Virginia McKenna

[Marian]

It was nice to see Virginia McKenna interviewed on 'Breakfast' tv programme this morning. They showed clips from the the film Born Free while quite a long excerpt of Matt singing the title song was playing.
She has of course written a book, and also talked about it being the 25th Anniversary this year of the Born Free Foundation.

Marian.

[john]

I like Virginia McKenna. A fine actress.

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Yes, we saw Virginia Mc Kenna on Breakfast TV.
She and her late husband actor Bill Travers were supporters of wild animal rights and believed in protecting their natural habitat.
They were appalled at the way animals were caged in Zoo's.
It's many years now since I visited The London Zoo but from what I remember of the "Lion House "... as it was known then, it was the only time that I could remember thinking that my compulsery war-time issued gas mask would have come in handy.

[ROBERT M.]

Was it because Harry went with you Lena, and had a plate full of Beans for tea

[Lena & Harry Smith]

So you've never visited The London Zoo Robert. The well known stomach churning aroma went far beyond a plate of beans, what they sprinkled on those lions cuts of meat is anyones guess.

[mark porter]

subject change please im having my supper hehe!!

[BarryS]

I remember seeing her in Ring of Bright Water, she played the lady doctor, with Bill Travers in the starring role, I didn't realize she was his widow...

[mariana44]

Wasn't she in "A town like Alice" ??

[BarryS]

Yes, she was Jean Paget

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Yes, that film was amazing, everyone was dying like flies but Virginia soldiered on even though she looked the leanest and palest of them all.

[Marian]

I always thought the film was "Ice Cold in Alex" but that's probably a different film. I'm sure she was it that too.
Marian

[mariana44]

"Ice cold in Alex" was a completely different film---I think it was Sylvia Syms in that one.

"A town like Alice" was based on a book by Nevile Shute--a great book, and a really good film---it was also a tv series sometime ago--I cannot remember if Virginia Mckenna was in that too-she may have been.

[Marian]

Of course Marian, thanks for reminding me. I was getting Sylvia Sims confused with Virginia McKenna.
Marian

[john]

I love the film Ring Of Bright Water. Wasn't she in "Carve Her Name With Pride" as well?

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Yes, saw the film "Carve Her Name With Pride " a few times. She played the part of Violette Szabo .a secret agent in WW2, and was finally executed.