PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN AND ROBIN DISCUSS LIFESTYLES IN MONTE CARLO!

This rare photo features Joan on set of 'Monte Carlo', with old friend Robin Leach, recording a segment for the classic celebrity series 'Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous'.. Joan will be spending the weekend in Las Vegas at The Venitian, no doubt meeting up with Robin who now resides in the Fabulous city!

EVENT FLASHBACK : NIGHT OF 100 STARS ... 1982 ..

This promo photo was issued to publicise the 1982 spectacular 'Night Of 100 Stars', which was held at Radio City Music Hall in New York.. This literally star studded gala was to raise funds for The Actors Fund Of America.. Joan appeared in a segment intoduced by Liza Minelli, showcasing 'Memorable Couples of the Silver Screen'.. Joan appeared with Farley Granger who died this week to celebrate their pairing in the 1955 Fox film .. 'The Girl In The Red Velvet Swing.. Also appearing to light a candle on the 100 year celebration cake was the late Elizabeth Taylor...

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S LADY OF THE LOBBY!

This great still features Joan as Lady Patton in the BBC drama series 'Hotel Babylon' from 2006....

PHOTO OF THE DAY EXTRA : JOAN AND FARLEY GET IN THE SWING OF THE SHOOT!



 Here is a lovely shot of Joan and Farley Granger taken to promote "The Girl In The Red Velvet Swing" from 1955...

VIDEO UPDATE : THE GIRL IN THE RED VELVET SWING .. 1955 ..

 As a further tribute to Farley Granger who died this week, here is a clip featuring a key scene from the 1955 Fox film in which he co-starred with Joan and Ray Milland.. A great film and a great actor..

EVENT UPDATE : THE KENNEDY'S PREMIERE .. MARCH 28TH BEVERLY HILLS ..

THIS IS MY WHITEHOUSE SKIRT!

NO DARLING! THESE ARE NOT FROM THE JACKIE COLLECTION!



WAS JOAN THE FIRST LADY ON THE CARPET!



FIRST LADIES OF HOLLYWOOD ALL WHITE IN THE HOUSE FOR THE KENNEDYS!

Joan and Jackie attended the world premiere of the 8 part movie event "The Kennedy's", yesterday held at the AMPASS Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.. This series to air next Sunday April 3rd on The ReelzChannel stars Greg Kinnear as John F Kennedy, with Katie Holmes as Jackie, with Barry Pepper, Tom Wilksinson, Diana Hardcastle and Kirstin Booth.. The series will air in a 2hr premiere movie.....

TRIBUTE : FARLEY GRANGER ... 1925 - 2011

THE CAST OF 'THE ADVENTURES OF AULD LANG SYNE!




THE GIRL IN THE RED VELVET SWING. 1955

 



USA POSTER

The actor Farley Granger who was a friend of Joan's and appeared with her in the glorious Fox film "The Girl In The Red Velvet Swing" had just died. He also appeared with Joan over the years including guest starring in an episode of "Ellery Queen - The Adventures Of Auld Lang Syne",  "Night of 100 Stars" in 1982 where they appeared to celebrate legendary screen couples, Farley also turned up to pay tribute to Joan on ITV for her "This Is Your Life" episode in 1982. Farley made his screen debut in 1943 in the film "The North Star", his most famous roles were for Hitchcock in the classics "Rope" and "Strangers On A Train".. In the late 60's and early 70's he mostly appeared in Italian Giallo films, with his most notable 80's role in the popular terror film "The Prowler" aka "Rosemary's Killer".. In his latter years he appeared in the theater with a notable appearance on Broadway in Ira Levin's "Deathtrap". Farley published his autobiography in 2007 entitled "Include me Out", a wonderful read on the life of a true gent and a great actor, who will be greatly missed...





  

ON THE COVER : THE DAILY MAIL..MARCH 26TH 2011

I got a few people asking to see the cover of the Daily Mail on Sat, which featured Joan's article on Dame Elizabeth Taylor.. As could not scan full cover due to size, here is an abridged version...

PHOTO OF THE DAY : DARLING ELIZABETH! PEOPLE WILL THINK WE ARE BOSOM BUDDIES!

This rather fab photo features legendary Elizabeth and Joan, looking the height of glamour at a London gala in 1987. watched by a lucky George Hamilton!.....

ON THE COVER : GLORI .. MARCH 2001 ..

This great cover from 2001 features Joan on the cover of Glori magazine....

PHOTO OF THE DAY EXTRA : JOAN SALUTES A LEGENDARY DAME!

JOAN WITH DAME ELIZABETH, SUSAN GEORGE,DAVID FROST, STEPHEN FRY AND MICHAEL JACKSON..

This wonderful shot features Joan on stage in the finale of a spectacular evening of entertainment held at The Royal Albert Hall in London on May 26th 2000..
This tribute was in aid of The Red Hot Aids Charitable Trust and The Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation.. Also appearing on the bill were..Tony Bennett .. Andrea Bocelli .. John Barry ... Reba McEntire ... Ute Lemper .. plus as shown Sir David Frost .. Stephen Fry .. Susan George and Michael Jackson..

EVENT VIDEO UPDATE : THE STEVE CHASE GALA AWARDS 2011

PHOTO OF THE DAY : THESE BROADS BRING COMFORT AND JOY TO A PRINCESS!

This photo from 1984 features Joan with Elizabeth at the Academy Theater in Beverly Hills for the Royal Gala premiere of "Comfort and Joy", which was attended by Princess Anne...

70'S FOCUS : THE BAWDY ADVENTURES OF TOM JONES .. 1976

USA POSTER

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Presents

THE BAWDY ADVENTURES OF TOM JONES
Starring
NICKY HENSON as Tom Jones
JOAN COLLINS as Black Bess
TREVOR HOWARD as Squire Westin
GEORGIA BROWN as Jenny Jones

TERRY THOMAS as MR Square

ARTHUR LOWE as DR Thwackum
WILLIAM MERVYN as Squire Alworthy
MURRAY MELVIN as Blifil
MADELINE SMITH as Sophia
GERALDINE MC EWAN as Lady Bellaston
JEREMY LLOYD as Lord Fellemar

SIGNED PRESS SHEET JOAN AND MADDY SMITH

HILDA FENEMORE as MRS Belcher

GLADYS HENSEN as Cook

Assistant Director - Anthony Waye

Music by Ron Granier

Based on the Stage Play 'Tom Jones' by Don MacPherson

Words and Music by Paul Holden

Adapted from the Novel by Henry Fielding

Screenplay by Jeremy Lloyd

Art Director - Jack Shampan

Edited by Bill Blunden   Produced by Robert Sadoff

                    Directed by Cliff Owen

"IS YOURS AS BIG AS THIS!"

Follow the exploits of Tom Jones.. as he runs from one bed to another.. in his quest for love! Branded a thief and a scoundrel, Tom must prove his innocence, with the help of an unlikely accomplice, Black Bess! Fun and frolics in The Bawdy Adventures Of Tom Jones!

(c) 1976 Universal  94 Mins  Colour



BLACK BESS IS BUSTING TO BREAK OUT!



Back in 1963, 'Tom Jones' starring Albert Finney and Susannah York, won a clutch of Oscar's and Bafta's. This film is based on a stage musical of the novel and was not as successful. Joan has some of the more memorable scenes as she plays the fiesty, scheming highwaywoman Black Bess. Joan commented on the film.

" I was delighted when producer Robert Sadoff offered me the role of a gutsy highwaywoman! You could say, I am a kind of female Errol Flynn! It is a light role, with a nice touch of comedy. I have been yearning to do a comedy role. In horror films there is only so many ways you can portray fright! In comedy you have to stretch yourself, to be funny is more difficult!"

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IS THAT YOUR JEWELS I CAN FEEL..BIG BOY!
Before appearing in this film, Joan made guest appearances in most of the popular TV series of the time including, 'Ellery Queen', 'Switch', 'Space 1999' and 'Baretta'. This film was the last screen appearance of veteran character actress Gladys Hensen, who had appeared in Joan's first film, the 1951 comedy drama 'Lady Godiva Rides Again'. Joan's co-star Nicky Henson recalls..
"The movie was so cheap, they decided to do all the bed scenes in one day! So all they did was change the sheets and the bedspread! So in one day I went to bed with Georgia Brown, Geraldine Mc Ewan and Joan Collins!"



THESE SHEETS ARE STILL DAMP FROM THAT OTHER BIRD!







HERE'S A COUPLE OF POINTERS ON HOW TO ESCAPE!











        (C)  2011  Mark McMorrow ..





PHOTO OF THE DAY EXTRA : JOAN RETURNS TO HER ROOTS!

This photograph features Joan making a return visit to R.A.D.A - The Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art in the early 90's.. Joan attended the Academy back in the 50's at the start of her long-lasting career....

DYNASTY REVISITED : EPISODE 7 ..... 'AN UNLIKELY ALLIANCE' ..

                                                              REVISITED ....
THE STORY SO FAR ....
Sable Colby's son is kidnapped by Jeremy Van Dorn.. Fallon recovers from the shooting, Jeff lets her know he knows about the baby, but loves her....Kirby tells Adam she is returning to Paris for a few months... Alexis receives a ransom demand from Van Dorn.. The ranson is ALEXIS! ...

ALEXIS READIES HERESLF AS A RANSOM!

Alexis reread the letter from Jeremy Van Dorn, she still could not quite get her head around the idea of releasing herself into his clutches. But as a mother she knew the child's life could be at stake. One thing was certain, a sacrifice would have to be made and she was it! Smoking the latest in a stimulative chain of cigarettes, Alexis stood looking over the balcony of her penthouse. The night sky littered with stars, the street below busy, but not enough to disturb her thoughts. She thought of the child alone, distanced from his mother, the woman she hated. However no matter how much Sable incensed   
her, the child had to return to her. It was the boys father who was the catalyst for her willingness to substitute herself for Dex Jr's life. She had truly loved the man she could never forget, whom she could never replace. She felt fully certain that Dex would have made the same sacrifice, she had to do it for him. 
"Alexis! How are you holding up?"
The voice from behind startled her, yet a feeling of security enveloped her, she knew who had spoken, the man who echoed the other man she loved.
"Frank! I am doing fine.. Considering the circumstances!"
Alexis followed him into the penthouse, the wind had risen, there was a chill in the air, the cool breeze caressing her neck.
"That man is insane! What are we going to do? Even though we must secure the child's release.. We must protect you!"
Alexis touched his arm, as she passed him to go and pour a couple of drinks for both of them. 
"Frank! I must do what that monster asks! We can't let that little boy suffer any longer. The child must be terrified."
Alexis poured two Brandies, handing a generous glass to Frank.
"We will have to devise a plan. I have considerable training, as regards to kidnappings and antitrust activity. This operation must secure your safety, plus the capture if not the termination of Mr Van Dorn."
Alexis lifted her glass to toast his words, she was certain that Jeremy Van Dorn was almost close to the depths of hell...
" Believe me Frank, nothing would satisfy me more! If you supply the weapon, I shall relish the act of total extermination of dear sick Jeremy!"

FALLON IS FLUFFED UP FOR RECOVERY!

    Fallon Colby sat up in bed, she felt almost alive, much more than she had only hours earlier. She lay back, thanking God for her survival, she felt truly lucky, longing to be back in Jeff's arms again. She closed her eyes, but only for a second, a visitor had entered the room.
"  How is my favourite sister?"
Fallon opened her eyes again, a smiling Steven standing over her. She had not seen him in a few weeks, it wonderful to see his face again. 
"Steven! Here I am on my back again! I have a fondness for beds.. especially hospital beds!"
They both laughed, Steven was glad to see she still had that wicked streak of humour. But then she had always been risque, always outspoken, saying all the things a young society lady should not think, let alone announce to the world! Fallon recalled her mothers first words to her, on her return to Denver from Acapulco for the Ted Dinard murder trial.
'Fallon! I see your father had your teeth fixed.. If not your tongue!"
She smiled as she recalled that moment. Steven wondered what the smile concealed..
"I read about Van Dorn's escape, I never imagined how far all this had progressed. Why would he want to shoot you?"
Steven took her hand..
"Mother reckons he is playing some sort of game, or was that Daddy? I overheard them speak in the distance! How is Bart and Danny? I wonder where mother is?"
Steven could tell she had not fully regained her senses, she was beginning to wander from one thing to another.
"I am fine as you can see! We are both busy.. Bart is doing well and Danny is growing taller every day, or so it seems. They both send their love."
Fallon could tell there was something he was not telling her, but she was sure she would find out in time.

SABLE WAITS FOR NEWS OF HER SON!

  Sable Colby sat and thought about the phone call, she could hardly believe the ransom demand. Off all the people in the world, she had to depend on to secure her son's safe return and it turned out to be Alexis. It it was not so serious a situation, she would laugh at the absurdity of the situation. She planned to go and see Alexis, find out what she intended to do. Even though Alexis was a bitch, Sable was sure when it came to a child's life, Alexis was the eternal earth mother. She was certain Alexis would feel the same about Dex's son. At this moment she felt so helpless, but yet secure in the knowledge that she had good friends in Blake and Krystle. They had invited her to stay at the mansion, she gladly accepted. Sable sighed, just as she was getting her life back in some order and this had to happen. She prayed that her son would be back with her soon. Her publishers had given her a deadline date on which she had to submit the final draft of her book. They even had the release date on the schedules, but at this time the only release that concerned her was that of her son. 

BLAKE CONSIDERS THE SITUATION!

Blake Carrington sat and pondered the current situation, he often wondered if life could ever be normal within his family. He was glad Sable had accepted his offer to stay, Krystle was delighted to have her around. He prayed that her son would come through his ordeal unscathed. He then thought of Alexis, he knew the impossible dilemma she faced. Alexis was tough when it came to business, but when it came to motherhood he knew she could do no wrong. He once loved the young Alexis Morell, he often wondered whatever happened between them. Denver Carrington was a prime candidate for their marriage problems, he thought so much of his company, with no amount of time was enough to secure it's up most success. Even though she was no saint, he could not really blame her for seeking the attention of another man, as she did with Roger Grimes. Although he had not killed Grimes, he was sure he could have if he had been pushed to it. He could not bear to have something or someone taken from him, in this case Alexis, without putting up a fight. Blake did not wish to see her get hurt, but he was certain he wanted the boy returned unharmed. He prayed that both would survive the wrath of Jeremy Van Dorn.

STEVEN HAS SOMETHING TO GET OFF HIS CHEST!

In a fleeting moment of happiness, Alexis sat next to her son, she was so glad to see Steven, who had rushed over on hearing about the ransom demand.
"Steven Darling! It's so good to see you. How is my little grandson?"
Steven was desperate to share his worries with someone close, even though he was fully aware of the worries his mother had firmly on her mind. 
"Danny is doing well. He has started a new school, making new friends. He send his love!"
Steven paused, looking at his mother who anticipated further revelations.
" That is wonderful Darling! How is Bart? Please tell me the truth Steven!"
Alexis knew her son as only a mother could, she knew he had something he longed to tell her.
"Bart is well! All is well in our relationship, you need not worry on that front. Look mother! There is a problem in our lives. It's to do with Danny!"
Alexis was surprised, more than curious now and to the reasons for the upheaval..
"Danny! Why on earth would there be a problem with my grandson?"
Steven left his seat on the sofa next to her, he needed some fresh air, standing by the open patio door, he looked out into the night.
"It 's Sammy Jo! She wants Danny to go and live with her. It is the same old story, she has given up modelling again and wants a career in motherhood!"
Steven felt so angry at this latest intrusion in his life, from his ex-wife.
"That little tramp! Who the hell does she think she is.Choosing to enter and exit Danny's life, when the whim engulfs her. She is an unfit mother and always has been!"
Alexis always knew that sooner or later, Sammy Jo would pull this stunt again as she had done before. One thing was certain, when  Van Dorn's worthless life was eventually snubbed out, she would see that Sammy Jo would be deemed unfit a mother, that she would not even get an assignment modelling maternity clothes!
"Mother! Don't worry about her, she wont get her hands on my son. I will kill her first!"
Steven ran his fingers through his hair, whilst Alexis looked shocked at his outburst. The phone rang to inform her that a visitor was on her way up, in the form of her favourite cousin, Sybil!Steven kissed his mother and bade her farewell, exchanging greetings with Sable Colby in passing, as they met on entering and exiting the elevator.

ALEXIS PLANS TO GO IN.. WITH GUNS SMOKING!

"Sybil! I have been expecting a visit from you.. Sooner or later!"
Alexis stood up, a fresh cigarette lit to face her rival.
"Alexis! I know we both have a bottomless pit of loathing for one another. But I think under the circumstances we should try and put our differences aside."
They both sat down to discuss the dilemma that had somehow engulfed both of them.
" Look Sybil! I am certain that you think of me as The Bitch to end all bitches. I myself think perhaps you deserve that title! However I would do anything for my son as I am sure you would too."
Sable nodded her agreement, she then knew what Alexis's intentions were as to Van Dorn's demands.
"Alexis! I know how much your children mean to you. I am so grateful to you for my son's life!"
Alexis could see the pain and determination in Sable's eyes.
"I would do anything for that little boy. I truly loved his father. I owe it to him to protect his son. I know how ruthless Jeremy Van Dorn is. To think I allowed that animal to touch me."
Alexis paused, she could say so much about the dreaded Jeremy, but that was not what Sable wanted to hear, when her son was in his grasp.
"Alexis I know exactly how evil that man is! I made the same mistake of allowing him into my bed. Jeremy had business dealings with Jason. I fell for his rugged good looks. We had a brief affair, he then tried to blackmail me, he wanted insider information. I wont go into the details now, but believe me I am grateful to you Alexis!"
Alexis was certain that at that moment Sable was sincere. Jeremy had to be stopped, she had the power to do so, even though she faced an uncertain future, she vowed she would fight him all the way. Win or lose, she would make certain , Van Dorn would not survive!!!
  (c) 2011 ..  Mark McMorrow...

PHOTO OF THE DAY EXTRA : ELIZABETH.. A PREHISTORIC DAME!

Yesterday I featured a photo of Joan as Pearl Slaghoople in the motion picture preguel "The Flintstones .. Viva Rock Vegas!" , in a role originally played by Dame Elizabeth Taylor... I have been asked if I had any photo's of Elizabeth in the role.. I managed to find this fun photo....

PHOTO OF THE DAY : BROADS ARE READY FOR THEIR CLOSEUP!

Continuing the tribute to Elizabeth Taylor, here is a promo photo of Elizabeth with Joan, Debbie and Shirley in the2001 TV movie "These Old Broads"... will feature more on Dame Elizabeth  throughout the remainder of this month....

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN STEPS IN FOR LIZ!

This photo features Joan as Pearl Slaghoople in the 2000 release "The Flintstones In Viva Rock Vegas".. In the original 'Flintstones' movie, the role was played by Elizabeth Taylor who sadly died yesterday....

TV ALERT : PIERS MORGAN TONIGHT! TONIGHT MARCH 23RD 2011



ELIZABETH IN 'NORTH AND SOUTH'



Joan will appear on a special edition of 'PIERS MORGAN TONIGHT' to celebrate the life of Dame Elizabeth Taylor who died today. Other guests include Morgan Fairchild, Carrie Fisher, Larry King,Dick Cavett and Carole Bayer Sayer among others.. Viewers in Europe can see it at 1 AM GMT.. 11 AM and 7 PM Thursday.. Viewers in other countries see http://www.cnn.com/ for details..

TRIBUTE : DAME ELIZABETH TAYLOR ... 1932 - 2011

IMAGE OF AN I ICON..

LEGENDARY FACE OF WHITE DIAMONDS..

THE LOOK OF A LEGEND..



LIZ HAS IT ALL WRAPPED UP..




THE IMAGE IS PRICELESS..



THOSE BROADS HAVE IT COVERED..

USA DVD COVER

ELIZABETH WITH JOAN, SHIRLEY, DEBBIE AND NOLAN MILLER

JOAN .. SHIRLEY AND ELIZABETH..

THE DORCHESTER COLLECTION CAMPAIGN FEATURINF JOAN AND ELIZABETH.

It was with great sadness that I heard earlier about the passing of a true Hollywood legend, Dame Elizabeth Taylor.. There is little I can say about Elizabeth, that has not been said, written about or read! Joan has been friends with Elizabeth for many years, despite the gossip rags suggesting otherwise.. Joan famously was originally set to star in "Cleopatra" when it was first announce as a medium budget film.. However when it was decided to raise the budget, Elizabeth was offered the part.. When she became ill, Joan was put on standby to fill in for her, but as they say the rest is history.. It was 40 years later when both icons got to work together in the 2001 tv movie "These Old Broads".. Although they had appeared on stage together at The Royal Albert Hall during the music spectacular "Elizabeth Taylor - A Celebration", which also starred Michael Jackson.. Will feature this later this week.. Dame Elizabeth Taylor is a lady who will certainly be missed... A one of a kind.. A legend!