MovieChat Forums > Prisoner (1979) Discussion > Ruth Ballinger vs Toni McNally

Ruth Ballinger vs Toni McNally

posted 12 years ago by Mr_Gordo
5 replies | jump to latest

I just finished watching the episodes with the siege with Myra Desmond. The siege organised for Ruth Ballinger to escape. First time I watch it, I never liked Ruth. I thought the character was too contrived. But this time round I really liked her character. I though she played a strong true to life part... A very strong character. The only other character they had in the show similar would have been Toni McNally in the very early years....

If you had to pick, who do you think was a stronger character? Toni McNally or Ruth Ballinger? Don't pick Ruth just because she had all the commandos to break her out, because she only had those due to her husband. Toni killed her husband the crime lord I think. Or he shut her out. If he was backing her, Toni probably would have had the same back up.

It is very hard for me to choose. But I would have to go with Ruth... She was more cut throat I think. She knew what she wanted, she knew how to take advantage of anyone and went for it...

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[–] SheilaCarterLives 12 years ago

I felt Ruth was the stronger character, so I'd have to go with her. However, Toni for me personally is much more likable. One of the few things I hate about the show is that they killed her off after such a short stint. Without a doubt one of my all time favorite characters.

"He came to life...good for him"

[–] 12 years ago

[deleted]

[–] SheilaCarterLives 12 years ago

The woman was sheer class all the way. Pat Bishop brought so much life to this character. She was just so cool about anything, such a ruthless yet so likable character.

"He came to life...good for him"

[–] Mr_Gordo 12 years ago

I totally agree, I think Toni was a better character, much more likeable. But in terms of power, who had more? If they were both inside battling each other, who would over power who? Man, that would be excellent to see.....

And as for the acting, isn't it ironic... I have read auto biographies and seen extras, and interviews. The one thing that is highly mentioned is the very very low wages the female actresses got in the 70's. It was probably on award wages (minimal). And yet, the talent back then was so much better than it was later on in the early-mid 80's.

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[–] riverwalk 12 years ago

the pay was bad in the 80s too for the actors, I saw Amanda muggleton[chrissie] on interview and she claimed 'we got nothing when we were making it'. That's it there just to verify... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOyM6bBgC90&list=FLqxemhiowUkhDyJqTyjFvEw&index=5