not sure which publisher produced this as the original publisher's House of Stratus got into financial trouble and could not properly market and publish the novel. It was finally picked up by Robson books. Will feature more on "Star Quality" in the future!

PROMO JOAN ; THE JOAN COLLINS COLLECTION ; 90's

Over the years, Joan has had various different collections of Jewellery  that has featured her name. This promo sheet was used to promote a line in the very early 90's. There have also been collections in the 80's at the height of Joan's Dynasty fame and most recently an online collection called "Timeless Elegance". Will feature other promo items and photos in future posts.

PROMO FLASHBACK : DYNASTY 1985

As a tribute to John Forsythe who died earlier this month, I have been featuring various items on Dynasty. This ad was used to promote the 6th season premiere, which resolved the cliffhanger featuring the infamous Moldavian massacre.

ON THE COVER : WOMAN'S JOURNAL MAY 1999

This cover features an elegant Joan fronting an article called " How does she do it?". This was to tie in with her book "My Friends Secrets" and the article asked Joan about her beauty secrets! Woman's Journal is a popular UK monthly magazine..

VINTAGE JOAN : LUSTRE CREME 1957

This vintage ad from 1957 features Joan promoting Lustre Creme Shampoo with Lanolin!  Joan was appearing in "Stopover Tokyo" with Robert Wagner.

PROMO FLASHBACK : FALLEN ANGELS 1972

This rare contact sheet of photos feature Joan in the ATV production of "Fallen Angels" by Noel Coward and produced by Joan's then husband Ron Kass. The production also starred Susannah York and Sascha Distel. Will feature this pogramme in a future post. This contact sheet is by Lichfield.

CAMPAIGN TIME : BRITISH AIRWAYS AD CAMPAIGN

This photo shows Joan checking in for another Concorde flight! Joan was the face of British Airways in a series of ads in the mid 80s, culminating in a fallout with them over the fact they gave her seat away, when she turned up late for her flight. It was said at the time that they gave her seat to Julie Andrews! I doubt if Joan was chim-chemiring at the check in desk as she famously called the lady on duty  "An Old Cow". Joan refused to fly with them again..until a few month's later when she had to agree, Concorde was a more quicker way to whizz across the Atlantic.

SIGNED BY: I DONT WANT TO BE BORN STILL 1975

This still features Joan and Caroline Munro from the 1975 film "I Don't Want to Be Born" or better known as "The Devil Within Her". This still is signed by both Joan and Caroline. Will feature this in-depth in a future post.

SSO EPS 3 JOAN IN YOU TUBE SERIES BY TARA NEWLEY

ON THE COVER : TV TIMES JULY 1988

This issue of ITV listings magazine TV Times features Joan from the mini series "Monte Carlo" which was screened that week. Inside was a feature on the series and it's stars. Will be featuring "Monte Carlo" in future posts. TV Times is one of Britain's longest running listings magazines along with "Radio Times". Joan has appeared many times on the cover since it launched in 1955, although it only became a national magazine in 1968, as other regions had their own magazines. Will feature other TV Times covers featuring Joan in future posts.

ON STAGE : FULL CIRCLE 2004

Here is an ad featuring forthcoming attractions to The New Wimbledon Theatre London. One of the hi-lights of the season was "Full Circle" starring Joan along with  Gary Raymond , Nickolas Grace , John Quayle and Sheila Bernette. Joan is seen on the ad in a photo from her best selling book "Joan's Way". Will feature more on "Full Circle" in future posts.

OFF SET : REVENGE 1971

This rare photo shows Joan taking a break from filming the 1971 shocker "Revenge". Filming began in December 1970 and Joan's co-stars included James Booth, Sinead Cusack and Ray Barrett. The production was filmed on location in Little Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Joan can be seen relaxing outside the King's Arms, the film is centered around a public house, with Joan as landlady! More about "Revenge" in future posts..

TV FLASHBACK : THIS MORNING "MY SECRETS" SERIES 1994

To promote her best selling book "My Secrets" and the video that was released to coincide with the book called
"Secrets of Fitness & Beauty", Joan filmed a series of slots for the ITV morning show "This Morning". They screened a segment every day. This rare photo shows Joan having a laugh as Christopher Biggins agrees to try out one of the spa treatments.

EVENT FLASHBACK : MY FRIENDS SECRETS LAUNCH 1999

This month in 1999, Joan launched her book "My Friends Secrets" at The Collection in Brompton Road London. Here is a rare invitation to the event. Also shown is the cover of the advance promotional brochure.

EVENT UPDATE : JOAN AT THE BFI LONDON 17TH APRIL 2010

Here is a photo of Joan at the BFI on London's Southbank last Saturday night, in conversation with journalist Jason Solomons.