Chemistry

[Ukdallasfan]

So, I’ve been thinking- which could be dangerous! I think most agree that Larry and Linda had amazing on screen chemistry which made JR and Sue Ellen stand out as a couple. However, was there great chemistry between Larry and his on screen lovers and Linda and hers? For me, Sue Ellen and Dusty were real, meaning the actors smashed it and, although I hate to say it, JR and Mandy were good together. I’m also wondering whether Larry was just excellent when acting with women? I mean he established a precedent with Barbara Eden in I Dream of Jeannie- their pairing was innocent but hot at the same time. Interested to hear your thoughts

 

[DallasFanForever]

I agree with you that Sue Ellen and Dusty also had great chemistry, but I never saw that with JR and Mandy. And yes I do think that Larry had great chemistry with just about every woman on the show. He had great chemistry with Fern Fitzgerald IMO. Their scenes were always fun. He had great chemistry with Victoria, obviously not of a sexual nature with their characters, but they played off one another beautifully. And I think he even had good chemistry with Priscilla. Larry and Charlene, too, of course. The wisecracks back and forth between them never got old. I mentioned Sue Ellen and Dusty but Sue Ellen and Nick for example, I didn’t buy them. I didn’t see the chemistry between them. Just my opinions

 

[Sarah]

I think what Linda and Larry had stands out more than anyone else on the show - or anyone else he ever worked with.

He once said of Linda - 'She is the best leading lady I've ever had'. I second that. I think he had great chemistry with Barbara Bel Geddes, Victoria and most other people he worked with. How could he not have? Larry Hagman brought something to every scene he had, but his scenes with Linda were standout. There was absolutely nothing else like the two of them together and what they brought to JR and Sue Ellen. They turned them from background characters to the principal couple on the show.

JR and Mandy @Ukdallasfan - wow quite taken aback... He is an excellent actor, but I can't agree that he and Deborah Shelton had great chemistry. She was wooden (sorry that's not my known dislike for the character - I just don't see any chemistry there). Same with Leigh Taylor Young, just flatlined.

He and Linda could knock spots off anyone. Linda had great chemistry with most of her on screen lovers, but I'd say with Dusty the most. I also thought her and Ken Kercheval worked well together (Linda said that herself).

But it wasn't off the scale like it was with Larry. Linda and Larry rule the screen. Absolute fireworks in every way!

 

[Laurie!]

I don't think Larry had great sexual chemistry with anyone on screen. He always just seemed like a sloppy drunk when going in for a kiss. I don't mean that to be as rude as it seems....he (JR) just always grabbed women roughly by the shoulders, forced his lips on their face and turned his head from side to side. It was always very forced and unnatural looking. A complete turn off for me.

 

[Chris2]

When it comes to sexual chemistry on the show, Bobby and Pam had it in spades, far more so than Larry and whatever leading lady he had.

But I agree that Larry had great non-romantic chemistry with tons of people on the show, including - especially - Victoria Principal and Joan Van Ark. It was odd when he didn’t, with people like Deborah Shelton, Leigh Taylor-Young, and Susan Flannery.