Diana Rigf is an English actress known for her portrayal of Miss Hardbroom in the TV series "The Worst Witch". Her performance as the strict and stern teacher in the magical school of Miss Cackle's Academy has made her a memorable character in the show. The Worst Witch is a children's book series written by Jill Murphy, and it has been adapted into various television series and films. Diana Rigf joined the cast in the 1998 TV series, where she played the role of Miss Hardbroom, an intimidating and no-nonsense teacher who is known for her strict rules and disciplinary methods. Diana Rigf's portrayal of Miss Hardbroom is both captivating and convincing. She perfectly captures the essence of the character - her sharpness, cutting remarks, and imposing presence.
That's the best I can recall. Go look up the threads- they are some good conversations and different things to try. I don't think there is a one size fits all answer unless you are willing to settle for a not very close shave.
Frankly, I know there are a lot of us that wish the good news and benefits of DE wet shaving would not slip out to the general public because we want to continue to buy up old razors at 20 a piece and less. Rated 5 out of 5 by latoyaw5 from great product overall it is a great product a little on the nair side in regards to the smell but it does the trick.
She perfectly captures the essence of the character - her sharpness, cutting remarks, and imposing presence. Her delivery of lines is impeccable, adding a layer of seriousness and authenticity to the show. Miss Hardbroom is a pivotal character in "The Worst Witch" series.
Magic Shave Depilatory Power and Martin Luther King
I wanted to decorate my shave area with inspirational photos to enhance the experience. Let me preface this by saying I'm not black but I do find uplift in anything involving Martin Luther King who was sadly killed when I still in grade school. I thought I might find a photo of MLK shaving with some vintage shave equipment to put up in my bathroom. As it turns out, I did a little research and found out that MLK didn't shave with a double edged blade or even an electric. He used a smelly, dangerous depilatory powder called Magic Shave Powder that some black men still use today. Some of the ingredients cause skin rash and are linked to skin cancer. I suppose that he used this product as many black men do, in the belief that shaving causes rashes and ingrown hairs. Currently a double edged razor and accompanying products are being marketed as a solution to this problem of bumps that black men suffer with. My belief is that the chemicalized canned shave cream that he might have used could have been the problem or maybe it was his particular approach. In any event, black men have found other solutions to their shaving bump problem . other than using toxic chemicals to burn the hair off.
I know it's childish to think of how MLK was disadvantaged by not knowing what we know today about shaving, especially in light of all the other things he suffered, but somehow I wish at least this one thing had been different for him. I'd be interested in hearing how other black men on this board have found their way to traditional wet shaving and perhaps special shave soaps to help with their special issues.
Porgy Tirebiter
Wow, you learn something new everyday. I had no idea something like "Magic Shave Powder" existed. How did it work? I could Google it, but I'd probably end up buying some. like I do with darn near everything I read about on this forum!
Back to MLK, I know I've seen somewhere a photo of him with a face full of lather.
I remember vividly the morning after he was killed. "Rocketship 7" wasn't on, and in its place was, ugggghh, 'news'. I was eight years old and anything that kept my beloved Bugs Bunny cartoons off the air was a big pain. A couple months later, my cartoons were pre-emptied by more, ugggghhh, 'news'.
For those not raised in the Western New York/Southern Ontario area, feel free to Google "Rocketship 7". And discover the amazing connection between it and "Angel" from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
*Terence*
As a black man. magic shave is horrid. I am trying to get rid of bumps right now.
It is not surprising that he used as many men I know still use it today especially the older generation. As black men we constantly fight bumps it would be great to connect with black men on here to exchange ideas. I do not think there are any or many.
Garth Libre
I've studied reports about MLK's last hours many times, and two separate sources report that he used the depilatory to shave that day.
I've also noticed that in the last 50 years, many important cultural trends have started in the black community and spread to the rest of society. This is true with dress in the 40's (zoot suits to wide shouldered mens jackets), human rights movements spread from blacks in the 50's to women to homosexuals in the 60's. Rock and roll and rock-a-billy started before Elvis in black culture of course. Now, I posted last month about a new trend in black merchandizing of a line of double edged razors and shave products especially marketed by and for black men
Frankly, I know there are a lot of us that wish the good news and benefits of DE wet shaving would not slip out to the general public because we want to continue to buy up old razors at $20 a piece and less. However, I see a health benefit and an ecological benefit for the whole world as we cease dumping billions of plastic trash razors into landfills, and not dumping millions of aerosol cans of goo too. I hope we have another two years of cheap vintage razors, but I predict that will soon be coming to an end.
tclobaugh
I've seen several black gentleman discussing this very issue around here. Search for conversations on ingrown hairs and on razor bumps.
I never saw magic shave mentioned there. Tips included technique (stay with WTG and stay away from ATG, pre shave routines ), and product (tend skin, and a homemade version, Anthony's ingrown hair treatment, stay away from AS balms to see if that is causing it as it seems to for some).
That's the best I can recall. Go look up the threads- they are some good conversations and different things to try. I don't think there is a one size fits all answer unless you are willing to settle for a not very close shave.
*Terence*
GL many of the things you say about trends are so true. It is rather refreshing to see someone not black recognize and acknowledge this. For years we have struggled to the credit for our accomplishments.
As far as magic shave goes it does over a clean "shave", but the smell alone is enough to keep me away from it. I also want keep the masses away from wet shaving for a while. I know in the last month I have acquired some nice razors and kept my cost to a minimum.
*Terence*
Here's a few of them.
August West
I was indoctrinated to the odor of this product during military service. It is a pungent burning sulfur odor.
williambh
You definitely are right,magic shave is horrible.Only been wet shaving for 3 months now,and i can tell you that every man of color should shave this way,no bumps at all.
RickeyM
As a Black man, I learned to avoid ATG shaving like the plague. I've seen Magic Shave being used in movies but never saw it in our house. My dad was a DE man. Besides, the men I saw that used Magic Shave had some jacked up complexions from that stuff.
BTW, great looking collection there Terence.
Venson1969
I am not sure what you all see wrong with Magic Shave. Other than the smell, it is the only thing that has consistently worked for me to prevent razor bumps. To keep the smell down, I close the door to the bathroom and then I shower immediately after thoroughly washing my face. I saw people trying to understand how razor bumps were caused. I even saw one comment say that their understanding was that shaving with a blade pulls the hair out, cuts it, and then it springs back and grows under the skin. Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae) is more common in black men because when you shave with a blade, you cut the hair at a sharp angle. Because of the coarseness of some black men's hair and the natural tendency of our hair to curl, the sharp hair curls and grows back into the skin causing the razor bumps. The reason Magic Shave tends to work is because it doesn't cut the hair. It weakens the keratin in the hair and therefore when you take some plastic straightedge over it, the hair breaks at the skin line. Because it is not sharp now, even if the hair curls back towards the skin like normal, it is too blunt on the end to grow back into the skin. Dr. King used it because it works and his face was not all discolored from using it neither is mine. I have been using it since 1989 when I first heard about it. I have been to shaving classes, dermatologist, etc and have tried several blades, shaving creams, and other solutions that have even been spoken of above and non work more than a week before I have the razor bumps again. Then I end up going back to the Magic Shave to fix the bumps. I wouldn't try this stuff if I were white. White males generally don't need it because their hair tends to grow straight and is not as coarse and so therefore don't usually suffer from razor bumps as much. Now all black men do not need it because not all of us have the same hair texture or hair that curls easily. It doesn't burn the hair like one comment that I saw. LOL. For some it is too harsh on the skin if you have very sensitive skin. It has never caused me any irritation from the first time I have used it until this day. The down side is that you need to wait at least 36 hours between shaves. So, I kind of use it every other day.
Dachshund63
Thank you for sharing this!SuperFist
I actually signed up on this forum just so I could go on the record to debunk any newfangled, unsupported theories about Magic Shave causing cancer! However, Venson1969 seemed to say much of what I wanted to say in his informative, well-worded post. I would also like to add that I have been using Magic Shave around the same time he has (circa 1988-89) and it has never discolored my skin nor has it lead to any traces of skin cancer! My uncle, who is 85, has been using Magic Shave since he was a teenager and he is healthy with no indication or signs of cancer anywhere in his body! So please don't spread horrible rumors like this without knowing all of the facts!
I can even use a regular electric shaver for a few days and before the week is over, I will have hair bumps! Magic Shave has saved me from the embarrassment of hideous hair bumps and the infections they often cause. It has, however, eaten away at the sinks I have used it in with one apartment sink needing to be replaced in the past. I have just discovered my new house's marble sink is likewise corroding due to this depilatory and I will have to find either a stainless steel bowl or something else for when I shave from now on.
thewire
I'm a 45 year old Latin Male with kinky hair. I have used Magic Shave powder and Cream Hair Remover from American International Industries for 18 years. Never a problem, no bumps. I devised a system for the smells. For the Magic Powder, I remove it at the tub and then pick up all the powder mixed with the hair particles with toilet paper and then throw it and flush it down the toilet. With the Cream, I use half of a scissor. As I remove the cream, I wipe on a bit of toilet paper and throw it and flush it down the toilet as well. I use a kitchen cook timer and leave the cream (or the powder) for 7 minutes.
A month ago I had to shave with a blade. My face irritated. I then made it worse by using Magic Powder while it had not healed. This resulted in a couple of one-inch burns. I must now allow for my face to heal to go back to my routine.
It was that burn that made me join this great board looking for alternatives. I went ahead and bought a whole set of DE razor (Merkur), AOS oil and cream, a box of Personna double edge blades, etc. I spent almost $150 bucks on this, but with my face all irritated, I'm now thinking of sending it all back and sticking to Magic Powder.
Most likely, I'll give it a try once I heal, but I'm thinking of just sticking to what has worked. My main problem with DE razors is that it requires daily shaves and I like my routing right now of shaving every other day. It allows the face to "rest". As I said, I don't know what I'll do long term.
She is seen as the chief antagonist to the protagonist, Mildred Hubble, a clumsy and well-meaning student at Miss Cackle's Academy. Miss Hardbroom often puts Mildred in difficult situations, pushing her to overcome her challenges and grow as a witch. Diana Rigf's portrayal of Miss Hardbroom brings depth and complexity to the character. Despite her initially harsh demeanor, Rigf manages to subtly showcase the character's softer side, revealing her dedication and care towards her students' well-being. Her portrayal strikes a balance between strictness and compassion, making Miss Hardbroom a multi-dimensional and relatable character. Throughout the series, Diana Rigf's performances as Miss Hardbroom have received critical acclaim. Her ability to bring an air of authority and intensity to the character has made her an iconic figure in children's television. Rigf's acting skills and her embodiment of Miss Hardbroom's unique personality have made her one of the standout aspects of the show. In conclusion, Diana Rigf's portrayal of Miss Hardbroom in "The Worst Witch" is a testament to her acting prowess. Her ability to capture the character's essence and deliver a captivating performance has made her a memorable part of the show. Diana Rigf's work as Miss Hardbroom has solidified her place as one of the best actresses to bring the beloved character to life..
Reviews for "Diana Rigf's Magical Transformation in The Worst Witch"
1. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with Diana Rigf Worst Witch. The acting was subpar and the storyline felt flat. It lacked the magic and charm that the original Worst Witch series had. Diana Rigf's portrayal of Mildred Hubble didn't do justice to the character, and I found it hard to get invested in her journey. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this adaptation to fans of the original or to anyone looking for a captivating fantasy series.
2. John - 1/5 stars - Diana Rigf Worst Witch was a complete letdown. The special effects were laughable, and the dialogue was trite and unimaginative. The casting choices were questionable, and the performances were wooden. It felt like a cheap attempt to cash in on the success of the original Worst Witch series. I couldn't watch more than a few episodes before giving up on it entirely. Save your time and skip this one.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - As a fan of the original Worst Witch series, I was excited to see a new adaptation with Diana Rigf. However, this version fell short of my expectations. The writing lacked depth and creativity, and the characters felt one-dimensional. The plotlines were predictable and didn't offer any surprises or twists. While the costumes and set designs were visually appealing, they couldn't make up for the lackluster storytelling. Overall, I was left unimpressed and yearning for the charm of the original series.
4. Michael - 1/5 stars - Diana Rigf Worst Witch was a complete disaster. The acting was cringeworthy, and the jokes fell flat. It seemed like the actors were just going through the motions without any genuine enthusiasm. The show failed to capture the whimsical and enchanting atmosphere of the original Worst Witch series, leaving me thoroughly disappointed. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this lackluster adaptation.