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mousemeat Diabolical Mastermind
Joined: 04 Sep 2008 Posts: 5928 Location: Elvis Central, U.S.A.
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Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 2:39 pm Post subject: Rigg's film choices etc |
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Timeless A-Peel wrote: | cyberrich wrote: | I have always rated Diana Rigg as our finest actress here in the UK, along with fellow Dame, Judi Dench. Yet I can't help but feel Diana's career wasn't as successful as it should have been. Dame Judi has been offered excellent film roles and has awards and nominations galore. Not so Dame Diana. She's been successful yes, but don't you think she should have been offered more in the way of meaty film and television roles. Mother Love was excellent and she did win awards, but that was nearly 20 years ago. She's had good roles since but not nearly enough of them. When was the last time she graced our tv screens? Maybe she prefers it this way, preferring to spend more time in the theatre. Her underuse is a great pity, because she is one of our finest actresses. |
Diana was offered loads of movie roles after The Avengers, and she admits as such. However, most of them had her playing the Emma Peel character and "bursting through the door with a flamethrower" (what I wouldn't give to see Diana Rigg with a flamthrower, but moving on) and such, and as she was pretty sick of Emma by that point, she turned them all down. Recently she's said she regretted not having a film career because she focussed so exclusively on theatre, but seems to realise she's partly to blame. |
How true...And in the long run, she was probably smart to turn most of that stuff down..unless she was interested in the pay cheques..
Even with her limited film out put, and lack of real 'MEATY' roles, she still had a pretty good career...not counting plays, and her Television.
At least she was able to make a living doing what she loved..ACTING !
instead of working in some drone like 9-5 gig...or being on the dole.. |
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Lile White Dwarf
Joined: 08 Sep 2008 Posts: 4
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Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 4:09 pm Post subject: |
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cyberrich wrote: | I have always rated Diana Rigg as our finest actress here in the UK, along with fellow Dame, Judi Dench. Yet I can't help but feel Diana's career wasn't as successful as it should have been. Dame Judi has been offered excellent film roles and has awards and nominations galore. Not so Dame Diana. She's been successful yes, but don't you think she should have been offered more in the way of meaty film and television roles. Mother Love was excellent and she did win awards, but that was nearly 20 years ago. She's had good roles since but not nearly enough of them. When was the last time she graced our tv screens? Maybe she prefers it this way, preferring to spend more time in the theatre. Her underuse is a great pity, because she is one of our finest actresses. |
In at least one interview, Dame Diana has said that she prefers the theatre and thinks it's the purest form of acting. Whereas in film, the acting may not be the final product, with cuts and edits that are made later. |
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Dandy Forsdyke Diabolical Mastermind

Joined: 01 Sep 2008 Posts: 5279 Location: Camberwick Green
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 12:38 am Post subject: |
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I think Timeless and Barry have said it all really. She doesn't get the types of roles that Dames Judi and Helen get, but I don't compare those actresses with Diana Rigg at all - and I think they often only do because of the 'Dame' prefix.
To a global audience any theatre work Diana does is frankly invisible because it's obviously something you can only experience by buying a ticket and going to see live.
Perhaps she could have made the types of 'action-woman' movies she was offered after The Avengers, but by doing that she may not have been taken seriously had her successes on stage. She was right to turn her back on The Avengers and never go back.
I don't think she has any regrets from the choices she's made. _________________
THE AVENGERS GALLERY |
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Timeless A-Peel A Touch of Brimstone

Joined: 31 Aug 2008 Posts: 4866 Location: New Scotland, Canada
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 6:42 am Post subject: |
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Dandy Forsdyke wrote: | I think Timeless and Barry have said it all really. She doesn't get the types of roles that Dames Judi and Helen get, but I don't compare those actresses with Diana Rigg at all - and I think they often only do because of the 'Dame' prefix.
To a global audience any theatre work Diana does is frankly invisible because it's obviously something you can only experience by buying a ticket and going to see live.
Perhaps she could have made the types of 'action-woman' movies she was offered after The Avengers, but by doing that she may not have been taken seriously had her successes on stage. She was right to turn her back on The Avengers and never go back.
I don't think she has any regrets from the choices she's made. |
She does regret not having a movie career--more than one recent interview I've read she's said as much, but again, she knows it was her choice, and there's not much to be done about it now. Certainly with her track record in theatre and such, it doesn't sound as though she's got anything to be ashamed of. There are loads recordings in my library of her in plays and such. I ought to take them out one day. _________________ Last Watched: Who Was That Man I Saw You With?
Anew: A TNA Site. Updated 4/30/14 |
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Dandy Forsdyke Diabolical Mastermind

Joined: 01 Sep 2008 Posts: 5279 Location: Camberwick Green
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 7:02 am Post subject: |
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Wasn't she offered or penciled in for the Cybill Shepherd part in The Lady Vanishes remake?
She either auditioned and didn't get it or she turned it down. Anyone know? _________________
THE AVENGERS GALLERY
Last edited by Dandy Forsdyke on Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:38 am; edited 1 time in total |
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helenofirvine Winged Avenger
Joined: 02 Sep 2008 Posts: 531 Location: Lives in Fear of Mods Who Fear BBC
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 7:23 am Post subject: |
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Interesting. Somehow, I think Diana could have any role she really wanted, because she is that talented. So I do think she is happier being in control of the role, and the stage offers that much more completely than film or television. True, there is a director and such. But when one is performing in front of an audience, no one can shout "Cut!" It is what it is... and she is probably at her best on the stage because it is what she loves. |
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Rodney Guest
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 11:40 am Post subject: |
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She is fantastic in the House of Brede film about a convent. I have always found it a moving film. She is very much her own person, does not suffer fools, will not sit in a restaurant unless she can smoke - harder and harder to find those - and I don't think Hollywood would have suited her. It's interesting that it was only decades later that she realised how stunning she was in The Avengers. Not conventionally pretty, but a powerful sex symbol, both for women and men. And in terms of witty retorts, light years ahead of any other Avengers regular. |
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kim The Ministry

Joined: 31 Aug 2008 Posts: 1835 Location: USA
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 1:04 pm Post subject: |
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I saw House of Brede more years ago than I want to admit to, but I remember it very well. I had seen OHMSS just weeks prior and while I had enjoyed seeing Diana Rigg in it, I'm not a James Bond fan by any means so I wasn't overly impressed. House was much more suitable for her and in my opinion she out did herself in that one. I should see if I can get the movie again since it's been so long since I've seen it, to see if I'm still of the same opinion. _________________ Every parent has a favorite child. Usually the child belongs to the neighbors. |
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cyberrich Site Admin
Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 1308 Location: Midlands, U.K.
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Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 2:08 am Post subject: |
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My favourite of her movies (besides OHMSS) is Theatre of Blood. Vincent Price was wonderfully hammy in this, and Diana gave a wonderful performance or should that be performances, as she slipped into various guises including a Brummie man in an afro wig! The script was wonderfully inventive and not a million miles away from the Avengers. A failed Shakespearean actor seeking revenge on the critics who ruined his career would have fitted in quite easily among seasons 4 to 6. The violent deaths might have needed toning down a tad though! |
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Essa White Dwarf
Joined: 05 Oct 2008 Posts: 5
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Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 4:55 am Post subject: |
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[quote="DiVicenzo"] Essa wrote: |
I believe there's some kind of problem with the author of the novel and her estate. But, I'm not giving up! |
Thanks for that info. If so, it could take years to untangle. I'll not give up, but I won't throw away my very vintage video tape either.
Regarding Diana's movie roles, I've wished she could have gotten roles in films like Julia. I understand why she didn't want to do any other action movie after OHMSS, I also don't understand why she was passed over for roles that she would have (IMO) fit so well. But she's done some incredible work on stage.  |
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helenofirvine Winged Avenger
Joined: 02 Sep 2008 Posts: 531 Location: Lives in Fear of Mods Who Fear BBC
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Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 10:53 am Post subject: |
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cyberrich wrote: | My favourite of her movies (besides OHMSS) is Theatre of Blood. Vincent Price was wonderfully hammy in this, and Diana gave a wonderful performance or should that be performances, as she slipped into various guises including a Brummie man in an afro wig! The script was wonderfully inventive and not a million miles away from the Avengers. A failed Shakespearean actor seeking revenge on the critics who ruined his career would have fitted in quite easily among seasons 4 to 6. The violent deaths might have needed toning down a tad though! |
That is ABSOLUTELY my favourite Rigg film! So over the top and eccentric and wonderful! Splendid acting.  |
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Dandy Forsdyke Diabolical Mastermind

Joined: 01 Sep 2008 Posts: 5279 Location: Camberwick Green
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Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 11:00 am Post subject: |
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Mine is The Assassination Bureau. The chemistry btween her and Oliver Reed was electric and I love the theme song (as noted elsewhere).
I'd have liked her to make another TAB movie. Today, of course, with movies making sequel after sequel, a film like that would have been a franchise. _________________
THE AVENGERS GALLERY |
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the butler White Dwarf
Joined: 23 Sep 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Oregon, USA
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Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 6:50 pm Post subject: |
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I think "Assassination Bureau" is my favorite as well. It's a charming movie, even though I always think Oliver Reed is not so convincing playing a charming part. _________________ Seeing a murder on television can help work off one's antagonisms. And if you haven't any antagonisms, the commercials will give you some.
Alfred Hitchcock |
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DiVicenzo The Big Thinker
Joined: 04 Sep 2008 Posts: 1476
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Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 10:52 pm Post subject: |
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Dandy Forsdyke wrote: | Wasn't she offered or penciled in for the Cybill Shepherd part in The Lady Vanishes remake?
She either auditioned and didn't get it or she turned it down. Anyone know? |
Never heard that one! But, she was supposed to be in 'Paint Your Wagon' but had to pull out due to illness/ death of her Dad!
And, the series 'Diana' was supposed to be a Western with her as a Sheriff. When the US didn't like that and 'Diana' came into being they changed that too because she was originally the boss of the fashion house but the US wouldn't accept that either. Leonard Stern(producer - I think) says it was obviously a big mistake and should have left as Diana had envisaged it. I have the video of him say this somewhere. |
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Dandy Forsdyke Diabolical Mastermind

Joined: 01 Sep 2008 Posts: 5279 Location: Camberwick Green
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Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 11:27 pm Post subject: |
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Diana in a Western series would have been absolutely dynamite. I'm seeing her as Joan Crawford in Johnny Guitar!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5_HUhGUfzQ
Sorry about the non-English lang. but you get the idea... _________________
THE AVENGERS GALLERY |
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mousemeat Diabolical Mastermind
Joined: 04 Sep 2008 Posts: 5928 Location: Elvis Central, U.S.A.
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Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 7:21 pm Post subject: her films |
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the butler wrote: | I think "Assassination Bureau" is my favorite as well. It's a charming movie, even though I always think Oliver Reed is not so convincing playing a charming part. |
Good choice..but I like her in 1970's ' THE HOSPITAL ' ( United Artists )
with George C. Scott....
I also found her small role in the painted vail, to be of merit. |
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helenofirvine Winged Avenger
Joined: 02 Sep 2008 Posts: 531 Location: Lives in Fear of Mods Who Fear BBC
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Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 9:22 pm Post subject: |
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The Hospital was very good. I liked it very much.
The Assassination Bureau had promise, but the music was so repetitious throughout the movie that I just gave up on ever watching it again. Diana, as always, was wonderful. |
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cyberrich Site Admin
Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 1308 Location: Midlands, U.K.
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Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 3:38 am Post subject: |
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Has anyone else seen Theatre of blood besides me and Helen. If you haven't, try and look out for it. It's a fabulous movie, and Diana is superb as always. Has she ever given less than a stellar performance in her career. I'm almost certain she hasn't. I can't remember the music to Assassination Bureau which some of you like, but the theme tune to Theatre of Blood was a beautiful haunting piece of music. Haven't watched this in ages. I'll have to dig out my old video copy and watch it again. I'd love to know what you all think of this film. Richard. |
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DiVicenzo The Big Thinker
Joined: 04 Sep 2008 Posts: 1476
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Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 4:13 am Post subject: |
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cyberrich wrote: | Has anyone else seen Theatre of blood besides me and Helen. If you haven't, try and look out for it. It's a fabulous movie, and Diana is superb as always. Has she ever given less than a stellar performance in her career. I'm almost certain she hasn't. I can't remember the music to Assassination Bureau which some of you like, but the theme tune to Theatre of Blood was a beautiful haunting piece of music. Haven't watched this in ages. I'll have to dig out my old video copy and watch it again. I'd love to know what you all think of this film. Richard. |
I love it! I believe it is Diana's favourite too! Only hearsay! I just wish she wasn't dressed as a bloke as much! I love the premise too! Knocking off the critics one-by-one in a Shakespearian manner! Great idea borrowed from 'The Abominable Dr Phibes'.
The stage version with her daughter playing the same part and Jim Broadbent playing Vincent Price's part (Edward Lionheart) was great too! Saw that 3 times!
Last edited by DiVicenzo on Sun Oct 12, 2008 4:25 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Philippa The Big Thinker

Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 1380 Location: Amsterdam
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Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 4:19 am Post subject: |
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cyberrich wrote: | Has anyone else seen Theatre of blood besides me and Helen. If you haven't, try and look out for it. It's a fabulous movie, and Diana is superb as always. Has she ever given less than a stellar performance in her career. I'm almost certain she hasn't. I can't remember the music to Assassination Bureau which some of you like, but the theme tune to Theatre of Blood was a beautiful haunting piece of music. Haven't watched this in ages. I'll have to dig out my old video copy and watch it again. I'd love to know what you all think of this film. Richard. |
I haven't seen it yet, but all this talking about it has made me curious. I'm gonna try and watch it sometime next week. _________________ My Joanna Lumley Fan Forum |
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