Old Helen or New?
I much prefer Carol Drinkwater to Lynda Bellingham. The new one (Lynda) is probably closer to the REAL Helen, but I still like Carol better. Which do you like?
~Elanor
Of course the old Helen is better. The program {and the books} is not really an autobiography, but a novel. Helen, as portrayed by Carol Drinkwater, is a part of the fantasy we read in the books. Lynda Bellingham - a fine actress - is apparently more true to the real Helen. As far as enjoying the complete story, obviously the first Helen wins it.
share[deleted]
[deleted]
At first, I found the new Helen so different that watching her was almost jarring. Over time, I found it easier to accept her in the role and I think she got better in it as the series progressed. I wished they hadn't dressed her so dowdy and that they had given her better scripts from time to time.
I do prefer Carol Drinkwater to Lynda B. I only just today learned of the affair between Chris and Carol. That may account for their lovely chemistry. I also read that Alf and Joan Wight felt the affair reflected badly on them and their feelings probably led to Carol's departure. What a shame. Chris Timothy says in the more recent ACGAS documentary that he has no regrets but wishes he had handled it differently. One can only wonder if he does, indeed, have regrets that he let her go. Only the two principals know for sure.
He is a miracle . . . really.
It is neat to know they had something going on. That kind of thing seems to happen with good actors in such roles. I was always told the new one had a father that was involved in the series, and the thing about Carol going off to Aussie land. Too bad she married the director (another thing that always happens) because I always wanted to marry her myself...being a bit younger than her may have not gone over the best though.
share