Questions by GandalfDC

1. Recalling those early days, how did you get the chance of playing Ursa in Superman 1 and 2 ?

I was away in the Canary Islands working on The People That Time Forgot when I heard they were casting. Back in England I was filming at Pinewood and the meeting was to take place at Shepperton Studios. Very inconvenient and difficult with heavy work load!! I actually had 8 separate appointments which for some reason got cancelled or post poned... I was pretty fed up but the casting lady, Mary Selway told me to stick with it because it was a great role for me. 9th time I went over to Shepperton they kept me waiting a long time and after a long day I was in a foul mood!!!! Little did I know that the role called for that stroke of meaness!!! I came back just a couple of times and the main test was putting me on wires and seeing if I could fly!! It seemed that some actresses actually were very nervous of heights! I loved them and the rest is history.

2. You worked with some wonderful actors which include Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando, Christopher Reeve and Terence Stamp. What was your working relationship like with them ? I read that you enjoyed working with Gene the most, why was that ?

Firstly I have the highest regard for all my cast members but yes Hackman was a delight. A true proffesional, he was also a very real person. Brando was amazing too and he has a terrific aura about him, he is a true Superstar. This does mean though that we lesser mortals are slightly in awe of him and therefore find it a little difficult to relate to him. I had the pleasure of sitting on his lap one day and was as stiff as a board... he asked me why and of course I could barely speak let alone explain! He was a gentleman though! Terence Stamp will remain the most attractive man in the world!!! Every day was sheer heaven with him. He would tell wonderful anecdotes about all the beautiful women he had known. As a young woman I hung on to his every tale..... all the guys were proffesional when it counted but wicked the rest of the time. Brando delighted in winding us all up and having a good laugh ...it was a truly fabulous experience to work with them all..... I wish thare were jobs like this around nowadays....sadly too many of the younger stars are too uptight and paranoid of public perception...or maybe that is just there manager's projection....

3. Which director did you prefer, Donner or Lester and why ?
Where you aware of the production difficulties and problems between Donner and the producers ?

Donner was much 'looser' and more fun though Lester worked better for me because I think I was a bit intimidated by him. He is not such a warm person as Donner and he is quite technical. I responded well to his direction because there was never any doubt that I wouldn't achieve whatever he had asked for. I just DID it.....i.e. the throwing of the man hole cover into Superman's chest .... he was a tough cookie.
I don't think I was that aware of any dramas until the publicity tour which I did on my own around the world [for 2] I was made well aware that Warners did not want me to discuss any problems with directors and I think that this is why they had me on the road and no one else. The other cast members were much more attached to Donner. Don't forget they all lived in America....

4.After Superman, did you think that you were going to big in the movie industry ?
We really didn't see you in the bigger films after Superman, with the exception of Conan. What happened ?

No I am English and therefore had been brought up in the traditional english way of NOT thinking I was going to be big. I just thought I was bloody lucky to have been in such a big movie. It wasn't until I came to America that I discovered that that is NOT the way to think!!! I wish I had been here because I might have approached things differently. However, at the time I was in love and more than happy to be getting married and settling down to having babies! I never wanted anything else. It was a 'nesting time' the problem was that there was little work in the UK and after 18 months it was decided to make a quick trip to America for 3 months....Richard was on a show in England and as we had been together for about7 years at this stage he was perfectly happy for me to try my luck in the US....... got Falcon Crest...didn't get pregnant and marriage ended! Still here...still working...stilll happy ...and still have no regrets! ....but my Mum thinks I am big anyway!!!!

5. What was the Premier of Superman like for you ?

The premier was the most exciting day EVER. To have my family, my sister, mother and husband. Swathed in borrowed glam.... all the stores want to lend you stuff!! and meeting the Queen...for a little english girl it was superb!! I did all the openings around the world taking nearly 9months of travel. I became very proficient at them...I always was a good smiler!!!! Wonderful opportunity to meet stars and foreign leaders, we even went to the vice president George Bush's barbecue.

6. Is it true that you actually thought that you were Super Woman in Superman 2 ?

I think the answer has come slightly out of context... I have said that during the sequence when I lift the bus and throw it across the street at Superman, their was a fraction of settlement as the bus was hoisted up by the chain on the crane... I have said that I felt it but as I had SUPERPOWERS for that split second I was in character, I kept my arms extended, holding up the bus instead of relaxing my arms...consequently I have a very bad shoulder still from tearing everthing around it at the time! hope this explains.