There was something remote about Mary Ure that came across on screen so clearly.

In 1959 she appeared in the film version, opposite Richard Burton.

In 1959 she began an affair with the actor Robert Shaw, and married him in 1963.

In between some great theatrical performances she appeared in three films with Shaw.

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Her last film role was in 1973.

By that time she was struggling with alcoholism and marital problems.

She died at the age of 42.

Thats the first thing you notice about it.

Then the great dialogue kicks in, and theres a really interesting, intelligent plot.

This is not a slick, speedy film, but it goes deep.

But it barely dents her calm facade, and that makes Jimmy even more dangerous.

Richard Burton could be venomous like no other actor, with that wonderful voice inflicting such damage.

But it wouldnt work here without Ure.

Her hopelessness and her inner strength are all on show.

She can withstand his attempts to destroy her, but she cant live without him.

Its the delicate balance that makes them the most intriguing of unhappy couples.

But here shes the quiet wife who gets to rebel for once.

Meanwhile, Coffey squanders his chances to make good.

This makes him sound like a terrible character, but Shaw makes him charming and understandable.

Still, its Ures tears and anger that stay with you.

She yearns for him to do the right thing.

Dean Stockwell makes a mesmerising Paul Morel, the artistic son of a miner and his driven wife.

Morel feels everything so intensely.

He struggles to find freedom from love, hate, desire, expectations.

Its an impossible battle against himself.

She is driven and icy, scornful of men, but passionate in her nature.

(Shirley Jones won the Oscar instead for her turn in Elmer Gantry.)

Where Eagles Dare (1968)

Its difficult to think clearly about the films that you grow up with.

IsWhere Eagles Darea bit long in the middle section?

Are the characters one-dimensional?

Ure was a big influence on me back then.

None of them are big on dialogue as they undertake a rescue mission with a secret agenda.

The little birds fly in and make a fool of the eagles, and then theyre gone again.

Well, after a cable car, bus ride and plane flight.

Ill stop nit-picking there.

Its a brilliant film.

But we do have a handful of great films to remember her by.

She gave her abilities generously to projects that gained a new depth because of her.