PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN AND MARISA AN UNFORGETTABLE PAIR!

Continuing my regular posting of photo's associated with Joan's mini series 'Sins', which gets a re-release on dvd next month, here is a lovely shot of Joan as Helene Junot with co-star Marisa Berensen who played Luba in the glamorous series.. Both ladies will team up again for a forthcoming feature film which will see them star alongside the legendary, Tippi Hedren, Robert Wagner and Debbie Reynolds.. The production will begin shooting in the autumn watch this space!

70'S FOCUS : GAME FOR VULTURES .. 1979 ..

COLUMBIA PICTURES
Presents
GAME FOR VULTURES
Starring
RICHARD HARRIS as        David Swansey
RICHARD ROUNDTREE as 
Gideon Marunga
JOAN COLLINS as Nicolle

RAY MILLAND as Colonel Brettle
Denholm Elliott AS
Raglan Thistle 
SVEN BERTIL TAUBE as
Larry Prescott
KEN GAMPU as Sixpence
Tony Osoba as Daniel Batton
NEIL HALLETT as Tony Knight
MARK SINGLETON as Sir Benjamin Peckover
Assistant Director Gus Agosti
Edited by Peter Tanner
Art Director/Herbert Smith
Director of Photographer - Alex Thompson
   Music by Tony Duhig and Jon Field
      Screenplay by Philip Baird
          From the Novel by Michael Hartman
             Produced by Hazel Adair
                Directed by James Fargo
                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

David Swansey helps in the fight against the popular front by smuggling helicopters into Rhodesia. His mission then takes a dangerous turn as the African guerilla warfare escalates, then the violence and bloodshed engulfs everyone involved. Swansey teams up with the freedom figher Gideon Marunga, together they risk life and limb to win in the Games of Vultures!
 (c) 1979 COLUMBIA  106 MINS RATED 15  REG 2 DVD MOSAIC

This forgotten film was one of the last international co-productions and featured a great cast, however the script was uneven and the film hard to follow at times. Joan only appears in a few scenes and she filmed this before 'The Stud'. Joan took many parts around this time to put food on the table and pay her children's school fees. It was of course 'The Stud' which put her back on the entertainment map, by time 'Game For Vultures', finally got a release in the UK, she was about to make 'The Bitch'..

 There is little info on this production, however I asked Richard Roundtree recently about the film, he was surprised anyone even remembered it. He enjoyed the experience as part of it was filmed in South Africa and he remembered a scene with veteran Ray Milland, whom he admired.

Though although released into cinemas in the UK and here in Ireland, it did get a limited release elsewhere, turning up everywhere on video in the 80's and most recently on DVD in the UK and European territories.. 

As I have little info on the film, you can see Joan's highlights from the film on this page! While not required viewing, it is none the less worth a look for it's international cast...        

              

VIDEO FLASHBACK : JOAN'S GAME FOR VULTURES HIGHLIGHTS..1979

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN KEEPS HER EYE ON THE BALL FROM THE ROYAL BOX!

This little seen still is taken from the ITV series 'Footballer's Wives' where Joan guest starred as nutty agent Eva De Woolf...

DYNASTY REVISITED : EPISODE 16... 'A STRANGE OBSERVATION' ...

                                                              REVISITED ...
The story so far ....Fallon is slightly injured during a fall at Miles Colby's beach-house.. she exaggerates amnesia in order to try and get him to forget her! Alexis welcomes her daughter Amanda back to Denver, while Sable is delighted to see her daughter Monica..Blake is concerned about Krystle's behaviour.. During a family gathering Monica Colby makes a revelation about Amanda's friend!.....

Krystle Carrington lay in bed, she had experienced a restless night, any sleep she did manage to get was peppered with nightmares, that seemed all too real. Dream so vivid, alternating between nightmare visions of Alexis and dreams about her mysterious motor cycle rider, who had recently come to her aid and whom she walked away from.. Krystle was puzzled as to why Alexis featured so much in her dreams, although considering all that had happened over the years, all the catfights they had gone through, all the bitter words, it was more nightmares than dreams. Krystle decided it was time to get up, Blake had left for the office, she felt like going for a drive, clear her head.
It took her half an hour to get dressed, fix her hair and apply a light day makeup, she would catch some breakfast when she returned. Slipping into her mink coat, she slipped out of the house, got into her car and drove away from the mansion. She drove for what seemed like miles, time seemed immaterial to her, her head was clear, she left the car window open, fresh air felt good against her face. Krystle noticed a lone figure in the distance, was he a mirage, he looked like the man of her alternating dreams.
"Can I help you?"
Krystle stuck her head out of the window, her handsome rider was bent over his motorbike, he appeared to be attempting to repair it. He turned his head to answer her. Krystle had to agree he was certainly handsome, it was a long time since she had really noticed another man. 
"Hi mam! Why you are the lady from the other day. I guess it's your turn to be the good samaritan!"
Krystle got out of the car, she bathed in the luxury of her coat, the wind began to pick up, it was fresh winter morning.
"Can't figure out what is the matter with the old girl. You could give me a ride to the nearest gas station. Hopefully I can get old Jinny repaired!"
Krystle agreed, opening the boot of her car, so that he could tie the bike to the back, to get it to a gas station. Ten minutes later, the bike safely secured, they both reach a gas station. The attendant took a look at the bike, surmising a fuel leakage problem, after he informed them he could have the bike road wordy in a hour. To fill the time they agreed to a coffee at the adjoining diner, chance for a chat.
"Why do you call your motor bike Jinny? A girlfriend?"
Krystle was fascinated with this mystery man. She was eager to find out a little about him, she felt rather girlish sitting beside him.. She could almost be Miss Krystle Jennings again, but that was mere fantasy!
"Jinny! No mam! Jinny was the name of my old dog, she died a few years back. She was the best friend I ever had..I do miss the old girl.."
Krystle took a sip of her coffee, she felt touched by his apparent sadness as he spoke of his deceased pet.
"Call me Krystle! Mam makes me sound like some old queen! What can I call you?"
He sipped his coffee, put the mug down and smiled at her.
"Krystle! That sure is a pretty name. Dylan is my name.. Dylan Anderson."
Krystle put her hand out to seal their greeting, she felt excitement as their hands met in the grip of friendship.
"Hello! Dylan.. do you live in Denver? You seem like the type of man that loves to roam, not to be tied down to one location."
Krystle liked this stranger, she could not understand why she felt fascinated by him, was she trying to relive her youth?
"I am just passing through.. I am on a road trip. Plan to stay a few days..Would you like to go for a ride with me?"
Dylan took another sip of his coffee.
"That sounds exciting! My it's been many years since I was on the back of a motorbike. Not sure if I have the nerve to do it now."
Krystle considered his offer, she felt a little daring today, what the hell..She could do with a little fun today! When they had finished their coffee's, Dylan went to check on his bike, while Krystle went to the ladies room.
Krystle looked at herself in the smudged mirror of the relatively clean rest room, she stared at her reflection, many thoughts ran riot in her head. Was she doing the correct thing, going off with a relative stranger on the back of a motorbike no less. She had longed to tell him all about herself, about Blake, about her daughter. Maybe it was best he did not know who she was, or where she came from. Besides he was only passing through, she may not ever see him again, come the following week! Krystle applied some lip gloss, fixed her hair, she smiled, why was she bothering, her forthcoming trip on the back of a bike would put paid to any glamour she applied! Krystle sprayed a little scent, grabbed her purse, she went to find Dylan.

Fallon Colby was glad to be back with her family. She felt safe and secure, but she could not get Miles Colby out of her mind. She knew in her heart she had taken the correct course of action, considering the circumstances. However she could not help but feeling a little guilty making him think he had left her in a state if suspended amnesia. She knew he was probably sitting brooding in Malibu, thinking about her..Fallon loved Jeffrey Colby, more than she ever thought she could possibly love any man, but she still had feelings for Miles. She longed to lose those feelings, to get on with her life, devote her love totally to her family. She had no plans to see Miles again, certainly not in Malibu. However she knew how stubborn he could be, so persistent, she knew he would not give her up without a fight. She hoped the fleeting bout of amnesia she conveyed so well, would keep him at bay for the time been, however she was only too aware how unpredictable he could be. Fallon sat on the edge of her bed, she contemplated getting back in and pulling the covers over her head. But what was the point of that, she decided to shower, dress, brave the winter air, a drive could be the best thing for her now.

SABLE IS WELL RED FOR HER BOOK TOUR

Sable Colby was to leave for her book tour later in the day.. All her luggage was packed, she felt excited, she looked forward to traveling around the nation. Sable pondered over the juicy revelation that Monica had provided, regarding Miss Connie Rich.
"Monica! What in your opinion does Amanda Carrington have in common with Connie Rich?"
Sable put a few toiletries into her Louis Vuitton overnight bag, she wanted a few items she could access quickly..
"Mother! There could be a perfectly innocent reason for both of them to be friends. It does not mean that Amanda is involved in the game."
Monica knew how delicious all this was to her mother, particularly when it could cause distress to Alexis.
"Monica darling! I know it may not be all black and white. But these days you just never know. Besides Amanda does have to make a living somehow.. I don't recall her having any notable skills!"
Sable smiled, pouring herself a glass of mineral water from the Waterford Crystal jug on her dressing table. 
"Mother all this fascination with Amanda Carrington wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that Dex Dexter had an affair with her! Would it?"
Monica had heard on the Carrington grapevine about Dex's love play with Amanda, whilst he was married to Alexis.
"That sordid little incident did not even cross my mind!"
Sable smirked, she could not possibly admit to a bout of jealousy! Monica sat perusing her mothers book, some pretty hot stuff within with no shortage of skeletons rattling in their closets!
"I thought you were going to remain civil to Alexis, ever since she secured Dex Jr's life?"
Monica put the book to one side, awaiting her mothers reply.
"I am trying my best to be on air kissing terms with my cousin."
Sable was truly grateful to Alexis Colby, however she could not forget everything that happened over the years, between them.
"You do know when she reads this book, she will want to sue you, not to mention the publishers."
Monica had no fondness for Alexis, but she did care about her mother, she did not want to see her having to face grueling court battles, certainly not with Alexis.
"Darling! My book only tells the truth. If I failed to include all the facts, my expose would be incomplete."
Sable was grateful to Alexis, but she felt she had to include the facts regarding Cecil's Colby death, his death marriage to Alexis, her grasping of his entire fortune and his company. Monica shrugged her shoulders, it was pointless trying to reason with her mother, so she sat back to continue reading the Colby bible.

Alexis sat at her desk at Colbyco, even though she had promised herself she would spend less time at the office. She had planned to let her empire run itself, with the help of her staff of course. Alexis sifted through her mail and faxes, she noticed one from New York, from a certain Mr Kane! Alexis felt a surge of excitement as she read the letter from Denny. He had finally managed to persuade Sammy Jo to become more intimate with him. He had captured the moments on dvd disc, which she found attached to the letter..While she did not relish having to view a most amateur production, she would view it later. Alexis was determined to cause Sammy Jo as much upheaval and defamation as she possibly could. She would make sure Steven would be Danny's sole parent, until a time the boy could make his own decisions. Even though she knew the importance of a mothers love for her child, she did not want to see her son suffer at the whims of his ex-wife. She knew only too well how wayward Sammy Jo is and allowing her to have full custody of Danny, would only put upheaval in his life. Sammy Jo could not be trusted to be there for him when he needed her. Alexis loved her grandson as much as she loved her son and she would do anything to protect them. Alexis sifted through the rest of her mail, the many bills from the refurbishment of the hotel were starting to flood in. The hotel was halfway towards total overhaul, she planned a lavish reopening party in the New Year.. Some alarming reading came in the form of court notification to inform her that the Jeremy Van Dorn case was due for hearing in a couple of months, she was to be the star witness. She dreaded the role, but at least this would be the start of the end for Jeremy, where she hoped they would throw away the key to his prison cell. Alexis threw all the paperwork on the desk, she planned to enjoy the holiday season, put the New Year on hold until December 31st at least!

Fallon was enjoying her drive, she so needed the fresh air, she wished she had a career, something worthwhile to fill her day. She pondered what exactly she could do, she needed a purpose in life, a companion role to that of wife and mother. The traffic was becoming a little busier now, it was almost lunch time. She did feel a little peckish, she decided to stop off for a coffee and perhaps a sandwich. Fallon spotted a gas station cum diner up ahead, she needed to refill her gas tank anyhow. Fallon pulled into the forecourt, she gave the attendant her requirements, he promised to give her windscreen a good wash, the damn road was so dusty. Fallon sat at a window booth in the diner, she ordered a coffee and a ham sandwich. She looked forward to Christmas, to giving gifts to the people she loved, she knew how lucky she was to have a family that truly cared for her. Fallon sat daydreaming, plans for the future would take prominence from now on. She took a sip of the steaming mug of coffee the waitress had just put in front of her. She watched the comings and goings on the forecourt as she took a bite of her sandwich. She almost choked to see a familiar figure dismount from a motorbike. She thought she was imagining things, until the rider and his passenger removed their helmets.
"Krystle! My God!"
Fallon had quickly swallowed the mouthful of ham, she was stunned. Why on earth was Krystle on a motorbike with a stranger, as far as she was concerned? Fallon did not know what to think, apart from the idea that her stepmother was somehow seeing another man on the quiet. She did not know what she should do, should she confront her? What about her father? What was Krystle Carrington up to? Fallon was confused!


                                         TO BE CONTINUED...
(C) Mark McMorrow...

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN STRIKES A POSE FOR FADIL..

This little seen promo photo is a recent shot by Joan's current favourite photographer Fadil Berisha..

NEWS ALERT! GEORGE'S GIRL TO SELL A-PART OF JOAN!

Joan recently held a farewell party for her close friends including Neil Sedaka and Arlene Dahl, as she had just put her NY apartment on the market.. Joan's 8th floor apartment is on 57th st at 110 e in a building known as The Dorchester and features 3 bedrooms and three bathrooms!.. 

MELANIE LAZENBY

JOAN AND GEORGE

                                                                                      This 20 story building was erected in 1958 and has 108 apartments.. Features include a concierge, package room person, garage, live in superintendent, storage and discreet air conditioners.. The building is two blocks of Bloomingdales  and two blocks east of Tiffany! The apartment is on the market for $2,895 million and the sale is on the books of Prudential Douglas Ellimans.. The broker involved in the sale is Melanie Lazenby, daughter of James Bond.. George Lazenby, who has worked with Joan in the commercial for 'Scoundrel'..    

JOAN'S DRAWING ROOM

JOAN'S BEDROOM

JOAN'S LIVING ROOM

JOAN'S KITCHEN

JOAN'S DRESSING ROOM

                                                                              Joan met up with George at an autograph event in 2009 and I took the featured photo of them both..Joan will be sad to say goodbye to the Big Apple, however she plans to spend more time at her Los Angeles home, where there is more work.. and her house in the South Of France..I am sure after her sell out run at Feinstein's at The Regency, there will always be a room there for her!!

PHOTO OF THE DAY : I FEEL ALL WHITE DARLING! LET'S SHOP!

As Joan and Percy are just back in London, here is a photo of them both on a shopping expedition in the capital a little while ago....

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S NO HOUSE PLANT IN MONTE CARLO..

HATE THIS DIET..WHERE DID I HIDE THOSE HOBNOBS..

This rare photo features Joan as Katrina Petrovna in the miniseries 'Monte Carlo'. The glamorous series will be re-released on dvd next month.. you can pre-order on sidebar..

EVENT UPDATE : DEBBIE TO AUCTION A GOWN FIT FOR A QUEEN!

Legendary star Debbie Reynold's who owns one of the biggest collections of Hollywood memorabilia in the world has decided to share her collection of priceless pieces with fans and collectors.. Debbie who for many years has been trying to get the collection housed in its own museum will auction historical movie costumes and props on June 18th in Beverly Hills at The Paley Centre For Media.. The collection so vast will take two years to auction off.. 

 One of the costumes on auction in this lot is a gown worn by Bette Davis in the 1955 Fox release 'The Virgin Queen', which co-starred Joan... 

                                                                                              other treasures include.. Vivien Leigh's Green velvet drapery hat with bird adornment from 'Gone With The Wind'.. Marilyn's red sequin Travilla gown from 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'.. Julie Andrews brown jumper and blouse plus original guitar from 'The Sound Of Music'.. Judy's blue and white gingham test dress by Adrian and Ruby slippers from 'The Wizard Of Oz'...Charlton Heston's signature tunic and robe with accessories from 'Ben Hur'.. Audrey's ivory ribbon lace Ascot dress by Cecil Beaton from 'My Fair Lady' among countless other rare pieces..Debbie has tried for many years to open a museum to house her amazing collection.. 

                    Her loss making Las Vegas hotel housed the collection for a period, then sites were slated on Hollywood Blvd in various locations and in Tennessee.. But Debbie exhausted herself trying to get the project off the ground and she finally decided to extinguish her dream and sell the collection to fans and collectors.. Good luck to Debbie with the auctions, which I am sure will be a big success..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIKKI!

NIKKI LUNCHES WITH GOOD FRIEND JOAN..



NIKKI PROMOTES STARSHAPE



NIKKI LOOKING FAB. PHOTO ALAN MERCER

Birthday greetings to the fabulous Nikki Haskell, who apart from been diet guru to the stars and a successful business woman, Nikki is also a good friend of   Joan's..Nikki currently has the best selling STAR SHAPE range.. see side bar for  link to Nikki's blog... Happy Birthday Nikki.. You are certainly one of a kind!

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN GIVE BA AN A+

Joan just back in London from New York, flew back to the capitol with British Airways and has praised their service.. Here is Joan in the 80's when she did a series of adverts for the airline..Have featured this photo before, but as Joan mentioned BA, thought might air it again!

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S IS HEAD'S ON WITH GARY!

This rare photo is from a series of shots taken by Gary Bernstein of Joan for promotional use.. This shot was not used in the final selection...

PHOTO OF THE DAY EXTRA : DARLING! WOULD THEY HAVE THAT RED JACKET IN MY SIZE!

This candid photo features Joan awaiting her luggage at Heathrow Airport this morning.. Joan back in London after packing up her New York Apartment, will see her publishers regarding her upcoming book and maybe celebrate her upcoming birthday on the 23rd, before heading off for her annual relaxing vacation at her house in the South of France. She will ready herself for her book tour in October.. Watch this space!

70'S FOCUS : THE BITCH .. 1979 ...

BRENT WALKER
Presents
THE BITCH
Starring
JOAN COLLINS as Fontaine Khaled
MICHAEL COBY as Nico Cantafora
KENNETH HAIGH as Arnold Rinstead
IAN HENDRY as Feather
CAROLYN SEYMOUR as Polly
SUE LLOYD as Vanessa Grant
MARK BURNS as Leonard Grant
JOHN RATZENBERGER as Hal
PAMELA SALEM as Lynn
ANTHONY HEATON as Luke
DOUG FISHER as Sammy

Assistant Director - Redmond Morris
   Director of Photography - Denis C Lewiston
     Art Director - Malcolm Middleton
      Music by Don Black and Biddu
       Screenplay by Gerry O' Hara
        From the Novel 'The Bitch' by Jackie Collins
         Edited by Eddie Joseph
          Executive Producers - Ronald S Kass / Oscar Lerman
                Produced by John Quested
                      Directed by Gerry O' Hara
                                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HAVE A GOOD RUMMAGE DEARIE!

Fontaine Khaled, a rich divorcee, is returning to London to check up on her business ventures, one of which is the nightclub, 'Hobo', left to her in her divorce settlement. But the club is losing money, run by an inefficient manager, now that she has dispensed with The Stud's services! Fontaine has other problems to contend with in the shape of a conniving Italian playboy! Is the handsome Nico, really smitten with her? Could it perhaps be the large diamond ring concealed in the pocket of her fur, which he planted during a transatlantic flight! The stakes are high for Nico, to stay ahead of the game, he must learn to never underestimate The Bitch!
 (c) 1979 BRENT WALKER 94MINS  Reg 2 DVD'S From UNIVERSAL HOME ENTERTAINMENT / OPTIMUM HOME ENTERTAINMENT....

Following the success of 'The Stud', Brent Walker was keen to cash in and rushed this sequel into production, even though the script was unfinished and the film not fully thought out. Joan was extremely unhappy with it, particularly the script..
"I hate, hate, hate the film! It was a cheap imitation of 'The Stud'. I did not like the script, which was half written, furthermore I did not like the director! They also gave it a damn awful exploitative title, which stuck to me like flypaper through the popular press for years. I begged Brent Walker not to use that title."

DO YOU KEEP YOUR SNAKE IN THERE?

But Joan's protests fell on deaf ears, to make matters worse when the publicity material was released, the posters read ... 'JOAN COLLINS IS THE BITCH!'... Joan was furious, the last straw for her was while she was relaxing on a friends yacht at the Cannes film festival with Kirk Douglas, among others. Kirk pointed to a plane that was flying overhead, a banner trailing behind proclaiming..'Joan Collins Is The Bitch'.. Joan was livid and got her lawyer on to it immediately to begin proceedings to have the billing changed to ..'Joan Collins As The Bitch'...It was eventually changed, however Joan still did not feel overjoyed with the film, but she did comment on the character of Fontaine...
"Fontaine was not fully explored in 'The Stud'.. In 'The Bitch' she is a woman desperately trying to hang on to a plushy lifestyle. A broader spectrum of emotion is called into play. I've tried to show the different facets to the character of this type of woman."

THE BARE FACTS ABOUT THE BITCH..

The film was shot on location in and around London, including Regine's, The Playboy Club and Tramp, with additional filming at Warfield Hall in Berkshire, Heathrow Airport and at Lingfield racecourse. Apart from an unfinished script, Joan was not totally impressed with her leading man, an Italian actor named Michael Coby! In fact his real name was Antonio Cantafora, who also starred with Joan in the 1969 film, 'State of Siege'. Joan's old friend and 'The Stud' co-star Sue Lloyd reprised her role as Vanessa.. Sue recalled...

JOAN ATTENDS THE WESTEND PREMIERE..

"The success of 'The Stud', led to another old mates production 'The Bitch'..In it I played the mistress of a jockey, with one scene where I was supposed to drop my outer clothes to reveal nothing beneath! On thinking about this I decided that sounded rather dull. It would be much funnier if I dropped my garments to reveal custom made underwear for my jockey. So I designed myself silver suspenders in the shape of stirrups and fixed two rosettes printed with '1st Prize', to my boobs! I was much pleased with myself and went to tell the director Gerry O'Hara. To my disappointment he informed me the scene had been cut! He roared with laughter when he saw my costume, so much that he decided to restore the scene!

SABLE OR MINK? CUTBACKS DAMMIT ONLY THE RABBIT LEFT!

Panned as expected by the critics, the film did do good box office and like 'The Stud', the film spawned a best selling soundtrack record album, with many popular disco hits of the time. However relations between Brent Walker and Joan and Jackie became very strained when it became apparent Brent Walker were enjoying all the profits from the film, while the Collins girls saw very little and it would take years and many court proceedings to get their rightful share. The only consolation for Joan, was the fact both films put her back on the entertainment map and gave her another chance at at the big time. Long may she continue to entertain us!

  (c) 2011 Mark McMorrow...