Before she become a renowned author, Jackie Collins almost followed in her big sister Joan‘s footsteps as a performer.

As a young starlet, her first film was “For Better, For Worse” with Dirk Bogarde, Cecil Parker, Sid James, & Dennis Price, and was followed with parts in film & television productions including “The Saint” with Roger Moore, “Danger Man” with Patrick McGoohan, “Passport to Shame” with Diana Dors, and “Intent To Kill” with Herbert Lom.

One of Jackie’s film appearances was in the Ealing Comedy “Barnacle Bill” which starred Alec Guinness. As one of a group of bored teenagers, Jackie’s character June and her friends help transform Alec’s failing pier into a popular attraction, complete with a rockabilly-style skiffle band.

Set in the fictional seaside town of Sandcastle-on-Sea, the charming film sees Alec Guinness and Jackie Collins dancing together in one scene.

“Barnacle Bill” opened at the Empire Cinema in London on the 11th of December 1957. Released with the title “All At Sea” in America, “Barnacle Bill” was the penultimate Ealing Comedy and marked Alec Guinness’ final appearance in Ealing’s output, which started with “Kind Hearts & Coronets” in 1949.