According to Jack Hill, who directed Ms. Loder in "The Big Doll House," she had barely recovered from a life-threatening illness right before reporting to the set to play Lucian, the sadistic prison guard. Upon arriving in the Phillipines, where the film was being shot, she became very ill, and was taken to the hospital, where her illness mystified doctors. Her health deteriorated, and she slipped into a coma. This terrified the other cast members, who feared she might have contracted a tropical disease that they might catch. Eventually, the doctors realized that she had contracted diabetes, and began insulin therapy immediately. She quickly recovered and returned to work, although she looked quite emaciated. Sadly, however, the same disease would claim her life a mere eight years later.
