Title: “Diana” Films
Inclusive Dates: 1973-1974

Call Number: DE 239; DE 247; DE 266; DE 775-DE 786; GA 421-GA 428; HB 478-HB 485; HB 674-HB 693; HB 696-HB 697; VHA 349; HC 644-HC 645

Quantity: 18 reels of film (16 mm), 60 reels of film (35 mm), and 1 videocassette (VHS)

Repository:

Wisconsin Historical Society Archives / Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research
Contact Information

Archival Locations:

Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)

COLLECTION MAY BE STORED OFF-SITE: see catalog entry to request materials and for additional information.

Abstract:

This collection contains fourteen of fifteen episodes from the situational comedy television show Diana, which aired for one season during 1973-1974, starring Diana Rigg and Richard B. Shull. The show was produced by Talent Associates-Norton Simon Inc.

Note:

There is a restriction on use of this material; see the Administrative/Restriction Information portion of this finding aid for details.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-de239

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Diana is a situational comedy television show produced by Talent Associates-Norton Simon Inc. The show aired for one season during 1973-1974, producing fifteen episodes total. The collection contains fourteen episodes, and is missing one episode entitled “Take My Father, Please.”

Diana stars Diana Rigg as Diana Smythe, who moves from London after her divorce to start a new life in New York City. She learns how to adapt to life in America with the help of her neighbor Holly, copywriter Howard, window decorator Marshall, and her friend Jeff. In the series, Diana contends with her boss Norman at Buckley's Department Store, and the many young women who have keys to her apartment; a common occurrence as her brother was the former tenant.

The show was originally titled The Diana Rigg Show, and the pilot episode featured Nanette Fabray as the character Norma Brodnik. After the show was picked up by NBC, the title was changed to Diana and Norma was played by Barbara Barrie. Other notable recurring actors include Richard B. Shull, Carole Androsky, Richard Mulligan, and Robert Moore.

The show was created by Gordon Farr, Arnold Kane, and Leonard Stern, and written by Stern. Diana hoped to capitalize on the popularity of other sitcoms about single, independent women, drawing audiences with Rigg's celebrity. However, Diana aired after the highly popular male dominated shows Gunsmoke and The Rookies, and eventually was cancelled due to low viewership on January 7, 1974.

The collection is comprised mostly of 16 mm prints and 35 mm archival positives, with optical sound and color. The contents list only gives the call number for the viewing copy, which is generally the 16 mm print copy. The overall quality of the films is good, with slight discolorations. Most of the prints contain commercials.

Diana forms part of the David Susskind Papers.

Use Restrictions

No duplication or public screening without consent of copyright holder.

HB 480-HB 481	“The Lady Comes Across” : version 1 (Pilot: 1.01) Note Pilot episode for a comedy series about an English divorcée living and working in New York City. Same episode as DE 239 except that Nanette Fabray plays Mrs. Brodnik. This episode also has extra footage and some differences in editing than DE 239. Executive producer: Harry R. Sherman Producer and director: Leonard B. Stern Writers: Sam Bobrick, Ron Clark, Leonard B. Stern Cast: Diana Rigg, Nanette Fabray, David Sheiner
DE 239	“The Lady Comes Across” : version 2 (Pilot: 1.01) Note Pilot episode for a comedy series about an English divorcée living and working in New York City. Same episode as HB 480-HB 481 except that Barbara Barrie plays Mrs. Brodnik. Executive producer: Harry R. Sherman Producer and director: Leonard B. Stern Writers: Sam Bobrick, Ron Clark, Leonard B. Stern Cast: Diana Rigg, Richard B. Shull, Barbara Barrie, David Sheiner, Robert Moore
DE 775	“The Gilt Complex” (1.02) Note While Norma Brodnik is out of town, Mr. Brodnik has dinner with Diana. He feels guilty about it and buys Norma an expensive gift. Reel also contains commercials for Coca-Cola; Chevrolet, 1974 Vega GT; Stove Top Stuffing. Executive producer: Harry R. Sherman Producer and director: Leonard B. Stern Writers: Stanley Charles, Sam Bobrick, Ron Clark Cast: Diana Rigg, Richard B. Shull, Barbara Barrie, David Sheiner, Robert Moore
DE 777	“Shuffle Off to Buffalo” (1.03) Note When Norma loses her voice, Diana must take her place and trust Howard to fly her to Niagara Falls. Includes a commercial for Chevrolet. Executive producer: Harry R. Sherman Producer: Leonard B. Stern Director: Robert Moore Writers: Gordon Farr, Arnold Kane Cast: Diana Rigg, Richard B. Shull, Barbara Barrie, David Sheiner, Robert Moore
DE 776	“If No One Answers, That's Me” (1.04) Note After receiving obscene phone calls, Diana gets an answering machine and the attentions of a police officer. Includes commercials for Lysol, Lipton Cup-a-Soup, Mighty Dog, Coca-Cola, Jell-o Pudding, Ultra Ban 5000. Executive producer: Harry R. Sherman Producer: Leonard B. Stern Director: Robert Moore Writers: Laura Dean, Lisa David, Leonard B. Stern Cast: Diana Rigg, Richard B. Shull, Barbara Barrie, David Sheiner, Robert Moore
DE 779	“Hanrahan's Rainbow” (1.05) Note Diana helps a 70-year-old Irish immigrant remain in the U.S. by getting him a job as office boy at her store. Includes commercials for Chevrolet, 1974 Vega GT; 1974 Camaro. Executive producer: Harry R. Sherman Producer: Leonard B. Stern Director: Robert Moore Writer: Arne Sultan Cast: Diana Rigg, Richard B. Shull, Barbara Barrie, David Sheiner, Robert Moore
DE 783	“Fire One” (1.06) Note Diana encounters difficulties while working on the Christmas catalog at work. Includes commercials for Chevrolet, Coca-Cola, Lipton, Cup-a-Soup, and United Way. Executive producer: Harry R. Sherman Producer: Leonard B. Stern Writer: Arne Sultan Cast: Diana Rigg, Richard B. Shull, Barbara Barrie, David Sheiner, Robert Moore
DE 778	“Queen for a Night” (1.07) Note Diana has a party to introduce Jeff's dentist to Mr. Brodnik. Includes commercials for Chevrolet, Lipton Tea, Minute Maid Orange Juice (with Bing Crosby), Foster Grandparent Program. Executive producer: Harry R. Sherman Producer: Leonard B. Stern Director: Robert Moore Writer: Max Vaasudev Cast: Diana Rigg, Richard B. Shull, David Sheiner, Robert Moore, Barbara Barrie
DE 781	“You Can't Go Back” (1.09) Note A British boyfriend Diana hasn't seen in 10 years comes to New York to give a piano concert at Lincoln Center and to re-enter Diana's life. Executive producer: Harry B. Sherman Producers: Gordon Farr, Arnold Kane Director: Jay Sandrich Writers: Gordon Farr, Arnold Kane Cast: Diana Rigg, Richard B. Shull, Barbara Barrie, David Sheiner, Robert Moore
DE 784	“Pest in the House” (1.10) Note Diana's friendship with Howard is strained when she invites him to move in with her in order to finish his novel. Includes commercials for Coke, Jell-o Pudding, Post's Raisin Bran cereal. Executive producer: Leonard B. Stern Producers: Gordon Farr, Arnold Kane Director: Robert Moore Writer: Martin Donovan Cast: Diana Rigg, Richard B. Shull, Barbara Barrie, David Sheiner, Robert Moore
DE 247	“Long Shots and Fat Chances” (1.11) Note Diana tries to help her co-worker, Howard, with his compulsive gambling problem. Includes a commercial for Chevrolet. Executive Producer: Harry R. Sherman Producers: Gordon Farr, Arnold Kane Director: Robert Moore Writer: Stan Cutler Cast: Diana Rigg, Richard B. Shull, Barbara Barrie, David Sheiner, Robert Moore.
DE 786	“Never, Never, Ever Again!… Maybe” (1.12) Note Diana decides never to go on another blind date but reconsiders when she meets Howard's ex-con friend, Donald. Includes commercials for Post's Raisin Bran cereal, Coke, Kodak Instamatic. Executive producer: Harry R. Sherman Producers: Gordon Farr, Arnold Kane Director: Buddy Tyne Writers: Albert Merde, Emma Fligg, Sir Harry Swanson Cast: Diana Rigg, Richard B. Shull, Robert Moore, Barbara Barrie, David Sheiner
DE 780	“Who's Minding the Cat?” (1.13) Note Diana works on an ad campaign for a furniture store, gets her driver's license, and helps her co-workers look after Howard's cat. Executive producer: Harry R. Sherman Associate producer: Ted Rich Producer: Leonard B. Stern Director: Norman Abbot Writers: Gordon Farr, Arnold Kane Cast: Diana Rigg, Richard B. Shull, Barbara Barrie, David Sheiner, Robert Moore
HC 644-HC 645	“New Marshall in Town” (1.14) Note Marshall and Diana interview Santas for the department store. After a visit to his therapist, Marshall becomes a new man and decides he should marry Diana. Includes commercials for Coca-Cola, Downy, and Joy soap. Executive producer: Harry R. Sherman Producer: Gordon Farr, Arnold Kane Director: Buddy Tyne Writer: Jerry Mayer Cast: Diana Rigg, Barbara Barrie, David Sheiner, Robert Moore, Natalie Schafer (as Mrs. “Bobo” Tyler)
HB 684-HC 685	“Kung Who?” (1.15) Note Holly falls for a married Kung Fu expert who gets knocked out by Diana when he makes a pass. Includes commercials for Arm and Hammer Baking Soda, Coca-Cola, Stove Top Stuffing, Lipton Soup, Walt Disney's Robin Hood. Executive producer: Harry R. Sherman Producer: Leonard B. Stern Director: Gene Nelson Writer: Charlotte Brown Cast: Diana Rigg, Carol Androsky, Richard B. Shull, Barbara Barrie, David Sheiner, Robert Moore