In 1964, towards the end
of her film career, Barbara lent a little class to Elvis' Roustabout.
As Maggie, she teaches Elvis a thing or two about loyalty and integrity,
while Elvis sings (surprise!), rides his "cycle", and tries to fit in
with the "carnies". Like Fun In Acapulco, this movie tries to be
a "dramatic musical", with mixed results! Barbara and Elvis both do a
pretty decent job of carrying the film though.
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Those of us growing up in
the Sixties think of Barbara as that lady who ran the ranch on The
Big Valley. As Victoria Barkley, Barbara steered the popular series
through four seasons, along the way, introducing TV audiences to future
stars Lee Majors and Linda Evans.
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After The Big Valley,
Barbara pretty much retired, accept for the occasional TV movie. In
1983, she turned in an excellent performance in The Thornbirds,
one of the most popular TV mini-series of the 80's. The scene in which
she "confesses" to Richard Chamberlain is a fine example of how at the
age of 76 she could still act circles around the rest of the cast! A
class act, and a true lady, she continues to inspire, and probably will
for generations to come!
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