michael rutt, 06/08/2007
This is a long overdue release and a fitting tribute to an extremely talented and unforgettable British icon of glamour.
Diana's definitive perfomance in the bleakly dramatic and haunting masterpiece "Yield to the Night"(also known as "Blonde Sinner" in the USA) is the highlight of this set and unfortunately she was never offered the opportunity on celluloid to match this memorable tour de force of outstanding characterisation.
Abley supported by Yvonne Mitchell and Athene Seyler,Diana dumbfounded all of the critics who had conveniently labelled her as a dumb blonde by proving that none of the acting awards she had previously won at drama college had been in vain.
Undoubtedly the next most noteworthy performance contained in this welcome boxset is that of Sonia in Carol Reeds "A Kid for Two Farthings".
This proves to be a magical fantasy,colourfully filmed in Petticoat Lane and in which Diana is supported by Celia Johnson,David Kossof,Sid James and Vera Day.
"Lady Godiva Rides Again" is a minor comedic entry in which our Di plays a "buxom" supporting role to unknown Pauline Stroud who rather predictably was never heard of again.
" As Long as They're Happy" is another minor entry and this time we are treated to a British musical which at the time was no great shakes and appears even more dated on dvd today
Diana makes a brief appearance as showgirl Pearl and warbles seductively "The Hokey Pokey Polka", the lyrics of which must have had the censor blushing, although today it would probably be include in a childrens matinee!
Nostalgically this movie is interesting to see the likes of Jack Buchanan,Janette Scott,Jeannie Carson and Jerry Vale although the musical numbers leave a great deal to be desired.!
Two remaining early entries in Diana's early career " A Boy,A Girl and a BIke" and "Diamond City"respectively wow us with a harmless Yorshire set romantic comedy and an unusual but likeable British entry into the western genre neither of which did much to enhance the Dors career
The set is completed by the incluson of the tv dramatised account of Diana's tragic life "The Blonde Bombshell" and this as tv movies go is more than acceptably entertaining and quite faithful to the facts throughout.
Hopefully there will be a Volume 2, because glaring ommissions are"The Weak and the Wicked",
"The Unholy Wife" " An Alligator named Daisy" West 11" and "Tread Softly Stranger" to name but a few.
However we should be thankful that at long last the inexplicable lack of Dors movies on dvd is being justifiably rectified and a new generation will be able to acknowledge that not only was Diana "Britain's answer to Marilyn Monroe" and a very nice lady to boot, but also an underrated and extremely talented actress who also gave some outstanding perfomances both on tv and in the live theatre.
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DVD Boxsets