Our PRODUCTION DIARY this week features two great actresses. Valerie Leon and Madeline Smith have been at the heart of British film and television since the 1960s and have appeared in the three biggest film franchises ever to come out of the UK, Hammer Films’ Gothic shockers, the classic Carry-On series and the record-breaking James Bond films.
We’re delighted that they have recorded an interview together for our upcoming documentary, PETER CUSHING: In His Own Words and for our weekly PRODUCTION DIARY series that takes a peek behind the scenes and meet some of those who are taking part.
Valerie starred in Hammer’s Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb and worked with Peter until he left the picture early due to his wife’s ill-health. While Madeline appeared in no less than three Hammer productions, Taste the Blood of Dracula opposite Christopher Lee, The Vampire Lovers with Ingrid Pitt and Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell with Peter Cushing.
Valerie has the unique claim to fame of having appeared in two Bond films, opposite Sean Connery in the Thunderball remake, Never Say Never Again, and with the wonderful Roger Moore in The Spy Who Loved Me.
Valerie’s extensive Carry-On appearances include Carry-On up the Khyber, Carry-On Again Doctor, Carry-On Camping, Carry-On up the Jungle, Carry-On Matron, Carry On Girls and Carry-On Christmas for TV. Interestingly, Madeline also appeared in Carry-On Matron, playing Mrs Pullit.
Look out for some of our other PRODUCTION DIARIES include Derek Fowlds, The Hammer Runners, Phil Campbell and Brian Reynolds, and two special editions with Elstree Studios’ chairman, Morris Bright MBE.