Elstree Calling

The George Lucas Stage, Elstree Studios. Photo: © Elstree Studios Ltd.

Valerie Leon Interview:

I was thrilled when the former-Hammer actress, Valerie Leon, agreed to let me to interview her in 2007 about the time she spent filming at Elstree Studios:

Paul: When was the first time that you worked at Elstree Studios?

Valerie: I believe I first worked at Elstree for A.B.P.C. in an episode of the action TV series The Saint, with Roger Moore, in 1966. I then went on to work on one episode of each of The Baron, The Avengers & Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased).

Paul: In 1971 you played the dual starring role of Margaret/Tera in the film Blood from the Mummy's Tomb, made by Hammer Films at Elstree. What recollections do you have of working on this film? 

Valerie: I remember that the people at Hammer were very dedicated and I was thrilled to work on the film, but I regret now that at the time I lived my life as if in a bubble. People must have thought I was conceited but in reality I was intensely shy and lacking in confidence and therefore never mingled in the bar with the rest of the cast and crew. I just used to shut myself away in my dressing room at lunch time and think about my lines. I was terrified because I had no formal training in acting. I was working with some great people and I now regret not getting to know them better but maybe it was this ability to cut myself off and live in my own world that helped me to survive the many trials and tribulations that come with the acting profession.

Paul: I believe that sadly the original director of the film Blood from the Mummy's Tomb, Seth Holt, died while the film was in-production. What memories do you have of Seth?

Valerie: Seth was a lovely man. I had no idea he was not well although he had hiccups for about a week. I was shocked when he died while the film was in-production. Seth was an inspirational director and I was devastated when Hammer didn't allow me to go to the funeral as I was required for filming because it was such a tight schedule. 

Despite the film seemingly being jinxed, it was an extraordinary film and seems to have become a cult. I still receive letters about it from all over the world. I feel privileged that I was able to be part of a film made at Elstree.

My special thanks go to Valerie Leon for her time and help.

For more information about Valerie, please visit her official website: www.valerieleon.com

© Paul Burton 2009

Please do not reproduce any part of this interview without first contacting Paul Burton to request permission.