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Joe Robinson
1927-
Updated 12/27/2007 with more films available on DVD.
biography
Born in England in May 1927, actor and stuntman Joe Robinson appeared in a number of low-budget crime dramas in the early part of his career, and later acted in a few sword and sandal films in the early 1960s. Prior to entering films, in the early 1950s Robinson professionally wrestled using the name 'Tiger Joe.' He was also quite accomplished at judo; along with his brother, Doug Robinson, he taught Goldfinger actress Honor Blackman this self-defense tactic. All three were featured in the 1964 publication Honor Blackman's Book of Self-Defence. Incidentally, Robinson has another connection to the James Bond films, as he portrays Peter Franks in Diamonds Are Forever (1971; with Sean Connery).
LEFT: Joe Robinson with Honor Blackman. CENTER and RIGHT: Doug Robinson with Honor Blackman
Robinson's first film appearance was in the comedy A Kid for Two Farthings (1955; with Diana Dors). Robinson portrayed Sam, a wrestler who must defeat Python Macklin, played by Primo Carnera. For the next fifteen years, Robinson acted in films and sometimes worked as a stuntman. His first starring role came in Taur the Mighty (1960; with Bella Cortez and Harry Baird). Originally, this film was to be released as an unauthorized Tarzan film, but the estate of Edgar Rice Burroughs threatened to halt its release, citing copyright infringement. Writer/director Antonio Leonviola then renamed Robinson's character Taur to ensure the film's release. Thor and the Amazon Women (1963), was a follow-up to Taur the Mighty.
the films of joe robinson
A Kid for Two Farthings (1955)
From the comedy/drama A Kid for Two Farthings. LEFT: With Diana Dors. RIGHT: Joe Robinson wrestles Primo Carnera
Taur the Mighty (1960)
From the Italian-made actioner Taur the Mighty. LEFT and CENTER: Robinson as Taur. RIGHT: With Harry Baird
Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
With Sean Connery in the 007 thriller Diamonds Are Forever
joe robinson today
Following his appearance in Diamonds Are Forever (1971; with Sean Connery and Lana Wood), Robinson quit acting to concentrate on his business interests and his gymnasium in Britain. Now in his 80s, Robinson is retired.
A Kid For Two Farthings [DVD](1956) DVD
Delightful comedy, set in the Jewish section of London's Petticoat Lane, about a boy who buys a one-horned goat he believes is a unicorn with magical powers. When fantastic things begin to happen to people around him, the neighborhood begins to believe the boy's story. Celia Johnson, Diana Dors, Lou Jacobi and Jonathan Ashmore star; Carol Reed directs. 90 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Female Fiends [VHS](1958) VHS
After losing his memory in an auto accident, a man is taken home by his wife to recuperate, but soon begins to doubt he's who this "loving spouse" says he is. Who is he really, and what sinister plans does the woman have in store for him? Suspenseful tale stars Lex Barker, Nora Swinburne. AKA: "The Strange Awakening."
The Carry On Collection [DVD] DVD
The first 12 features from Pinewood Studios long-running comedy series are available in this seven-disc set, along with the exclusive documentary, "That's Carry On." Films include "Carry On Sergeant," "Carry On Nurse," "Carry On Teacher," "Carry On Constable," "Carry On Regardless," "Carry On Cruising," "Carry On Cabby," "Carry On Jack," "Carry On Spying," "Carry On Cleo," "Carry On Cowboy" and "Carry On Screaming."
Carry On Regardless [VHS](1960) VHS
The "Carry On" crew creates more havoc when Sid James runs an employment agency that will supply workers for any job under the sun. That includes chimp walker, underwear model, and babysitter of a married woman--we said "every job"! Kenneth Connor, Joan Sims and Kenneth Williams also star. 90 min.
The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner [DVD](1962) DVD
Classic "angry young man" movie from director Tony Richardson chronicles rebellious British teenager Tom Courtenay's experiences in a reformatory, where he finds long-distance running an outlet for his anger and defiance. Michael Redgrave, Avis Bunnage and Peter Madden co-star. 104 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English; theatrical trailer.
The Bulldog Breed [VHS](1960) VHS
Trying to change his life by joining the navy, Norman Wisdom is chosen to be the first test subject for a planned rocket launch. The Cockney comic has to go through all sorts of tests, and people begin to wonder if he has the "right stuff" for the job. With Ian Hunter, David Lodge. 89 min.
The Tartar Invasion [VHS](1962) VHS
Romantic adventure featuring Yoko Tani as Prince Steffan, a brave Pole who leads his men against the Tartar invaders of their homeland. After he's captured by his enemies, he tries to settle matters through talk, but his words only have impact on a saucy Tartar princess with whom he falls in love. Ettore Manni, Joe Robinson and Akim Tamiroff also star.
Barabbas [DVD](1962) DVD
Fanciful, yet moving, Biblical-based epic about the thief and murderer whose life was spared by Pilate instead of Jesus'. Anthony Quinn plays Barabbas, with support from Silvana Mangano, Ernest Borgnine, Jack Palance. 137 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby stereo; Subtitles: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish.
Doctor In Distress [VHS](1963) VHS
More British hospital hijinks, as doctor Dirk Bogarde must deal with an amorous actress in his care and two Scandinavian nurses with an eye on his bedside manner. Samantha Eggar, James Robertson Justice star. 98 min.
Erik The Conqueror [DVD](1961) DVD
Two brothers, separated at birth, find themselves as adults fighting on opposite sides in a deadly struggle between English and Viking forces for control of the seas. Rousing costume actioner from horror director Mario Bava stars Cameron Mitchell, Giorgio Ardisson, Alice Kessler. AKA: "Fury of the Vikings," "The Invaders." 90 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, Italian Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English; audio commentary; interview; biography; photo gallery; theatrical trailers.
Erik The Conquerer [VHS](1963) VHS
Two brothers, separated at birth, find themselves as adults fighting on opposite sides in a deadly struggle between English and Viking forces for control of the seas. Rousing costume actioner from horror director Mario Bava stars Cameron Mitchell, Giorgio Ardisson. AKA: "The Invaders," "Fury of the Vikings."
Thor And The Amazon Women [DVD](1963) DVD
In this follow-up to "Taur the Mighty," Queen Nera and her warrior women have enslaved a country's men, and how she's setting her sights on the mighty Taur (called Thor here). Joe Robinson, Susy Andersen, Maria Fiore star. AKA: "Women Gladiators." 85 min. Soundtrack: English (dubbed).
Thor And The Amazon Women [VHS](1963) VHS
In this follow-up to "Taur the Mighty," Queen Nera and her warrior women have enslaved a country's men, and how she's setting her sights on the mighty Taur (called Thor here). Joe Robinson, Susy Andersen, Maria Fiore star. AKA: "Women Gladiators." 85 min. Dubbed in English.
Diamonds Are Forever [DVD](1971) DVD
Sean Connery returns as James Bond and hits Las Vegas in order to fold the criminal genius Blofeld's diamond-powered extortion scheme. Amazing action scenes include a wild car chase down the Vegas Strip. Co-stars Jill St. John, Charles Gray. 120 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital mono, French Dolby Digital 5.1; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; featurette; audio commentary.
joe robinson films available from amazon.com
filmography
FILM
Diamonds Are Forever (1971) with Sean Connery, Charles Gray, Jill St. John, and Lana Wood
Doctor in Distress (1963) with Dirk Bogarde and Samantha Eggar
Erik the Conqueror (1963) with Cameron Mitchell and Raf Baldassarre
Thor and the Amazon Women (1963) with Harry Baird and Suzy Anderson
Barabbas (1962) with Anthony Quinn, Silvana Mangano, Katy Jurado, Vittorio Gassman, Jack Palance, and Ernest Borgnine
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962) with Michael Redgrave
Ursus and the Tartar Princess (1962) with Yoko Tani
Carry On Regardless (1961)
The Bulldog Breed (1960)
Taur the Mighty (1960) with Harry Baird and Bella Cortez
The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll (1960)
Strange Awakening (1958) with Lex Barker
Murder Reported (1958) with with Paul Carpenter, Georgia Brown, and Yvonne Romain
Sea Fury (1958) with Luciana Paluzzi
Fighting Mad (1957)
The Flesh is Weak (1957) with John Derek
Action Stations (1956)
A Kid for Two Farthings (1955) with Diana Dors and Lou Jacobi
TELEVISION
The Avengers, episode November Five, originally aired 1963
The Saint, episode The Saint Plays with Fire, originally aired November 28, 1963
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This page premiered August 25, 2000.
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