Diana Dors

[seanflynn76]

No, Dors was better than that. Dors could act as well as be glamorous

This is what writer Derek Hill (Films & Filming) wrote in 1955 about the comparision between Monroe and Diana."I say past rivals because she no longer has a challenger in the country. And the frequent Transatlantic comparisons are not so much odious as tedious. Marilyn Monroe shows practically everything except subtlety. But Diana Dors has sufficient control over a wink to play Sex in the abstract."Personally I find the comparision's between Dors and Monroe annoying aswell as tedious. From articles I've read from the early 50's Diana was more favorably compared to Shelley Winters, Joan Blondell and her old pal from her days in Las Vegas, Betty Grable.

[Steve Crook]

This is what writer Derek Hill (Films & Filming) wrote in 1955 about the comparision between Monroe and Diana."I say past rivals because she no longer has a challenger in the country. And the frequent Transatlantic comparisons are not so much odious as tedious. Marilyn Monroe shows practically everything except subtlety. But Diana Dors has sufficient control over a wink to play Sex in the abstract."Personally I find the comparision's between Dors and Monroe annoying aswell as tedious. From articles I've read from the early 50's Diana was more favorably compared to Shelley Winters, Joan Blondell and her old pal from her days in Las Vegas, Betty Grable.

Gosh, Derek Hill wrote something I agree with, there's a surprise

Steve

[didi-5]

Re the Diana - Marilyn comparison. Diana Dors was certainly marketed at her launch in the Monroe mould (an attractive and vivacious blonde). She did mature into a great actress by the time she moved into more serious films. One could speculate that Marilyn would have done the same, had she lived. Betty Grable was no actress - she started in B comedies, was World War II cheesecake and quickly became yesterday's news.

It all depends whether or not you rate other actresses alongside Ms Dors doesn't it?

[seanflynn76]

What is interesting about Diana's early career, it wasn't really until filming had commenced on "Lady Godiva Ride's Again" that she was promoted as a Blonde Bombshell. Comparing stills of Diana in that film, and say "Diamond City" there is a marked difference in her appearance. And once Dennis Hamilton came on the screen, which was half-way through filming of Lady Godiva, the great Blonde Bombshell publicity machine began rolling. But I personally see Diana's career running the same path as Winters, Blondell and to a certain extent Claire Trevor. All of whom at the start of their careers were considered to be "Blonde" Glamour Girls, who as they aged, put on weight and through life experiance allowed all that into their performances.

I think had Diana lived, like Blondell towards the end of her life and career, she would have played the wise, kindly old woman. Her performance in "Steaming" confirms that this is the route her career would have taken had she lived.

[faginsgirl]

This is what writer Derek Hill (Films & Filming) wrote in 1955 about the comparision between Monroe and Diana."I say past rivals because she no longer has a challenger in the country. And the frequent Transatlantic comparisons are not so much odious as tedious. Marilyn Monroe shows practically everything except subtlety. But Diana Dors has sufficient control over a wink to play Sex in the abstract."Personally I find the comparision's between Dors and Monroe annoying aswell as tedious. From articles I've read from the early 50's Diana was more favorably compared to Shelley Winters, Joan Blondell and her old pal from her days in Las Vegas, Betty Grable.

I too don`t know how Diana and Monroe can be compared. Physically, I think Diana had a much more beautiful face, and as for acting abilty, Diana could play a lot of characters, unlike Monroe.

[seanflynn76]

Details emailed to me today by Kate Lees of Adelphi films, in regards to the DVD release of "Miss Tulip Stays The Night/The Great Game" and the BFi showing of "The Great Game".

Dear friend

The latest release in The Adelphi Collection from the BFI is a delicious double-dose of effervescent vintage comedy-drama bringing two more rare Diana Dors films to DVD for the first time. The Great Game and Miss Tulip Stays the Night both star Britain ’s blondest bombshell at her saucy best. This DVD will be released on December 5th and will make the perfect Christmas present for friends and family and especially for all you football fans!

Goals and glamour go together in The Great Game (directed by Maurice Elvey in 1953), a high-scoring drama of football league corruption, shot on location at Griffin Park, historic home of Brentford F.C. and featuring guest appearances from football star Tommy Lawton and from some of the Brentford players.

With fine performances from James Hayter as Burnville United’s unscrupulous team chairman, Thora Hird as his long-suffering assistant, and Diana Dors enjoying herself as man-eating secretary Lulu – not to mention a splendid eyeball-rolling turn from Dad’s Army’s John Laurie – the final result is a real treat for movie buffs and football fans alike.
Laughter and thrills mingle in Miss Tulip Stays the Night (directed by Leslie Arliss in 1955) The gorgeous Kate Dax (Diana Dors) and her crime-writer husband, Andrew (Patrick Holt), investigate the murder of eccentric spinster Miss Tulip (Cicely Courtneidge) at a remote country cottage. With the help – or hindrance – of bumbling P.C. Feathers, deftly played by British comedy legend Jack Hulbert, will they ever crack their crazy case and finally figure out whodunit? The distinguished supporting cast includes Joss Ambler, Pat Terry-Thomas and comedy veteran A.E. Matthews.

Newly mastered to High Definition from the original film elements preserved at the BFI National Archive, the films are presented with an illustrated booklet containing film notes, original promotional materials and new essays, including a look at Diana Dors’ clothes and style.

You can purchase the DVD from the BFI at Home or from Amazon at Amazon.co.uk: Low Prices in Electronics, Books, Sports Equipment & more from 5th December.
The Great Game will be screened at the BFI Southbank on December 6th at 6.30 p.m. (Please note that the BFI booklet date is wrong due to a last minute date change) Book. You can book tickets at http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_southbankOr phone the box office on 020 7928 3232

[seanflynn76]

Details emailed to me today by Kate Lees of Adelphi films, in regards to the DVD release of "Miss Tulip Stays The Night/The Great Game" and the BFi showing of "The Great Game".

Dear friend

The latest release in The Adelphi Collection from the BFI is a delicious double-dose of effervescent vintage comedy-drama bringing two more rare Diana Dors films to DVD for the first time. The Great Game and Miss Tulip Stays the Night both star Britain ’s blondest bombshell at her saucy best. This DVD will be released on December 5th and will make the perfect Christmas present for friends and family and especially for all you football fans!

Goals and glamour go together in The Great Game (directed by Maurice Elvey in 1953), a high-scoring drama of football league corruption, shot on location at Griffin Park, historic home of Brentford F.C. and featuring guest appearances from football star Tommy Lawton and from some of the Brentford players.

With fine performances from James Hayter as Burnville United’s unscrupulous team chairman, Thora Hird as his long-suffering assistant, and Diana Dors enjoying herself as man-eating secretary Lulu – not to mention a splendid eyeball-rolling turn from Dad’s Army’s John Laurie – the final result is a real treat for movie buffs and football fans alike.
Laughter and thrills mingle in Miss Tulip Stays the Night (directed by Leslie Arliss in 1955) The gorgeous Kate Dax (Diana Dors) and her crime-writer husband, Andrew (Patrick Holt), investigate the murder of eccentric spinster Miss Tulip (Cicely Courtneidge) at a remote country cottage. With the help – or hindrance – of bumbling P.C. Feathers, deftly played by British comedy legend Jack Hulbert, will they ever crack their crazy case and finally figure out whodunit? The distinguished supporting cast includes Joss Ambler, Pat Terry-Thomas and comedy veteran A.E. Matthews.

Newly mastered to High Definition from the original film elements preserved at the BFI National Archive, the films are presented with an illustrated booklet containing film notes, original promotional materials and new essays, including a look at Diana Dors’ clothes and style.

You can purchase the DVD from the BFI at Home or from Amazon at http://www.amazon.co.uk/ from 5th December.
The Great Game will be screened at the BFI Southbank on December 6th at 6.30 p.m. (Please note that the BFI booklet date is wrong due to a last minute date change) Book. You can book tickets at http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_southbankOr phone the box office on 020 7928 3232

[seanflynn76]

Hello All, I hadn't realised that it hads been as long as it has been since I last posted on the Diana Dors topic. I have been corresponding with Ian Payne in regards to his latest project, but I though this may have been interest to a number of the Britmovie Forum members, and it would be great if anyone in 'Britmovieland' could assist Ian, who is putting together a scrap book of Diana's career and life from 1946 - 1961, for further details please click on the below link, and if you wish to have further information, contact details for Ian are featured within the article. Hope everyone had a great christmas, and that 2012 is treating you all well so far?


Film fan wants to help create Diana Dors scrapbook (From Swindon Advertiser)

[cornershop15]

Presumably a different Ian Payne to the ex-Sky Sports presenter. Unless he has it already, Mr. Payne might like to add this to his scrapbook:

Daily Mirror, 15th November 1948



In case that is difficult to read ...

ARE THERE STARS IN HER EYES?

When British film starlet Diana Dors visited photographer Audrey Andersson, Audrey's budgerigar, Cocky, was determined to find out for himself if Diana has the makings of a big star.

Cocky waded knee-deep through her hair, and found it very nice; he liked her forehead and her nose too. Finally, as you can see, he got down to the basic problem - has she got the twinkle of success?

[seanflynn76]

Brilliant, many thanks Cornershop.

[seanflynn76]

Something for the fans of Diana Dors and Alfred Hitchcock. I was sent this link earlier today, which is Diana's appearance on "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour" in the epsiode "Run for Doom", in which Diana plays a femme fatale called Nickie Carole. The episode starred John Gavin, Scott Brady and a young Tom Skerritt. This is the first time "Run for Doom" has been available on Youtube.



Apologies for the picture quality

[cornershop15]

Hello again, Sean. I chanced upon these articles during my research for tragic ITV shows Discotheque and Lift Off.

Daily Mirror, 8th November 1968

Diana Dors makes a rare appearance in a serious dramatic role in the BBC-1 play Where Have All the Ghosts Gone? (9.5). But if youre ecpecting a shapely, busty blonde full of sex appeal, forget it. Diana plays a downtrodden and old drunken slut with a scarred face and long, unkempt black hair.

When her pretty teenage daughter (Marty Cruikshank) falls in love, the boyfriend (Ray Brooks) finds that the mother's hysterical jealousy is threatening to ruin their relationship.

Inbetween are previews for Please Sir! and With Cliff Michelmore. The play was part of the Boy Meets Girl series and is sadly lost. Marty is the daughter of Andrew Cruikshank. I still know her best from Ready When You Are, Mr. McGill.

Daily Mirror, 17th June 1971

If Diana Dors isn't quite looking her old sexy self it could be because she has a problem. Namely rats .... great rats, small rats, lean rats and brawny rats.

Diana, 39, is currently starring as a burgomaster's wife in a film of "The Pied Piper of Hamelin", set in 14th century Germany. And that Viking sort of headgear she's wearing doesn't do all that much for a girl.

[seanflynn76]

Many thanks Cornershop, much appreciated. I have seen a clip of Diana Dors performance in "Where Have All The Ghosts Gone", she was very good in the scene I watched.

It is my hope that someone maybe in a position to steer me in the right direction, But is anyone aware of books or publications that contains details of costing for British films, and the wages of the film's stars and the film's eventual takings. I'm currently writing a piece on Diana's films and would find the information a great asset. If such a publication does exsist, I would greatly appreciated it's title. Many thanks in advance....

[seanflynn76]

Repost: A recent contact of mine, Mr Ian Payne is in the process of collating information for a scrapbook which will be donated to Swindon Council and and another to the Sunningdale area. Ian has completed similar projects on Anthony Eden, Joan Collins and Richard Wattis. Ian can be emailed directly at elandimpayne@uwclub.net if you wish to learn more about his project, or if you have within your possession newspaper or magazine articles that could be included. I havew included a link to a recent article that appeared in the Swindon Advertiser about the project.

Film fan wants to help create Diana Dors scrapbook (From This Is Wiltshire)

[seanflynn76]

I'm hoping that a member or two maybe able to steer me in the right direction. Currently I am writing a piece on the film "Yield to the Night", and from what I've been able to write, I have sourced from old newspaper articles and film magazines. But for a more indepth study I was wondering if anyone knew if the films writer (Joan Henry) or the films director (J. Lee Thompson) have their papers archived at a University etc???? The more information I can get the merrier the piece will be. I know the film has previously been released on DVD, but for the 60th anniversary of the books publishing in 2014, I think the BFi should released a "bang-tastic" extra's ladened DVD release.

[seanflynn76]

Hello All, could I please ask you all to place a vote on Diana Dors, please. In response to the Great Exhibition 2012, I have created a Diana Dors "Greats of Great Britain" page. Please click on the link, and vote for Diana. Of all the greats the British entertainment industry produced, Diana remains loved and revered by the great british public. So please vote, and bestow the honour that "Our Dors" was the greatest of them all. Many thanks in advance.

Greats of Great Britain | Diana Dors | The Great Exhibition 2012

And to add, Diana also features on this months "The Chap" magazine, and she also features in the article "Brit Femme Fatales of the 1950's" in the e-magaine "Noir City".

[Steve Crook]

When the first place is currently held by Ashfaq Ahmad, a retired civil servant, you have to wonder about possible ballot stuffing.

Steve

[seanflynn76]

When the first place is currently held by Ashfaq Ahmad, a retired civil servant, you have to wonder about possible ballot stuffing.

Steve

Lol!!! I was thinking that it would be Churchill, Disreali, Brunel or the Queen that would be number one, not someone I've never heard of.Lol!!

[Rick C]

Not only that, you heard of it on some super-specialist website called Britmovie, too!

[seanflynn76]

Not only that, you heard of it on some super-specialist website called Britmovie, too!

That's true!!!