Britain's Sabrina !
Born Norma Ann Sykes she had a brief career in England and in Hollywood. I first became aware of her in the cult film Satan In High Heels,  I have to find a copy of Blue Murder At St. Trinian's where she plays one of the girls. She passed away in Los Angeles in 2016 at 80, having become a virtual recluse in her later years.

Christine Keeler who  rocked the British parliament with the Profumo affair in 1963 has passed away at the age of 75. The fabulous Christine along with Mandy Rice-Davies were the superstars of the day. It was termed a scandal , resulting in a film based on events which of course was called SCANDAL starring Joanne Whalley and Bridget Fonda as the fab duo. Mandy died in 2014. RIP beautiful ones.

The top models of the mid 1960's. London's 'It" girls !

(LtoR) Jenny Boyd, Jill Kennington, Sue Murray, Celia Hammond, Pattie Boyd and Tania Mallet

When Diana Rigg chose to leave The Avengers, Linda Thorson was brought in as Steed's new companion. As Tara King, Linda brought a new look to the show and was part of some of the best episodes. Sadly, the show lasted one season. It would be nice if all 33 episodes were on DVD here in Canada ! Linda went on to do stage, film and TV after The Avengers ended, and in 2000 was honored with a special BAFTA award for her contribution to the show. She also has a new film out that is getting positive reviews !

I am looking forward to seeing these films !

Season 2 of Versailles has just started, and I found out that it has been renewed for a third series ! Filming will begin in a few weeks. On an added note,series star George Blagden who plays Louis XIV is a supporter of Diabetes UK, and cycled from London to Paris raising 5000 pounds for the charity. Good man !

Alexander Vlahos, Anna Brewster and George Blagden

George Blagden

John Bates is a British designer responsible for the Emma Peel look. Diana Rigg has said they were far more comfortable unlike her leather gear which were hot and constricting. I must say she looks happy in these !

Game Of Thron-esque drama of betrayal , corruption, revenge and much more ! Starring Samantha Morton and Lesley Manville as feuding brothel madams, and Jessica Brown-Findley as London's ''top girl". I'm loving it ! Currently airing on Hulu and ITV Encore.

Grantchester

The series 3 premiere is this Sunday April 23rd, love this show !

I Miss Downton !

Is it too soon to watch it from the beginning ? Absolutely not !! With the lack of  decent programs on my side of the pond, it will be a pleasure to view this again and again ! This is one show I will never tire of. I hope the British keep producing quality programs such as this for many years to come.

Britain's Blonde Bombshell

That would be Diana Dors, England's answer to Marilyn Monroe. When she tired of the dumb blonde routine she lobbied for more serious roles, and got her chance in Yield To The Night, loosely based on the story of Ruth Ellis the last woman to be hanged in the U.K. It is a great performance that shows another side to her image. There is also a biopic of her life aptly titled The Blonde Bombshell starring Keely Hawes and Amanda Redman. Hawes portrays her early success, and Redman her later years until her untimely passing in 1984.  A true British legend.

I love Maggie Smith's response to Graham Norton's last question ! 

 Best news of the day !!

Six Degrees Of .....
Keeley Hawes is married to Matthew Macfadyen who starred along side Claire Foy in Little Dorrit, her husband Stephen Campbell Moore was in The Bank Job with Hattie Morahan, whose husband Blake Ritson appeared in Upstairs Downstairs with Keeley Hawes .... full circle !

We Are Not Amused !

A quote from Dan Stevens. Since leaving Downton Abbey a lot has been happening in his career. Too bad no one can name anything of significance that he's done since Downton !

Tim Pigott-Smith 1946-2017

The star of stage, screen and television is perhaps best known for his Bafta winning role in The Jewel In The Crown.  And a wide range of roles in shows such as Foyle's War, Miranda, and a memorable appearance in an episode of Downton Abbey. One of his final roles is in the currently airing Decline And Fall. He will be missed.

The Importance Of Being Earnest is a favorite, and the 1952 film version is a delight from beginning to end. I would love to see the 2015 stage play that was filmed for theatrical release !

A friend asked me how many films did I have with LONDON in the title. That was easy, I didn't even have to look !

Engrenages  ( Spiral on BBC ) is a French police procedural . It may be the best police investigation series ever, it's that good. The level of talent shown by everyone connected to it is astonishing. Once again, my co-worker said I would like it. Five seasons later and I can't wait for the sixth ! She is never wrong !

Mapp & Lucia v Mapp & Lucia. I couldn't get into the 1985 series.( despite being a fan of Geraldine McEwan)  But I was very amused by the 2014 remake which consisted of three hour long episodes. No offense to fans of the original, but I choose the latter.

Prunella Scales and Geraldine McEwan

Anna Chancellor and Miranda Richardson

Alastair Sim is considered to be one of the finest actors in British film and theater. His Scrooge is the only one worth seeing, in my opinion. An actor who could go back and forth between serious drama and screwball comedy with ease. One of my favorites.

As Scrooge in A Christmas Carol

As Millicent Fritton in The Belles Of St. Trinian's

I'll be off to purchase it before the week is out ! A masterpiece of film making.

 Great performances by Vanessa Redgrave and David Hemmings.

Katherine Kelly ... in anything ! I think she is one of  the most versatile actors working today. From her days on Corrie and Mr. Selfridge to her latest role in the Doctor Who spinoff Class. A pleasure to watch !

Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey. And, as Letty in TNT"s Good Behavior. A very smart move on her part to do a complete 180 and it works. I hope the next round of awards has her in the running. This is not a show for everyone, but I loved it, Michelle was brilliant !

Brian Duffy 1933 -2010 was one of the most prolific photographers in the 60's and 70's. He, along with David Bailey and Terence Donovan were known as The Black Trinity, changing the look and face of conventional photography forever. Joanna Lumley, a Duffy favorite is quoted as saying " Working with Duffy? Scary ! But, he was the business." You can watch Duffy: The Man Who Shot The Sixties on YouTube. A fascinating look at the man and his work.