The Women of Hammer Films - Joanna Lumley

Most modern audiences know Joanna Lumley from her stint as Patsy on the hit British comedy series Absolutely Fabulous during the 90's. But Joanna has had an eclectic career before that series ever came about. For one thing she starred in The New Avengers in the mid 70's that teamed her up with Patrick Macnee. And while this incarnation of The Avengers never achieved the level of success of the 60's version nor did it catuplut Joanna into stardom like Diana Rigg, it did show Lumley had some skill. But the reason she is a woman of Hammer is because she appeared in one and only one of the studios production called The Satanic Rites of Dracula.She played Jessica Van Helsing, granddaughter of Professor Lorrimer Van Helsing (Peter Cushing). This character actually appeared in another Hammer film, Dracula A.D. 1972, but she was played by Stephanie Beachum. Joanna won the role this time out and while she doesn't get to kill Dracula, she does have a memorable scene in a vampire infested cellar. It's been awhile since I've seen this film, but I do remember it being passable entertainment. So for this week, Joanna is the Hammer Goddess and I will post pics and facts about her all week long.