‘Minder’ friendly with ‘Rock Follies’ star

Press, 27 October 1982, Page 25

‘Minder’ friendly with ‘Rock Follies’ star

By

DIANA DEKKER,

in London

One of three actresses who have just won a seven-year battle in the English High Court to establish that Thames Television stole their idea for the series, “Rock Follies,” is in the same musical as Denis Waterman, of • “Minder” fame.

She is Diane Langton, aged 35, one of the failed rock trio, "Rock Bottom.” She is appearing in “Windy City,” at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre. Waterman, the star of that show, is boyfriend of Rula Lenska, who, with Julie Covington and Charlotte Cornwell, starred in “Rock Follies” and subsequently became famous. Andrew Brown, the New Zealand-born producer of “Rock Follies.” had little to say of the High Court decision.

“As far as I am concerned, the truth transcends any sort of judgment," he said. “That is all I want to say.”

The “Rock Follies” series was made in 1975, and was

later screened on New Zealand television. Mr Brown was said in the judgment in the case to have been in breach of confidence, with Thames and the scriptwriter, Howard Schuman, in using the.idea for the series. Mr Justice Hirst ruled in the High Court that Thames television was in breach of contract in not offering the three women starring roles. The three actresss were unavailable for comment, but one of them a tall red-

head, Cay Brown, aged 41 reportedly burst into tears of happiness" after hearing the verdict.

Another, the blond Annabel Leventon. aged 40. was quoted as saying: “It is great. I am so relieved. It has totally vindicated our views and claims, and it makes up. as far as any court case can. for seven years of misery and worry. ‘Rock Bottom' meant a great deal to all of us.”

The breakup of Waterman’s marriage and his association with Ms Lenska. aged 34, made headlines in the popular Fleet Street dailies a few weeks ago. Ms Lenska will star in this year’s Morecambe and Wise Christmas show. She- will fulfil the traditional role as the target of the jokes and abuse which the two comedians normally save for their honoured guest. She says it is something she has' always wanted to do. "At least I know what I'm in for. I have met Eric and Ernie socially before, but I have never worked with them.”