Susan George Biography
Her first American film came in 1968. It was John Le Carre's THE LOOKING GLASS WAR with Anthony Hopkins and Christopher Jones. This was one of several films that established her reputation for playing convincing victims, a fate which would occur many times throughout her career.
She was eighteen when cast as TWINKY (LOLA) in the film of the same title that was to bring her international recognition. It was directed by the then Hollywood newcomer Dick Donner and Charles Bronson played the deep-thinking, sombre journalist falling for the playful charms of George's mini-skirted, love-struck schoolgirl.
SPRING AND PORT WINE, an adaptation from the successful New York theatre production, followed. In this "kitchen sink" drama she played the headstrong Hilda in constant conflict with stubborn father, James Mason. Then, in total contrast, this was followed by two thrillers, FRIGHT and EYEWITNESS, both of which received reviews testifying to George's chilling and often frighteningly effective performances.
All this work proceeded George's most cherished role, that of Dustin Hoffman's newly wed Amy in Sam Peckinpah's violent and disturbing tale of manhood rites, STRAW DOGS. The part was a coveted one. She read eight times and film-tested amid fierce competition, before she landed the part. She celebrated her 21st birthday as they wrapped the film. This movie, more than any other established her as an international film star.
The success of STRAW DOGS led directly to the title role in DIRTY MARY, CRAZY LARRY, in which she co-starred with Peter Fonda. The coupling was electric and this quintessentially early seventies American road movie took off and became one of the most financially successful motion pictures of the year for Twentieth Century Fox. It has long since become a cult movie of that era.
This precipitated a succession of offers for George to play Americans. The next film she accepted was MANDINGO, a controversial story of inter-racial relationships in the deep south, in which she played one of her most demanding roles, the alcoholic daughter of a plantation owner who had an affair with a slave. A role played by ex-heavyweight world champion Ken Norton.