Down the years Neil has sent me some fantastic information regarding the making of Disney's live-action Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952). He has also shared some fascinating details about the lives of the stars and crew that created the masterpiece we all love so much.
Recently Neil contacted me again, this time regarding the making of His Majesty O'Keefe (1954). He gave me an intriguing nugget of information regarding the casting of Dalabo aki Dali, played by Joan Rice (1930-1999).
In May 1952, shortly after her success as Maid Marian in Disney's Robin Hood, Warner Brothers whisked Joan Rice off to Hollywood. After a series of interviews and publicity shots she was then flown to Fiji to begin filming His Majesty O'Keefe alongside the legendary actor Burt Lancaster. But Joan was not the first choice to play the part of Dalabo!
In May 1952, shortly after her success as Maid Marian in Disney's Robin Hood, Warner Brothers whisked Joan Rice off to Hollywood. After a series of interviews and publicity shots she was then flown to Fiji to begin filming His Majesty O'Keefe alongside the legendary actor Burt Lancaster. But Joan was not the first choice to play the part of Dalabo!
Neil says:
"I had not realised this - that Diana Dors had met Burt Lancaster in London - in his suite at Claridges - in the early 50s and he had offered her the part of Dalabo in his forthcoming film His Majesty O Keefe which was turned down by her then husband Dennis Hamilton - who was her business manager - in favour of a Summer Season at Blackpool as it turned out.
I am a great fan of Joan Rice who took the part - and she was very good in it, but I also am an admirer of Diana Dors who was a very good actress.
It appears that Burt Lancster asked to see Diana at his suite at Claridges in London and indeed she did have this meeting alone with Burt but with her husband lurking somewhere below. She later tested for the part by darkening her skin a little, donning a sarong, and wearing a black wig but Dennis would not let her take this part. It wouldn't be much of a guess as to why!
| Diana Dors (1931-1984) |
I am pleased however that Joan Rice got the part - but can't help but wonder what the film would have been like with Diana in that role - but more than that the effect it would have had on her future because she may well have seized the opportunity of such a big film as this. Her husband thought better of her spending months in Fiji on a South Sea Island with Burt Lancaster." (Neil)
I wonder what Joan would have done had she not got the part of Dalabo?
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| Joan Rice as Dalabo |
Would a different film have catapulted her career further?
It can be fascinating to imagine what if? Regular readers of this blog will know that James Cagney was first offered the part of the noble outlaw in Warner Brothers classic The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938). But after a row with Jack Warner, Cagney stormed out of the studio and the role was given to the rising star, Errol Flynn. But 'what if ' Cagney had completed the movie? Would the movie still evolved into one of the greatest ever made?
Six actresses were auditioned for the role of Maid Marian in The Story of Robin Hood by Walt Disney's production crew. (It would be fascinating to learn their names). Joan Rice, of course was hand-picked by Disney himself to star alongside Richard Todd. But 'what if' Joan didn't get the part? Who else could have played Marian so well? I would be interested to know your thoughts.
Also many thanks to Christian for the His Majesty O'Keefe lobby cards.
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What if Richard Todd had turned down the part of Robin Hood. Who else would Disney have picked?
I would be interested to know your thoughts.
Could not possible imagine anyone other than Richard Todd in this film - it would be unthinkable. He was superb and fitted the role perfectly. The whole cast were just right for The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men. As regards His Majesty O Keefe Joan Rice did a good job but I do think that so would Diana Dors - and I think that what she would have done better than Joan was to seize the Hollywood trip to further her film career - and I think she would have had a much more worldwide film appeal than she had. She was in my opinion a very good actress.
ReplyDeleteJoan Rice remains a great favourite of mine - but she needed those around her more to push things along for her and this did not happen as it should have done. Once you have the film world at your feet - as she did - someone must be there to ensure that the rug is not pulled from under you. The long trip to Fiji also, whilst exciting - took her away from the scene for too long. However if His Majesty O Keffe had been the success it should have been, then that would not have mattered.
Thanks Neil, Looking at Joan's timeline, her career spiralled downwards rapidly. It does seem that it was combination of her absence from the movie scene for a long period and the inability of her agent to find future projects.
ReplyDeleteDiana Dors and Joan Rice had given so many blockbusters. Their couple got famous from Disney's live-action Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952).
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