Bardot rose to international fame in the 1950s and 1960s, notably after starring in the 1956 film And God Created Woman. Known as “B.B.,” she appeared in 56 films and became a global symbol of sexual liberation. In 1969, her features were used as the model for Marianne, the national emblem of the French Republic.

At the height of her fame in 1973, she retired from acting at age 39 to dedicate her life to animal welfare. She established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986, campaigning against seal hunting, animal testing, and the consumption of horse and dog meat. In later life, Bardot became a vocal supporter of France’s far-right National Rally (formerly Front National).

President Emmanuel Macron hailed her as a “legend of the century,” stating that she “embodied a life of freedom” and a “universal radiance.” Marine Le Pen described Bardot as “incredibly French: free, untamable, whole.”

Bardot had recently survived health scares in late 2025, having been hospitalized in October and November before publicly denying death rumors just weeks prior to her passing.

The play debuted in November 1960 at the Newcastle Theatre Royal before touring other venues, including the Theatre Royal, Brighton. Smith played Kathy Dawson, a role specifically described by Cross in the stage directions as an elegant, sophisticated, and “marvelous girl” with a great sense of fun.

One of the most publicized aspects of the production involved Smith’s character playing strip poker, leading to iconic photocall images of her in a “state of undress” while holding a hand of playing cards.

At the time, critics noted her immense screen presence and “sex appeal,” with some famously comparing her favorably to icons like Brigitte Bardot and Marilyn Monroe. 

The play is significant in Smith’s biography as it was written by Beverley Cross. Although Smith married actor Robert Stephens in 1967, she later married Cross in 1975, a relationship that lasted until his death in 1998.

Children created an effigy of Guy Fawkes using their fathers’ or older siblings’ old clothes (jumpers, trousers) stuffed with newspaper, straw, or dead leaves. The head was often a stuffed pillow or a cardboard mask bought from a newsagent. These life-sized dolls were paraded through neighborhoods or displayed on busy street corners. Children often used old prams, wheelbarrows, or homemade carts to transport them. Groups of children would sit or stand outside shops, pubs, bus stops, or tube stations, calling out the familiar chant, “Penny for the Guy, mister?” or “Penny for the Guy, lady?”.

The collected pennies were almost exclusively used to buy fireworks (such as sparklers, rockets, or Catherine wheels) or treats like toffee apples and “pop” (soda). On the evening of November 5th, the homemade Guy was traditionally placed on top of a large communal or garden bonfire and burned as the centerpiece of the celebration.

During this period, Halloween was not widely celebrated in the UK. “Penny for the Guy” was the primary autumn holiday activity for children. It was viewed as a “communal endeavor” that brought neighborhoods together, with neighbors often competing to see who had the best-made Guy. Children often undertook the activity without adult supervision, staying out until dark to catch commuters coming home from work.

The tradition began to fade toward the late 20th century due to increased safety regulations on firework sales, the rise of organized public displays, and the growing popularity of American-style trick-or-treating.