Saturday 20 September 2014

Interview with Margaret Nolan

While actress and artist Margaret Nolan has starred in more than 50 film and TV roles, 007 fans probably know her best from her role as the Dink in "Goldfinger". But she also features in the iconic title sequence and poster campaign for Goldfinger designed by Robert Brownjohn. Margaret was so kind to answer my questions about her involvement:

Illustrated 007: How did you get involved in the title and poster production for the film Goldfinger? 
Margaret Nolan: I was asked to do the titles and agreed on condition I had a part in the film. 

What kind of briefing did you receive? 
Only that I was required to wear a bikini and be painted gold. 

Was the title song available for the session as a reference or was it filmed in silence? Brownjohn had his jazz going

Where was the sequence filmed and how long did it take? 
At his studio. I think it was Fulham. It took a week, at least. I can't remember exactly. 

You appear very calm and collected in the title sequence but I could imagine that it took a lot of effort. How did the shoot go? 
It was no effort at all, just very tiring. Being painted every day took some time, an hour at least and then all washed off after. 

Robert Brownjohn is described as very talented but also challenging to work with. What was your experience? 
No, he was totally professional 

Was the photo used in the Goldfinger poster shot separately or was it all done in one go? 
It was done at the same time. There was a photographer (Herbert Spencer) there all the time.

Nowadays you create your own artwork. What inspired you to do them? 
Having all these photos from my career and not knowing what to do with them as they were too good to throw away.

Thank you Margaret! 
Her artwork can be found at margaretnolan.co.uk