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(January 2002)

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A council estate is a neighbourhood of houses owned by the council and rented to poorer families at a subsidised rate. It can actually be very nice to live in a council house, as the council comes round every now and then and paints if for you, does renovations etc. In the Thatcher years, Maggie let people who had rented a council house for so many years buy them at a much reduced price, so poorer people got to own their own homes. Whatever people say about her, I think that was really a good move.

Being "working class" is senonimous with being "Labour" in the UK. I don't know if this is still true as the new Labour party seems to be a bit flasher and glitzier than the old Labour party and more like the conservatives than the conservatives ever were. But I'm saying this from a distance, not having lived there for 11 years or more.
Claudia
New Zealand - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 21:10:07 (PST)

Okay, it's me again...I found this is the archives...yay for me, for once ;~}From February 20, 2000, Sunday HeraldHEADLINE: alan rickman born 21.02.46 ACTOR Alan Rickman was born on February 21, 1946, in Acton, London. Known for his elegant, aristocratic and devilishly seductive portrayals of a great seducer, Rickman is in a class of his own. His Vicomte de Valmont in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses brought him sackfuls of sexually explicit fan-mail from otherwise sensible women. Yet Rickman, who has something of the nobleman about him, had not an easy start in life. His painter-decorator father died when he was just eight and the family were moved to a small flat on a council estate. His mother struggled to bring up her four children by working in a Post Office. Rickman wanted to be an artist and studied at the Royal College of Art. Then, at the relatively late age of 26, he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. After graduating he worked extensively in British theatre and also did some occasional television work. But it was Les Liaisons Dangereuses which made him a household name. When it went to Broadway, he went with it and won a Tony nomination for best performance. His big break came when he landed the part of Hans Gruber in the first Die Hard film, but his stardom was assured after a memorable and touching performance in Truly, Madly, Deeply in 1990. Since then he has made a dozen more films and is currently starring in Dogma and Galaxy Quest. Although to his audience he is known as the devastatingly charismatic lady killer, Rickman has been the faithful companion of Rima Horton, a Labour councillor, for the past 30 years. His birthchart shows a man of great sensitivity, which is a characteristic quality of Pisces. A strong Uranus shows that he is equally attractive to women and to men. The prominent Scorpio Moon lends mystery and sex appeal and an uncanny ability to portray the deeper reaches of human nature. A Mars-Saturn conjunction in a difficult aspect to Venus explains his need for a steady relationship - it shows the early loss of a parent and fear of abandonment. It also explains his great modesty and why fame hasn't gone to his head: he hates drawing attention to himself and any kind of big-star display. He has a large circle of friends and is kind, helpful and a wise guru to many. Rumour has it that he created Ruby Wax and helped Hugh Grant get started. The present astrological picture shows more successes with Jupiter in his house of communication and conjunct Uranus next year. But with Saturn prominent as well, the next couple of years also indicate an unusually large workload. Pluto, the planet of endings and new beginnings, suggests that in the immediate future Rickman will undergo deep inner changes. Georgiana (nice to see TMD rather than RHPOT listed as the role that confirmed his stardom!)Seattle - Friday, February 25, 2000 at 18:18:48 (PST)
Harlii
- Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 20:17:42 (PST)

I found this at a site about a play which isn't important, but it says specifically what a council estate is: "The story is simple: Two high school boys, neighbors on a council estate (that's British for housing project)..."

If this is correct, I love AR even more...no wonder he never behaves like a prima donna...has hit feet firmly settled on the ground...Of course, I'm basing my impressions of a *council estate* on the housing projects in my town and perhaps in England they're not as poorly run as here...someone let me know...I'm curious...
Harlii
- Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 19:50:47 (PST)

Hmm..I thought he was from, a lower middle class backround? Hmmm..odd indeed. =\
Emily
London, UK - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 19:49:19 (PST)

Remind me not to type with wet fingernails...it's *council housing*...
Harlii
- Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 19:40:51 (PST)

Info on Coucil Housing in GB

Not sure if this is it, but it looks to me like it is public housing...I'm sure if I'm wrong, I will be corrected posthaste :\
Harlii
- Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 19:40:10 (PST)

Question - in various biographies that I have read online about AR, there is comment made about him being born on a Council Estate. What exactly is a Council Estate? Also, he stated in the HardTalk interview that one of his earliest memories is of his mother putting a Labour sign in the window of their home (or something to that affect). How does being Labour inclined, politically, have to do with being born, and I assume raised, on a Council Estate? I am a bit of an anglophile, but not when it has anything to do with politics. Just trying to get an impression of AR's youth.
Annette
Mansfield, TX USA - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 19:08:08 (PST)

Georgiana: Thanks for video tips. Will have to fork out for a new all region TV or a comverter box. More expense! This man is costing me a fortune! Interesting review. Hmmm, so it's the influence of Coward on Pinter and Pinter on Coward, is it! Lindsay has done a fair bit of Poliakoff (must check spelling)too, so what about his influence?

Emily: Thanks for your posting. I have been to the play a few times and other plays a lot this winter, so I have had time to see a few celebs!!

Jules: I gobble up everything AR as soon as I get it, too!Like AABA yesterday. I waited about a month to get S and S: The Diaries (the book). Got it today and as soon as I got through the door tonight, I read the whole thing in one and a half hours! Now I'm back to square one!

Gaye: I think I chose Amazon (and paid through the nose) for AABA, because I couldn't find it anywhere else! But I expect there is! I don't know, but have you tried videoflicks.com; mall.com; beeb.com? Might be worth a try!Also, Alan is, ofcourse, exceedingly attractive. Might have something to do with our obsession!
Sally
London, UK - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 18:43:20 (PST)

SO AR and RH are only a year apart. How sweet! Happy birthday to her indeed..and i agree the luckest women on the net.
Emily
London, UK - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 18:38:21 (PST)

RH born 31 Jan 1947, according to her Labour Party bio.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 18:28:35 (PST)

PL!!!! Here soon..in..NY! Cant breath! wooh. Anyway i cant wait! I love living here..sometimes. I wish i lived in london..but i can live with it. I wonder if i will be able to me AR i mean I havent ever..gotten that close to him before....How was the backstage door at london? Were there alot of people? I really want him to give me his autograph..so i can admire it for the rest of my life....sigh...i cant wait!
katherine
NY! , NY usa ...blah - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 16:57:13 (PST)

Um... I'm going to assume 1947 is correct; I know HE was born in Feb. '46, but I didn't see a birthdate for her in the FAQ... can only assume this info is from the Paton bio (which I don't have). I can't imagine where else one might find it. Thanks again!!
Christine
- Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 16:31:01 (PST)

WRONG!!! 1946 Check FAQs. 56 this Feb.
c-c
- Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 16:16:40 (PST)

Christine, 1947.
Same Vintage
USA - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 16:14:17 (PST)

A question for Barbara the Australian: would you happen to know the year RH was born? I'd just like to do a little astrological research -- planet placements other than Sun sign. Thanks very much to anyone who can answer this.
Christine
USA - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 15:28:20 (PST)

Off-topic - Barbara the Australian (and I am looking forward to visiting your wonderful country next month) thanks for giving me the name of the Jonathan Cake mini-series - The Swap sounds exactly the right title. Cindie - I must say I missed him in 'Rebecca' - was too busy noticing how old Charles Dance, formerly the 'thinking woman's crumpet' looked.
Gail <gail.rayment@sympatico.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 14:11:54 (PST)

Oops--sign-----not sing!!! LOL
Claudia
GA USA - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 13:12:48 (PST)

Ohh Liz, what a lovey idea about getting him to sing the "When Love Speaks" CD. Gosh, I am so envious--but happy for you!
Claudia
GA USA - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 13:11:59 (PST)

has any one watchered the programm made about Alan rickman when he was filming memser it was mentioned in an article was it shown? i think t said panaorama or southbank show?
Spangle
Nottingham, - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 12:58:27 (PST)

Hello everyone, crikey I've been a bit quiet lately but I have a question for you all. I am screwing my courage to the sticking post as Lady Macbeth says, and preparing myself to meet Mr Rickman on 17th all being well, and I was thinking about the 'When Love Speaks' CD, which I am going to ask him to sign...well, what I thought I would ask him if he plans to do anymore Shakespeare on the stage and what role he would like to play that he has not played up to now. So, I was wondering, what role do you think he would be wonderful in that he has not played before? Personally, I vote for Oberon in 'A Midsummer Nights Dream' Not a leading role so I know he would never play it - but OH! To hear him saying those beautiful lines:
'I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,
Quite overcanopied with luscious woodbine,
With sweet muskroses and with elegantine.
Ah, I methinks I need to lie down just at the thought of it!PS Mortiana - photo IS on its way, I promise - but I have to pressgang someone other than my dad (who is a keen amateur photographer) to take it because the silly old duffer has gone and broken his arm. I am on the case...
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 12:44:14 (PST)

Hi everybody! I'm working on a Alan Rickman Startpage. I just want your oppinion: Do you like my site so far? I have also put a link of THIS site on my Startpage.....Tell me what you think about my page please!!!!!!!!!!
Saskia <sasje@xs4all.nlfoo>
The Netherlands - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 12:38:35 (PST)

Claudia- I think i will. I have to read Act II tonight, (the balcony scene), so i think I'll follow your advice. Fast Film- My teacher does not explain words if we have a question. She turns on a recording and gives us a test. I thought it was suppossed to be more fun and romantic. At least i have an imagination for when I read at home.
Nicole <Saxyninny1@aol.comfoo>
NJ USA - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 12:04:15 (PST)

Hi all...Just a few things...RE: Talk Shows, Rosie O'Donnell, though she gets on my nerves, is a big fan of all things Broadway, and I'm sure a few, well, more than a few select letters from the likes of us, pointing her in the right direction, will result in a lovely interview...she does tend to gush over her guests though, esp. the men & I'd hate to reach through the TV screen to slap her face ;~}

Next, I remember someone saying something about our sweety appearing in the new Fu Manchu movie, but hadn't heard any more about it, so I did a bit of searching last night and found on an Antonio Banderas site, no less, that they were planning to use Robert De Niro!!!! Ugh! But that plans have fallen completely through for the movie in any case...so...

And TWG picture is a very good one, thanks to Jules or whomever found it...Georgiana, where do you find all those articles on AR? At the library or online? I never can find anything quite recent and interesting about him online, article-wise...just curious...
Harlii
- Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 11:29:21 (PST)

Was he really on Arsenio? Grrrr....the things I missed over the years. This is off-topic, but was wondering if anyone's ever seen a play called "The Beauty Queen of Leenane"? Just curious if it's played other places, and if it's as good as it looks.
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 11:15:32 (PST)

Ohhhh, Georgiana--I would have loved to have seen his appearance on Arsenio. Can you imagine AR's facial expressions in reaction to some of Arsenio's antics? LOL
Claudia
GA USA - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 11:00:34 (PST)

And on "Arsenio," years before that, Claudia. However, I would surmise that his role in "Harry Potter" would be far more likely to result in 'talk show' invitations than would a show on Broadway.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 10:54:49 (PST)

how come recongnize is spelled recongnise?$~Jelly~$ & #~Lacy~#
Jelly and Lacy <jelly- iluvme@aol.com & lacy- giveit^@aol.comfoo>
Nashville, TN USA - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 10:41:32 (PST)

same!
c-c
Who's Sam?, - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 10:36:25 (PST)

Here's a link to Jules "yummy" picture and TWG review. I found it a while back and thought the sam, wish it was bigger.
cleekety-cleek
- Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 10:34:25 (PST)

Daisy, what are the school grades in your "simple english vocab"? I speak english too you know. Anyway 7th grade means I am in my seventh year of schooling and that makes me 12. Also, what is AR's sister's name and where can I find pictures of her? Well I gotta go. Buh bye again! *~Gwen~*
Gwen <snapesluva@hotmail.comfoo>
Wesr Palm Beach, FL USA - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 10:33:07 (PST)

Alright, just clearing something up. Is AR coming to NYC? That's all I needed to know. Well thanks. Buh bye. *~Gwen~*
Gwen <snapesluva@hotmail.comfoo>
West Palm Beach, FL USA - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 10:20:47 (PST)

Gwen,TMD means Truly,Madly,Deeply-a film in which Alan played a dead cellist.I was actually talking about him liking dogs,but then I said that I didnt like cats much and that he seemed to be more of a dog person that a cat person.Okay now?And what is 7th grade?Doesnt translate into my simple English vocab.How old would that make you then?
FastFilm,I have to disagree there-I rather like the way Shakespeare sounds.I can understand most of it.My only problem is the fact that it looses something when read in class,as I seem to be the only person who can read aloud without stopping at the ends of lines,middle of scentences,middle of words etc.Though of course,walking into English to find AR sitting with an open copy of Macbeth would make my day.
Daisy (must stop complaining!)
Bristol, U.K - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 10:14:06 (PST)

Lest we forget--he did appear on Late Night with Conan one time a few years back. It is a possibility!
Claudia
GA USA - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 10:10:45 (PST)

Hmm..having a think about the late night shows here in the US..I think Alan could make a good run at Dave..I love Dave and Biff and the crew..but sometimes Dave can be abit yawny and lacking knowledge of his guests work- either that or feigning knowledge - it would be a very good sparring match and I am sure that Alan would land on top and that he -Alan - would be a most wanted-back guest!
Ginny
- Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 09:51:37 (PST)

My copy of "We Know Where You Live...Live!" finally arrived last night, and although I can't unreservedly recommend the whole program (there were some definitely tedious bits) the "Four Yorkshiremen" sketch was really, really funny. Of course, it was unfortunate that AR had to wear those not-too-flattering John Gissing-esque glasses, but he did take them off afterwards and there were a couple of nice (albeit brief) shots of him at the end of the show looking wonderful. Gaye- if what Phyllida's doing is "aging disgracefully", I hope I can, too. She looks (and is) fabulous.
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 08:14:51 (PST)

bonjour tout le mondeDo anyone know something more about the next "sherlock holmes"? I'd like to know more about the making of.Thanks
nathalie <ng_ttt@club-internet.frfoo>
paris, france - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 07:14:49 (PST)

This is a page I hadn't seen before, with the yummiest pic.http://www.urbancinefile.com.au/home/view.asp?a=892&s=Video_filesnow I'm going to work, coz there's no-one here and I'm lonely.
Jules, going away now, honest...
- Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 06:21:05 (PST)

I was a little worried by the URL 'queen rickman' but it's OK, it's just a piccy of him and Mrs Windsor. He looks suitably pained, considering his politics! news.bbc.co.uk/.../images/ _1047325_queen_rickman150pa.jpg
Jules
UK - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 06:05:45 (PST)

not my favourite, either. Smacks a little of the contempt borne of familiarity. Rather like a husband of thirty-odd years calling his wife 'old thing', forgetting that she as much as any young beauty needs to be told she's beautiful. These things don't go without saying. I hope Rima kicked him up the bum for that one. Affectionately, of course. Far rather hear him speak the modern soliloquy from Dark Harbour.
Jules
UK - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 05:41:31 (PST)

I was just wondering if AR got to CHOOSE which sonnet to read for When Love Speaks and if he did.... WHY #130? Don't get me wrong, I really love that one....right in line with my idealogical platform on external beauty vs character and heart.... And if HE DID, that says buckets about the Man and his character! As if I didn't respect him enough!

Happy Birthday Rima Horton( most envied woman on the net!).
Constance(idealogical platform?I need to cut back on the caffeen!)
USA - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 04:56:05 (PST)

sorry to keep popping up - it's a really boring piece of work and I need diversion. The John Gissing clip is wonderful if you play AR's bits frame by frame. Could you imagine anyone else adding elegant h**d movements to a repellant act like spitting coffee in someone's face?
Jules
UK - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 04:26:37 (PST)

still haven't given in to the temptation of TMD, but I just wasted half an hour downloading the Search for John Gissing clip. Those glasses don't do much for him, do they? And what an unpleasant thing to do to someone's chair...looks funny though - any news of its release in the uK yet?
Jules
UK - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 04:19:44 (PST)

Constance - Don't know why he should appear on your manky talk shows when he won't appear on our manky talk shows!!
cleekety-cleek
Glad the hand is back, watch out for the toes whilst paddling though!!!, - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 04:02:54 (PST)

Hello!

It has occured to me that with AR coming to B'way, multitudes of blessings follow, i.e there will be appearances on Good Morning America, The Rosie Show, Regis & Kelly, The View, Daviid Lettermen, Conan.....! and if we are really LUCKY... Charlie Rose on PBS( THERE he will be asked intelligent questions and deliver insightful answers)!!!Oh dear! I must fix my VCR now and prepare it for a Spring/Summer workout!

How I wish i lived in NYC again!
Constance(hand has grown back, feeling better now) <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
Cary, NC USA - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 03:28:35 (PST)

Hi, I just found your site by accident - I searched for a german beer company. O.K. - Alan Rickman: I've seen him at die hard. It was a pleasure to see him die (he played the bad guy very good). All the best Christian
Christian
Berlin, Germany - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 02:24:29 (PST)

Oh good grief! NOW what am I supposed to do? I have a major deadline of 3pm today, which is already tight because of the time I spend here (!), and NOW the wretched postman has just put my copy of TMD through the door! I am NOT known for my ability to prioritise, for my patience, or for any kind of personality trait that will allow me to put the video in the cupboard until I have finished the piece of work. So - do I forfeit a pretty hefty lump of money and my professional integrity? Or do I watch TMD this evening?
Jules
UK - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 02:00:22 (PST)

Sally from London, your comments (and others on this GB) about ABBA have convinced me to buy it. Unfortunately it's not available in Australia or the UK, but it is available from Amazon. If anyone knows where else I could get a copy I'd be glad to hear.

Thinking back quite a few messages ago about what we like about Alan, I saw Harry Potter again yesterday, and really concentrated on what attracted me to him, and I have to say it's the VOICE. Then the mouth and then the face. Of course the fact that he's a very good actor would have to have something to do with the attraction, but then Anthony Hopkins is a very good actor, and he hasn't inspired me to buy every movie he's made, or hunt the internet for as many sites about him as possible. So if anyone asks me why I like Mr Rickman I will have to say "the voice", and then I could play them a tape of the sonnet he reads.

And sorry if this is not an item for this GB, but there was a lovely quote from Phyllida Law in our paper yesterday: "I hope I grow old disgracefully. Thankfully, the older I get the sillier I become." I really enjoyed watching Phyllida in The Winter Guest, and only hope I am half as good as she is when I'm her age.
Gaye
Adelaide, South Australia - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 01:36:38 (PST)

Right -for those of us who aren't doctors: 'Pectus excavatum is defined as an abnormal formation of the rib cage where the breastbone caves in, resulting in a sunken chest appearance. Many doctors describe pectus excavatum as a cosmetic defect or a congenital defect that is correctable only through surgery. ...blah blah blah pectus excavatum and the other rachitic skeletal features that often occur along with it, such as bowed limbs, scoliosis and FLAT FEET!!!. Hah! See - it's genetic! It must be his sister! TOLD you it wasn't Felicity Kendall!!! :o)
Jules
UK - Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 00:51:00 (PST)

Georgianna, Suzanne:
Great news! I'm at a friend's house right now, and have just finished recording the poems that AR was reading. The quality is excellent. Even better than the sonnet I've recorded earlier!! (my friend uses a cable modem.) When I recorded the poem w/ my computer (56k modem), it sounded very muffled. My first attempt of recording the poem came out to be 14.7 Mb. (11:55 minutes) But it came out to be 28.7 Mb on my friend's computer! (Under 11 minutes) Hm...that's weird. How do you want me to send it to you? Hm...i can convert it to mp3....but it still might be too large a file to send through email. well, let me know what you think. K? Hm...or I can always burn it on a CD for you. I finally got the audio for snape's class!!!!!
ShizukaDream <shizukadream@yahoo.comfoo>
CA USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 23:52:20 (PST)

Nicole in New Jersey, your teachers are doing you a great disservice if they can't present Shakespeare's works any better to you than drudge reading. Reading Shakespeare is like reading song lyrics without the music. Chuck Berry's or Kid Rock's words without the beat really are incomplete. Number 2, there are so many of that era's words obsolete to us now that must be translated in print whereas they go with the flow in performance. You've really got to experience what it was intended to be. I'm appalled your teacher doesn't suggest something to help you understand how fun, thought-provoking, apropos and universal Shakespeare is. Someone in high school like yourself should enjoy the most recent "Midsummer Night's Dream" with, amongst others, "Ally McBeal"'s Callista Flockhart or even "Shakespeare in Love" which tries to "explain" the writing of "Romeo And Juliet." Both videos should be readily available in any video/DVD store. Sometimes greatness isn't appreciated until it's explored further, like, say, the total body of work of Alan Rickman!
FastFilm
Los Angeles, CA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 20:58:34 (PST)

Haha, excuse the pun, "shot in St. Petersburg." I mean, of course, "filmed"...
Julia, again
- Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 18:49:21 (PST)

Lynn, I see you are getting desperate for that Gypsy music. I'm afraid even my Russian family wasn't any help. It might be a traditional Rus. Gypsy tune, or something local by the musicians that played it. If they're not credited, that's our best bet. In fact, since Rasputin was shot in both St. Petersburg and Prague, the music might not even be Russian! (Although in the scene where Raz is living it up at the Yusoupov Palace, AR does "sing" in very very very very mangled, horrible Russian.)
Julia
Calgary, Canada - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 18:48:10 (PST)

Gee, you never know WHAT you're going to learn on this board. Georgiana- thanks for the new addition to my vocabulary. At first, it looked suspiciously like a Harry Potter utterance, but no, that's "expecto patronum". Sally- glad to hear there's another fan of AABA. My favorite part (along with yours) is when Meredith asks, "Should one pause there?" P.L's expression and oh-so-annoyed "Yes" are just priceless.
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 18:43:34 (PST)

Sally-You know i may just be compleatly daft or oblivious, but i never see any celebs up close. Even when I saw PL and went broke, i only noiced AR and co and I'm not sure but this women in line ahead of me looked like Joan Rivers, odd to be sure.

Big Adventure is a wonderfully witty, i think AR does best in roles like that. He makes Hugh Grant look infurm, and unappealing. I mean if P.L O'hara came to take me away on his moterbike...i wouldnt look back for an moment..lol

Katherine- I dont know. Im raither new here too. As Clair or another old timer..about that. (refering to if AR ever posted in the GB)
Emily
London, UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 18:05:53 (PST)

After raves about "Little Foxes," a year-end review in Variety (Dec 17, 2001 v385 i5 p71[2], Backward glances in London.[Commentary], Brief Article, by Charles Isherwood) has this to say about "Private Lives":

It's rare to find a revival that offers such a revealing new perspective on a play, of course, and most of the other stagings seen in London offered up more traditional, if at times no less accomplished, perspectives on texts from the canon. Howard Davies' "Private Lives," potentially Broadway-bound, does not attempt any radical surgery on the play, but the scalpel-sharp tongue of Lindsay Duncan and the contrastingly languorous drawl of Alan Rickman combine to make the text simmer, shimmer and sparkle as it rarely does.

Duncan's crisp articulation and potent timing have been honed by years of work in Harold Pinter plays, and her performance here reminds us of Pinter's distinct debts to the Coward style, in which language is used, more often than not, as a way of masking emotion rather than revealing it. Just as actors playing the words in Pinter reduce the plays to nonsense, actors who play the words in Coward miss the point. Rickman and Davies most certainly do not.

Hello everyone, I to don't think its FK, I have my book right in my hands and if you take a good ook at the eyes, you can clearly see they are different. the woman from the book clearly has dark brown eyes,and the eyebrows are much higher, then the pic of FK that Harlii put in here.

I hate bugging everyone, but has anyone figured what the music they are usuing in Rasputin namely the resterant scene, I know I know I am a pain for asking but I have search everywhere and can't come up with it , if anyone has any idea please let me know. Thanks in advance...
lynn <Pyewacket001@aol.comfoo>
Ottawa, canada - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 18:03:02 (PST)

Gail, Wasn't Johnathan Cake in the BBC Production of *Rebecca* with Charles Dance a few years back?
Cindie
- Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 17:59:49 (PST)

Sally, if you watch an NTSC video on an all-region VHS player, but do not have an all-region TV, it will come out in black and white. A converter box is required to convert the picture to a PAL TV screen.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 17:46:02 (PST)

Oh goodness, I only posted yesterday and so many entries since then re that Photo of Harlii's!I'm glad so many agree with me!Thank you all! I really think it is Shiela! Gail, from Toronto, It's funny you mentioned that mini-series with Michael Moloney and Jemma Redgrave. It was playing here these last two nights and was called the "Swap"? Am I right? These mini-series get round the world fast don't they? It is now Thursday 31st here in Australia, so I would like to wish Rima a "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"! IF she does read this and I hope she has a great Day! Aquarius is a great sign to be in! Andrea, from USA, I hope I am not one of those two..... All of us here really do try to get on....Claire, would there be any chance of seeing that Photo of Rima from the soft cover edition of That book? Or anyone who has it? My book has the photo of Shiela. I still cannot get over how they mixed the two women up? Shiela is a lot taller than Rima. Bye!
Barbara the Australian <hermione(underscore )3@hotmail.comfoo>
Gold Coast, Qld Australia - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 17:19:25 (PST)

Have just seen An Awfully Big Adventure which arrived in the post for me this morning, and was in black and white! (NSBC is it, video?) I think I can get it converted to colour but think B and W enhanced the mood of this picture for me, but, no matter, it was just the perfect antidote for me to see in my present rather depressed state! (you're doubtless fascinated to hear).

SPOILER:I feel reborn! What a wonderful surprise of a film. What a gift! When they started to make love, I was completely taken off my guard, then I started laughing at the way he was sending it all up. When she asked him to move his legs together a bit- his expression! I just cracked up! Yes, this film surprised me alright, and taught me a lesson. Apart from that, I was proud and delighted with it. All the performances were good, though his was the usual tour de force.
Sally
London, UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 16:52:17 (PST)

Erin: You're quite right, I wasn't concentrating, was I?Ofcourse he'll win!

Emily: No idea! No ressemblance is there between Eric Idle and John Hannah? Talking of the latter, and trying to rival Georgiana's comment about whoever it was ("famous")that she bumped into in london, I have seen J.Hannah at the PL box office, looking totally non-descript:Patricia Routledge standing on the pavement in the vicinity, talking to a group of people and Neil Pearson in the thatre two rows ahead of me,at the first performance I ever saw of PL. There!

Sally
London, UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 16:24:04 (PST)

Lindy- Actually, there is a pretty good chapter in that book for Snape, with the dueling club. That scene, assuming they include it, will be worth the price of admission for me. Rickman/Snape blasting Branagh/Lockhart off the stage! Just the mental picture makes me smile. :)
Erin <dobrien@erols.comfoo>
Washington, DC USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 16:21:46 (PST)

Has AR ever posted on the gb? Because i remember a post that had his name or something like that..oh damn..it could have been another gb..god forbid.=) I wonder...hmmm -Nicole...I wonder if that works with honere de balzac's eugene grandet? Ill try..lol
Kate
ny, usa - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 15:01:32 (PST)

The Barry Norman piece is on: http://www.radiotimes.beeb.com/film/features/barry_norman/alan_rickman/
Jules
UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 14:48:00 (PST)

Oh all RIGHT! So it's his sister! She just happens to look a little like FK - in fact looking at it again, our Fliss is a little squirt, so unless she's wearing 12 inch heels, I guess... And what the flick is a pectus excori-whateveritwas? A big cleavage? And re the 'luvvy' comment - ask Barry Norman!!!
Jules
UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 14:42:58 (PST)

Oh dear! I'm broke! Anyone want to give me a loan? I can't afford tickets. NOOOO! I struggling to eat as it is! I was wondering about earlier comments directed to or from Sally (not entirely sure). About actully meeting AR, has anyone actully had a conversation with him? I mean more than the usual fanfare. I find, also that i to am struck (ouch) with fear for meeting "the man". Also OFF TOPIC:::> but does anyone know if Eric idle and John Hanna are related? =\
Emily
London, UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 14:41:45 (PST)

I found the following info. on 'www.comingsoon.net' - Harry Potter DVD Details on Feb 5th - We just received an update from Warner Home Video that on Tuesday, February 5th, 9 A.M. Pacific/11 A.M. Central & Noon Eastern time, the studio will announce all the details about the upcoming "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" DVD release. Included in the announcement will be: -Highlights of DVD features -VHS Added Footage -Street Date -Pricing -Merchandisers -Advertising plans -Live Chat I also found very brief interviews with AR (and other cast members), evidently done during filming of the first HP movie at 'http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/production_notes/video.html'.
Annette
Mansfield, Tx USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 14:37:39 (PST)

Sally- Oh, it isn't for the Olivier awards, its for the When Love Speaks promo He is hosting at the Old Vic on the 10th of Feb. I'm not sure, even if I were in town, that I would have the heart for the Oliviers, as there is always that outside chance that he might not win. I don't think I could take that news well in a public place... my lamentations might cause some international incident, and Americans really have a hidious enough reputation as it is. :)
Erin /cakewench <dobrien@erols.comfoo>
Washington, DC USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 13:44:09 (PST)

My goodness Georgiana! 'Pectus excavatum'????? You don't miss a thing, do you?
Claudia
GA USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 13:14:35 (PST)

Wow! Turn your back on this site for a couple of days and you find it takes ages to catch up.

I just want to add that I am positive the person with him at the Oscars photo is his sister,whom,if memory serves,is named Sheila.

Hope you enjoyed your second trip Georgianna, your wonderful reports on the play and it's evolution, are fascinating. I'll be able to check the changes out for myself this coming month. To say I'm looking forward to the chance to do so, would, quite literally be a complete understatement.

It's off to London for me on the 20th of February,oh joy!

And then we have the Spring in NYC to look forward to also. Ahhhhhh! What a year for AR fans this will be.

Anne
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 13:11:00 (PST)

Nicole--picture yourself as Juliet! A lot more fun that way!
Claudia
GA USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 13:10:32 (PST)

I saw Felicity Kendall in "Fallen Angels" Nov 2000, and again in "Humble Boy" Monday night--that picture does not look a thing like her. And I do believe Mary Tyler Moore is still amongst the living.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 13:05:32 (PST)

i know most of the people writing in here are older than me. I just wanted to say that i have to read Romeo and Juliet. I am in Highschool so i don't understad and don't want to understand it. To make it interesting when i read it i picture Romeo being played by Alan Rickman. For some odd reason i pictured Bonnie Bedilia in Juliet's place. I guess it is because i saw Die Hard the night before. Anyway, it gets me through the book. So a word of advice: to anyone that has to read a book that they don't prefer, picture an actor you like in the place of the characters. It helps.
Nicole <Saxyninny1@aol.comfoo>
NJ USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 12:59:37 (PST)

Thanks for the site, I'm new to all this (all I did was take my kids to see Harry Potter.....). I'm just sorting my tickets for Private Lives, but lots of other fans must have got all the good seats (I didn't realise how much organising it would need). About the interview on Radio 2, why wasn't I listening? (I suppose because I hate the music they play on Sundays.) Are people bombarding the BBC Radio 2 website people with requests to replay the interview? Its not on their replay interview list, but easily could be. If they do I will have to find a friend with a more respectable computer, mine won't do that stuff. I must look at Chamber of Secrets again, but I got the impression Snape didn't loom that large after failing to get Harry expelled at the start. Is it just me? I can't make sense of Snape as in the book. Or is JKR playing tricks? Lindy
Lindy <bjbrett@ntlworld.comfoo>
Macclesfield, UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 12:58:25 (PST)

Erin: Glad you got a ticket for the Olivier Awards. I think the nosebleed seats are all anyone can get because all the decent seats i.e. in the stalls and circle, are reserved for the celebs. So the likes of the public are being shoved upstairs. Still, cant go wrong for a fiver, can you?
Sally
London, UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 12:50:44 (PST)

It was Victoria Hamilton, Gail, in the A&E production of "Victoria and Albert" you just saw. The one with Rickman and Horrocks is the one that DID NOT GET MADE, as best as I can tell. As to the Oscars picture, AR was attending events about that time, such as RHPOT Premiere, with a woman who appeared to be his sister, Sheila. Same eyes, same facial structure, same slight 'pectus excavatum.' The 1996 Oscar photo is not the best quality picture, but the woman looks quite similar. I believe he was at the Golden Globes with his agent, Judy Hofflund.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 12:50:08 (PST)

I'm sorry but I didn't really catch what you said Daisy. What does TMD mean and what about AR and cats? I love cats. And also Claire, I clicked your link but I couldn't find any pictures of AR's sister. I guess I'll just search on Google. What is his sister's name anyway? I can't wait until Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets comes out because AR will have such a big part! Well I have to start my homework and Daisy what grade are you in? I'm in 7th. Bye! *~Gwen~*
Gwen <sanpesluva@hotmail.comfoo>
West Palm Beach, FL USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 12:29:30 (PST)

Picture is of Alan Rickman's sister. She also attended the LA premiere of RHPOT with him.

Claire
- Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 12:05:53 (PST)

Constance: I'm sure you mean me when you talk about sharks, as I think I was the last person to mention you last night.I feel awful. When I said you were sweet and kind, I meant it. You always seem to see good everywhere, is all I meant, and at that moment I was wishing I could feel like you too, when all I was feeling was rather soured and jaded!So, please, if it was me that upset you, please know I did not mean to, and accept my humble apologies.

Cate: Thanks for your posting and reply to me, which cheered me up.And, Cleekety Cleek, your posting of yesterday helped too. Thanks!

Andrea: I THOUGHT that was what you meant-two horrid people,not the other way round! (Who's W?) (That's who I meant by the two "purveyors of joylessness"in a posting of mine yesterday).

Jules: Did I miss this? AL's reaction to being called a luvvie? I thought a luvvie was just a term for a theatrical type. Not derogatory is it? They always call Kenneth Branagh a luvvie, and all that 'theatrical' crowd.
Sally
London, UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 12:03:06 (PST)

Hello. I'm not up on the FK debate, but when Alan presented and accepted-ahem-his Golden Globe for Rasputin..his table was way off to the left, and if it wasn't Rima sitting at it then it beats me who it was. A very attractive woman wearing an off white gown..and her hair was shoulder length.Thanks.
Ginny
- Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 11:48:42 (PST)

It's not Felicity Kendal.I'd stake my life on it. Never seen her with dark hair, not once, not never! And I'm sure I've seen this one in something. It couldn't be Mary Tyler Moore resurrected from the grave could it?
Sally
london, UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 11:36:49 (PST)

Harlii!

That is Felicity Kendall. We used to watch her all the time on "Good Neighbors" on PBS. She has not aged!!!!
Constance
USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 11:08:16 (PST)

Jules - Naaah, I didn´t say HE hates cats! HE HIMSELF only said "F*** off!" to one. I mean...just don´t overinterpret that! Really....I´m sure...he meant it in an affectionate way! Cheers, J.
Julischka
Bremen, Krautland - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 11:05:01 (PST)

Quite possibly there were two projects mooted,as Jane Horrocks was definitely not the Victoria in the 'Victoria and Albert' I saw. I'll check the credits when we watch Part 2. However, as Albert was 42 when he died, and if the paper got it right on the casting, I can only assume that we had a casting director who was not too boned up on British history.
Gail <gail.rayment@sympatico.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 11:01:05 (PST)

Here is a picture I found of F.K. Doesn't look like the same woman, so I tend to agree it might/could be his sister, though I've never seen a picture of her myself...thanks for the ideas though!

FelicityKendall, looks like a recent pic.
Harlii
- Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 10:23:04 (PST)

So,I was at my science thing today,drifting blissfuly into the realms of my subconsious,and this woman was droning monotonously on about sound waves and musical instruments etc,etc.She carries on in this vein for sometime and then says something(I didnt quite catch all of it)that ended with"and to make it more interesting,heres a short clip from a film"what should come onto that high-tec projecter screen but*yes*TMD!However,it was pretty embarassing when half the people from my school turned round and looked at me...and when my friends on either side of me collapsed with laughter....oh well,it was worth it.
He looks like a dog person to me,but not cats.Grr,dont like cats.Or hamsters.Or rabbits.Or Bruce Willis.....
Daisy-nothing against cats et al,just dont like them much.
Bristol, U.K - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 10:22:45 (PST)

Here it is (perhaps there were TWO projects?):

Daily Express reports Rickman to be lined up to play Prince Albert opposite Jane Horrock's Victoria in a £6 million BBC series entitled VICTORIA

Posted by Claire, 29 December 1999

Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 10:13:12 (PST)

Gail, I cannot find the Dec 1999 GB archive, but I posted this in January 2000 (looks like more than one paper got it wrong):

From Sunday (London) Times, nothing new, but cute confirmation: "One's in love, Albert." Jane Horrocks - best known as Bubbles from Absolutely Fabulous - is to play Queen Victoria in a new BBC series devoted to her relationship with Prince Albert. For her part, Jane will have to pretend to fall in love with Alan Rickman. Hard life, isn't it, acting?"

Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 10:10:26 (PST)

Well, obviously the paper had got it wrong, Gail, when what they reported was Jane Horrocks and Alan Rickman would play Victoria and Albert, and it was, in the end, Victoria Hamilton and whoever that was... Will post the reference when I have a chance to look it up in my notebooks at home, unless someone else can find it sooner.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 10:03:07 (PST)

Thank you Elizabeth( oh, All Knowing One...)Nice to know that old Ari and I have something in common.

I would write more but I seem to be missing my right hand, bite marks, blood...not a pretty sight!
Constance
USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 09:26:54 (PST)

Mostly off-topic - g'arn, George, no way AR could have been on the shortlist for the role of Albert. The paper must have got its info. wrong. I agree, Hawthorne was very winsome, although with a totally unbelievable wig. I enjoyed Pryce's cameo, but then I always like his work. And, way, way off topic - has anyone cottoned on to Jonathan Cake? I've seen him in a couple of shows over the last few years, but was really - er - impressed with him in a recent three-parter we had on WTN here in Canada - didn't catch the show's title, but with Michael Maloney and a young female Redgrave (Jen?) in a show about a house swap that goes very wrong.
Gail <gail.rayment@sympatico.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 08:18:09 (PST)

Hmmm. re the Felicity Kendal/Rickman sister thing. I'm not going to argue (would I do such a thing??) coz it's not a very clear picture. I agree that their faces do look similar, but when Fliss is pulling her 'I'm still a sweet little thing although I'm 52' face, it does tend to go a little, well, long! And besides, when I put "Felicity Kendall pics" into a search engine I got all sorts of nasty stuff!! made me blush again. 'spec ol' Fliss would, too!
Jules
UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 08:07:10 (PST)

Gail, it was the part of Albert for which Rickman was being considered--at least by the one published newspaper report--in "Victoria and Albert." I caught part I when it ran here on A&E, but not part 2, and posted on it at the time. An especially engaging Nigel Hawthorne, I thought.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 07:48:06 (PST)

Sue- thanks. I was hoping for a site to book through, but I never seem to have any luck with the ticketmaster UK site. I went ahead and called. The lady was very pleasant. I'll be in the nosebleed seats, as I can't really afford the nicer ones after the 2 PL performances I've booked, but thats okay...
Erin <dobrien@erols.comfoo>
Washington, DC USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 07:43:10 (PST)

Erin - Th Old Vic is the former home of the National Theatre. It holds 1067 people. BTW the box office phone number is on the ad!
Sue
England - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 07:20:53 (PST)

Constance - um, well in short it is the definaition of tragedy. Think Shakespearean Tragedy. To put it crudely, it starts off with a nervous atmosphere that gets worse, then somewhere at the end of act four and the beginning of act five you are lulled by a false sense of security, and then as you say the sharks come out and masacre everyone. Like King Lear or Hamlet.
Elizabeth
UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 07:18:51 (PST)

argh, never mind. I found a site for it, after a bit of looking. Not entirely sure I want to put up with everything else that is planned for the event... I'll think about it. Is the Old Vic a large venue? Does anyone know?
Erin/cakewench
Washington, DC USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 06:47:12 (PST)

Sue- does it mention in the ad how to go about obtaining the tickets? That happens to be the weekend I will be in London to see PL, and I might as well try to go by there, too... (what's that you say? There are things to do in London that don't center around AR? :) )
Erin/cakewench <dobrien@erols.comfoo>
Washington, DC USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 06:33:30 (PST)

Elizabeth....

I've never read Aristotle's Poetics.
Constance
USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 06:25:31 (PST)

You're right. But a broken line-break tag caused the problem. All fixed now. Thanks for the info!
D.o.C. (Suz)

OOOOPs I closed the center thing - HONEST!!
Sue
- Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 06:01:51 (PST)

I have to agree with Lisa concerning the mystery woman in the Oscars pic. The facial similarities are so obvious. I have "that book" and was confused about this issure before because I had seen the same pic (that's in the book) on the Internet somewhere that identified the lady as his sister. No matter who she is--I think she is a lucky lady!
Claudia
GA USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 06:00:38 (PST)

Quarter page Ad in today's London Evening Standard:

Jules - Fancy a "cyber" bet? £10 says that is no way Ms.kendall!
c-c
- Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 05:22:23 (PST)

Constance - that sounds somewhat like Arisotle's Poetics.
Elizabeth
UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 05:16:57 (PST)

Posting on the GB can be rather trecherous at times. Like a beautiful blue ocean you wade in, a little nervous at first, not quite sure as to whether you should swim out any further but after a while, the waters are warm,almost waveless and you feel brave enough to venture on.... only to find in the depth ....... Sharks!
Constance
USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 05:11:56 (PST)

Hi,Weffyfoo, Boarding is another word I picked up for 'posting'. Thanks! Ginny..by the way,about nicknames..I couldn't pronounce my brothers name-Thomas-when I was little. All I could muster was 'Moose' and that's what he has been to me now for over four decades!
Ginny
- Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 05:05:56 (PST)

Thanks for the replies 'bout the TMD poster..alas, it has been given away. Thanks for the help.
Ginny
- Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 04:58:38 (PST)

Well, I think that I have actually figured out that the GB moves at the speed of light....two days and I had a whole lot to read. The rather lengthy chat on AR's preferences should not involve us and I dont think it would make any difference whatsoever on his acting abilities. He is a fabulous actor and should remain so. *clears throat* Now that I've done my saintly bit....I'm gonna revert to my AR-obsessed avatar! 'Die Hard' is on tonight!!!
Shloka Vaidialingam <justshloka@hotmail.comfoo>
- Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 04:48:41 (PST)

Sorry, but I'm with Barbara (my fellow Aussie) It's got to be Alan's sister (If you take a close look - they are dead ringers for each other (ie - look the same - just in case I'm slipping into slang that no-one understands !) :-)
Lisa
Sydney, Australia - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 04:42:37 (PST)

Um, Kendall must have had a radical hair colour change in 1996, I thought she was sort sandy coloured. Not that it matter, I can't make out the face anyway!

Off topic - but I think that having see "In Deep" last night Michael Maloney has now cast off his nice hopping mad Mark persona, having played a Criminal Profiler who is acctually the serial killer!
Elizabeth
UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 03:45:23 (PST)

~~~blush~~~ (and honestly - it's not his sister, it's Felicity Kendal!)
Jules
UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 03:10:06 (PST)

Sorry for being completely DAFT! I did not mean to infer there were only TWO nice people contributing to this Board...quite the contrary. Nearly all of you have been polite, tolerant of opposing views and welcoming to newbies. I intended to say I can think of only two people who seem not to possess these character traits -- in fact, they are responsible for several contributors leaving this forum. Mercifully, the rest of you are simply great...especially you, Jules. I do so enjoy your entries!
Andrea
USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 02:52:10 (PST)

Mmmmmm have to agree with Barbara it looks like his sister to me as well.
Judy <judy15@bigpond.comfoo>
Sydney, NSW Australia - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 01:44:53 (PST)

Thanks Claire for explaining French cricket, yes, I can visualise him playing now. In S&S there is the scene with Alan in the background playing bowls or croquet and he seems to be enjoying that too.
sue
preston, england - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 01:39:36 (PST)

...and whoever said he didn't like cats has ruined my life...
Jules
UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 01:32:22 (PST)

The Oscars pic? It's Felicity Kendal, another English thesp. Harlii, a 'luvvy' is an affectionate (though you wouldn't think it if you saw AR's reaction to being called one)term for the 'old school' of theatre actors, who call everyone darling or, yes, luvvy, and are a little camp (oh good grief, get an English/American dictionary! ;o) in the way they speak, use their body language etc. It's almost impossible to explain. So why did I try...um. OK - it's behaving in a kind of affected way - exaggerated hand movements or facial expressions: a quirked eyebrow, cocked wrist - oh hell, we're back to homosexuality aren't we, and that's NOTHING to do with it. OK it is, because int he old days camp meant queer but it doesn't any more and now I'm going to do some work. Bye.
Jules
UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 01:31:44 (PST)

Yeah, I heard yesterday about Coltrane being nominated, and I was a little surprised. OK, he's done good stuff, and from interviews I've read I rather like the guy and his honesty, but... as I mentioned here at the time I went to see Harry Potter, I was not that impressed by his performance in that particular film. His figure and the clever costuming/camera work made him *be* Hagrid, no doubt about that, they got him right - but we are supposed to be talking about acting, and well... I simply don't think he was the best. Having the funniest lines to say does not make you the best actor, the writing is to be praised. There was one or two occasions when I felt he was 'reading' his lines too. OK, it could be to do with me knowing the books by heart ;), and admittedly, I was less impressed by the film altogether than most people were, being a difficult customer, but I would have thought that the person deserving an award, or at least the best (main part) actor was Rupert Grin (Ron) - he was brilliant in the chess game scene. He looked genuinely terrified and focussed on the game at the same time. Alan was excellent of course, but not more so than usual (aw, that's not fair, we take him for granted now) and in any case probably doesn't get enough screen time to be in the competition... ah, well - not that I'm interested in awards - just sharing a thought.

French cricket eh? So many French things in Britain.. :) French windows, French beans, French kissing, French diseases, French fries, oh, and the stuff known in France as 'English condoms':) ... so... what was he up to in the park again? Cricket? Ooh... *sounding disappointed* ;)

GML
UK - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 00:05:34 (PST)

No BAFTA nomination for AR? Instead one for Robbie Coltrane in Harry Potter? :-( I guess I got spoiled.
srm
- Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 22:40:12 (PST)

Hello everyone. Harlii, I believe that it is a photo of his sister, Shiela. She is also in the back of That Book written up as Rima... My goodness even the author couldn't get it right!! Did see the new photo of the real Rima when in London, 98, in the soft cover edition tho. Finally got it right.Georgiana thanks for the info! It is odd that the Olivier awards is on the 15th of Feb. That according to the book is his sister's birthday and my dads! I hope it brings him some luck. It was very interesting to read Sean Connery's biography called "A celebration" and his comments of RHPOT. that says "Kevin Costner's hugely enjoyable romp through Sherwood Forrest was a worldwide box-office smash, despite a troubled production shoot and on set acrimony between its star (that's debatable!) and director Kevin Reynolds". So even he was aware of some tension. AR was the star of RHPOT and his "Mum" Mortiana was not far behind!Bye.
Barbara the Australian <hermione(underscore )3@hotmail.comfoo>
Gold Coast, Qld Australia - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 22:00:53 (PST)

Those of you who have been around a while here will remember some excitement a year or so ago when there was talk of AR being in a tv series called 'Albert and Victoria'. For some reason, people seemed to fixate on his playing Albert, which was a bit of a non-starter as at the beginning of the series Albert was in his early twenties and he died, I think, in his early forties. I've been catching up on video'd stuff that had been on tv over Christmas, and that includes this show. No AR, sadly, of course, but a raft of other excellent British thespians including David Suchet as Lord Stockmar, Nigel Hawthorne as Lord Melbourne, Patrick Malahide as Sir John Conroy, Jonathan Pryce in a cameo as King Baudoin of Belgium. On the distaff side, Diana Rigg as Victoria's companion Countess Leizen. So - does anyone remember which role AR was up for? My money would be on Stockmar.
Gail <gail.rayment@sympatico.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 21:12:27 (PST)

Not sure why the subject of AR's sexuality seems to haunt this GB--it is his personal business and entirely irrelevant to our subject.

Anyway . . . I saw PL twice (October and December), and mustered up the courage to go to the Stage Door both times. My impression: Yes, the man is warm yet reserved in the presence of his fans, but that can hardly be surprising. There are a LOT of crazies out there, and some take particularly frightening delight in stalking "celebrities." I saw someone who is wary, yet confident in his ability to cut short any conversation that is heading in a direction that he doesn't approve of. Some might say that makes him appear "cold," but I think you cannot make a true judgement from such behavior. You absolutely HAVE to speak personally to him to understand what many people on this GB, and elsewhere, have attested to. I haven't met many "famous" people, but found myself utterly impressed with how AR looks each person in the eye, and maintains this eye contact for the duration of the conversation. He also leans in ever-so-slightly toward you when you speak, displays convincing signs that he is listening to what you are saying, uses your name, and smiles warmly in receipt of a compliment. I didn't see any signs of someone who is simply going through the motions when it comes to his fans, or of someone who is so glutted with adoration that it no longer affects him. I think he is moved by genuine expressions of gratitude for the work he has done, and understands that people may express these feelings differently.

I guess what I am saying to Sally in London (and others for whom this is relevant) that it is well and good to read descriptions of AR's behavior in various sources, and act on those accounts which you believe credible, but I find that nothing is a sufficient substitute for actually experiencing and judging for yourself. In other words: Go on, talk to him!

So sorry for the long post (way too much caffeine tonight!). Welcome home, Georgiana, and thank you for your acutely perceptive and well-written posts on PL; they are priceless!

Cate
Cate <cate8476@yahoo.comfoo>
USA - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 19:45:26 (PST)

A few questions...first, does anyone know who the woman is in this pic with AR? 1996 Oscars After-Party I found this at an AR message board and I don't know where they got it either...

Next, what do these words mean, please? *campy* & *luvvie* Just curious so I'll know what some of you are talking about...

One last question, in the HardTalk interview, AR mentioned living in L.A. Does he really have a residence there, as well as in Notting Hill, or do you think he's referring to staying in a hotel or something when he has to be there? Just curious...
Harlii
- Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 19:41:48 (PST)

Jules in the UK: When you mention "Big Al", all I can think of is Alan Seuss (spelling?), a big, tall, blond goofball (and I mean that in a nice way) who was on the old "Laugh-In" TV show (1970ish). He played a rather, well, um..."camp"...sportscaster named (you guessed it) Big Al. Batting for the other team, indeed!
Sorry... must go to bed now...
Christine
USA still - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 19:17:53 (PST)

Welcome home, Georgiana, and thanks for all your informative contributions.
Christine
USA - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 18:12:18 (PST)

Just another prototypical mention:

Time Out
January 23, 2002
SECTION: Pg. 156
HEADLINE: Conspiracy theory;
Plugged InTop US drama bucks the trend for Brit baddies.
BYLINE: edited by Emma Perry Alkarim Jivani

Americans like to cast Brits as baddies - Steven Berkoff, Alans Rickman and Cumming, not to mention Charles Laughton if you want to go back to the '30s - so it's bucking the trend to have American-Italian Stanley Tucci play a high-ranking Nazi in 'Conspiracy', a drama on how the Final Solution was devised. The programme also bucks another trend - Tucci gets offered lots of nasty characters but they are usually of Italian origin, while this one is aboutas Latin as bratwurst.

On another note: Knowing full well how tall I am, and respective shoe heights when I've stood next to him, I believe Maureen Patton had it exactly pegged. He appears to stand just shy of 6' 1"

As to a 'chill' at the stage door, it must be quite a challenge to be confronted by a group of strangers, then stand there in the cold trying to sign myriad photos and books with myriad foreign pens, remembering how to spell all those names (in my case, no mean feat!--many of you get it wrong, but he never has) while simultaneously carrying on a conversation. And interspersed in the experience--from his point of view, I would surmise--are those repeated requests for a signing of that book, and the need to be wary of professional autograph seekers who are seeking un-dedicated signatures, to maximize resale value. And I was particularly appalled one night by two Danes (men) who monopolized a lot of his time with taking photos, having them taken (thrust their SLR in my hands at one point), getting signatures, etc., and knowing all the while that these two lads had not the foggiest notion as to who Mr. Rickman was (since they had asked several of us repeatedly--and failed to recognize a reference to "Die Hard"--beforehand). "A bit strained, that's only natural."

Not to add to this totally irrelevant discussion, but I would refer anyone agonizing over Mr. Rickman's sexual preference to compare the kiss of Polly Walker, near the beginning of "Dark Harbor," with the one of Norman Reedus near the end, and draw your own conclusion. Hmm, perhaps not the perfect actor always.

(I drew no conclusion--nor made inference--as to the relative merits of Felicity Kendall vs Dianna Rigg [whom I saw years ago in "Colette," a musical that ran all of 5 days in NYC] as Mother Humble, but merely stated that I couldn't help but think of how the latter might have been in the role whilst watching the former.)

Georgiana (through Customs, passport check, baggage claim, parking payment and home through 'snow falling on cedars'--but mercifully not sticking--in 1 hr 15 min) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 17:59:36 (PST)

Daisy: He definitive likes dogs, I know someone who asks him and he said: Yes, I do like dogs. So......other thing with cats: Emma Thompson cites him in her "S&S Diaries" saying "F*** off!" to a cat while the others crooned at it...! I nearly died with laughter reading that...! Relationsship between THE MAN HIMSELF and animals seems to be a komplex one. But I won`t analyze that here... Cheers, J.
Julischka
bremen, germany - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 17:19:04 (PST)

Hi, I recently got this AR obsession (is that the way its spelled???) anyway, some AR movies are kind of hard to get here so, does anyone know where can I get the titles of the films in Spanish or the international release dates (even if they were released already) or something that'll give me a clue on how to look for them? tnx
Lucha <die_ia@yahoo.comfoo>
México, México - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 17:08:51 (PST)

Hi Su..... :)
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 17:06:13 (PST)

(I originally came back on site to say the following, before I got sidetracked by all the interesting posts here). This posting is about as irrelevant as Georgiana's Humble Boy but slightly less, because of the links with the Almeida! So, the two purveyors of joylessness on this site(or was it the other way round?), be warned!
I recently saw the play Faith Healer at the Almeida, (the theatre where AR took his play of the Winter Guest). Ken Stott, who played the Faith Healer (and who, by the way, DID smile at this particular female fan!)(HAD TO GET THAT ONE IN!! AR-eat your heart out)is on telly next Monday and Tuesday in "Messiah", a part of BBC's "Crime Doubles" season.At 9 p.m. Don't say I didn't tell you.
Sally <sallyphillips@btinternet.com foo>
London, UK - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 16:39:40 (PST)

Sue: It's not a walk OR French Cricket, is it?
Sally
London, UK - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 15:49:52 (PST)

Well, you know were all allowed to have our own.opinions. I am also givento generalize a alot more than i want to. I also have some friends that are "batting for the other team" and i think that its not remotly possable. And sally,ur correct we should respect people for there work and not judge them by there sexual prefrence. I am ashamed of my closet homophobia. So all of you brits out there dont judge me as a uncooth american, i think AR is great. SO we all share a common obsession. Perhaps in the future little things like this international gb will bring diffrent people from all over the world toegether..lol. Clair your a becon in the darkness, good luck!
Katherine/sirus
ny usa - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 15:48:29 (PST)

Cleekety Cleek:Yes, you're quite right, yes and yes and yes. Yes, I should have said hello, you're quite right.Yes. It's just not so easy, that's all. He's rather an imposing figure, (and tall!). And he stands very still. It's most curious. I was watching; he doesn't budge or fidget,as most people do or become embarassed under scrutiny,(though, as I said, I think he was too busy to be aware of being looked at).He just stands completely still. This also increased my nervousness, because most people shift their legs to readjust their balance as they stand. He didn't. It must be the actor training. Then the (unnerving) thought hits you that he is so used to being looked at, that he doesn't heed it any more.. and then you realise that he's moved on so far, he definitely isn't one of us any longer. (And Lindsay did this to me as well, that nothing YOU could say or do, would make her feel any better). And if that doesn't stop you speaking, nothing will!
Yes, as you say, nothing to do with sexuality at all, and I'm boring myself stiff again, so time to go.

Daisy: Well done on being one of the brightest! That didn't surprise me at all.

Sally
London, UK - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 15:46:02 (PST)

Sue - French Cricket is where your legs are the stumps and you use the bat to protect them from the ball thrown by any persons from where the ball lands. So yes is a open space, moving along game.

Claire
- Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 15:44:11 (PST)

Daisy -- Yes, I think he likes dogs. I remember reading something here (can't remember when, it could be buried in the archives) about someone's friend having an AR sighting while walking her dog (a Westie, I think). Traffic was slow, and the passenger in a car near this woman called out "Nice dog". She looks up and sees it's HIM. Traffic then moves on. Can you imagine? Think I would be in an open-mouthed stupor and the dog would be walking me after that.

Weffywoo -- Geez, I didn't think you needed to apologize. I don't know why it should matter if a person wants to use their real name or a made-up one, so long as they aren't a troll. How do we know that some of the people using so-called "real" names really ARE using their own real names? Unless you happen to meet the person and take a look at their driver's license. As for e-mail, not everyone is comfortable about putting their address "out there" on the Internet. Lots of wackos out there, you know.
Christine <Not ready to open Pandora's Boxfoo>
USA - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 15:31:23 (PST)

I don't understand the rules of English cricket (who does?!) But I just have this image of Alan & Rima walking across Hampstead Heath or similar pretending to bowl each other out! and that can't be right can it? I think its the term "a walk of French cricket" that throws me. It's driving me mad, not understanding.
sue
preston, england - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 15:11:59 (PST)

Hmm. Well i agree with everyone on that we should drop this topic because its not very constructive. i apologize for posting on it, but i felt i need to comment on it. Katherine..i read the artical...its a odd one. He is very honest, to the point of imbelishment on the writers part (i think). This is very diffrent from the interviews i usually read where he is very guarded about his personal life. Does anyone have the link i could borrow for the war-poetry? It would be very welcome here. =) French cricket...i'v never played, all i know are the rules are diffrent, thats all.
Emily
london, uk - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 14:55:28 (PST)

Question about "When Love Speaks" CD (and I apologize if it's been answered before). I know the CD is being released in early Feb. and you can pre-order at Amazon.com.uk. Will it also be available for sale at other venues? I'll be in London the last week of Feb. and would just as soon pick up a copy at a record store while I'm there instead of ordering it thru' the mail. Thanks, Kath
Kathy <KATHYL832@aol.comfoo>
Odenton, MD USA - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 14:43:54 (PST)

Cleekity Cleek, I totally agree with everything you have said,,
BRAVO!
GCP United
- Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 14:18:11 (PST)

What exactly is a walk of french cricket? (re. Rickmansworth elle. on Claires page)
sue
preston, england - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 14:17:56 (PST)

Sally-Just when I thought you had dropped the subject, up it comes again. I don't care if the guy is straight, gay, bi or any other combination. However from reading your previous posts I see that you have not plucked up courage to even speak to the guy, but have decided that he is "icy-cold". He probably was, standing round for half an hour talking to fans. Having had the privilege to meet the guy, I consider him to be a rather reserved, slightly wary, but totally charming man, who seems to have a genuine interest in his "fans". What this all has to do with his sexuality I do not know, but why don't you just try saying hello. You must be a fan or else you wouldn't have been so many times to see PL.
Cleekety-cleek
- Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 13:41:15 (PST)

The piece on War Poems, where AR is a guest reader: If you double click on Georgiana's address of that URL, you will be taken to that RealPlayer site. ( I think it's on News ).if you then double click on the No. 2, Alan Rickmans' place in the program, it will fast forward to his recitation, and you don't have to wait the 5 minutes she warns us about. Now, there used to be some .wav files on these Alan Rickman sites, but the only Sound Gallery I find is being rebuilt. Do any of you know where some .wav files are? Thanks.
Alice the Pilgrim <alicecbrown@yahoo.comfoo>
Canton, Ma USA - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 13:36:55 (PST)

Oops!That would be hypothethis even.Ack,cant spell all those scientific words-and I have to go to a science lecture tomorrow since I am apparently"one of the most able students in the school"(dont know where that came from)too!I'm doomed!!
Daisy
Bristol, U. - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 13:34:37 (PST)

Only two nice people?I dunno,I think theyre all pretty nice....
Anyway,the other day I was walking my dog,and Adam Hart-Davies(dont think you get him outside the U.K)came up the path and nearly ran him over,and this got me thinking about how good AR would look with my dog(a Manchester Terrier)-but does anyone know if he actually likes dogs?In fact,any animal at all?Just wondering.....
And Im with you Elizabeth-I would love Alan to come into my lessons and take over!Just think,then he"d have an exuse to say all those wonderful words like photosynthesis,metamorphic,sililoquy and hypothetis!Aaahhhh...bliss..
Daisy(sorry for yabbering on again)
Bristol, U.K - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 13:28:49 (PST)

Sorry to bring this up again. Thought I had done with the subject long ago, but please, let's just be a little less numb-skulled sometimes. I'm sorry. Still thawing out from close encounter with the iceman on Saturday night....
Sall;y
London, UK - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 12:09:50 (PST)

Oh, Constance, you're so sweet and kind, and I hope you don't mind me saying, but I'm sure you see the world as a place where the trees are candyfloss and where New York is really a big apple! You say there is no doubt in your mind that AR is heterosexual,but that's because you have never been near the bloke, (I don't think). And how do you know that your intuitive sense might not get going, if you met him? And isn't he the greatest actor alive? I was kind of under the impression that we all thought he WAS, or one of them, anyway. And doesn't he fool us all the time? And doesn't he come from good Celtic stock (plenty of Irish and a good dash of Welsh?)!! Charmers all!
Sally
London, UK - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 12:02:30 (PST)

Fausta: I am unable to reach you by e-mail. The author of Captain Swing was Peter Whelan.
Rebecca
Seattle, WA USA - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 11:26:52 (PST)

PPS...thankyou Andrea for your words of support,I am sure alot of newcomers to Planet Rickman discover this site and are overwhelmed by the amount of people globally they share their passion with and just let rip!!!Unfortunately their enthusiasm is seen by a few as trivial and niave.I remember my first posting,I had wanted to contribute for ages but felt great trepidation for fear of being a new contributor,an imposter,which is is a pity as because 99% of the time this site is fantastic,it's informative,witty,intelligent and essential!!
Weffywoo <steffbill@madasafish.comfoo>
U.K - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 11:25:29 (PST)

Apologies to 'guess again' for hiding behind a name,it's a valid point that had not occurred to me whenever I have posted here.Weffywoo is a nickname I acquired many years ago and because of that I have always used it as a user name online,my birth name is Steff,which is included in my totally indentifiable and legitimate e-mail address.Bill is my husband and Madasafish is a ISP in the U.K.P.S what does boarding at a site mean??
Weffywoo <steffbill@madasafish.comfoo>
U.K - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 11:05:48 (PST)

This is something that has irritated me for some time, why did TWG get no BAFTA nominations? I just don't understand it. Not even the Scottish BAFTA committe people gave it a nod. Anyone who can answer this please go ahead. I know it got other awards but you know.....
Elizabeth
UK - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 10:43:43 (PST)

You are my favourite actor.
Lucia Macková
Spiš. Nov. Ves, Slovakia - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 10:10:26 (PST)

Fastfilm is so right. NO TELEVISION. Here in the states the newtworks have tried some of the best theatrical actors - say NATHAN LANE everyone - and the series turns out to be an odious bomb..though it would be interesting if Alan would do Sweeney Todd..hmmm..cleaning out closets here..came across TWO theatre posters of TMD...I will tube and move for FREE if'n there is a taker..only ONE though..I keep the other...gnnjameson@aol.com. Thanks.
Ginny
- Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 10:06:16 (PST)

What's all this about cornflakes? I am assuming it has nothing to do with AR, or am I wrong?

That aside, as I was sitting in my biology lesson, as usual not listening but day dreaming, I suddenly realised what TMD and Brief Encounter have in common (aside from being beautiful films, and british to boot). Its the music. Both TMD and BE are totally, absolutly British films, in every aspect, except for the music. In TMD its German (Bach) and BE its Russian (Rachmaninov). Ok useless information.......... I'm sure if it was AR dictating the notes about the structure of a Schwann Cell and not my teacher I would listen........
Elizabeth
UK - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 09:55:46 (PST)

Oh, no- not those cornflakes again! I've GOTTA quit logging on during breakfast. Constance- Hollywood Squares? What to do with that kind of visual...shudder or laugh uproariously?
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 09:53:05 (PST)

I thought my comments were on-topic {yes, I'm pouting}
Harlii <lmhpr00@aol.comfoo>
- Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 08:37:17 (PST)

Georgiana, I have seen Humble Boy not quite as many timesas you have seen PL. It may be just my opinion but I thinkMs Kendal has brought far more depth to her character thanDame D managed. I don't think much of it as a play - in factI think it is what Ken Tynan used to dismiss as "Loamshire" but with a pretentious gloss of science. (Felix could just as well have been a graphic designer as a scientist and the characterisations have more holes than a sieve). I saw the first preview last week and yesterdays and I actually think that Kendal has made a great impact and has a few very touching moments when she actually tries to communicate with her "fat and strange" son - lacking in DD's interpretation. I've been studying audiences and am amazed that people come away saying what a good play it is. It isn't but it has been the greatest example I have seen in many, many years of theatre going of a superb cast making more of a text than is actually there.Happy landings and thanks for your postings.
Petunia
London, - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 06:51:13 (PST)

I am amazed at all the chat about Alan's sexuality! Who cares so long as he keeps acting. What he does in the little off time that he has is his business. As for Weffyfoo,he or she has been boarding for along time at this GB. Straight,gay or sideways I will always stick by the Rickman. Thanks.
Ginny <gnnjameson@aol.comfoo>
- Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 05:21:56 (PST)

I'm nice too Jules!!!
cleekety-cleek
Are You casting aspersions on his sartorial choices!!!?? ....LOL, - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 04:04:06 (PST)

5940 minutes... Shall I take my spatula? Though my big sister might be cross. She's always said I was a philistine...
Jules
UK - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 04:02:52 (PST)

Good Morning All,

Katherine, Would you point me in the right direction as to where you found that article about AR's relaxing habits? There is NO DOUBT in my mind as to the heterosexuality of "our Hero"..... I grew up in Manhattan and believe me, I have an intuitive sense about these things BUT... if He was, wouldn't that make him the "greatest" actor ever, to fool all of us for so long? Anyway, WHO CARES?( so why am i writing about it?)....My first Love turned out to be gay, so there(says a lot about me, doesn't it:~(? )!!

I love the fact that AR is NOT all over People Magazine, not mentioned on those rag tv shows like E.T. and Access Hollywood! Imagine if one day, you were flipping channels and you saw HIM on Hollywood Squares!!! THAT would be the end of Western Civilization as we know it.The Barbarians aat the gate! Are we his "Cult following? :^)

Have a lovely day and Many thanks to our faithful corespondant in London, Three Cheers for Georgiana!

Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip..... Okay, okay, I'm leaving now.
Constance(who at 6:53am NC time needs more coffee) <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
Cary, NC USA - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 03:57:18 (PST)

Whatever do you mean? 'Only two truly nice people'???I'm nice! So's Big Al. Unless you ask him a stupid question. And even then, sometimes, if he's had a good day.Georgiana - just wondering. I know London, and the only Whiteley's I know is a shopping centre just around the corner - funnily enough - to where The Man Himself lives. Are you bunking up in The Gap, waiting for Him to make his next injudicious sartorial choice? ;o)
Jules
UK - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 03:50:01 (PST)

Weffywoo, I couldn't agree with you more. I've wanted to state your exact sentiments long before this, but was afraid to get the truly "nice" people upset. There are only two of them, W., and one is, of course, Guess Again. What happened to tolerance and respect for all contributors to this forum? Diversity is what we should all strive for, and I truly enjoy all the new people and their opinions. The fresh ideas and perspectives make for interesting reading. Suzanne is the dear woman in charge and it should be up to her alone to offer criticism when, and if, it is necessary. Let's all be kind to one another, please.
Andrea
USA - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 03:04:50 (PST)

OFF TOPIC: I saw "Humble Boy" last night, and it is quite a good play, although I never thought I would say that after the first act, which had Simon Russell Beale having sexual intercourse (okay, it was acting) on stage, and another character 'watering' the garden with his fresh urine. It made me wonder what could possibly top that in Act Two? But they rather did, although I couldn't help but keep imagining Dianna Rigg in the role of mother, instead of Felicity Kendall, and the fact that her son is Felix and his daughter (never seen) is Felicity kept reminding me of the actress' name, and therefore that she is new to the role, Rigg having done it at the National.

Gemma Jones brushed past me in front of the Albery as I was heading in Sunday night. And a woman looking very much like Jerry Hall was at the Gielgud for "Humble Boy," who refused pointedly to queue in the loo...

I would like to thank the many newcomers to this site who are making serious efforts to contribute to the on-topic discussion. As to the rest ... And as to 'publicity,' Mr. Rickman got such applause with his first line (four Yorkshiremen) at the Amnesty Concert at Wimbledon that Eddy Izzard commented that Jesus must have walked in. Mr. Rickman commented in the HardTalk interview that he pretty much does what he wants to these days. The fans at the Stage Door are nearly always there for him, and you can tell from audience response at "Private Lives" that they don't take their eyes off him during the performance. I would think all those features put him about as close to the top of his profession as a reasonable person would wish to be. More 'fame' would be more likely to detract from life-style, freedom of movement, and possibly work choices. IMHO...

Sorry for the 'off-topic.'

Georgiana (off to Heathrow) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Whiteleys, London - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 02:33:23 (PST)

Kathryn/Sirus, I don't how many "gay guys" you know but yourquote has just described about three quarters of the "gay guys" that I know. NOT that I'm implying anything other thanyou cannot stereotype sexuality for 100% of the world's population. A gay friend of mine who has worked with Alan says that he is DEFINITELY straight, but "He's the campest straight person I know". (But that doesn't make him a bad person).
Anon
London, - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 01:31:55 (PST)

I don't know, I think part of the charm about AR is the fact that he isn't on the front of every magazine and not immediately recognised by my friends. Not that I wish to deny him fame & fortune - but I think that perhaps if he was a HUGE megastar (you lucky PL ticketholders for one thing, wouldn't have gotten the opportunity to see him up close and personal :-) I do agree with Fastfilm that most performers love attention, otherwise how could they do what they do for so long ? And as to what makes him so appealing ? Beside's that incredible voice, it's the fact that he can play so many different roles (large or small) and still manages to shine in all of them !
Lisa <narmou@aol.com.aufoo>
Sydney, Australia - Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 01:22:23 (PST)

Harlii, I liked your post about Oliver Platt. Since this GB revels in fine film performances, check his out in "Dangerous Beauty," a '98 film about courtesans also called "Destiny of Her Own" or even "Courtesan" in internat'l releases. One of my best video borrows from a friend to recommend, along with "Ridicule," an excellent French historical piece with astonishing captioning in English, keeping a wondrous sense of French wordplay and puns. I know what your fictitious marketing firm shouldn't do for AR: no TV series! Oliver Platt's sunk like a stone.
FastFilm
Los Angeles, - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 21:33:29 (PST)

I found something rather interesting while surfing for Rickman news...it's a review for a movie called Three to Tango, basically about Oliver Platt...it really has nothing to do with AR until the end, then I'll explain...I've edited the grammar at the end for comprehension's sake.

"Anyway, back to Platt. This tall, pleasantly plump man is in many of the finer movies you see. He was in the amazingly clever Bulworth. Then again, the fun Marx Brother styled Stanley Tucci film, Imposters (PLEASE see this if ya haven't). And way back when, when Johnny Depp actually worked with people other than Tim Burton, Platt was in Benny and Joon. Yep, he's well liked in Hollywood cause the boy's got about 26 (good) movies under his belt. What, you don’t know who he is??? Shame on you. He's one of those *you do [know], you just don't realize it* types. Like Alan Rickman."

When I read this, I thought, that's it! That's what the deal is with Alan Rickman...99% of the people I talk to about AR act like they don't know who he is, so I'm leading them along, usually listing Die Hard first, then RHPOT next...by then, they usually get it & admit/exclaim, "I love him!", but they didn't know who he was when mentioned by name...I wish there was something we could do about that...hmm...

If you were given an unlimited supply of money for say, 3 months, what would you do to promote Alan Rickman in the media? Because don't you think his PR campaign could use a boost?
Harlii <lmhpr00@aol.comfoo>
- Monday, January 28, 2002 at 21:06:34 (PST)

Who is wiffywoo? I am quite afraid to ask.=) oh, and katherine/sirus...i never said he was gay. All i said was that i can understand were a comment like that came from..thats all...Is that real materal you have or did you write it...im just wondering..because if it is real i would like to read it..thanks
Emily
london, uk - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 19:00:46 (PST)

That person (refered to below) is one of the people who have their posts regularly deleted here, so some conversations may not make sense. What is known as a "Troll". Someone who posts off topic, rude remarks, spam, swear words, personal attacks, etc. Or all of the above.

Be aware of the FAQ linked at the top of this page, and respect others who read the Guestbook, and Mr Rickman, and all will be fine. Otherwise, I have a delete button, and I'm not afraid to use it ;^D
Claudia <claudia@paradise.net.nzfoo>
New Zealand - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 16:10:47 (PST)

Alright, I have been scanning the entries from the begining of December and there is this one person, Avalon, and she says such weird things and then her entries stop. Who is she? I can't wait to see Dogma!!! Is AR good in it? Well he is good in everything he does so never mind. lol Well I gotta go buh-bye! *~Gwen~*
Gwen <snapesluva@hotmail.comfoo>
West Palm Beach, FL USA - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 15:45:27 (PST)

It's OK Weffywoo, they have a dig at everyone sooner or later and then each other!
Guess, and <guess againfoo>
Guess, guess, guess, guess, guess, Guess! - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 15:38:27 (PST)

Maybe, Weffywoo, some of us 'older' denizens start to gag somewhat at the contributions when we see the names they sign with. I have much more respect for someone who offers us his/her opinions and stands behind them with a recognisable name (and if your parents named you Weffywoo my sincere sympathies)and identifiable email address.
Guess
Guess Again, And Again - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 15:23:17 (PST)

eee! whats all this about AR gay??? I was reading a artical and i found something that definately proves hes not gay..AR: Simple pleasures, he insists, are what matters: 'Sitting around a table with good friends, some sympathy, nice wine good talk, what could be better than that? Except sex. Or getting it right on stage.' After the latter he may be found dining out in restaurants like the Ivy or Le Caprice. His ideal Sunday (often his only day off) is a leisurely lunch with Rima and other friends, followed by a walk of French cricket in the park. does this sound like a gay guy to me..nooo..emily..sorry i disagree where you could even come up with something like that..i mean come on! read the artical in clair's archives...rickman's worth..elle
katherine/sirus
ny, ny us of a - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 15:23:09 (PST)

Yes, Emily... you are right ofcourse...I do feel for poor Alan! But then again when he comes to NYC I will be the first in line to get a big bite of him! LOL :~)
Constance <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
USA(where else?) - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 15:00:06 (PST)

Emily, when you took your film writing class you were part of the collaborative end of the entertainment business. Even lone writers (or photographers like me) officially are the "behind the scenes" personnel. Performers make a beeline for the spotlight. I deal with musicians and actors and am married to a former lead singer of a cult band. And if you've ever been chums with any performers, you know for a fact, as do I, that they THRIVE on the attention paid to their efforts. If you don't thrive on it, you are Kurt Cobain or Brian Jones, spiralling downward: luckily this is not the norm.
FastFilm
Los Angeles , CA - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 14:56:48 (PST)

Harlii...I agree everyone has a favorite personality. Why though? What makes this small community of people (actors etc) so attractive to us? I feel kind of bad for AR..i mean is there enough to go around? When i saw him at pl and standing outside the stage door..i looked around wondering what he thinks about giving so much up. Think about it for a minute, his private life, talent, years of life. I really wonder what pleasure he derives from it..hmmm. I took a film critque class in collage a few years ago, and i remember reading A TON of biographies of actors and writers. They all said the same thing in diffrent ways..you loose a little of yourself when you act or write...you give it away willingly. So when i stood out there..i realized how odd it was i understood all this..yet i still wanted to get close to him. I chalk it up to being crazy...lol. But when he smiled...ahhh i melted..i mean what else could a women want..really? ::blush::
Emily
london, uk - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 14:24:11 (PST)

I've thought about my response to my father regarding AR and this is what I'll tell him tonight:

"Everyone has a favorite TV show or TV personality, or favorite movie, actor, or actress...Your favorite thing to watch, PERIOD, is The Food Network and particularly, Emeril Lagasse...so, as much as you like watching *Emeril* non-stop, 24/7, summer, winter, spring, or fall, I love watching AR even more, simply because he has a heckuva lot more variety in his performances...plus he's hot..."

Anyway, that's basically how I can explain it...I wouldn't ask him or anyone else why they like a particular *personality* in the movies or on TV, I just chalk it up to personal preference...Anyway, I don't think that made me sound like a chump, so I'm happy...and I think this southern belle articulated herself quite well just now ;~}
Harlii - I think I've proved I'm not a nutcase
- Monday, January 28, 2002 at 11:52:53 (PST)

Some additional references to some topics posted here a little while back: Some of AR's thoughts about the role of listening, and of the use of stillness in his acting, are near the end of the 1991 article, "Truly Madly Deeply Villainous," which can be found on Claire's ARkkive page. Also, there is another non-professional translation of the Ecran Noir article about TWG, on Gilda's page under Links/Movies. Finally, at a 1998 Tokyo press conference promoting TWG, AR had this to say about Princess Diana: "I never met her. The problem was that I had to fly to Montreal and introduce the film [TWG] at the festival--I think it was on the Monday after she had been killed--and that's a very difficult situation to be in. You don't want to be sounding frivolous because you're at a film festival talking about a film. And because I'm English and because it was a world event, it felt appropriate to speak about her briefly. And I think what I said at the time was that I thought the film contained something of her spirit."
Archivist
USA - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 11:51:35 (PST)

I know I am going to be massacred for saying this but whenever I scroll thro' recent postings there still seems to be an atmosphere of 'them and us' which is perpetuated by sarcastic and pointed comments by a couple of contributors who I'm all sure we can agree are articulate,intelligent and greatly enhance our appreciation of all things Rickman,yet can't resist having a dig at the new visitors/novices.We all visit and contribute to this site out of a mutual love and appreciation of AR so lets just leave the prickly comments out.
Weffywoo <steffbill@madasafish.comfoo>
U.K, U.K - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 11:50:41 (PST)

I can't believe I'm doing this since I never look first myself, but:

Natalie, check the FAQ...I believe #2 lists his agents' addresses and perhaps you can send mail to him there :~D
Harlii
- Monday, January 28, 2002 at 11:41:15 (PST)

Alan Rickman is sooooo hot! :0 Ohhh. Anyone know where I could find his email address, or an address where I can write him? Snape, Alan, ohhh. hotness. Email me at the above address if you know where i can reach him.
Natalie Dash <snape_i_love_u@hotmail.comfoo>
Toronto, ON Canada - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 11:36:06 (PST)

Harlii- good question. I wish I were an articulate Englishwoman (Jules- you're SO funny) so that I could sum up my feelings on the subject more succinctly! What I find especially interesting about this topic is that the man in question is such a multi-faceted person/performer that there are lots of different traits/expressions to fall head over heels for. I'm a huge fan of lip-curling sarcasm, so thhough I blush to admit it now, Col. Brandon didn't do anything for me when I saw S&S in the theaters years ago, but when I saw that first scene in the dungeon in HP, it was like getting hit by lightning. Sigh... Mortianna- I loved the S&S diaries, too; I wish she'd written one for every movie she did, because she's so hilarious! Georgiana- thanks again for the great peeks into PL. For those of us for whom even NY isn't quite close enough, it's lovely to read well-written firsthand accounts!
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 10:34:06 (PST)

I think alan is so gorgeous! Did you see him in Harry Potter :);)Oh my god!!!!
Kirstie Hawley <-foo>
London, - England - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 08:38:42 (PST)

Oh, well didn'y go to see PL yesterday after all, it was piddling down with rain, and Camden was calling, did hang about a bit to see if we'd catch mr R on his way in but the rain drove us underground...ho de hum
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
southend, essex, uk - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 08:17:25 (PST)

Harlii - I think it is perhaps the "Mesmeric" quality that is so fascinating. Whether he is on the screen or the stage you find you cannot look at anybody else! Of course whether this is solely due to his great acting abilities or the more "prosaic" reason that he is ddg can only be decided by the individual viewer!
cleekety-cleek
- Monday, January 28, 2002 at 07:06:00 (PST)

jules - well i sure could use a car now. my knees will never be quite the same. hadn't thought it could get worse - but these few lines...
well they're sure to catch the attention of people who were not so much into shakespeare until now. they succceeded in my case.
georgianna - b a s s e t t? does my english fail me here - even more than usual? i sure don't want to come back to this awful discussion again, but i for one never liked dogs in that way.
constance: i find myself quite often nodding to what you write. and i sure sympathize with your not being able to stop smiling. YES!
mortianna
- Monday, January 28, 2002 at 06:57:23 (PST)

I just realised: in only 7213 minutes I shall see him walk on stage...Oh>>>>>>>>>>>>my>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>god....¦o)~
Jules
UK - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 06:49:10 (PST)

Well Harlii..... Why are we so fascinated with AR?

A fascinating question indeed but unfortunately Suzanne's Rules of Decency keep my response restrained !:~)
Constance(who can't stop smiling)
USA - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 06:16:03 (PST)

Thanks, Jules--don't need an old car at the moment.
Claudia
GA USA - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 05:56:16 (PST)

Mortiana, and Claudia - you'd better make that Amazon.co.uk. Unless you want to buy an old car.
Jules
UK - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 05:50:15 (PST)

Moritanna--make sure its amazon.uk.com. The US site doesn't offer the CD.
Claudia
GA USa - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 05:34:00 (PST)

Olivier awards are held February 15 (Friday--noonish). I believe they air on the weekend, however.

I picked a machine today with working audio and heard the clip from the RADA CD. My, but what a funereal reading it appears to be! Not much of a sense of fun in that voice!

THE LAST FROM ME FROM THE ALBERY, SEAT AA19 (SPOILERS AHEAD):
I saw my last performance at the Albery yesterday afternoon. I realize my great good fortune. I want to leave you with some of the visual images I shall carry forth, some of those "marvelous moments" there to share in the play. A few of these have been in the press; many of the others, I trust, will live in the memories of those others, like me, fortunate enough to have attended.

The languid stance, Act I: Elyot, hand on the balcony whilst Amanda speaks of white elephants. The one where the hand had trouble staying stationary the other day. It is classic Rickman, bringing to mind Jaques lounging against all that white fabric in "As You Like It." (Claire!)

The hand slide, Act I: A heartbeat later, (Renie, you would have died to have seen it!) as Elyot pulls Amanda toward his embrace, by the hip.

The magnificent lionine visage resting on that tiny torso, Act II: mentioned yesterday, this actually did recently appear in one of the London papers.

The run to the grammaphone, Act II: With flashing soles, this is the reverse of the "Harry Potter" entrance. He does such a lovely job covering ground.

The lounge, Act II: Elyot sits on the red sofa, left elbow on one overstuffed arm, arched right foot up against the other, fingering his nails ("you yap, yap, yap, yap, yapping about Victor...") It is a perfect study in casual irritation and how those nails are tended night after night!

Innocent tom-foolery, Act II: The "What's it all mean" speech is now so overdrawn as to have become, not adult mockery, but innocence revisited and he ends it with the sort of self-satisfied closed-mouthed innocent grin that Huck Finn would have shown to Tom Sawyer, having pulled one off on the Widow Douglas (it is exactly the look grandson Mac Henry gave me, at 2 and a half, when he knew he has mastered enough language to tell me the story of his afternoon's adventure). It is the broad farce and this innocent mischief that so lovingly sets up the very serious scene that follows. The jewels are now aptly set.

The beta male, Act III: Elyot on the floor, face suffused, looking up, knee crooked, at the looming "Victor" (!), then head bowed in submission. A perfect image.

The mocking assistant, Act III: On one bended knee, hands forward, Elyot glides to assist Victor in picking up the items the maid has brushed to the floor with the breakfast tray. And what a "So there!" look it is.

The pumpkin grin, Act III: Mouth stuffed with brioche "with butter... and jam..." Eyes twinkling before the next strike.

This is brilliant Rickman, that plastic Bassett-y face unafraid to be less than totally attractive, often ludicrously funny, always completely engaging. I hope those of you unable to make it to London will find New York a venue you can manage.

Georgiana (Lovely seeing you again, Sue! Looking forward to New York with Suzanne, I hope!)) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
London - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 05:21:42 (PST)

excuse me i must go pray.
again on this sonnet...
amazon.com? thanks s lot.
mortianna
- Monday, January 28, 2002 at 05:05:16 (PST)

Julia--No need to wait for the When Love Speaks CD to be released in the US--you can order (or pre-order right now) it from Amazon.uk.com. The price converts to about $20 and I think well worth it. I can't wait for mine to arrive!
Claudia
GA USA - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 04:37:02 (PST)

Broadway - I'm hoping AR will come to Melbourne with PL, unlikely, but a girl CAN dream ... *sigh*! (C'mon Alan, Melbourne is the live theatre capital of Australia!!!)
Pam
Melbourne, Australia - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 03:33:19 (PST)

Can anybody tell me when the Olivier awards are on? I hope AR WINS! It is also good to see that HP is going to China! AR will be seen there! I bet he will be happy!
Barbara the Australian
Australia - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 03:27:38 (PST)

or let him listen to this sonnet*sigh*.
thanks for the link, but i couldn't download it either. Well, just means that i still have something to buy when i get to london, won't i?
read the s + s diaries, by the way. simply had to have them after reading the quotations here (or was that back in 97, getting even more confused here). strongly recommend them as an insight in the art of film-making and a good laugh any time. wonderful!
mortianna <mortianna@gmx.netfoo>
- Monday, January 28, 2002 at 03:23:01 (PST)

I really ment to say that AR and JS were like Brother and sister Not the Lunts who were married. Just a thought, Sheila is the name of AR's sister. Maybe the new script for the new film AR is to direct is from her? I wonder.
Barbara the Australian
Australia - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 03:20:11 (PST)

Hello everyone! I have to say that I have always rated TMD as my all time favourite AR film.Juliet Stevenson is a extraordinary actor! Gaye, from Adelaide, I read that JS and AR were like the "Lunts" of this time from the Maureen Paton book. How true, like a brother and sister,- a really strong platonic relationship. You see, the Lunts were two really wonderful people who helped so many people including, Laurence Olivier in 1940. They did so much for the theatre then. What can I say about JS and the close platonic friendship she has with AR- They really sparkle together as they did in LLD and she has been said to be the best Mde. Tourvel and I bet she was! With the help of Barrington Phelounge's cello, TMD was an expierence not to be missed! No, we are not all perfect, and all that we say here is not alltogether correct with everyone, but I have to say that it is very enjoyable to read ALL your comments here and see ALL the different views! It's healthy to be DIFFERENT! Even JS and AR are very different in their way and that's what makes their acting so good! A bit like the world today - we are all different, and that is what makes us, including ME, so GOOD! I just bet AR would agree! Bye!
Barbara the Australian <hermione(underscore )3@hotmail.comfoo>
Gold Coast , Qld Australia - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 03:13:02 (PST)

Or equally as simple Harlii, just play him the Tango sequence from In Demand. If he doesn't understand then he never will :) :)
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 02:50:04 (PST)

It's simple, Harlii. You just tell your dad that Big Al is, um, he's - well, in fact, he's actually, um - well - PHHWOOOAAAARRRRRRR! For all sorts of reasons. That should satisfy him.(it's easy when you're an articulate Englishwoman, you know...)
Jules
Uk - Monday, January 28, 2002 at 01:53:29 (PST)

Very simple question for you guys, but oh, so hard to answer (speaking for myself)...

I was surfing the net the other night for Rickman sites, at the same time I believe I had one of his movies playing, not sure...My dad walked up and said, "What is your fascination with this man?", in this really incredulous voice...and I couldn't answer him :\

So Rickman fans, I ask you simply...what is your fascination with this man? Can you answer it succinctly or is it too hard? I'm really curious because I've tried to come up with a reason that doesn't make me sound like a nutcase and I haven't found it yet...I'd love to hear your thoughts and see if any *one-liners* are even possible ;~}
Harlii
- Monday, January 28, 2002 at 00:12:31 (PST)

GEORGIANA, CLAUDIA:I am still going through piles of CD looking for the software. Don't worry, I'll find it in no time...I hope. The size of the software is very small. 453Kb. So, I'll be sending it to you through e-mail.
You can download almost anything if you know the URL. I don't know if the URL is displayed for the 10 minute vid. clip for WLS(Realplayer). But I'll list all the links for you below. I also have the URL for TWG's interview clip,(Quicktime), and the HARDtalk interview. (Realplayer)
When Love Speaks video clipThe Winter Guest Video clipHARDtalk interview**if anyone else wants the software, feel free to e-mail me.**
ShizukaDream <shizukadream@yahoo.comfoo>
CA USA - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 23:52:03 (PST)

Erm, you guys... I've just had the most horrifying thought: What if When Love Speaks isn't going to be released worldwide, but only in the UK? How can I cry over it on my pillow then? I mean, really, what are the chances that a RADA benefit CD is going to show up on the racks of my local HWV or Musicworld? Panic is setting in, and the website isn't helping. It's taunting me with it's gorgeousness, and lack of any pertinent info. Whn is the concert? Are only luvvies allowed, or can I come, too? Why won't Alan personally deliver the CD to my door? Oohhh....
Julia <j_petrov@hotmail.comfoo>
Calgary, Canada - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 20:13:29 (PST)

Victoria (OH)! You are going over for the exact same dates that I am! How funny. And for the same reason, of course. :) I am not looking forward to the flight, either. At all. If you see your doctor, he/she will give you something to take, if you feel like you will be too nervous. A lot of people have done this, esp. after Sept 11th.. I read about it in the paper. I was pondering it, myself. And to think, I honestly used to enjoy flying! Anyway, I hope you have a great time. I am sooo looking forward to finally seeing the man in a theatre setting. yay!
cakewench <dobrien@erols.comfoo>
Washington, DC USA - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 18:36:35 (PST)

Well...thats a raither odd comment? AR gay? Hmmm...i just can't picture it...he likes women to much...Especally being close to them. I guess i can see where a comment like that would orginate from. "smirk"About his hight..AR you say 5'11 well I happen to think that he is MUCH taller...i am 5'8 ish and he looked alot taller that me about by half a head. I was about even with his chin...oh well... Were did you say to get that interview about WLS?
Emily
london, uk - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 18:05:30 (PST)

I've been a closet fan of AR's for some time now not knowing I was one among many! Lurking at the GB "window" gave me inspiration to approach my husband with the idea of going to London to see this play that is getting rave reviews (sans child). He said "YES, if we can get a good deal" which we have, of course. We leave the States the evening of 6 Feb and arrive 7 Feb (am such much not looking forward to the flight) and leave Feb 11. We have tickets for Sunday 4pm performance, 3rd row from front! Thank you for all the postings about enjoying the play and performances. It gave me the desire and courage to embark upon this adventure. I envy those who have gone to the stage door afterwards. Don't know if I'll have the fortitude to do it and if I do...will I fall apart and become the shy school girl of my youth? Oh well, I am soooo looking forward to this real adventure instead of living vicariously through others on the GB! Thanks so much for the inspiration.
Victoria <vlock40@aol.comfoo>
OH USA - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 18:03:46 (PST)

Me again. I'm so sorry, but I 'd just switched the computer off and then I remembered I had to add something, so have just switched it all on again! I just wanted to say there was one thing missing from the "signing" experience I just described. I would have given the whole world for a smile.
Sally
London, UK - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 17:53:18 (PST)

Harlii: I would say he is well over 5'11" but I've been wrong before. Goodnight!
Sally <sallyphillips@btinternet.comfoo>
London/Thisis the last on PL for a bit, UK - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 17:34:28 (PST)

Sorry about the spacings in that previous posting of mine: my spacebar gave up in the latter stages!
Sally
London, UK - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 17:05:45 (PST)

Thanks, Sue. Nice to meet you too. Glad the play met with your approval. Georgiana and Claire had luck at the stage door-got things signed, took photos and spoke to him. I just kind of ambled around in the rain, gawping at him, everything I wanted to say dying in my throat. I did say a sentence to Lindsay, who I thought rather pleasant. He seemed polite but so icily cold, that I couldn't utter a word! And I felt so much like a sixteen year old with a crush,(when Iam nowhere near sixteen,)I felt conspicuous with shame! So I just took the opportunity to have a good look at him. (I think he was so wrapped up in signing that he didn't notice. I hope so, anyway.) He wasn't disappointing. And I'll say this for him, he really did listen to people. He was completely alert to shouts to look up while people took photos of him, and would look up and smile instantly. He listened carefully, it seemed, to requests and tried to carry them out. Ofcourse, I couldn't hear what people said to him, but judging by Georgiana's comments and bits I did overhear, he answered people's questions as well as he could, though he did not prolong conversations, but cut people off with a sort of "warning" 'yes' and 'no' at times. He was still there when we left. So, it seems true what they say, he does give people some time and what's left of his energy and he didn't rush anyone or run away. (On theother hand, it must be taken in to account,and this sounds mean; he knew Georgiana had links with Suzanne from this GB, so it paid him to behave well, perhaps knowing that this would be written down.) But, considering they both had cold, had done twoperformances, and it was 11.30(ish) at night, and had to deal with all this, they did well!
Sally
London, UK - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 17:03:23 (PST)

Thanks for posting the WhenLoveSpeaks web address. I just finished listening to some of the readings and the interviews, and then was looking at a book of other poems and could just hear AR's voice in my head reciting Wordsworth's sonnet "Composed Upon Westminster Bridge". I wish he would read that one on a CD as well!
Lee <charmquark02@yahoo.comfoo>
US - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 15:40:20 (PST)

E-mail me there! bye! *~Gwen~*
Gwen <af_chick_lac@hotmail.comfoo>
- Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 15:21:01 (PST)

O.K. If you cannot stand YET ANOTHER Private Lives Review Look away from the screen NOW! (as they say on the sports news)

Thanks to Elizabeth's misfortune and my good fortune I went to see the Sat. Matinee yesterday. (Many thanks Elizabeth)
I last saw PL in October so was pleased to have this chance to see how it had metamorphosised. Looking back to my Oct. post I note that it took a while for me to get into the 1st Act. No problems this time. I was hooked from the start. The leads seemed far more relaxed and the whole play just flowed along. I found Elyot a bit stiff the 1st time round but now it just appeared seamless. The 2nd Act was as gorgeous as ever, but again their playing and mood at the beginning seemed more romantic which of course led to the fight scene that appeared as frantic as before. The biting was a little less realistic but maybe they are suffer major bruising by now.
The final act was again played more for laughs and AR had plenty of opportunities for facial mugging. Both leads looked as if they were enjoying themselves. Victor came over rather louder and more confident this time. The whole show was superb and I am so glad I have got tickets for the final performance in March.
Nice to be able to say hello to Georgiana, Claire and Sally. Hope they had success at the Stagedoor.
Sue
England - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 13:21:15 (PST)

Sally/UK, are you saying that AR appears even taller than the reported 5'11"? That's what is on almost every bio I've read about him...

Also, I forgot the videos you sent were in PAL...ahahahha...I put them in the VCR and got a lot of garbled talk over a black screen...lol...I'll have to get them converted this week...
Harlii
- Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 13:17:23 (PST)

Sorry,Im not sure if I actually meant to say ageing then.I think it was 'Im growing up to fast'I intended to say.Yes,I know it is the same thing,but I feel ageing makes me soud as if I only think 'old'people listen to radio4.Well,it makes sense to me.
AR sounding'Eyore-ish?I rather like Eyore myself.....
Daisy
U> - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 12:56:46 (PST)

Oh darn,I will have to start listening to radio2 now.(shamefull really,Im 14 and in the odd moments I turn on the radio I listen to ch4.Help!I think I am ageing too fast!)
Thankyou Georgiana,for your reviews on PL.All very interesting.You lucky,lucky girl is all I can say.:)
Daisy
Bristol, U.K - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 12:20:35 (PST)

GML, I'm afraid I'm unable to convert RealPlayer files into Videograms, sorry! That WLS site is spiffy. Thanks for the link, Annette!

And thank you, Georgiana, for your continued reviews of PL! Extremely insightful, as usual.
Our turn to see PL, indeed, GML. *grin*

Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 11:45:10 (PST)

Thanks so much to the person who put up the WLS site. Not only did I get to feast my ears on the material, but it gave me a free upgrade to RealOne (RealPlayer wanted to charge me $10 for that elsewhere!) Alas, my favorite isn't featured- #156, I believe- "In faith, I do not love thee with mine eyes..." But I find plenty with which to console myself. Now...how long are we going to have to wait for this to make its laborious way to the USA?
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 11:38:33 (PST)

Ach, sonnets only! Discrimination I call it! ;) OK, which is your favourite? I like AR's choice, but another one I would have liked him to read is:

O, never say that I was false of heart,
Though absence seem'd my flame to qualify.
As easy might I from myself depart
As from my soul, which in thy breast doth lie:
That is my home of love: if I have ranged,
Like him that travels I return again
(...)

Well, it would have been most appreciated by the British audience anyway. 20 weeks in New York? How dare he?! ;) *ducks under a rain of American tomatoes*

Just teasing, I'm pleased the transfer to Broadway sounds more than likely now. Your turn to enjoy the play!

GML
UK - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 10:49:03 (PST)

Well thats typical isn't it! AR does an interview and I am standing in the rain on a freezing cold street the other side of the world (Bristol, ok I'm exaggerating, but when you had to drive there all on your own in the rain to pick up an manic depressant family friend, it does seem the otherside of the world)

Radio 2 archives its interviews, I think........ so I'm looking to see what comes up in the next few days on their website.
Elizabeth
UK - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 10:20:48 (PST)

Hello! Thanx very much for the transcript of ARs Hardtalk video,I enjoyed it very much. I watched DOGMA this weekend and searched the whole internet (almost...) for a picture that shows Alan in the walking-on-water scene. Has anyone an idea how to find such a picture? Thank you in advance :)To Gwen: the official Dogma-Homepage is www.dogma-movie.com
michaela <mboettcher@sms.atfoo>
Graz, Austria - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 10:20:34 (PST)

And this is my correct e-mail adress!
Sally <sallyphillips@btinternet.comfoo>
London, UK - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 09:31:26 (PST)

Gwen(hotmail): I have tried twice to e-mail you re.Dogma, but e-mails returned(yes, I remembered to delete the FOO!). Please send your corrrect e-mail address.
Sally <sallyphillips@btinternet.ukfoo>
London, UK - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 09:29:46 (PST)

Georgiana's comment about AR's head being about the size of Lindsay Duncan's torso is interesting. I hadn't particularly noticed this detail, but I did get a chance to see her after the play last night and she certainly was TINY.I had assumed that she was tall, seeing she never seems that much shorter than he is, but when I stood next to her(for a fleeting moment)she appeared to be about 5 foot 3(guessing) and REALLY slim. (She made me feel huge and I think I'm slim!) Anyway, the point is, when I got home, I'd taped Perfect Strangers which she plays a big part in, and she looked slim in that, but not as minute as she apparently is in real life. This goes to prove what they say- that TV puts about a stone (in weight) on you! Evidently, the stage makes one appear tall! Alan is, by the way, looking at him last night,about my brother's height, I should think. This makes him tall, about 6 foot 2, and guessing.
Sally
London, UK - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 08:40:43 (PST)

Georgiana: Aha! If you hadn't said to AR about your grand-daughter being able to distinguish between an actor and his role, Zelda might have got "Severus Snape" signed on her photo. Much more fun for a discerning five year old, I would have thought!
Sally
London, UK - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 08:21:53 (PST)

Uh, the poem reads "thou art" of course..., not "thou are" (ouch!)

BBC Radio 2? Aargh. I was on 4! :( - Very pleased to hear the next project (the directing one presumably) will be completed before the end of his HP commitments (that could be 7 years down the line if Snape lives) - I was wondering. As for the concert, I'm still hoping to find out what there is to find out on the day! :)

GML
UK - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 07:49:17 (PST)

*SOB!* I can't download the videoclip interview from the whenlovespeaks.com site. The square thing that sits on my desk and pretends to be a computer is happy with 'Quicktime' but has always had trouble downloading 'Realplayer' files. It usually *does* apparently download them 'bip.. bip.. bip.. bip.. bip.. brr.. brr.. brr.. brr...' for hours and then brightly says: "this is not a RealAudio file". (And before anybody brightly asks, yes, I *do* have the videoplayer version installed ;) - Since unfortunately you can't use the keyboard to reply "I knoOow this isn't an audio file, you [censored], 'took you *that* long to find out?!", you're left somewhat annoyed and videoclip-less. And human nature being what it is, a clip you were only mildly interested in viewing an hour before suddenly becomes something you *need* to see; Nobody likes being defeated by a dumb computer. Uh, ahem... sooo... is there a way of converting the interview file into one of these great fool-proof videograms Suzan uses and post it here? Now if that would be 'pirating' the RADA site in any way, don't pelt me with tomatoes (especially not of the still-in-the-can variety), just say so - I'm ignorant of the Net copyright laws, that's all. I just thought that since it is promotional material, making it available in a different format, if only for a day or two, would only help spread the word... and then I would be able to see it! ;)

Oh, on the more pleasant experience front, I went to see A Day in the Death of Joe Egg Saturday afternoon. It seems Giorgiana was sitting at 'another' matinée a few streets away at the same time, and hopefully not so soaked and cold as I was (nice weather, eh? *sneeze!*;) - Well, the play was excellent, and not least for being disturbing as well as funny. Enroling the audience is very effective, and of course Izzard is in his element there. Eddie rulezz!

OK, I'm off to check if any of the artists on the WLS project reads
Blow, blow, thou winter wind
Thou are not so unkind
As man's ingratitude;
Thy tooth is not so keen,
Because thou art not seen,
Although thy breath be rude.
Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly:
Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly.
(...)

Not necessarily one you want to get on Valentine Day, of course, but I rather like it! :-D

GML
UK - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 07:29:27 (PST)

I trudged out of the shower this morning, switched on BBC Radio 2 as usual, and the voice I heard stopped me dead in my tracks. Yes, I hadn't known it previously, but AR was being interviewed by Clive Anderson (who's currently standing in for Michael Parkinson). Unfortunately, I only caught the last couple of minutes of the chat - did anyone else hear more?

I've noticed before that Clive A., who is not very good as an interviewer on TV, is even worse on radio - he sounds like he's permanently panicking and jumping on to the next question without knowing what kind of reaction he's going to get, so this was not the ideal setting. AR didn't really get a chance to say much beyond answering each question, and there didn't seem to be any rapport between them to let banter develop. (Parkinson would have been much better, but let's all cross our fingers and hope for an AR show on Parky's next TV series to make up for this. Please, Parky??)

Anyway, I got the impression that the earlier part of the conversation had been mainly promoting the When Love Speaks concert in early February. The first phrase I heard was mention of one of his films (oops, missed the title) and how much hard work it had been, and then Harry Potter came up. AR praised the young actors very highly and said he wished he could take it all in his stride the way that they seem to, and called them calm and resilient. He mentioned the fact that the second one is filming now.

Clive said something like "we tend to hear more about your villainous roles", and AR responded that it was probably because those movies had much bigger publicity budgets. Clive then mentioned the S&S role, said it was atypical, and asked whether it was as enjoyable to do. AR said it was wonderful to do but mainly because of the people involved in that production. Clive said "Those people included Emma Thompson, who was in the first film you directed, The Winter Guest. Any plans to direct any more?" AR said yes, he's working on a fantastic script now, and named the writer (Sheena or Sheila something?) and said it was "what they call in development, but this is serious development". He said it would be happening "in the next ... year ... or ... so" (my attempt to convey the delicious Snape-like pauses in this sentence!) and when asked whether he could fit it in between London and NY runs of Private Lives and further HP commitments, he seemed very definite that he could.

That was pretty much the end, with just one further mention of When Love Speaks (CD and concert). Clive then introduced the next record slightly awkwardly, saying "I don't know how appropriate this is, but now we have to say goodbye to you with Where Do You Go To My Lovely!" and there was a lovely throaty laugh from the background that faded away into Peter Sarstedt!

BTW, Georgiana is right -- the poor love definitely has a cold at the moment. The Voice was very low and husky... some might even say Eeyore-ish. :-)
Red
London, UK - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 07:18:05 (PST)

Renie, I appreciated your comments. As to Jamie, however, I have a different take. I find him someone very talented but otherwise rather ordinary, until that ever-so-brief moment near the end where one of the other ghosts asks him something like, "Is it now?" to which he replies, "Yes." At that moment, it becomes clear that his intention has been to remind Nina that he had feet of clay and she therefore needs to stop idealizing the relationship. Only, at that moment, the viewer comes to realize the full depth of their feelings for one another. So as they are moving apart, you are moving toward the full sense of loss with which Nina begins the film. I find it devastating. I couldn't watch it for two years after I saw it in theatrical release, and now save it for those occasions where I need to divert the pain of loss to another focus. It is an amazing film, and more so in that such a perfect gem was so quickly produced.

Sue, there is a simple guide to basic html referenced at the top of the page. You need only remember to put a 'p' in brackets for a paragraph, and a 'br' in brackets for a new line. (Now, those links require more than two-digit memory.

What a lovely website RADA has put up for the CD! Thanks so much for the link.

FROM SEAT AA19 AT THE ALBERY (SPOILERS AHEAD):
Most of the cast appears to have a cold, what with occasional scratchy throats, red nostrils, and dripping noses. Amazingly little evidence and hardly a whit of impact on the performance overall. I have no idea how they so well manage the symptoms. At the Saturday matinee, Elyot seemed to have trouble keeping his had on the balcony railing for that now-famous stance whilst they discuss white elephants, etc. Was beginning to look like the surface was hot. Or he stood too far away. Or he really just wanted to move but the director told him he couldn't. But it afforded a wonderful focus on the "h*nd" (sorry, Renie!) from the front row. He has added a full-out laugh with Amanda over the concept of them all trotting out for an early start somewhere down the road. There are actually quite a number of chuckles not previously apparent. The first of the "Sollock" pauses in the second act has been shortened--no pillow fluffing, moving at the window immediately to the knock and wave--and now runs about a minute 20 by my count--still getting a laugh at the gong. I am pleased to report absence of Windsor knot (although the creases remained; robe sash now tied at the loops--don't these folk know about basting stitches?--I doubt it would damage the thing even if it were silk) and hanging threads. I had no recollection of such an emphasis on "Hush, hush" from Victor to Sibyl in Act Three--which now forms a nice bookend to Elyot's "Stop crying!" (poor Sibyl!) in Act One. And the matinee saw a shade knocked off the wall sconce, and the last pillow in Act II nearly take down the floor lamp at the footlights.

As interesting as was that caramel color (you know it from the Conan interview, the "Galaxy Quest" premiere [same time] and the Willis benefit), Mr. Rickman's hair has now metamorphosed into a color actually seen in nature, quite a bit more like shades of old gold and I quite like it. When he rests his head on Amanda's abdomen in Act II ("Not in the eyes of the Catholics..."), one sees that his head is virtually the size of Ms. Duncan's torso--an amazing image, now on permanent file in my mind along with the beta male posturing. And I would add a classic pumpkin-eaters grin in Act III that I don't recall being there before, with Elyot now clearly flushed, delighted and chagrined with the reaction he'd gotten from Amanda on his "strange noises" remark.

As you can see, the play is a gold mine!

FROM THE STAGE DOOR:
I commented on how different the play seemed. Mr. Rickman indicated it was not intentional, but rather evolutionary. I asked about New York, and he indicated it appears to be 'on,' for April, with a run of "one day" to not more than 20 weeks, depending upon the critics! I asked him to sign a Snape photo for Zelda, "who at five has no difficulty distinguishing an actor from his role." He replied, "Good for her." The inscription reads, "To Zelda, love, Alan Rickman."
Georgiana (Yes, I shall give it to her anyway!) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
London - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 05:42:36 (PST)

OMG!!!! I just went to that message board saying AR was gay. So what if he is!? I once went to the mall and in this one store there was a gay guy working at the counter and he was soooo awesome! He said everything looked good on me even if it didn't. I don't think being gay will affect anyone's love or obbession for him. He is a wonderful actor and I will love him no matter what. *~Gwen~*
Gwen <aLlMe@hotmail.comfoo>
West Palm Beach, FL USA - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 05:36:27 (PST)

Alan should look tired! Whether old, though I don't think he's particularly old, or not, anyone would look tired after the kind of scheduling he is presumably going through at the moment. Think about it: Seven performances a week-one every weeknight except Monday, and two on a Saturday and a matinee on a Sunday. So the only sense of free time he gets is on a Sunday evening, presumably.On a Sunday evening soon he will be doing his part in that CD launch (only one Sunday,I know,but still-!). On Mondays, he is filming for HP. Again, we don't know if it's every week, but it could be. Originally, the play was running for three months. It's now extended to six. Then, it may go to Broadway. God! And add to this, the little fact that every damn night of the week there are fans, standing outside, waiting for autographs. This adds on at least half an hour to this schedule every day.
Sally
London, UK - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 05:36:21 (PST)

Blimey!You go away for a few hours(on an incredibl undignified cross-country race in the rain,wind and,in parts,knee deep mud pools)and your eyes go red trying to catch up with everyone!Thankyou!!You are fabulous!
I am loathed to comment on the JS disscussion,as I feel I have missed my chance and dont want to start it up again,but I can remember being quite upset once after being told to go into the boys toilets rather than the girls by someone at my primary school.The comments could be slighty more discreet
Thanks Annette for the WLS site!It is indeed 'spatula dropping'!(however,as I am not terribly gifted in the kitchen I guess I will have to drop my paintbrush or someting instead:))
Daisy
Bristol, U.K - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 04:43:26 (PST)

Hi everybody: what do you think of this topic? I think it's a bit strange to tell that AR might be gay if he has a girlfriend about 30 years....anyway...i do not care if he's straight or gay...check this topic:http://messageboard.cinescape.com/harrypotter/ubb/Forum4/HTML/001018.htmlgreez Saskia
Saskia <sasje@xs4all.nlfoo>
The Netherlands - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 04:42:17 (PST)

Hi guys! Today is my birthday (41 years!). I am so sorry my page is down for some time. Well, because of the enormous traffic maybe. I hope it will soon be in the air!I've sent a letter to Alan's agent and I hope I will soon receive it back (with signed photo's). See you soon!
Stezi <Stezi@wxs.nlfoo>
The Netherlands - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 02:44:37 (PST)

Does anyone know how to download the audio file of the sonnet that AR was reading? ("My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun...")
ShizukaDream <shizukadream@yahoo.comfoo>
- Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 22:20:49 (PST)

Harlii, I am not asking you to be dishonest with your opinions--just a little more discreet with the hurtful comments. Please be reminded that even though we are in the privacy of our own home or office--our postings are not at all private and are available to anyone and anywhere--including the person the comment is being made about. Please put yourself in the shoes of that person and think about how you would feel if you read such things about yourself.
Claudia
GA USA - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 21:48:23 (PST)

Thanks Leanne for the information about DVD players. I have been looking to buy a multi-regional and the sites I have looked at haven't looked very reputable. I took a peek at the site you suggested and it looks very good.
Claudia
GA USA - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 21:42:43 (PST)

I forgot to mention , I just finished watching Rasputin tonight and at the end it didn't show what the music was in the movie, I really, really really want to know what it was is there anyone who knows the name of the music where he is dancing in the restruant,

There must be somebody out there who can help me. I have been checking out the internet but I can't seen to find anything, I would really appreciate any help ,

Thanks in advance.
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 21:23:53 (PST)

hi there, to the question about the spelling of colour, We here in Canada also spell it that way ,

I think its because we are so close to the english, I must say I love the Brits....
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 21:17:18 (PST)

Annette, can't thank you enough for the link to WLS...I am impressed by the entire undertaking...it looks and sounds wonderful and I'm soooooooo glad the participants are British...I love my country (most of the time), but I'd hate to hear Shakespeare performed in anything other than English accent...I lerrrrrrrrrrrvvvvvv the accents :D

AR looked wonderful...it always strikes me how soft-spoken he seems in interviews...not at all loud and brash like many of his big screen portrayals...and Sue/England, you took the words right out of my mouth...I had to copy down what he said about the work, it was so profound (to me): It will be a great thing to be given; It will be a great thing to be sent secretly, umm, or given publicly, or bought for yourself and cried over on your pillow.Mmm...so romantic!! I loved it and I hope if I don't receive it as a gift openly or in secret, I will not be embarrassed to buy it for myself ;~}
Harlii
- Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 20:44:17 (PST)

Steady on, Jules!(clatter!). See what you've started, Constance, with your spatula-dropping! (I'll write tomorrow about seeing AR today. It's too late now to start writing).
Sally
London, UK - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 19:17:25 (PST)

Thanks everyone for the words of support...for the non-supporters, I'll just be dishonest next time ;~}

Georgiana: If I promise to behave and bring my own porridge and blanket, may I come visit you for a while? Then maybe I can tag along to one of those PL viewings...You are soooooooo lucky, I hope you wallow, revel, absorb, soak, etc., etc., etc. in it...Have you thought about putting all your commentaries on the play in one little diary all together? Then maybe someday you can print it out and send us each a copy (those of us who haven't been able to go)...You tell everything so beautifully, just like a professional critic...I truly appreciate it and so does everyone else here, I'm sure...

I got my package from Sally/UK today!! Bob Roberts & TMD...heh...I'm going to watch TMD again tonight with friends and then I'll let you know what I think tomorrow...and I'll bite my tongue so as not to offend the easily offended, and I mean that in the best way possible...wish me luck! P.S. JS looks lovely on the cover of the videotape box...I mean it...
Harlii
- Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 18:13:09 (PST)

I just found the name of the actress I was referring to, it's Wendy Craig, who was in the UK TV series "Butterflies" and "Mother Makes Three".
Gaye
Adelaide, South Australia - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 18:09:51 (PST)

I agree with Claudia that hurtful comments should not be posted. Try to imagine if such a thing was said about you, orto you, and how it would feel. I know how it feels. Scenario: walking down a school hallway as a teenager when a middle-aged woman (not a teacher) walked by in the opposite direction and said to her companion,"Was that a boy or a girl?" Now I am aware that I was not and still am not the most feminine-looking woman around, but I am human and I can tell you it hurt. You would think that an adult would have the maturity to know better than to say something like that within earshot of the person she was talking about, but as I get older I am more and more aware that insensitivity is rampant in our society.
I also agree with Constance that there are countless subconscious reasons why we might be attracted or turned off by any given person, but I'm not sure that's the point. Perhaps not all opinions need to be expressed openly. This may feel like a chat between girlfriends at someone's house to some, but it isn't a private conversation. It is sent out there into cyberspace for anyone to read, and will be archived and available for anyone to read for probably many years to come.
I am not meaning to pick on anyone here, just wishing that everyone in the world could give some thought to being a little less hurtful to each other. If the seeds of that thought take root in just one person's psyche as a result of reading this, then it's worth it to me to have written it.
Anonymous
- Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 17:29:56 (PST)

Ummm, just wondering... why do English people spell color-colour etc? Just thinking about that :-) *~Gwen~* P.S. Who is Avalon Schultz??? She wrote bad stuff.
Gwen <aLlMe@hotmail.comfoo>
West Palm Beach, FL USA - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 17:25:01 (PST)

Oh my gosh!!! Ok I was just in Blockbuster with my friend and we were looking at DVD's to rent for tonight and my friend(Cassidy)picks one up with her favorite actor (Matt Damon) in it. So I'm like ok this is cool and I look at the name: Dogma. I'm like that's a cool name.... I think? I scan all the pictures on the front cover and I see this guy that I soooo know from somewhere. I look up at the top of the cover and who is it??? Alan Rickman!!!! I go Cass Alan Rickman is in it so lets get it but she hates him so she goes 'no'. (She was getting Miss Congeneality :-( thats ok though). What is it about? E-mail me and tell me cause I can't find it online for some reason. Bye! *~Gwen~*
Gwen <aLlMe@hotmail.comfoo>
Wste Palm Beach, FL USA!!!! - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 17:03:57 (PST)

Magda: Do you know why TWG is not available yet in Region 1 format? I've had it pre-ordered since Nov. or Dec. My husband thought he would be able to give to me as a Christmas present but it still hasn't arrived.

AphraB: You mentioned TMD having a soundtrack. I haven't been able to locate it. My skills at searching the Internet are not as good as I would like. Do you know where I could find it? Feel free to email me so we're not using the GB for personal use. Thanks.
Michaele <mmh1324@home.comfoo>
Chattanooga, TN USA - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 16:22:05 (PST)

Re: When Love Speaks sound file,
That's not a poem, that's a caress!
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 16:09:42 (PST)

I'm with you Sue!

I was just thinking today about how wonderful and unique this GB is! It really feels like we all know and respect oneanother and feel free to share our opinions and hearts.The people here are so witty, insightful, well educated and very kind. Other GBs are nothing but stark comments, here we really discuss things and I for one really enjoy this!

Thank You for the Web site to the Sonnets(you know who you are)! A lovely site, visually.... and the sound clip or ARs..... "spatula droping" indeed! AR did look exausted but that is to be expected. Poor dear, I do hope he gets some rest before coming to NYC.
Constance <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
USA - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 16:05:09 (PST)

I meant "can't" remember how to do paragraphs!
sue
preston, england - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 15:53:10 (PST)

Annette, thank you so much for the "when love speaks" site. It really is great. I too thought Alan looked tired, but pleasantly so (if there can be such a state!) as opposed to sick and tired!! He has had a haircut and looks very young and almost vulnerable (oh dear..) Anyway he seems a very gentle man, and I was impressed when he said the cd would make a wonderful gift to give secretly or openly, one to enjoy or cry into your pillow over. He is a romantic man. As the release date is Feb. 4th is it possible it could be No. 1 in the charts by Valentines day? Harlii, please dont be hurt at peoples reaction to your posting, the thing I really like about this guestbook is that it is like having a group of girlfriends round your house drinking wine and talking all night, you know those occasions, there is always someone who gets the really animated chat going by making a very startling comment - well thats you at the moment! Then five minutes later everyone is rolling around laughing. Sorry everybody I just remember how to do paragraphs (I know its been explained before)
sue
preston, england - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 15:50:10 (PST)

Wow! Thanks for the When Love Speaks Site! That is great! I agree though, he does look tired in the interview. Poor guy should take a little vacation!

Well, I got my multi-region DVD player finally and was able to watch "We Know Where You Live" and the Victoria Wood Christmas special. The Victoria Wood Special is very funny, especially Plots and Proposals, the Sense and Sensibility spoof! Alan is funny in it and the out takes really made me laugh! It is fun to see him bend over and laugh at his mistake! I have a question though, does anyone have the RHPOT DVD? If so, are there any out takes on that one? That is one movie I would LOVE to see Alan's out takes on!

Thanks in advance for any info on this. By the way, the site I bought my multi-region DVD player from is "DVD Shippers" and I am happy with the player I have. I don't know if anyone else is looking for one.....
Leanne
WI USA - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 15:37:24 (PST)

Julia - we've had this one before I believe! As to the lack of gloves and hats in TWG, it is a perfectly normal thing in Scotland. Being a Scot myself, having spent the first three years of my life in a house with no hot water and no central heating I have never owned a pair of gloves or a hat in my life. For Scotland this is totally realistic, believe me, I even lived in the place where they filmed TWG, yes its bloody cold, and for much of the time in the winter you can't see a thing due to sea-frets (fog that comes up off the sea). What always intregued me was the bus, where did they find that bus!!
Elizabeth
UK - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 15:17:02 (PST)

Annette, thanks for that site for the Sonnets. It was fabulous! I thought Alan looked tired, as Emily said he looked at PL; maybe age is catching up with him, and all those performances are a bit too much.

Constance, I agree with you entirely. For some reason I didn't take to JS, I don't think it was just her appearance, because there's another English actress whose name escapes me. She is a little older than JS and has appeared in a few English TV series; one was about a Nanny set in the 1920's or 1930's. She is rather plain, but I really like her. And as you say, Alan isn't classically handsome, but obviously has a lot going for him!

Claudia, the trouble is that we all differ as to what we find "distasteful" - remember the different reactions to the letter to the Agony Column from that 34 year old woman who fantasized about Alan? And the different reactions to Alan's mentioning his genitals in the American interview about the Winter Guest? I didn't find what Harlii wrote too offensive, and it got us all thinking. Which maybe isn't a bad thing.
Gaye <pjhenley@chariot.net.aufoo>
Adelaide, South Australia - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 15:04:40 (PST)

OFT: Michael Maloney:
Truly, madly, happy
Daily Telegraph
24 JAN 2002

Maloney is now happily married to a photographer, but…

"It's when he's being romantic as Romeo or falling in love while hopping along beside the Thames in the film he's still best remembered for, Truly, Madly, Deeply, that his life tends to fall apart.

[In the] 1991 film Truly, Madly, Deeply…he played a man who falls for a woman (Juliet Stevenson) still grieving the death of her boyfriend (Alan Rickman), who reappears in her life as a ghost.

It was a weepie par excellence, a definite contender for the ultimate chick flick of all time, and his role as Mark - and particularly the famous scene featuring his one-legged wooing of Stevenson's character - is the one with which he is still most associated.

"And it was the briefest job for me," he says. "It was nine days' work and then in the editing process my contribution looked a bit larger than it did on paper, for which I was very grateful."

Closetland is not the easiest movie to watch; however AR's performance is chilling. I've made comments before about AR's choice of roles, and his pointed intention to bring out more than one or two dimensions in a character. Three film examples would be: 1) The Interrogator--for many viewers, he is a compelling emotional/physical figure, and we can feel drawn even as we are repelled by what he believes, and what he is doing. He is, however, a believer in his own methods and endgame...or is he? 2) Hans Gruber--AR turned him into an excellent thief, masquerading as a terrorist. Well-dressed, well-educated, and well-spoken, we can't help but admire his ability to outfox--we even root for him, even as we are repelled by a cold single-minded killer. 3) Jamie---not just the good guy/perfect mate who died, but someone who's overbearing and insenstive to Nina in many ways, not a sappy syrup lover, usually conjured as the dream by stock movie convention.

Renie (standard-bearer of the h*nds contingent)
- Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 15:00:17 (PST)

Thanks Georgiana. Glad you enjoyed yourself!
Judy <judy15@bigpond.comfoo>
Sydney, NSW Australia - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 14:38:59 (PST)

Ooh! I say!He said 'breasts'! ~~~clatter~~~
Jules
UK - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 13:31:38 (PST)

For further info, on the 'When love speaks' site, the downloads section contains a roughly 10 minute interview of some involved, including AR, and under clips from the album, a portion of AR reciting his sonnet - 'My mistresses eyes are nothing like the sun ...'. I know in the past entries on this GB, the term 'spatula dropping' has only been applied to pictures. I think this term can also be applied to AR's recitation. I have to go lie down now.
Annette
Mansfield, Tx USA - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 13:26:48 (PST)

Found this on a chat page and thought I would pass it on - 'When love speaks' now has its own website -'http://www.whenlovespeaks.com/'. Including an interview with AR. Enjoy!
Annette
Mansfield, TX USA - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 12:55:57 (PST)

It's been so cold here lately that I've been thinking a lot about TWG. It seems to me that there a re several weather-related incongruencies within the film. 1) If it's so damn cold, why isn't anyone wearing a hat? This isn't dry cold, it's wet, by-the-seaside cold. It's not just nippy. 2) Why isn't anyone wearing gloves, especially if they touch metal bars, handles, etc.? If it's cold enough for the sea to freeze, it's plenty cold enough to make your skin freeze to exposed surfaces. 3) If the heater's broken in the house, how do they get warm water for the bath? Unless this is a peculiarity of Scottish houses...

I agree we should be able to feel free to discuss our opinions without fear of recrimination. But in the process of our posting, I think we should use tact and care as to not write distasteful and downright hurtful comments about anyone--no matter who they are. That is just plain out common decency. The gender/JS thing was absolutely uncalled for.
Claudia
GA USA - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 12:31:11 (PST)

Wait I'm not done (amazing what comes to you while unloading the dishwasher)!!!

Sometimes our reaction to actors/celebreties or even people in our everyday lives are rooted deep in our subconscoius. We may not have a logical, tangible reason to like or dislike a certain person but yet, there it is; an attraction or (in Harlii's case w/JS) a repulsion).Who knows? Perhaps, there was a bully in the play ground that looked like JS,the incident forgotten but the emotions still alive and vibrant in the psyche. Case in point: My initial reaction to AR. An almost volcanic attraction! And yet if I logically disect his face, mannerisms,his work even, etc...it does not ALWAYS sum up to what my usual taste is (thus confusing my poor husband to no end)and yet there is something that lies deep within me, my subconscoius, my spirit if you will, that responds to him so strongly! I know that there are millions of women who drool over Tom Cruise and yet , whenever I see him, I have to fight the impulse to (virtually) wave him over to my table and ask for a refill on my coffee!What's with that?So, the moral of the story is......(oh dear...what is it?) Oh yes! Please do not judge oneanother, for our internal worlds are as varied as our finger prints . Let us just agree that it is lovely to be able to express ourselves here without fear of recrimination.
Constance <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
USA - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 10:39:18 (PST)

I just got my stage door pictures back! My friend took them while we were waiting. She managed to get one of AR..its not that goo but its a profile. Im going to see if she will let me post it..that is if she can part with it for a few minutes. I LOVED PL! It was a crowded and pushy experience...but a nice one, none the less. AR, he does have a commanding presents on stage. After listening to his voice and watching his movements, its all quite mesmerizing. I mean he could turn to the audience and say..."Now you will quake like a duck!" and most definatly you would hear a few :quacks: He definatly was good, but he seemed a bit tired. Later on there were some odd mess ups. LD and AR seem quite tired indeed. I wish i had seen the earlier shows maybe it would not have been as noticable.
Emily
london, uk - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 10:20:40 (PST)

Emailing people here on the guestbook:

Be sure to delete the "foo" that Suz has the guestbook add to addresses (Spam prevention).

And thanks for the letters of support!
Barbara the Wallpaperer
- Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 09:44:33 (PST)

Hi Georgiana, having unsuccessfully tried to send you an email (my server seems not to accept your address...) several times now, I'll just try via guestbook now. - As you and Sally are the most experienced Albery experts around: I'm going to see PL in February and urgently need someone's advice...Would the seats in row AA be worth booking for "normal" theatre goers, too (feeling they could survive without using the once-in-a-lifetime chance of getting as close as possible to AR), or are they too close to the stage for a good view of the play as a whole? My sister will be going with me and I don't think she'll forgive me for booking seats where she can't see anything BUT AR (wouldn't mind that in the least myself.... ;o)))And as for the box office collection option - could I then collect the tickets any time before the day of the performance or just ON the day? (I'm not sure if I misunderstood the ticketmaster's information...)If any of you find the time to send me an email as soon as possible, I'd be so grateful!! Can't wait to get there!Thanks a lot! Monika.
Monika <grizelda@worldonline.defoo>
- Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 09:12:38 (PST)

Georgiana- I second Constance's comments. I was curious if you'd have any "tweaks" to report, and lo and behold! Very interesting how plays evolve! Constance- I'm searching my couch, too. (If the airlines/theaters start taking plastic beads and Barbie clothes as payment, I've got enough to get us both tickets!) Harlii-- what a priceless line...but it inspired me to have something ELSE for breakfast. Fausta- indeed, a veritable epidemic of casting idiocy. John Malkovich...wasn't there something about him buying the rights to DL? Or am I confusing that with something else?
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 08:26:50 (PST)

Georgiana!

I am always amazed by your writing! Do you do this for a living? Anyway, Thank you for you latest "review", it made me pine even more intensely for my OWN experiance with PL. I take it you did not visit the Stage Door this time? He must know you so well by now, must know how you take you tea....:~) Thanks again.

And to Sally in London: good luck tonight! Please e-mail all details! The more I think and pray/meditate about it the more I realize that I MUST be there when PL comes to B'way! Must start looking for spare change amoung the sofa cushions!

And finally! Please let us respect one another's opinions here! To attack someone just because you do not agree is... tyrany! I know that when it comes to the Arts, we do get a little hot under the collar but still we must understand that Art is highly personal and we should keep that in mind when "lashing" out!

Harlii! Have you thought of taking up Boxing? :~)Cheers!
Constance <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
Cary, NC USA - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 07:39:46 (PST)

WOW,just been to Bensonsworld.co.uk and pre-ordered "Judas Kiss"@£5.99!!!to be released 25/02/02!!!!!at last...phew I need a lie down now,all the excitement has made me giddy.Sorry about that sudden outburst just thought you'd like to know...
Weffywoo <steffbill@madasafish.comfoo>
Hants, U.K - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 05:16:49 (PST)

Aphra B: Whilst Lindsay Duncan may be able to do 'siren-like'( I think you said, sorry I'm trapped in the "ADD" section and can't get out quickly!) in her sleep, I don't agree there is'no sense of stretch' about her performance in PL. She doesn't just play sexy in this play, she plays comedy, straight, tragedy, the lot. I think both actors are stretched to the limit (Alan said as much in the Hard Talk video)and though now have honed and perfected their roles to a tee, work very hard each time to act the infinite variety their roles demand. And let's not forget- Lindsay has earned TWO nominations for her work in both PL and in Mouth to Mouth. Alright, it was basically for her ability to do 'siren' so well, but, even so, AR could never do this play as he does,without her. Much as I like JS, I can't imagine him doing it as well with her ( even though I believe Alan likes her very much). Lindsay Duncan, unlike JS, has, as well as huge acting ability, the unquestionable face and figure for this role and she matches, even surpasses, Alan's sexual charisma, and these attributes are undeniably a requirement for this play, whether we like it or not.I am in no way denigrating JS, it's just the way it is. I'm sure Juliet would be the first to agree with that!
Sally
London, UK - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 04:55:05 (PST)

Georgiana: Glad the play doesn't disappoint. I don't think the top coat incongruous . First of all, they come in wearing coats to give dramatic emphasis to the fact that they are going away. Secondly, it's always bloody cold and raining in Paris, just like it is here, today, summer or no summer! Thirdly, I think it gives dramatic emphasis again to when Elyot wants to fight Victor-he jumps up, saying" I'll tear off my coat, and we'll go at one another, hammer and tongs...." and then, "Here goes then" and tears off his coat, advancing towards him menacingly. That's my take on it, anyway!
Sally
London, UK - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 04:27:33 (PST)

To those people going to see PL today,have a wonderful time and to a special friend you know who you are"Do hope you didnt have much difficulty in getting there.
GCP!!
- Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 04:14:52 (PST)

Mary Anne, wasn't the Savage Garden song, "Truly Madly Deeply" inspired by the film?

I find Juliet Stevenson very attractive--albeit not with homogenized 'good looks' Hollywood favors.

FROM SEAT AA19 AT THE ALBERY (SPOILERS FOLLOW)
It was lovely to be back in the front row of the Albery again last night, and I walked in behind a woman who told the usher she was there for 'standing room,' so obviously the play continues to do well. The audience appeared to have many persons naive to Coward, laughing heartily at all the famous lines.

I was amazed by how many changes have been enacted and how so many little things in the play have been 'tweaked,' mostly for the better. This was obvious from the first, where Emma Fielding (Sibyl) now pauses on that balcony and waits for the audience to quiet down (again had a woman behind me who appeared to think opening music--like at the movies--was to be talked over) before starting her lines. And, as Claire has mentioned, that first scene with Elyot and Sibyl now 'flows.' I had the definite sense that Rickman was finally really 'listening' to Emma in the fashion he has discussed when talking about good acting. So all the little timings are now very right as they would be if Elyot were hearing and responding to Sibyl. It was quite lovely. Even the kisses ("Three, please, I'm superstitious") had character and warmth, although still that rather wide-mouthed quality that seems to differentiate them from the ones he gives to Amanda. There was an awkward 1-2 second pause in the first act, making you wonder if someone forgot a line (Rickman then spoke one of his), but all in all it was a delight. All those luscious moves around the Taj Mahal seemed even more accentuated, and they have changed the movements at the end of that embrace so that they remain facing one another until he finally breaks away during her "Oh, quickly" speech.

In the second act, Amanda now draws out the "I don't care if they bark; they can roll about like hoops" speech so that the audience hears each line. As to bigger matters, the Chekovian sequence was heart-stopping. It is better set by Rickman having further exaggerated the entrance sequence ("What's it all mean?") by even more extreme gyrations ending on his face on the arm of the gold divan. Talk about chewing the scenery! So the lovely serious philosophical ethereal speculations on humor, death and the universe that follow were like jewels dropped lovingly into a placid ocean. Magnificent!

Not all the changes were to the good. Don't know if there has been a problem with them trailing, but last night the ties on Elyot's robe were knotted in back into a rather perfect Windsor knot. It brought to mind childhood games pinning the 'tail' on the donkey. It was a very formal touch to his lounging wear and for me very distracting. Oh, let them wave! And, talking of tails, the suit jacket in Act Three was dragging hanks of threads peaking out from the back edge in three or four places. Perhaps the fact that this material is unravelling is why we have the incongruous topcoat in Act III (in Act One, Victor: White suit? Amanda: Why not? It's summer). It was again distracting watching Elyot with beads of sweat formed on his forehead and dripping off his right sideburn asking, "Is this a discussion or a fight? If it's the latter, I'll put my coat back on" lest he "catch a chill." Not bloody likely! I realized there are at least three 'animal' references I left out of my quiz question--one of which would be in contention for top choice. The image of Elyot, red-faced, rising to a half sit in a very beta-male position at Victor's feet, is one of the best in the play. Near the end, he now leans further and further in Victor's direction as Victor drones out about his friend with a place on the water--very funny.

It does make you wish there was an 'exit' press night, where all the critics came again and reviewed a play upon closing. This was wonderful to start; it is aging like fine red wine, the depths deeper, the fruity over-taste more perfumed. It would soften the heart of even a Nightengale.

Georgiana (forgive typos--don't know why the Brits moved the keys around!) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Whiteley's London - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 03:12:11 (PST)

Harlii! ¦oD ... 'who pissed in your cornflakes?' !!!!!! What a WONDERFUL phrase - I MUST use it today! Who said we can't take anything rich from American language?love it!
Jules
UK - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 02:49:58 (PST)

To Saskia:You can view the clip here:http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/cta/progs/01/hardtalk/rickman07nov.ramI downloaded this video clip with a software that I have. The size of the file isn't very large. Only 5.61 Mbs. If you need that software, just email me. I'll try to find it for you. It's very useful! It can download almost anything. Some Quicktime videos that can only be viewed on line can be downloaded with that program, too. I downloaded "TWG's" interview with the same program!My e-mail is shizukadream@yahoo.com.
ShizukaDream <shizukadream@yahoo.comfoo>
CA USA - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 02:28:15 (PST)

Just finised listening to Hard Talk. It's very clear that for AR, issues about children are as big and important as before, or even more than before. Even talking on his joining Amnesty group, the first word came from his mouth and his main concern to be a member is 'children'.It was well known among the regular GB readers that the pair agreed not to have own kids long time ago, and AR treated his siblings' children as his/their own in many ways, as he mentioned in several interviews in the past. And around that time ,in TMD, he was also mentioned about 3 and half old years girl.(And do you remember what he said to Stezi from him, out of concern and his love towards kids, when he knew about her kid's birthday?)So it wasn't a surprise to hear 'that' word from him in the interview after all these years, but it was a very good exsample for some egoistic people who think that being a politician is the only way to get things done, or people who think or say that because they 'produced' chilren, so they are parents and more superior than the rest,how wrong they are or where to seek the better way.I don't have my own kids but I've been teaching on 'How to be a independent and helpful person for the society' rather than accademic subjects to 1-15years old children for more than 15 years, and sometimes fought against some selfish people to keep the kids' welfare or for their (future)sake!There were and are many people who critisize(d) or offend(ed) me (in-)directly in many ways, because of my childless status. But I don't care about them even a bit and see nothing wrong in having done or doing as I believe.So, I think I understand what & how AR sees and thinks of the issue over the children, DID agree with his several comments over the years, can't help admiring his continuous firm stance, concern and attitude toward the matter for the past years, and DO wish he'd keep doing.(Sorry if I sound very arrogant)HE is the real children-lover and a person who seriously thinks of their welfare and wants to do things selflessly...It's very precious because there aren't many of such persons in our society...regardless of countries nowadays. And I guess he's not only one but JS, ET and many other his close friends share the same concern in several degree, and that's another reason of being friends apart from being in the same industry... Hopefully some of GB readers can share the similar idea with me...and supporting them in their common interest as well as their profession.Tks for reading and sorry to use up so much space...
Mika
Japan - Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 02:23:11 (PST)

wow...as they commonly said in the late eighties "chill out, man" I understand we all have strong opinions, but come on! Were all adults here..(women as well, i think) lets be a little more constructive. As it was said "everyone has a right to a opinion" weather it be about JS or the moon. TMD is a great film which fitted AR and JS's talents perfectly. Some say that JS is common or ruddy. I think that a JS fan may think that AR was odd or something to that degree. Lets keep open minds, especally all of you non americans who are "supposted" to have a more broud opinion of things...cant we all just get along?
Katherine
new york, ny us of a - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 21:16:29 (PST)

It intrigues me that people can attack other contributors to a Guest Book just because they share different opinions. Is one person's opinion "better" or "more correct" than another's? If I find what someone writes offensive, I might put forward my own ideas, but in a polite, neighbourly way. Or with a touch of humour.
Gaye
Adelaide, South Australia - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 21:00:38 (PST)

Aphra, I don't know who pissed in your cornflakes today, but that is no reason to attack me for my opinions of JS in TMD...I am not working on a thesis for anything, I already have a degree and a career, thankyouverymuch...I have spent numerous words here trying to explain what I meant, which, really, I needn't have done, because they were MY opinions...which all of us are entitled to...

As I said before, I found no fault in the performance JS presented in TMD...I said I couldn't get past her looks...that's my opinion and since I was commenting on the movie, I felt it necessary to add...I did NOT attack her...I can say what I bloody well like about an actor and not have anyone jump my case because of it...I have no idea why you took it so personally and continued to harp on and on, calling my name out at every turn...

Take your own advice and stop attacking me for my opinions...Oh, and take a chill pill while you're at it too...
Harlii
- Friday, January 25, 2002 at 18:54:42 (PST)

Found a lovely review (www.classicsondvd.com/truly.htm) of TMD whilst pondering the purchase of the DVD (video cassette is on its last legs!).

"Anthony Minghella (The English Patient) made his directoral debut with this keenly observed made for BBC TV production, which he also wrote. Truly Madly Deeply examines love, loss, and moving on in a way so unique and almost defies description. To call it a comedy is to devalue the depth of the story, and to call it a drama belies the many, truly hilarious moments that uplift it.

The luminous Juliet Stevenson, and actress far too little known in the United States, stars as Nina, a young woman who is so devastated over the loss of her longtime lover Jamie, a cello player, that she is nearly immobilized. She goes to her job as an interpreter/language teacher, visits with family members, and deals with the repairmen and exterminators who are trying to fix up the “hopeless” flat that has been hers for many years, but she is only going through the motions. Her weeks are punctuated by visits to a therapist where she naked honesty the pain and futility she feels at going on without the man she loves.

Nina’s desire for Jamie (Alan Rickman) is so profound that finally he comes back to her! This is not just a ghost or transparent spirit that offers her solace or advice from beyond: he is back as a flesh and blood human being (though his flesh tends to be a bit cold). For the first times in months, Nina is deliriously happy, doing the things that lovers do: sleeping in, forgetting about work and duties, wanting nothing more than to spend time with him. But gradually she finds herself bending her own needs to his, her life revolving around him while he rearranges her furniture, artwork and knickknacks to suit himself. And her life is further complicated when he starts bringing home his friends, all of whom are dead. His actions bring Nina to examine the nature of their relationship, both in the present and past.

The lessons that Nina ends up learning are both simple and profound, and the conclusion of the film is so moving it is liable to melt even the coldest heart.

The story, which seamlessly blends the real and unreal, overcomes its inherent improbability because of Minghella’s lovingly realized script, and because of the earnest, believable performances. Juliet Stevenson, for whom the role of Nina was written, gives and extraordinary performance that is at once endearing and heartbreaking. In the scene where she completely breaks down in front of her psychiatrist, her pain is so naked that it makes the idea that her love/need has brought her lover back to her seem all the more believable. And Alan Rickman has never been more endearing than in his quiet, enigmatic performance as Jamie, whose has very few answer about what the afterlife is like, and whose favorite new “party piece” (as Nina calls it) is to pop up out of nowhere and scare her. Both actors attack their roles with such sincerity that they make the implausible thoroughly acceptable."

I have been an admirer of JS for a long time. Her warmth, intelligence, humility, and compassion--not to mention her enormous talent--are what I wish were more evident in our own actors. I find her simply lovely, and refreshingly and unapologetically herself.
Cate <cate8476@yahoo.comfoo>
USA - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 18:35:06 (PST)

CLAIRE: Thanks for the package, it arrived today safe and sound. Was I SHOCKED what you managed to get for me! Ta for now,Kath
Kathy <KATHYL832@aol.comfoo>
Odenton, MD USA - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 17:25:53 (PST)

Angelina- the Camera theaters, where "The Search for John Gissing" is playing, are in downtown San Jose. I'm glad I'm not the only one balking at the entrance price. I would imagine it'd seem even steeper if I had to DRIVE two hours to get there. Nice to see someone else on this GB that lives in CA, though! Lynn- what a bummer about your unsuccessful music search. I'm looking for it, too- if I find out anything, I'll certainly let you know about it!
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 17:17:35 (PST)

Hello,

I just wanted to say that the mucic that someone said was from Rasputin was not it. I bought the music by Greig, called The Hall of the Mountain King and that is deffinately not it. I wanted the music that AR is dancing in the tavern/resterant with the gypsy girl, he is wearing that red shirt. Please, Please , Please can someone out there tell me the name of it. Thanks in advance....
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 16:46:47 (PST)

I have been dipping in and out of your GB for the past few months but Harlii’s recent leap onto the Minnie Driver bandwagon has finally compelled me to make my own mark.By Harlii’s own admission, she has spent an afternoon “ searching and searching online” in order to find “one thing to suggest JS is or ever was a man” I think this a most extraordinary area of research to pursue. Is it a thesis for a doctorate “ ’Though I am caparisoned like a man…’ Gender confusion and the Shakespearean actress”, something along those lines??If you don’t like JS’s perf. in “TMD”, why not just say so and leave it at that? We all know that opinions about what constitutes good acting are subjective. However, I found your comments about JS’s appearance extremely distasteful and I am sure AR as JS’s close friend of almost 25 year’s standing would be similarly offended.I would also disagree with the person who posted who described JS as “common” looking. Almost all interviewers/profile writers comment on her ‘offbeat’ or ‘unconventional’ ‘beauty’. In certain scenes in William Nicholson’s “Life Story” (the drama documentary about the discovery of the structure of DNA), she is stunningly and compellingly beautiful. JS is herself insecure about her looks. After the birth of her son, (Yes - she has given birth but we can keep quiet about this to ensure that Harlii’s research grant is not in jeopardy) she was quoted as saying that she was pleased her children resembled their father rather than her. Unlike AR, she does have Internet access, and I am sure if she came across Harlii’s remarks she would be dismayed by their insensitivity and immaturity.Lets be clear about this, what an actress looks like is immaterial. What matters is whether she can pull off that simplest but rarest of thespian tricks, that is to make us believe, despite all rational evidence to the contrary, that she is what she is not. For my money, JS does this again and again. She has convinced me that she is a Russian peasant girl (Poliakoff’s “Breaking the Silence”) a Norwegian General’s daughter (Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler”) a morally upright 18th Century French judge’s wife destroyed by passion (Hampton’s adaptation of “Les Liaisons Dangereuses”) and a Tory Cabinet Minister’s betrayed wife (Paula Milne’s “The Politician’s Wife”). I was fortunate enough to see both the Anton Lesser/JS 1999 RNT pairing and the AR/Lindsay Duncan 2001-2002 pairing in “Private Lives”. Whilst I infinitely preferred AR’s portrayal of Elyot, in my opinion, JS was the better Amanda. I am an admirer of LD’s work but know that she can do brittle sophisticate in her sleep, so there was no sense of stretch, no sense of challenge. Harlii - If JS’s acting fails to convince you, surely you have the critical vocabulary to express this without resorting to making personal remarks about superficialities.By the way, Caroline Dale plays the cello on the soundtrack of “TMD”.Thanks for the space. Great guestbook. I enjoy almost everything which is posted.
Aphra B
London, UK - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 16:43:16 (PST)

Same goes for Closet Land. I made a bid for one at eBay and got outbid.(Livid!) If anyone sees a (non DVD) copy of it,anywhere, would they give me the nod, please. Thank you.
Sally
London, UK - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 16:33:17 (PST)

OK, Anne, hope you make it.Sirus/Katherine: There are copies of Mesmer at Amazon.com for a fiendish price and for a slightly, but not much cheaper price at BensonsWorld.com. I am too mean to pay so much and am holding out for something cheaper... somewhere!(in my dreams!)
Sally
London, UK - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 16:26:10 (PST)

Laurel, re: Back Story,
When I read your post about the woman from casting, I checked with the Internet Movie Database to see if she was the same person in charge of casting for Dangerous Liaisons who had the idea of casting John Malcovich as Valmont instead of AR, but no, the casting in each film was done by two different people. Idiocy must have run rampant in Hollywood in the late 80's.
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Friday, January 25, 2002 at 16:04:07 (PST)

I just got TMD on dvd. Can you believe it..? Its a great film i love it alot. I also got dogma..my roomate likes that too! I would love to see PL im a HUGE theater junky..i mean NY and all..=) But im stuck here...can someone tell me how it was whos seen it..please...Thats why i loved studying in Britain...saw lots of great stuff when i was there... Cannes...sigh...gtl europe! They definaty turn out the most talent! Where can i score mesmer..clean...please.
sirus/katherine
new york, ny us of a - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 15:59:11 (PST)

thanks..i found a copy of the book at a online store..Actor's attic i believe..I ordered it! It was £10.45 yeah! You know i was watching the interview..poor AR cant get word in with that freakishly odd man always breaking in on his sentences. I read the transcrips just to be sure and low and behold i was correct! I now understand why he would NOT want to deal with reporters all the time...nor would anyone, really. He did look wonderful, a good hair day! Its too bad that he is so untouchable now...what was ebert thinking...oh dear.
emily
london, uk - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 15:53:12 (PST)

Sally - thanks for that, havn't been there yet but will do tomorrow. My husband thinks I am sad - probably jealous - but I think I may try to buck the odds (studying for degree aswell!) and make the effort to get down to London.Annie
Anne
Washington, UK - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 15:30:01 (PST)

Question: Have you all found yourselves noticing how AR moves his hands in all of his flicks? Before coming here, I didn't understand about the *hand* phenomena, but I've noticed that I notice even the smallest movements he makes with his hands in everything I watch...Particularly, there is a certain movement he ALWAYS makes with one or both of his hands, like he's flexing them...I think I'm a weirdo for noticing such things...so tell me y'all do too and I'll feel better! Smooches...
Harlii
- Friday, January 25, 2002 at 14:48:32 (PST)

Ann from Poland:

If you go to the "Links" here and go on Claire's Page you will find the new pictures from Closet Land. There is a photo from the Press kit there which has Alan gesturing beautifully with his amazing HANDS.You can save this and print it out( I have!). Enjoy! And welcome to the GB!!!
Constance
- Friday, January 25, 2002 at 14:39:46 (PST)

Laurel - I looked at the Cinequest web site, but can't figure what city this is in (Palo-Alto? San Jose?). The venue is listed as "camera 3", do you know where that is? I'm about two hours from the Bay area, but not sure if I want to pay $45 to see this either.
Angelina
US - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 13:24:42 (PST)

hiya people! I've recently (and quite unexpectedly - while at HP&TPS) realised that I simply love AR. So the first thing I did was downloading the 'in demand' clip (mmmm...) and now I'm watching 'michael collins' - again :) one request: if some kind person (i see a lot of these here:)) could send me a photo of this wonderful hands of his, I'd really be grateful! now, back to reading the guestbook, or I won't finish it till xmas ;)
anne <nerwen@poczta.onet.plfoo>
wroc³aw, poland - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 10:08:13 (PST)

Fausta- in "Back Story", someone (the director, maybe?) mentioned that some woman in casting had serious concerns that AR was "awful" in his portrayal of Hans and that they had to have a number of meetings over the whole thing, since the director (and presumably the crew, etc.) thought Hans was just great. "Awful". Can you imagine?
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 09:02:13 (PST)

Region 2 dvds - or to be more accurate, all non-Region 1 dvds - exist for one purpose: to prevent the rest of the world from ordering American films and ignoring their own regional or national films. This way the various non-American films are guaranteed a local audience. The result of course defeats its own purpose: American movies have audiences world-wide while non-American movies are prevented from reaching broader audiences and any opportunity to promote themselves, therefore perpetuating the whole situation.
Magda
Still ticked that TWG isn't available in R-1 dvd, Canada - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 08:35:04 (PST)

Laurel--I am not technical either--but my understanding is the different formatting in video and now DVD stems from the fact that films open at different times in different regions (countries) so in order to combat pirating movies to countries that hasn't premiered a particular film, the studios began using coding. Anyone--please correct me if I am wrong about why the coding.I do understand the need but my goodness--it seems that they would at least offer the same DVD extras to everyone! It is a terrible oversight on the studios part, if you ask me.
Claudia
GA USA - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 08:33:34 (PST)

Laurel, what woman from casting?

Sue, my "5-Star Collection" DVD doesn't contain DH2. It has 2 disks, Edition Details:
•Region 1 encoding (US and Canada only)
• Color, Closed-captioned, DTS Surround Sound, THX, Widescreen, Dolby
• Commentary by director John McTiernan and production designer Jackson DeGovia
• Commentary by visual effects producer Richard Edlund (scene specific)
• Commentary is only available in theatrical version
• Disc 1:
• Branching version with extended power shutdown scene edited seamlessly back into the movie
• Text commentary in subtitle form, featuring all-new interviews with production designer Jackson DeGovia, screenwriter Steven E. DeSouza, special effects coordinator Al Di Sarro, supervising sound editor Stephen Hunter Flick, producer Lawrence Gordon, composer Michael Kamen, editor John F. Link, stunt coordinator Charlie Picernl, and actor Alan Rickman; plus analysis by film journalist/historian Eric Lichtenfeld
• DVD-ROM features including script-to-screen comparison, game demos & more
• Disc 2:
• Outtakes: The Vault, Turning Off the Power
• The cutting room: Scene-editing workshop, multi-camera shooting, audio mixing, why letterbox?, glossary
• Newscasts
• Magazine articles
• Interactive slide show
• Full-length screenplay
• Ad campaign: trailers, TV spots, featurette
• Widescreen anamorphic format

And thank you to "too much time on my hands" for finding my translation! Back in 1997 I was posting with my nom-de-'net, Emma, & later changed to my real name, Fausta, which caused several people to believe that Fausta was a nickname, but never mind that
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Friday, January 25, 2002 at 08:27:44 (PST)

Oh, I almost forgot- speaking of accents, I was watching DkH again last night. I thought he did a great job with the American accent, but there was this one line- "Have him run a comb through his hair; Larry might come by for a drink after golf" that came out so crisply British that it could have been lifted from another film altogether. Gave me a laugh, anyway. Regarding DVDs, I know I'm stupid about technical matters, but WHY can't they just make 'em universally play-able everywhere? Would that be so hard, what with today's technology? Sheesh...
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 08:03:27 (PST)

Fausta- I stumbled across the "Die Hard" edition of "Back Story" this past Monday on AMC. It does have quite a few Hans clips from the movie, plus that 5-second interview fragment that's featured at the beginning of the widescreen version of the video. For anyone who's programming the VCR to catch it, it's 30 minutes long. Slight "SPOILER" (if such a thing is possible in this venue)- bet that "woman from casting" they mention felt pretty stupid once the movie came out... Harlii-- good luck in your quest for CL. I think it's worth tracking down, especially if you read the "Foreign Parts" article in Suzanne's terrific "Interviews and Articles" section before watching it.
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 07:56:20 (PST)

Sue--It was my thinking as well that Hans Gruber was German and since that was the case--his American accent would have had to have been faked. I thought the scene was terrific. Since I am one of those that ONLY watched Die Hard for the Rickman experience--and have read a great deal about AR's brilliant influence in many of his films (his input about costuming, etc.)I lean more towards the scene being AR's brain storm. Sounds like something he would suggest. Also--I am heart broken for the Region 2 audience! I don't understand (and protest whole heartedly) why the differences in DVDs between regions. Although Minghella's comments on TMD pertained largely to Juliet Stevenson, he did touch upon our magnificent AR a few times with a very respectful tone. Even though there is not a lot about AR in the commentary--Minghella's comments made the film even more enjoyable for me.
Claudia
GA USA - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 07:45:10 (PST)

YET ANOTHER DVD GRIPE!!!!!......

Total Film also reviews TMD dvd (released in UK on Feb 4)
Verdict:"........The extra-free disc itself, however, deserves no such forgiveness. Post-The English Patient, Minghella's view on his debut would have been fascinating."

Having read (on this GB) of the Region 1 dvd having a commentary I naturally expected that the Region 2 disc would have it as well and went ahead and pre-ordered it!!(After all it is a British film for goodness sake!) Not a happy bunny. Why do we continue to be 2nd class citizens when it comes to dvd issues?
Sue
England - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 07:19:38 (PST)

TOTAL FILM March 2002
Die Hard/Die Hard 2 special editions dvd review.
Along side the review is a small inset piece (inc.Pics) entitled:
"When Hans met John -Failure is an orphan while success has a thousand fathers...just who claims the credit for this scene?
The commentaries make one thing clear:John McTiernan and crew were making up a lot of Die Hard as they went along. They had no fixed ending, no concrete characterisation for McClane and had only intended him to meet Hans at the end of the movie.
First to claim credit for the early meeting is scripter Steven de Souza, who reckons he talked John McTiernan and producer Joel Silver into it after hearing Alan Rickman fooling around with an American accent.
But Rickman thinks it was all his idea, after he persuaded them he should wear a suit to differentiate him from the other terrorists. Then when he arrived for his first day's shooting, he was confronted by Silver demanding to know if he could do an American accent. Rickman still thinks he'd have been fired if he'd said no, but he'd probably have been safe, as McTiernan wasn't happy with his accent anyway. "I shot it three times trying to get him to sound more American. It's odd for someone with such awesome verbal skills that he had trouble getting an American accent...." "

Question: This region 2 dvd special edition contains Die Hard 2 as well. Did the American version also have both films? My son already posesses Die Hard 2 on dvd and I am loathe to shell out £24.99 when I only want the original and best! Why do we have to have different versions of dvd's released on Region 2?
Sue
... I thought Hans was German so his "American" accent was fake anyway......................., England - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 07:09:22 (PST)

On the subject of Juliet Stevenson's beauty (or as some seem to think--lack of beauty). No, the woman is not a ravagingly beautiful woman! But I don't think she is one of the ugly step-sisters either. I think she is an incredibly average looking woman which, for me, allows her to bring a refreshing touch of reality to her roles. I have to agree with Constance on sending lots of kudos to British film makers for their choices of "stars" for their projects.
Claudia
GA USA - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 06:44:54 (PST)

VCR ALERT: A friend just e-mailed me saying that the AMC channel is showing Back Story about the making of Die Hard on Sunday January 27 at 12AM midnight and 7:30PM, EST. Apparently it has lots of Rickman scenes. The synopsis in the AMC site only mentions Bruce Willis.
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Friday, January 25, 2002 at 06:41:09 (PST)

Thanks Constance. Although I sort of had an idea about the "Spatula dropping" comments--its nice to know where it came from.
Claudia
GA USA - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 06:22:32 (PST)

Harlii!

"Spatula droping" is a term that originated this past Christmas when I wrote here that I was making ginger bread when I first saw the Theatregoer photo and.... dropped my spatula. Since then the term simply means.... breathtakingly gorgeous, etc..... nothing to do with the film or any thing else that has any importance!
Constance
USA - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 05:32:12 (PST)

Pretty bad review of CL by Roger Ebert

I was searching actually for the purpose of ordering CL and ran across this...Having not even seen the movie, I will still stick out my tongue at him...I hate movie critics...even if they're right...which I don't know yet...
Harlii
- Friday, January 25, 2002 at 05:16:32 (PST)

I suppose I need to see CL to understand the deal about spatulas? I've seen you guys mention that before and never really *got* it...so I will be trying to order that one next...And yes, the pictures are lovely, though I'm afraid I didn't get the rush Constance did...Now I'm jealous and will be mad the rest of the day };~{ I don't suppose anyone has a spare copy :~(
Harlii
- Friday, January 25, 2002 at 05:07:13 (PST)

QUICK!QUICK!

MAKE HASTE TO CLAIRE'S SITE!!!!!! THE CLOSET LAND PICS ARE UP AND IF YOU ARE HOLDING SPATULAS,EGG BEATERS,YOUR HUSBAND'S BREAKFAST, YOUR NEW BORN CHILD.... PUT THEM DOWN!!!! AND BE FORWARENED....... HEART FAILURE EMINENT!:~)

THANK YOU CLAIRE! YOU ARE A GEM!
Constance(no hope for recovery now) <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
USA - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 04:46:02 (PST)

Emily, Maureen Paton wrote an unauthorised biography of Alan in 1996. I managed to get a copy from Borders Bookshop in Sydney quite cheaply. I found it pretty interesting, but a lot of people (including Alan himself) don't like it at all.srm, the Director's voice-over is on the American DVD of Truly, Madly Deeply, and I would recommend it to anyone who can get hold of a copy. I enjoyed the film a lot better after hearing his comments.
Gaye
Adelaide, South Australia - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 01:04:59 (PST)

SUZANNE, thank you so much for bringing that hard talk-interview up on your page. you're an angel. and that was so interesting.i hadn't before thought about this listening stuff. but it's quite worth another go at his films to see how he does it, isn't it? more excuses needed to watch AGAIN?
CONSTANCE: i had the self same feeling with those scenes. and i confess: i remember trying to watch TMD once - some years ago, when i was not hooked, and switching it off, because i couldn't stand the feelings conveyed by her then. no no, i don't regret that now. i only cut my heart out with a spoon.
MARY ANNE: i hadn't thought you were the pyjama type from what i read next door. but then again - what a nice change for the colonel after all those years*gg*. still reading on the 1997 stuff - and loving it - thank you so much.
GEORGIANA: enjoy! and tell!
LIZ: someone wants a picture of YOU!*gg*
mortianna <mortianna@gmx.netfoo>
- Friday, January 25, 2002 at 00:46:09 (PST)

Probably not worth much at this point, but anyway, I wasn't saying she was ugly...rather, that based on her looks in TMD, she'd make a more attractive man...And well, as sexy and attractive as I find AR, upon close inspection, he's not exactly what I normally call *handsome*...but by watching so many of his movies, seeing pictures on various websites, reading interviews, etc. he has become very attractive to me...not knowing the man, I feel I *do* know him and that makes all the difference insomuch as his looks are concerned...

I like rather a lot of actors and actresses who don't have that *classic* beauty...it has nothing to do with their performances either, which is what I'm sure I said about JS...that what prevented me from liking the movie was in *my* mind I couldn't come to a comfort zone about her umm, gender...I kept swearing to myself that I'd seen her in another movie, as a guy or something...maybe it makes me appear shallow, maybe it says something negative about me and my views, but, well, there you have it...And I repeat, I will definitely watch the movie again, and even more, I'd love to have some other friends watch it with me and not saying anything about my feelings, watch their reactions to her...NOT her performance, but to HER...and then I'll come back and we can discuss this some more, if it's allowed...Now I shall really run for cover ;~}
Harlii
- Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 20:13:16 (PST)

And now, a word from the fashion front on Rickmaniac couture! *grin*

I got a copy of the Victoria's Secret Valentine's Day catalogue this week and in the pyjama sets, there was one with a top that had "Truly, Madly, Deeply" printed on it! Okay, it was more likely inspired by the Savage Garden song, but I found myself smiling as I imagined tons of orders from Rickmaniacs coming in to VS . . . ;-)

Mary Anne
Me? Wear THAT?!, USA - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 20:07:21 (PST)

Well.... here's my Nickle's worth:

There is an interesting scene in TMD where there were a couple of men in her flat wanting to help her fix things, they are saying how "beautiful" Nina is and I am thinking "....are the winter's THAT long in Britain?..." But the thing that struck me was the reality of it all. Do only the pretty girls get the handsome men? If that was true the world would not suffer overpopulation! Look around you, in the trains, the buses, on the street...a lot of women look like JS! No, no "eye candy" but I respect the British Cinema for having such "common" looking people as their Stars. I know I have gotten on my soap box about this before but I find it damaging for the young to see only "perfect" people enjoying love! No wonder we have so many anerexic(sorry about the spelling/past my bedtime) girls in this country! I did find her emotion very.....no,not moving, no.... it made me Uncomfortable! Yes, that's it. It was like I was sitting there with her as she snotted all over the place.I wanted to look away! I wanted to leave the room! I very different experiance from American movies where we are almost manipulated into sympathy, tears, etc. This is very STARK directing. Like eavesdropping, the audience is left to deal with the emotions individualy, according to their personal life experiance.Her (JS) performance was very "real",but was it pleasant? No. Did we want to run out to the stores and salons begging for "the Juliette Stevenson Look" No. Aye... therein lies the beauty of it all!

Good Night!
Constance <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
NC USA - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 20:00:37 (PST)

Gaye, where did you find the "voice over" version of Truly, Madly Deeply?Thanks
srm
- Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 19:50:41 (PST)

Er...a biography? Since when I don't remember that one. Is is unauthorised? Maybe that why I never heard of it? Where do I find it? I read sense and sensibility recently, after many years. I must say, the more I read it the more I do believe that Elinor should have fallen for Col. Brandon. Oh well Ms. Austen was quite on the mark with every other relationship except that one. I have never seen the movie. Does it have a diffrent ending?
emily
london, uk - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 19:01:29 (PST)

Erm seems I typed my email address wrong. It is this below (sorry).
Lisa Jane-Wilde <LisaJ.Wilde@aol.comfoo>
Ryde, IOW England - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 18:23:45 (PST)

MmmJust come across this site and would like to say a big hello to everyone. I have been a Rickman fan for 13 years. I really don't think there is a better actor in the world nor a more charismatic one and love every role I have seen him in. Cannot say which is my favourite of his characters but I enjoy watching him as every one! I have written because I'd love to talk about this man and do the old analysis stuff etc.. also I'd like to meet and chat with other people who share the same appreciation as me!Take care all.
Lisa-Jane Wilde <LisaJWide@aol.comfoo>
Ryde, IOW England - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 18:19:45 (PST)

Harlii, I've written my opinion of Juliet's performance earlier in this Guestbook, and I agree with you entirely. You and I seem to be alone here (although my 18 year old daughter thinks the same way). In her biography of Alan, Maureen Paton describes Juliet as "what the French shrewdly call jolie-laide (...pretty/ugly)." She is obviously a very good actress, but doesn't appeal to me, I think, mainly because she looks like Camilla Parker-Bowles.

Yesterday I watched the film twice (yes, I'm another one with too much time on my hands), the second time with the Director's (Anthony Minghella) voice over. This was really interesting. He was watching the film himself for the first time in about 10 years, and was fascinated to see Alan and Juliet as they were, having just directed them in the short film "Play" - where they sit in jars, I think.

His comments were mainly about Juliet, for whom he actually wrote the story. Comments about Alan were briefer, but emphasised that Alan preferred to play the role with very little outward emotion, only letting the Director get his wishes at the end, when Alan wipes a tear away in the final scene.

And for interested people, his comments about the cello playing were that it was very tricky, but Alan wasn't playing it himself.
Gaye <pjhenley@chariot.net.aufoo>
Adelaide, South Australia - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 18:15:06 (PST)

Thanks, Georgiana and Elizabeth, your two comments helped a lot.

Harlii, etc:For me, TMD is a maturity, alright, OLD AGE thing. When I was young and first saw TMD, I agreed with you. JS was too OTT for me. Her emotions were much too threatening/irritating for me. Then, or rather, the other day, I saw TMD, and saw her completely differently. I thought her beautiful, charming, and fresh and that her emotions were entirely appropriate for the role. Don't quite know what that proves, except perhaps that youth can look more appealing as one gets older, but there it is. That's my two-penny'th on the subject!
Sally
London, UK - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 17:53:03 (PST)

I too watched TMD this afternoon for the first time, and Harlii, I have to agree with you in that JS performance is what bothered me about the movie. When I watch a movie, play or whatever, I look for acting that makes me believe in whatever is happening, whether it be a period piece, a 'chick flick' (as TMD is), sci-fi, etc. And if the actor doesn't have me believe in their character and characterization, then they pretty much have ruined the movie for me. In everything I have seen with AR, I have truly believed in his characterizations of the roles played, and in some cases, his performance has salvaged the movie for me. And that's the case, for me, with TMD. While JS was believable in her grief moments, there were other moments where I was rolling my eyes and thinking 'this really wouldn't happen.' Part of it could have been the script too. I will probably watch TMD again and fast-forward through these moments.
Annette
Mansfield, Tx USA - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 17:18:42 (PST)

Laurel--Judging from the trailer--AR looks like he is hilarious in Gissing. Jeanine Grafalo (sp) is always funny. But, I don't think I would pay $45 to see it--especially if there are no other films you want to see in the festival. I am hoping that it will either be in the cinemas or on video/DVD one day. Harli! No viloence from me--but I think JS did a fantastic job! I think it takes a lot of nerve to open up that way in front of the camera--there had to be something really major she conjured up to make herself break down like that. I have often wondered what in the world it could be. I have watched TMD so many times I've lost count--but I can feel her pain every single time I watch it. But, as Laurel said being able to share our opinions is the great thing about this GB--everyone has their own opinions and is encouraged to share them.
Claudia
GA USA - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 17:07:32 (PST)

Okay, Laurel and I had a chat via e-mail and I think we understand each other now :D But I feel the need to clarify my statements about TMD...I didn't want to bring this up here because it's not about AR, but since it's about a movie he's in, I feel justified...

Okay, the reason I couldn't enjoy the movie is because I found Juliet Stevenson very masculine :~\ Her facial structure, her hands, the way she walked, her costumes being not too feminine, etc. NONE of this had anything to do with her performance, which I concede was moving, however, the way my mind works, I could not focus on the film for wondering if she truly was a woman or a man...Is this important some of you may ask? Yes, it is for me...to believe in a character, etc. I need to feel comfortable watching them, allowing them into my home, so to speak and just looking at her creeped me out...even when she wore makeup she looked like a dude {shrugs}...So, I am going to take Laurel's suggestion and watch the movie again...after searching and searching online all afternoon, I couldn't find one thing to suggest JS is or ever was a man...she's just one of those women who umm, I can't explain it so I'll just shut up...I'm sure to have offended someone and I didn't mean to, I am just expressing my opinion of an actor...I apologize in advance if it's too off-topic...
Harlii
- Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 17:05:05 (PST)

Harlii-- I'm chucking virtual rotten tomatoes at the back of your head and laughing evilly as they splatter. Just kidding, of course! I may violently disagree, but that's what's so cool about this GB- everybody's different opinions. You're having yourself quite an AR film festival this week, aren't you?
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 16:30:14 (PST)

Re: "Listening"--I like what Georgiana says. I took it to mean that it makes the scene more like "real life"--you know, there are people who take part in ordinary everyday conversations who actually listen to what you are saying--which is what I thought he meant he does (he seems to do so in real life, too, from what you stage-door luckies have said); and then there are people who are so busy thinking what they are gonna say next that they don't listen to what you are saying . . . I think he sounds like one of the former, not the latter! (Bless him:)
Lee <charmquark02@yahoo.comfoo>
US - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 16:27:25 (PST)

I looked online and couldn't find when this movie will be released everywhere...does anyone know? I did find that it has won a few awards already, but I'm dying to see it...

On a more sombre note...I realize that what I'm about to say amounts to sacrilege in these parts {Ahem!}, but I must be honest...I watched Truly, Madly, Deeply last night, my brother taped it on a really bad tape from Oxygen the other night...anyway, well, I didn't like it...I mean, overall the storyline is cool and says a lot and what it doesn't say is even stronger...I loved every word that came out of AR's mouth, I loved the way he moved, the emotions on his face, etc., but what really got on my nerves and ruined the flick for me was umm, Juliet Stevenson...NOT *Nina*, but JS...I don't want to get into it here why she bugged me so much playing that part, but apart from the crying jags, I can think of 5 or more other actresses who could have done just as good a job or even better...I just couldn't stand watching her in it...so, there's my two cents, my *opinion*...

You may commence with the exorcism now if you'd like ;~}
Harlii
- Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 16:10:47 (PST)

"The Search for John Gissing" is coming to Silicon Valley! I'm not sure if that location is very convenient for most of y'all, but the Cinequest film festival will be featuring this elusive film at its "Opening Night Gala"- I think it's Feb 3rd or 'round there somewhere. You can check at www.cinequest.org/2002/program.html For those of you who have seen this already, is it worth paying $45.00 to see it? Unfortunately, they're ONLY showing it at the "gala opening" and not in an $8.00-ticket-normal-theater experience. How annoying for not-rich me that I'm within walking distance of the theater, but the price of admission to the ONE film in the festival that I want to see is totally outrageous.
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 15:29:29 (PST)

A translation to the French interview can be found in the Guestbook Archives, October 9, 1997. Reading the Archives is highly recommended for information and entertainment.
too much time on my hands
- Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 15:21:25 (PST)

Hello. I'm raither new to this board. I have poked around a bit but never wrote anything, really. Since, a long while ago i have been a devoted fan of Mr. Rickman's. I just attended the production of Private Lives. It was wonderful, huge! I loved it! My friend got the tickets and decided that she wanted me to come. She is also a really huge fan and she insisted that we wait at the stage door like bloody stalkers for an half and hour or so to see if he would come that way. He did, but fate it seems,delt us a cruel blow. We got a look at him, he smiled! It was good enough for me. Even if we didnt get to shake hands...sigh-Emily
Emily
london, uk - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 15:06:04 (PST)

The current US TV schedule for Rickman films can be found at TV Now.

I don't know about "complete," but I took Mr. Rickman's "listening" comments to represent how totally attentive the actor is to the other actors with whom he is performing, how much 'in the scene' they are. If an actor;s focus is on how he is to deliver his lines, he is not there for the other actors and the entire performance suffers.

Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle (off to London and PL) - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 14:51:26 (PST)

Sally, I am here, just bogged down in mundane things like biology essays on the environmental factors affecting the growth of a periwinkle shell!

I did say it was boring! That aside I had a sudden spurge of ideas and have been writing since last Sunday. And now I have to go and do an essay on King Lear, thank the powers that be for John Baylay, Shakespeare essays would be an impossible phenonoman (ok its late here, I can't spell) without him!

So what is it you are wanting to know. It is ages since I saw/read the Hard Talk interview, so I will do so again and then endeavour to suss it out. Although I think it might have something to do with getting audiences listening as well as watching. Then again it could be something like, him being so absorbed in the acting of the part that the camera does see him listening (or doesn't see him listening) so that it comes across as natural. You know that stuff about the camera liking you if it can see you listening.........
Elizabeth
UK - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 14:23:14 (PST)

Not sure how off-topic this is, but I e-mailed Bravo/USA last night about the Mesmer confusion and this is the reply I just now received:

Thanks for contacting Bravo and The Independent Film Channel in the US. The film you have requested is not currently under license to Bravo/IFC. We will add this to our request list to be considered during future negotiations. You can read about this film at www.imdb.com. Your interest in and support of Bravo/IFC are greatly appreciated.

I guess my complaint is this, I am so tired of such a wonderful actor not being recognized firstly, by the industry and his peers, and secondly, by the film industry and other media (television)...Any other freakish movie made by Americans can be viewed on almost any station/channel here in the USA, but when it comes to movies made by other actors, who aren't American, one is hard pressed to find those actors movies/plays, etc. on easily accessible channels...

Okay, my rant is over...I think I will start a letter/e-mail campaign to local cable affiliates here in the south...I'd much rather see Mesmer than the Goonies...sheesh...
Harlii - It's not fair...
- Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 14:13:54 (PST)

Enjoyed both the video and script of Hard Talk, and thanks to all those involved who made it possible for us to access them. Did anyone understand completely what he meant by the "listening" bit? Those more au fait with the acting scene from the stage side than I am might be able to help here-Elizabeth, for instance, where art thou? Or anybody at all, for that matter.
Sally
London, UK - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 13:11:58 (PST)

Liz: No, can't seem to avoid working for a living either! Never mind, better luck next time.
Sally
London, UK - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 13:04:04 (PST)

Hi Harlii & Jules, congratulations for even trying to understand the French interview. See? See? *wags finger* That's what all these endless French classes were about! :)) Well, the first task of a translator is to find out whether somebody else has already translated the stuff by any chance, so you don't have to bother... so I looked for Fausta's where indicated, but unfortunately couldn't find it. Like somebody said, I don't think much of 'machine' translations either: verbal language is the manifestation of human thoughts and feelings... not something computer softwares are likely to match, although they do have their uses. Well, the last sentence ("Rickman dédie un ultime rictus. Un sourire. Comme pour s'excuser d'être à la fête... ") can be interpreted in one or two ways. Mine is: "Rickman gives a last, shy grin - as if to apologize for being the centre of attention."... Of course there are as many possible interpretations as there are interpreters. That sentence followed something he had just said about Princess Diana (I take it she had just died, I can't remember the date) and I'm not clear whether the reporter related it to that or not. What did AR say about Diana, I hear you ask? Well, I haven't got the text here now, but it was a general reflection on celebrities' private lives being mercilessly probed for skeletons-in-cupboards [I supposed there has to be as many cupboards as there are skeletons? ;] and something about wishing she had been praised for what she had done well as well as being reproached with what she had done not so well. [Aw! Sums it up all right.]

GML
UK - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 11:24:26 (PST)

Sally in London - alas! Time off is not possible - DAMN. I should have checked beforehand. Sorry. Does anyone know how to avoid working for a living?
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 11:14:04 (PST)

Yes, thanks so much for the world-class transcribing! I was lucky enough to be able to SEE the HardTalk interview, (thanks a million, Suzanne) but I wasn't able to catch every word, so I'm grateful for those who WERE able to, and to present it so beautifully and cohesively!
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 10:56:07 (PST)

I am hooked on Creme Eggs, i don't know how i survive when they disappear for four months a year, its evil, why can't they be here all year?!!!!
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
southend, essex, uk - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 10:15:05 (PST)

Okay, the HARDtalk transcript WITH a link to the RealPlayer video is now also on the Rickman in Print page (for those, like me, who couldn't view Anne's page). Again, many thanks to Anne and Rebecca for transcribing!

Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Hallettaville, TX USA - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 10:11:56 (PST)

Saskia, I posted the HardTalk link yesterday. Scroll down and you will find it. (If there wasn't so much idle chatter, it wouldn't be so difficult to find things--never seen so many requests).

Anne, I had not seen your transcript before. Lovely job! Prints beautifully. Thank you very much. Are your inactive links going to come up some time?

Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 09:19:15 (PST)

Where can I download the video of HARDTALK??? please tell me???thnx
Saskia <sasje@xs4all.nlfoo>
The Netherlands - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 07:10:24 (PST)

Works fine for me! Perhaps it doesn't "travel" well:(
c-c
- Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 07:10:15 (PST)

Cleekety-cleek: thank you for the link to the "hardtalk" transcript, but I have the same problems as mortianna: there seems to be a problem with this site. I can´t read the last lines. Has anyone some other ideas how to get the text? Thanx :-)
Michaela <mboettcher@sms.atfoo>
Graz, Austria - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 07:00:28 (PST)

Mortianna - the creme part?? How intriguing. Is he as fond of Creme Eggs as he is of Marmite? How do you eat yours, Al? ¦o)
Jules
UK - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 06:37:51 (PST)

Harlii,
I translated that interview several years ago, but didn't keep a copy. You can probably find it in the GB archives of 1997, probably in the Feb-March.

Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 05:51:37 (PST)

no liz, the bank will love you - they want something from you, then.*gg* at least that's what i keep telling myself.
cleekety-cleek: thanks for the link, but that dooesn't work for me. i can see the beginning lines, then it seems to be written over and over again and gets black. does anybody else have this problem?
Can't open the hardtalk stuff either, firewall. will try from home.
this other stuff, that in french. think i have read that somewhere in a language i can understand, german or english - yes yes yes, it was the creme part that reminded me. have looked for it but didn't find it anywhere. but it hast to be somewhere!ideas, anyone?
mortianna
- Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 05:49:56 (PST)

Sally in London - thanks! I will now go and see if horrible work will give me the time off! Also check on train times and cheap B&B's if there are none...my bank is going to hate me.
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 04:26:09 (PST)

BTW Thanks Harlii for that TWG vid clip link. I'd never seen that before.(Was that a 'tache lurking under his nose?)
cleekety-cleek
- Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 03:04:55 (PST)

Michaela Austria - Your request for a transcript of the "Hardtalk" interview has already been granted. Anne very kindly did it back in November. Here is the Link to Hardtalk transcript
cleekety-cleek
- Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 02:41:32 (PST)

Hi! I know it´s required very much, but is anyone here who has too much time and likes to write up Alans words from that "Hardtalk" video for me? I have access to the internet at university only and I think they won´t have much appreciation for hearing Alans (wonderful) voice through the corridors! Please have mercy :-)
Michaela <mboettcher@sms.atfoo>
Graz, Austria - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 00:18:47 (PST)

ShizukaDream: Please tell me, where can I download that interview????
Saskia <sasje@xs4all.nlfoo>
The Netherlands - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 23:27:29 (PST)

I've just downloaded the HARDtalk interview w/ Alan Rickman is 5.61 MB! The quality seems pretty good!
ShizukaDream <shizukadreamfoo>
CA USA - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 23:16:41 (PST)

Just received my copy of Rasputin on DVD and I can highly recommend it too !! Alan is terrific (as usual) and the scenery, costumes and direction is great ! Oh, my two cents regarding the Prof Lockhart debate - I'm all for sticking a wig on Kenneth's head too ! But please no mullets - we don't want any confusion with Billy Ray Cyrus !! ;-)
Lisa <narmou@aol.com.aufoo>
Sydney, Australia - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 23:06:52 (PST)

Hello everyone! Laura Dommerman from Canada, The cello playing from TMD was done by Barrington Pheloung who comes from here, Sydney Australia. He also wrote the theme from Morse. A really good player! I'm really sorry that my copy of Closetland was sold within hours of my entry here on the GB - I didn't relize that it was so popular... I am now looking into some of my other AR video's.Would really love to help anyone on this GB. Bye.
Barbara the Australian <hermione(underscore )3@hotmail.comfoo>
Gold Coast, Qld Australia - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 23:01:06 (PST)

Yes, we do get a different Bravo in Canada; it is part of the CHUM broadcasting network, same as MuchMusic, and MuchMoreMusic. The full name is the Bravo New Style Arts Channel.

yeah...i checked also and didnt see it...oh well i wonder, does anyone here know where i can buy a copy of mesmer? On dvd..i heard vhs was nasty. Sound was bad or something of the sort. I am also aware of Alan's dreaded "thatching." That maybe be why he never wears stipes..lol
sirus/katherine
new york, ny us of a - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 19:26:10 (PST)

Lynn, where did you see that Mesmer would be playing on Bravo on Friday? I just came from their site and it's not listed at all this month or next month...or do you get a different Bravo in Canada? If so, we suck here in the USA...
Harlii
- Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 18:13:10 (PST)

Hello,Katherine..about Alan and not speaking about politics..being born working class and having a Mum who worked herself to the bones..Alan is defined Labour..and I would guess that any ref to anything with the word THATCH in it- i.e., thatched roof, thatching the field..might spin him into a diatribe about just what has gone wrong with the UK under the Tory admin...but then again, I might be wrong.Realizing that CME was a MOVIE...it is hard not to see just how well Alan got on with the children..even if they may have been relatives of his..I would make book that if he had chosen to have children..they'd be brill and he and his partner would be the epitome of parents.In the best of the sense of the words. By the by..I LOVED GQ..thought the bit by the fridge so well cropped and showing off that Alan is very well put together! Great upper arm muscle tone and very nice mid-age abs neath that tee-shirt. lol...ahhh.
Ginny
- Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 17:52:12 (PST)

Hello all just thought you all might want to know,

MESMER

Hope you can see it, :( I won't be able to because I have to work, I want to cry. I can't even tape it. I guess I'll just have to watch another AR movie later that evening....
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 17:35:50 (PST)

thanks! I saw the video, it was wonderful! He's quite clever at avoiding being pinned against the wall about "wage matters," a man after my own heart...yeah i agree he seems to have a fetish for children. Its really odd I think, that a guy like him isn't married..I mean who would refuse? wwjd? Does anyone know what the deal is with that? Thanks again for the video!
katherine/sirus
new york, ny us of a - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 17:26:01 (PST)

Hello..sorry, but I was not reffing TWG. AR has and had said that he was working on a script. The man is too smart not to know the pc. However, I fear I am stepping into deep water about the pc thingymayjig..so I withdraw on that. Alan is sharp,a river-running deep, and plays his cards close to the chest. Which is fine with me. Makes it all the more interesting. Thanks.
Ginny
- Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 17:16:42 (PST)

The HardTalk interview runs 22 minutes on RealPlayer. The actual video only runs a few minutes more. The BBC did not put the entire thing on line for unknown reasons. As we've discussed before, the UK interview is longer than what ran on US television (BBC America), as I recall.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 17:05:59 (PST)

Sally: Thanks for the tip and problem seems to be sorted. You're going to Antarctica? Good luck!! See you in April, then. Mind how you go! I must sleep now. Have been saying this for the past hour!
Sally
London, UK - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 16:40:01 (PST)

Georgiana: You're a good girl for putting up that Hard Talk interview which I just saw on Real Time!! Thank you very much. For some reason I didn't get it all but I got a lot. Maybe work out how to get the rest as time goes by, but I was very happy with that. Thank you.
Intelligent, isn't he? Articulate and thoughtful, and seems to like kids a lot. He would have made a good Dad,I would have thought. I think he looked great, but absolutely knackered (as anyone would be after seven performances in a week.) It sure looks like hard work, being an actor. Oh, the energy that seems to be required. And he made some interesting comments about actors' working conditions and pay, as affecting English actors in particular. It doesn't seem fair, does it?
Must rest, myself. Goodnight!
Sally
London, UK - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 16:34:54 (PST)

Sally (UK) you have probably accidently altered your preferences for viewing fonts on the web. In IE, go to View > Text Size and pick the one that suits you. There is a similar feature in Netscape under one of the menus, but can't open Netscape on my computer at this time. Adjust that, and I am sure your fonts will reappear as you like them.

Other than that - au revoir folks! I am off to the great white land at the bottom of the world and shan't be in touch for quite a few weeks! To all those who have subscribed to the newsletter - apologies, ran out of time to get one more edition off before I left. Newsletter will resume in April.
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 16:13:57 (PST)

The babelfish translation tells me:"Rickman dedicates an ultimate grin. A smile. Like excusing himselffor being at the festival."

http://world.altavista.com/sites/nzen/pos/babelfish/tr
Claudia
New Zealand - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 15:41:04 (PST)

Hey Jules...I think it's saying something about him smiling and that being, in itself, reason enough to attend the party or sumpin like that, perhaps harking back to something mentioned earlier in the article...but those online translators leave much to be desired...they translate EXACTLY as it's written :^} Not taking into account relevant colloquialisms...
Harlii
- Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 15:38:40 (PST)

Here's a link to the HardTalk Interview from 5 November 2001.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 14:52:01 (PST)

Dear guests from France - please translate just this little piece, please: 'Rickman dédie un ultime rictus. Un sourire. Comme pour s'excuser d'être à la fête' I've struggled through the rest, and my brain is bleeding!
Jules
UK - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 14:49:13 (PST)

I was looking for that hardtalk interview. Does anyone have it for realplayer? Anyway, i just finished the movie "Sense and Sensibility!" Alan is just stunning as Col. Brandon! OH! My heart! Even my friends liked it! Especally Alan! We all thought he is MUCH better than Hugh Grant (blah). The only thing about movie that I wish would change is, instead of him falling for Kate Winslet...why not Emma? She's so much better looking. sigh...
sirus or katherine
grad: new york :home: chicago, us of a - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 14:32:15 (PST)

Has everybody else's print suddenly got bigger on the GB or is it just me(AS a result of loading Realtime maybe?) I hate downloading! It makes me nervous!
Sally
London, UK - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 13:19:38 (PST)

Liz: If you want to get that ticket, I'll go with you. But let me know, soon, so I can sort one out for myself.
Sally
London, UK - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 12:52:57 (PST)

Okay, I couldn't help myself, so I searched and searched for the article mentioned below, re: The Winter Guest interview with Alan Rickman, and I think I found it...however, it's in French...I took 2 years of French in high school and 2 more in college and have nothing to show for it (yes, I'm ashamed of myself)...so if someone would be so kind as to translate it for me, I'd appreciate it...in the meantime, I'm looking for an online translator...I have all my French books, but I'm lazy...here's the link if anyone else is interested: The Winter Guest Interview with AR

Also, I found a video clip of AR being interviewed about the weather during the filming of TWG, here is that link: TWG AR Video Clip

I'm sorry if these links are located somewhere far, far away in Archive Land, but I got tired of scrolling through all that stuff...lazy, lazy...
Harlii <lmhpr00@aol.comfoo>
- Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 12:26:59 (PST)

Salut Marialis, salut Catherine, salut les français(es)..

Yeah, I still log on here to find out what new show's on and have the occasional chat and relaxing read... but the Harry Potter movie has drawn so many people's attention to Mr Rickman's talent since November (an excellent thing of course: we are happy to see that when exposed to the real thing, many people can tell an actor from a puppet) the traffic on this site has increased to a point I cannot possibly keep up. Glad you still have lots of his work to discover, enjoy it, that's the idea. By the way, there's a really great French report and transcript of an interview AR gave on directing 'L'Invitée de l'Hiver' ('the Winter Guest') on a Canadian website somewhere. They seemed to appreciate him immensely there, the article is very sensitive, oh, and it was good to hear that no, he never had to resort to rubbing magic cream on his, uh, ah, when he was a teenager. (My, have I got everybody's attention now...;)

I forget who posted the review from the Washington Post, but may I say it was a wonderful one.

By the way, if you are lucky enough to be able to make it to the "When Love Speaks" launch concert in London, you can get tickets online from ticketmaster.co.uk too - just type in 'Old Vic' in the venue field and scroll down to 10th Feb. Or ring them. I'm not really tempted by the Olivier Awards ceremony ("so pleased for you, daaaaaarling" ;) [I bet this is going to be the HTML c*** up of the week award] - but the Shakespeare evening sounds like an absolute dream of an event...

GML
UK - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 11:30:18 (PST)

hi i'm new in here i'm april from staten island new york. i'm 24 and i am a big fan of alan rickman since robin hood prince of thieves.. anyways i'm looking to meet up with people in nyc that are going to see alan's play private lives on broadway if it happens. email me i'll get back to you the same day.. my favorite movie of his is sense and sensibility. i loved mesmer and i'm trying to get blow dry. i love truly madly deeply also. and an awful big adventure was great except for when he died.:( anyways i hope to hear from you soon April.
april <snapealicous69@yahoo.comfoo>
staten island , NY usa - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 11:29:44 (PST)

Laurel--thanks for the tip on the CD. I looked at it on Amazon--it looks wonderful!
Claudia
GA USA - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 10:27:12 (PST)

"Perdoname..." if this is too off-topic, but ever since viewing TMD, I've been looking for a CD or tape that featured the Bach cello sonata. I wasn't successful at the stores or at the library, but what did I just get for my birthday but a CD entitled "Movie Adagios", which features memorable music from about a zillion different movies, and the cello sonata from TMD is among them. Just thought I'd let others who might be especially susceptible to "haunting musical themes" that this neat collection exists. Hi, Constance! Thanks for the great e-card! Regarding hand doubles, I wondered about that- in some of the beginning scenes, his fingers look skinnier than in "real life". Hmmm...
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 09:38:49 (PST)

London Sally! I e-mailed you this morning! ;~)

Oh what that I could buy that ticket for Feb 21 and FLY!!!:~0 But NO luck for me!

Does any one here know how I can "save" the Hard Talk interview? I would love to have it amoung my collection.
Constance <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
Cary, NC USA - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 09:22:22 (PST)

I think I remember seeing something about cello lessons for TMD,I wouldnt know about hand doubles.He did play it very well though.I suppose I should know more about this being a cellist my self,but hey!
Heh heh,hes gonna look really funny in that dress and vulture topped hat!I do wish we could have seen him on that broomstick though...
Daisy
Bristol, U.K - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 09:18:01 (PST)

Hello Catherine ! ENFIN une autre française sur ce site ! Nous ne sommes pas nombreuses : il y a aussi GML, et une Alice qui est intervenue un temps en Juillet dernier ! Tu vois ça ne fait que quatre... Quels films d'Alan Rickman as-tu vu et quels sont ceux que tu as le plus aimé ? Mais ici, la règle est de parler anglais bien sur... I just welcome this new french fan of Alan Rickman and tell her that we are very few on this area. And ask her what are her favourite movies.

I just discover today that Kenneth Brannagh is playing Gilderoy... I were sure that Hugh Grant does ! I'm very late ... And it's difficult for me to read everything since november ! Could someone help me and give me fresh news ?

Thank you by advance (do you says that "by advance" ?)
Marialis
france - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 09:00:26 (PST)

Is anyone else from the GB going to PL on February 21st? I would be interested in the ticket if I could meet up with someone in London (don't fancy going to the theatre on my own!)
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 08:43:00 (PST)

Thought I could go to England in February but, sadly, can't. So, for sale, one ticket to "Private Lives" on Feb. 21 (AR's birthday), front row, seat AA 13. I will sell it for what it cost me, $59 (37.50 pounds). Please contact me by email if you're interested. Thanks.
Nancy R. <nroberts@sonic.netfoo>
CA USA - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 08:23:53 (PST)

I've just discovered that you can get tickets for the Rada Benefit at the Old Vic on Sunday Feb 10th called When Love Speaks to lanch the CD of same name, and where AR is doing his bit. The tel. no. is: 020 7369 1762 to order tickets and I expect there's an Old Vic website somewhere around where you could get tickets too.
Sally
London, UK - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 07:59:03 (PST)

"Quigley" did have a theatrical release (saw it!). Believe it or not, so did "Closet Land" (there were two of us there the two showings I saw). Anne, Raffaella, I think, found an inexpensive hotel near the West End--you might want to contact her.
Georgiana (Thank you all for your kind words, public and private.) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle (off to London tomorrow) - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 07:58:18 (PST)

Re: Snape in a dress - picture the Michael Collins dress scene! What a hoot! I don't think that hat had a vulture on it, but it was pretty bad. Re: TMD, I think I remember reading here in the GB that AR took cello lessons to prepare for the role of Jamie. And some of the hand fans can probably address the theory of a hand double - I wouldn't have thought so, his hands are so recognizable. I'll just have to force myself to find time to watch TMD again and see!

All reviews of PL are avidly devoured by this reader! Please post! Does anyone in the know on Broadway have a guess about when we might be able to nail down the venue and purchase tix? This is such a theatrical crowd and, now that I'm not in the east anymore, I am out of the loop! Thanks for any advice!
Cat <crubins@asu.edufoo>
Tempe, AZ USA - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 06:50:25 (PST)

Some news from www.playbill.com Jan. 23: Negotiations are getting down to the wire for bringing one of the West End's current success stories, Private Lives at the Albery Theatre, to Broadway this spring....Producer Duncan Weldon confirmed in late 2001 that he hoped to take the production to Broadway "somewhere in the first half of next year". Ira Pittelman, a co-producer of the UK mounting, told Playbill On-Line Jan. 22 "We're very close, but we haven't yet concluded conversations with Rickman and Duncan. If it does happen, it will be the Richard Rodgers Theatre". Another announcement stated that there are a limited number of tickets available to the public to attend this year's Olivier Awards at the Victoria Palace on Feb. 15. The tickets being offered, which are in the Upper Circle, are specially priced at 5 pounds sterling each. The Awards Presentation is being hosted by Clive Anderson and will be televised on BBC. For bookings or further information, call the Victoria Palace on 020 7834 1317.
Penny S.
- Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 06:42:57 (PST)

Scar in the Lion King was voiced by Jeremy Irons, another of our frightfully well-spoken thesps.
Jules
UK - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 06:26:35 (PST)

Anne, Washington, UK: I've just had a thought. If you go to www.theatremonkey.com then scroll down to 'Other Info'(I think), or similar written at the bottom of the list, then go to 'Tourist Info.Sites' and 'Hotels and Other Accom.', you might find some accom to suit. This play has got to be worth it!
Sally
London, UK - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 06:01:18 (PST)

Question....AR sings the song Intelligence. His voice sounds just like the voice of Scar, the evil lion in The Lion King...if you listen to the song BE PREPARED on the soundtrack of The Lion King, you'll here almost the same voice....IS Mr. Rickman SCAR???
Saskia <sasje@xs4all.nlfoo>
The Netherlands - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 05:22:32 (PST)

There are so many lovely pics on this site and on Claire's, Stezzi's and all, but there is one I would like to see and nobody has got! I would like to see him dressed in the evening suit he wears in PL, with black bow tie, white tux and shiny shoes! Standing in front of the "fairy tale " hotel set in the play, perhaps with Lindsay. Pure magic!
Sally
London, UK - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 04:50:54 (PST)

hmmm, a hat with a vulture on it....must look very charming! Is he going to wear a panty hose as well?!?! haha! LOL :)
Saskia <sasje@xs4all.nlfoo>
The Netherlands - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 03:44:31 (PST)

Saskia don't forget the hat with the vulture on it!!!! Well, Mr Rickman's read 'em, he must be prepared for it...
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 03:19:07 (PST)

I'm reading Harry Potter nr. 3 again...i was wondering...how would snape look in a dress?? Haha! Can't wait to see it!
Saskia <sasje@xs4all.nlfoo>
The Netherlands - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 03:15:58 (PST)

I just heard the song intelligence!!! didnt know 'that AR is a good singer too! got all goosebumps now...!! :)
Saskia <sasje@xs4all.nlfoo>
The Netherlands - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 02:43:51 (PST)

hi all
GEORGIANA - write, by all means, it is very much appreciated.
SALLY, well thanks, do you think, a spoon would do to redirect this plane? I'll try anyway.Try to only have hand baggage, so not to lose any time. If I make it to the awards, I'll let you all know, of course.
was reading back the old issues yesterday and just want to thank everybody again for the deep insightful work assembled here. Fact is, I watched AABA again and not being raised with Peter Pan as "you Brits" *ggg* seem to be, much of the symbolism so to speak escaped me, and I felt really rewarded yesterday, when I stumbled upon sone very insightful comments, around feb-may 1997, it may have been, for those interested. The film fascinates me more and more, with the theatre stuff and all that petty jealousness, and I really have quite a liking for uncle vernon.
Yesterday I had to watch DH again, as I happened to stumble on the beginnings of FOF, with the famous ALMEIDA WINE PARTY, and the voice in German is still awful, but I giggled each time when I "reckonnized" some stuff I knew from the guestbook here: "You're amazing...".
And I am on listening to TROTN. I love it! Well, the first chapter nearly killed me off, of course, but its getting better and better. Am I the only one by the way, to trace some likeness to becoming HIS fan with the way Eustacia falls in love? It really struck me like that yesterday, and the irony of him reading this, made it even better. Deep insight and a totally new understanding of world literature,so to speak. Yes, teachers are important.the only thing I have to object is that you just can't hear this while working on. Well, yes, I see that frown. So bad for the work. Will have to wait.
sorry for this again long post. Wuld like to add, if you are new to this, and at the moment not sure, where all the info is, just scroll back. It's worth it every time. Thanks again!
mortianna <mortianna@gmx.netfoo>
- Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 01:17:52 (PST)

Firstly, hi to Pamela from Melbourne, another Aussie "invader" (we seem to be the flavor of the week at the moment, i.e. the Golden Globes), and a note to Julia from Calgary who admired the city of Adelaide. Yes, I think Adelaide's perfect!

Harlii, apparently Alan chose his outfit in Quigs. He was originally told to wear white pants and a purple jacket! But his instincts were correct, and he looked great in black.

As for him playing comedy, I watched "Help, I'm a Fish" today, and in the interview he said he based his voice-over on Terry Thomas, a British comedian from years gone by. Alan said he'd grown up watching Terry, which makes me think there's a comedian lurking in there not too deep down.

And please, Georgiana, write about your next visits to PL - even though I'm madly envious, I really enjoy reading what you have to say. It's the closest I'll ever get to meeting him!
Gaye
Adelaide, South Australia - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 00:48:55 (PST)

Sally (UK) - like the impression you get from Stezi's website, I found AR to be a very gracious, polite and nice person to his fans. And his voice sounds just as good as it does on celluloid... He is also very tall! But, I still managed to be perfectly tongue-tied for the 5 minutes I was in his presence (only snapping out of it long enough to express a desire that he do more comedy and was he really to be in Sherlock Holmes, which he denied even having any knowledge of at the time).
Sally
Sydney, Oz - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 23:34:28 (PST)

Please post Georgiana! I have always enjoyed your AR insight.
srm
- Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 23:13:42 (PST)

Harlii-- yes, it was in theaters, because my mom remembers seeing it "on the big screen". Glad you enjoyed it- I take this to mean you DIDN'T want to strangle "Crazy Cora"? Georgiana- I hope you DO share your adventures with this weekend's P.L. performances. It does, after all, give those of us firmly entrenched in "the provinces" (or backwaters even further west...) some vicarious enjoyment. Next best thing to being there. Have fun!
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 22:22:34 (PST)

neway ive got 2 go now but i'm glad to have "met" all of u and will be visiting this site quite often for the rest of my life!!!!!!!!!!!! thank u and good night
marie
la, ca usa - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 22:20:27 (PST)

hello everyone i am a fairly new fan so you all can mold me into an AR loving maniac(not that i already am not one im fairly ypoung ad you dont know how much i get bugged at school for loving this man its funny because i was sitting at my computer and i typed in alan rickman and this came up i had never seen AR as anything but snape inthe HP movie(ive read all the books) so i became very giggly and now im glad to have met all of u pleae tell me all the movies hes in im dying i have alot to catch up on
marie
la, ca usa - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 22:17:36 (PST)

Well, I just finished watching Quigley Down Under and I loved it...I love westerns/cowboy flicks...My dad says for y'all to keep sending the stuff that doesn't necessarily float yer boat ;^} There wasn't a terrible lot of Alan in it, but here's my attempt at an analyses anyway.

I think this film was made during the time when they (the film industry) was still pigeon-holing AR as the perfect bad guy...I saw a more modern version of the Sheriff of Nottingham in Elliott Marston, down to the same exact clothes *almost*...the tight-legged black pants and boots...that slinky swagger of his, which, of course, is dee-lish...but my father, who isn't a die hard fan of ARs even said, "He always plays the stinky guy." and well, he does...usually...

So, AR does a fine job of playing the bad guy once again, but Tom Selleck was extra sexy {ooops!} One question though...this film did make it to the theaters, right? My mother keeps insisting it was a made for TV movie and I just don't think so...
Harlii
- Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 20:27:22 (PST)

Sally(Oz): Yes, you're so right, he is good at comedy. Couldn't agree with you more. Well, I hope he does get to do more contemporary, lighter stuff and that's at least three of us that'll be happy. How does he seem to you as a person, seeing you've met him, anything like Metatron or Alexander? I suppose there was no time to find out. Oh, if only one could find out!
(In that review of Mesmer yesterday, by the way, there was a reference to him not using one of his assets enough, his "feral wit" and that he should "really get the chance to do more comedy". ) So there we are!
Sally
London, UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 18:34:17 (PST)

Laura - I'm led to believe that Mr Rickman learned the bowing for TMD but had a 'hand double' for the fingering. It wouldn't suprise me if he could play a little though as he's an awfully talented chap :)
Anne - sorry, not too up on hotels/B&B's in London, I'm just popping down for the day next month to see a matinee performance on Sunday afternoon. There's also one on a Saturday afternoon, if you can get someone to look after the little one for the day then go for it. Just think...he's only 3 hours away. Go on, treat yer self!
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 17:54:57 (PST)

YAYAYAYA! My copy of Quigley Down Under arrived today! Laurel sent it to me!!! THANK YOU!! I can't tell you guys how happy it makes me to know that there are so many among us who are so kind and thoughtful, considering we've never met and considering I'm quite new here...It really says a lot about the *good* in human nature AND especially in fellow Rickmaniacs :^}

And so, Constance, Sally/UK and Laurel, look out for your mail...you will all be receiving special treats, a repayment for being so kind...I truly appreciate it...and if anyone else needs any Rickman video that I can get here for you (probably only the more popular ones like RHPOT, DH, MC, etc.) please let me know!!! Can you tell I'm excited?
Harlii
- Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 16:55:51 (PST)

Hi everyone! This board looks like it gets alot of visits, so I'll try posting my question here. I was watching TMD (for the millionth time) with a friend who happened to play cello and she said that she couldn't believe how realistically Alan was playing. In fact, she said that he must actually be a string player in real life to get the fingering and wrist movements so perfect. I'd never really thought about it before as I wouldn't know real cello-playing from the fake variety, but I was just wondering if anyone knew if he does play in real life or if he just had a really good cello coach to help him prep for the role? Thanks!
Laura Dommerman <trulymadlydeeply79@yahoo.comfoo>
Sault Ste. Marie, ON Canada - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 16:51:22 (PST)

Liz - sorry I have been trawling the net so I missed you. I would love the chance to get down to London but with 3 year old in tow & husband defending Queen & country in The Gulf I am 'Buggered' to coin a phrase! Any ideas on v cheap B&B's near the West End?
Anne
Washington, UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 16:28:50 (PST)

Sally (UK) - I think GQ is one of the BEST movies AR has been in! I like to think his recent turns in Dogma and GQ indicate he is beginning to relax a bit more and doing more comedy - which I think is fantastic! Reportedly, it is much harder to do comedy than drama, and I think AR displays an absolutley marvelous talent at comedy and I wish he'd do more. I was led to believe from chatting with him briefly after PL that he would like to 'get away from the period costumes and do more contemporary stuff' and I can only hope and pray that that means more comedy as well! I know many fans entertain marvelous fantasies of him in numerous period roles, but I reckon he has had better luck in comedic roles of any description (Rasputin being the exceptions) and I'm all for him doing as much as likes - because I love him in comedies - he's a natural!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 16:15:08 (PST)

Georgiana: Oh, and enjoy yourself, by the way. Wrap up warm. Where are you staying? Sorry, I should have put this in e-mail.
Sally
London, UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 16:13:42 (PST)

Georgiana: Yeah, go on gal, post some reviews, then I can see whether I agree with you or not! "Publish and be damned", I say.
Sally
London, UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 16:10:18 (PST)

Hi, Sally. Not February. I'm flying over on Thursday, and will see the play Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Georgiana (What?! Again?? Am debating whether to again post reviews as it seems to irritate some.) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 15:51:19 (PST)

Anne - alas, no - Mr Rickman will not be touring to Newcastle, if it were so I would be a very happy woman. When PL finishes all indications are that it is going to Broadway and then the run will end. I remember reading in an interview that he will now only work in major cities and not tour the 'provinces' as anywhere outside of London is known (bit of a derogatory term to say the least)so get y'sel on the train lass and get down to London to see him while yer can!!!!
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 15:44:52 (PST)

Hey everyone! My name is Cassidy and I just found out the joy of Alan Rickman. He is so talented and wonderful that I just knew he would be a great person. I really don't think he is as evil as Professor Severous Snape in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Well I have to go but I'll come back! Bye! ~Cassidy~
Cassidy <harrypotterfan@hotmail.comfoo>
West Plam Beach, FL US - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 15:21:00 (PST)

I, too, was unaware this site was used as a chat room - I am pretty hopeless with this kind of thing. I am a fairly new 'devotee' to AR but have always enjoyed his performances, from 'Galaxy Quest' to Mr Potter! Does anyone have any idea if he is due to be performing in the Theatre in Newcastle (UK) this year?
Anne James <spj18@freeuk.comfoo>
Washington, UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 15:14:45 (PST)

Without the "a"!!
Sally
London, UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 15:01:45 (PST)

I meant: portray characters in a non-sinister roles.
Sally
London, UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 15:00:39 (PST)

Changing the subject a bit, I reluctantly started to watch Galaxy Quest last night, thinking- what is this is going to be like, but I rather enjoyed it, especially as with that rubber thing on his head(?), his hair was pushed off his face and I could get a decent look at him, and I think he still looks a proper dish, despite the slightly dippy role he had to play. I think the movie was a bit of a spoof of people like us, diehard (not Die Hard!) fans, with their books and autograph books at the ready! His character was similar to that of Metatron in Dogma, I thought, though Metatron is more authoritative and less fussy than Alexander is. Is the similarity down to the fact that this is actually something like Alan really is, or is this the way Alan chooses to portray his character in non-sinister roles? Any thoughts, anybody?
Sally
London, UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 14:55:48 (PST)

Keep it up - there is not enough info on this very talented man. My personal favourites are The Sherrif of Nottingham & Prof Snape, He is the epitomy of evil - except that evil always has a seductive quality and Mr Rickman has oodles of the last!!! I am ashamed to say that, as a happily married woman of 35, I would sell my soul!
Anne James <spj18@freeuk.comfoo>
Washington, UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 14:51:30 (PST)

I am new on this board...i have been a fan for years of ar's work...iv seen most of his us releases...i did meet him once brefly and i have seen some of his theater...when i was studying in london...couldnt resist! even thought i was broke...hehe..my friends thought i was crazy...anyway in my state they were showing "the winter guest" at a small art theater...i went to see it...and it was grand you can see...how alan loves to use emotion to create a cocoon around the main character...another fav. emma. well i just loved the loc.....! has anyone else seen it? sirus
sirus <iwish_was_british@hotmail.comfoo>
chicago, ill usa - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 14:42:03 (PST)

That's exactly what I was told by the box office,Julia, and I marked it in my diary at the time-Jan 29-31st, theatre closed. The box office said they wouldn't use understudies because everyone wants to see the play with them in it.Never fear,they said, Alan and Lindsay will be back in it for the rest of the time. They'd better be, because I've booked two more visits in Feb!
By the way, Georgiana, when in Feb is it that you are coming back over for more performances?
Sally
London, UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 14:33:56 (PST)

Julia in Germany. The last three days of January are being kept free for AR's filming commitments (HP). Those nights the theatre will effectively be closed, and the rest of the cast get to catch up on sleep! Thereafter, the play resumes and AR back in his role. Or so we all believed.
Elizabeth
UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 14:11:54 (PST)

Oh well,I tried!I didnt think of looking at it in that way.I cant help it if Im a bit slow,I had to sit through an hour of Macbeth being read by people who cant read(English lesson)today.It has affirmed belief that I am the only fluent reader in the class-pauses in the middle of scentences and frequent mis-reading of words etc.take the fun out of it somewhat.(not that its fun the way my teacher does it-so easy,I think Ill die of boredom!Oops,bet shes lurking here somewhere!)I kept hoping Alan would walk through the door and rescue me,possiby wrenching the book from someones hands and reading it himself,(of course,Im sure he would be more polite than this)but alas,no.Never mind,I can still dream.
Daisy
U.K - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 13:47:25 (PST)

que la machine à jouer qu'est alan rickman ne s'arrete jamais! mais où sont les fans français?
catherine <catherinegaullier@yahoo.frfoo>
reims, france - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 13:27:55 (PST)

Oi! Stop crowding out Stezi's site! it's been suspended to 'excessive bandwith consumption'!! Stezi - your fame is spreading!!!(quite right too!)
Jules
UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 13:27:52 (PST)

Nah! Nice try. Thing is - he's enjoyed his little fling with Sharleen (spit), but he's decided to try and win his reluctant but real love. The reluctance? She's a journalist. Hah!. (hint)
Jules
UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 13:17:53 (PST)

Gigi(this may well be slightly late,but sorry)I think the 'In Demand'ending is "goodbye forever"both Sharleens and Alans looks at the end are so sad that I dont think their'characters'will ever meet up again.I also feel that the hugs in the car are him realising what he has lost and the tango is him showing his wild side(the bikers indicating her wilder side)and kinda saying'look,I really want you back,Ive realised how much I need you'(or something)She is sort of 'hey,wow'at first but the slight shove as she walks toward the car with the pump is saying'sorry bud,but youve blown it'the walk at the end is him facing the prospect of going back to an empty flat,and that is what the keys show-he has got his spare back(perhaps)I am still in doubt though,to what the helicopter is for.Is it signifying that someone is looking for her-press?-so she is'in demand' or is it snuck in there to throw us off the fact that it is really an exuse to snuggle up with AR??!
Anyway,thats mostly what I got from it,sorry if it was a bit long.Dear goodness,I cant remember the last time I thought about something so hard!I think I need a lie-down and an asprin.....
Daisy (hands-everywhere....!)
Bristol, U.K - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 12:53:39 (PST)

S A L L Y : sorry, THIS is my e-mail.
Julia <julisch-ka@gmx.netfoo>
Germany - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 12:13:25 (PST)

S A L L Y i n L O N D O N Hi Sally, I ´ve just heard a rumour that HE (the man himself) will be playing PL only until the 29th of Jan. and then the play will go on with another cast....IS THAT TRUE? I believe you are there, where the action takes place and it seems to me, that you´re at the Albery´s on every second night...So, could you do me a favor and ask any responsible person there, maybe the man HIMSELF? Because I NEED HELP, I´m nearly depressed: I have booked some days London for Feb. and got all tickets....*waaah*. I called the Albery myself (they said until 3.3.), but I need to be sure...*sigh* Thank you so much!
Julia <julisch-ka@gmx.netfoo>
germany - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 12:11:19 (PST)

Just skimming the Telegraph website to find a pic of Kenneth Branagh in HP CoS and found this, it's old (from 2000) thought you might like to read it anyway:
Producers were said to be drawn to Rickman after studying his witty yet menacing performance as the Sheriff of Nottingham alongside Kevin Costner in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.
An insider said: "They want Snape to be slimy and ghoulish, but they don't want him to be too scary or horrific, otherwise it will frighten younger audiences in the wrong way."
Slimy......?
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 08:42:54 (PST)

HE JOURNAL (Newcastle, UK)
January 18, 2002, Friday Edition 1
SECTION: ENTERTAINMENT, Pg. 27
HEADLINE: Susan goes back to the future with a difference
BYLINE: By The Journal
In 1951, Relative Values was premiered at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle, directed by Noel Coward, who wrote it. And now, just over half a century later, it is coming back new production and new cast, obviously, but promising the same wit and sparkle that made it a post-war hit.

Susan Hampshire, eternally effervescent leading lady of stage and screen, believes the time is ripe.

"There's a great Noel Coward revival going on at the moment," she says, rattling off a list of well-known actors currently treading the boards in his name. Penelope Keith, Alan Rickman, Lindsay Duncan.... she could go on. "It's just as if people want to laugh, as if they need to laugh. I think that's why his plays are so much in demand and doing so well. In some places they have had to put on extra matinees."

She agrees this could have something to do with the horrific news events which have assailed us since last September. She says she didn't sense it so much, this need for comic relief, when she was last in the play. (And it goes on...)

Georgiana (Unlikely to see extra matinees of PL, I think; Mr. Rickman has been quoted as not liking those 'eight shows a week') <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 08:05:10 (PST)

Mr. Rickman was interviewed by Tim Sebastian on 5 November 2001 on "Hard Talk," a show on the BBC. It was broadcast shortly thereafter in both the UK and the US (BBC America).
Georgiana ("Hard Copy" is a totally different show on US television) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 07:59:23 (PST)

Constance, Real Player is seperate from Real Download. Real Download, I believe, is just a piece of software which means if you were half way through downloading something from the Internet and got disconnected, Real Download would allow you to reconnect and continue downloading without having to start redownloading everything again. On the other hand, Real Player is a piece of software which allows you to 'stream' video from the internet or downloaded 'ram' files (as in the In Demand film clip) onto your computer. For anyone who saw the full 20 minute interview with Alan Rickman on what was it, Hard copy? That BBC program last year... It was worth the half hour download to get Real Player (although I got my freebie off an internet magazine CD...)!!!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 07:40:34 (PST)

Hey, I'm new on this board, nice to see fellow Rickman fans : ) I've heard "Private Lives" is rumored to come to Broadway in the spring. I've been looking everyday for the past three weeks for confirmation on the rumor but there is no news of it. I really hope it comes because I live an hour away from NYC and I'm too young to come to England by myself LOL. Does anyone know if the show is coming to New York, and if so, if Alan Rickman is coming with it? Cheers, Amy
Amy L.
NY USA - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 07:24:40 (PST)

Constance, welcome to the initiated, I know how you must feel :) :) :) I recently had the fun of showing the 'In Demand' video to a friend of mine (who has still got it, strange that...), watching her facial expressions and hearing her exclaim 'My God!' every few seconds!
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 07:19:20 (PST)

Aussie Sally!!!!

Thank you for the heads up on Real Player. It seems that I had some of it but somehow never fully completed the download. These things are always scary for me, never quite sure if the service is indeed "free" and with so many questions they ask, procedures,etc and as you pointed out, "tricks" to get you to pay.....sometimes I chicken out before the darned thing is fully installed! Well, IT IS and I just watched the IN DEMAND Video!!!!! You can imagine how I feel! My heart is still beating madly!!!
Constance(oh dear.....must lie down...) <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
NC USA - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 05:28:05 (PST)

I've just been checking out the Harry Potter Galleries today, and one of the feature links listed in the site is entitled "The Real Severus Snape". This caught my fancy and naturally, I clicked on it and read all about this former teacher of JK Rowling. Here's the scoop:

A teacher has revealed how he felt distressed to learn that JK Rowling's "evil" Professor Snape in the Harry Potter books was based on him.

John Nettleship is head of science at the Chepstow comprehensive school where the Chipping Sodbury-born author was educated. A recent TV documentary featured the author returning to Wyedean School in south east Wales where Mr Nettleship still works. But, after the shock of learning that the character who gives Harry Potter a hard time in science lessons is partly based on himself, he has come to terms with his newfound fame.

Professor Snape is portrayed in the first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, as a brooding and fearsome lecturer who delights in belittling the young wizard. He is played in the film adaptation by Alan Rickman and, as Pottermania began to grow, Mr Nettleship was first challenged over the link by reporters from Britain's national newspapers. It was then that he discovered his friends and family had already made the connection between himself and the terrifying teacher long before the story hit the big screen.

Mr Nettleship was shocked to learn that his wife, Shirley, agreed that JK Rowling had used him as a template for the character. He said: "I was rather distressed about this but Shirley said, 'I'm afraid so. I realised that a long time ago but I didn't dare tell you'. I'm quite sure that a lot of the pupils thought that I was as bad as the character, at least that's the way that I came over to them." But, as if by magic, he has since come to believe that his former pupil's literary work is more of a gentle, if wily, way of paying him back for ensuring that people always paid attention during his lessons.

And he has a glimmer of hope that the meaner aspects of Professor Snape's character are not based on him at all. "It's a bit comforting, but in the main interview that Joanna has given, she does say Snape is based on three people. I'll just have to hope that the worst bits of Snape are based on two different ones, won't I?" He added: "There are ways of pupils getting their revenge, but this is a much more sophisticated retaliation."

By Steve Grant, Bristol Evening Post (Greater Bristol Edition, p.12), January 2, 2002
Zel-Anne <zelanne@yahoo.comfoo>
Philippines - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 04:21:42 (PST)

Looking forward to the 'sound bites' area coming back up! Any idea when we'll be able to access it again? Can't wait! Thanks!
Pam
Melbourne, Australia - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 04:18:31 (PST)

Dear Sally in Sydney!!

I have Realdownload on my desktop(don't remember how it got there), is that different from Real Player? If you you don't want to post about it publicly you can e-mail...but perhaps others would benefit from the info as well? Thanks! Theresa!

Thank you for the kind offer but you need not bother, I just wanted to read over a comment he made about Hollywood. I am certain that I will find the article in question somewhere on the net.

Thanks again....
Constance <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
nc usa - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 03:09:15 (PST)

Yes, they were flowing locks, because I remember at one point, either he or one of his many portraits had those locks up in curling rags. Speaking of H.P., I watched A&E Biography of J.K. Rowling this evening, and they showed some of her own drawings of the characters. It was interesting to see how much her pen-and-ink Hagrid looked like the movie Hagrid. As for Snape, AR is a definite improvement looks-wise over the Snape drawing. It was disappointing not to see any Snape footage in the biography program, though someone ELSE did read the potions speech.
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 23:36:49 (PST)

I always though Gilderoy sported a 'mullet' or long flowing golden locks of hair! This short do is a bit too sporting for the Gilderoy in the book, isn't it? Forgive if I am wrong - its been 18 months since I read the second book...
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 21:54:58 (PST)

For those struggling with Quicktime - give up! I find to access most of the stuff on the internet, you need to have BOTH Real player AND Quicktime. Real player can be downloaded at www.real.com. You have to click around a bit to get the free version as they have trickily hidden the link half way down the second page and it looks like you have to pay $US35 - you do not! Real player is FREE!!! I hate Quicktime in that everytime I try to use it, it seems to want to connect me to the internet as if I don't have it installed on my computer. I once spent 40 minutes going through the whole process, and the next time I used it, it wanted to have another nice long 40 minute chat to the Quicktime website and download and reinstall it again. I gave up indisgust! Message to Quicktime people - LET IT INSTALL ONCE AND BE RECOGNISED!! As far as anything to do with the movie world (or rollercoasters), I have found having Real Player perfectly adequate!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 21:52:58 (PST)

okay i just read this guestbook and it was odd to find it used as a chat room. Stop freaking about Kenneth Branagh, he may look funny, but he's a damn good actor. Also, I'm from Edmonton too, and this is getting weird. It's good to know there are people like me near by
kimmer (again) <the_great_father_christmas@hotmail.comfoo>
Alberta, canadaokay - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 19:43:21 (PST)

Hello, fellow Rickman fans! Okay, I'm gonna start with "I LOVE THIS SITE!" you sure know your Rickman. Secondly, I am a very new Rickman fan, having discovered him from, alas, Harry Potter. Thirdly, I am a younger Rickman fan, being 14 and all. I discovered the man on Harry Potter, portraying the role of my all time favorite character, Severus Snape. I, naturally, fell in love with him. So, after seeing the movie, I asked my Mom who Alan Rickman was, and she replied, "He's only my favorite actor!" I was shocked, thinking the man was some no one. Apparently, everyone from Harry Potter is big in Britan, so I discover as I go on to watch all their movies (Richard Harris, Maggie Smith). I, soon after discovering this man was a big name, decided I wanted to see another movie with him in it, so I watched Quigly Down Under........and fell horribly in love. His voice, his hair........his voice.....I loved EVERYTHING about him, even though he had a small role. So the next day, I spent my hours online, on nothing but Rickman websites, and now I'm hooked. People always told me I should have been born earlier, man I wish I was because I LOVE ALAN RICKMAN!!! Being an actress myself, there is more to admire about the man besides his good looks. He's a great actor, his voice is soooooo haunting, but it's to die for. I hope he knows it's fan girls like me who are in love with him right now. So, anyways....thats my Rickman story. I loved him as Snape, and can't wait to see him in the other movies, or movies he soon will star in. Love you all, and Alan Rickman too, Kimmer
Kimmer, The Snape/Rickman Lover <the_great_father_christmas@hotmail.comfoo>
Alberta, Canada - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 19:34:13 (PST)

Sorry for the personal post, but I didn't have Constance's email addy.

I have an extra copy of the Hard Talk interview on VHS (NCTS format) if you're interested, please let me know (privately). No computer issues involved!

Therese <thereseiam@hotmail.comfoo>
- Monday, January 21, 2002 at 19:33:00 (PST)

The photo of Branagh as Lockhart is not quite what I expected either but I bet he would have had a ball hamming it up for that role!
Lorraine
Canberra, Australia - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 18:51:42 (PST)

Wow- Gilderoy doesn't look anything like what I thought he'd look like, either. I'll keep my fingers crossed that he SOUNDS the right way. Harlii- it's true (as Suzanne pointed out) that "In Demand" is the only newish song on that greatest hits album. I believe it's from 2000. Jules- thanks SO much for that great article on "Mesmer". I didn't like the movie at all on first viewing, but now that I've read that, I feel shamed into having to watch it again with a different mindset. (No glowing review in the world is going to help me HEAR it any better, though.) Constance- I read all those reviews too, and I agree with your "mellowing" theory.
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 18:23:12 (PST)

I've just borrowed a copy of the book "The Winter Guest", which is the original shooting script of the film. It has a picture of Emma Thompson and Phyllida Law on the front, and has a couple of photos of Alan directing as well. Now THIS would be the book we could ask Alan to sign at the Stage Door! I'm looking forward to seeing the movie on cable TV at the end of the month, and after reading the book I've a good idea what to expect. Some of the dialogue between the young boys is interesting - I wonder if that was the input from Alan. The script comes across as very cold and sad, but often the written word comes out differently on screen.

As for Branagh's Gilderoy - I, too, had a different image. Longer hair for sure, and flowing robes, rather than a dapper suit!
Gaye
Adelaide, South Australia - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 17:01:22 (PST)

Jules: Thank you so much for finding that piece on Mesmerfrom Atlantic Online, entitled " A Star-Making Performance"....( 'Alan rickman's acting in the title role is inspired').I've just read it. This has to be the review to end all reviews.
The truest part in it for me is the following:' Rickman has spent the bulk of his movie career being brilliant in supporting parts that don't need brilliance'. And then it goes on:'He must have realised the opportunity he had in the role of Mesmer, because he tears into it. He's not just brilliant here; he's great, bold to the point of folly; the performance constantly- breathtakingly- flirts with the overwrought and the ludicrous. Rickman keeps making outrageous choices and forcing the audience to believe them through sheer force of personality. And yet, beneath the arrogance and theatricality there's something artistically modest, almost shy. The purpose of acting isn't display but to" give it away," Rickman once told an interviewer. "Throw it to the audience. Catch!" This generosity edges his extremes with grace and makes them work.' Later in the review we get this: ' Rickman is always a strong screen presence, but he's hard to classify..... his speciality is fusing opposite traits: he's mannered yet honest,too much yet reserved, bored and curious, high-strung yet animal-still.This sort of complexity isn't always useful to an actor, but it's invaluable in roles that call for genius or mysticism. And Rickman certainly has all the equipment necessary to play Mesmer; charisma, intelligence, sensuality, pride, and what one critic called "the face of a Magus"- anachronistic features that make him look at home in an earlier century. (He made his reputation in a play with an eighteenth century setting, Les Liaisons Dangereuses.)
(That's just part of it! Who wouldn't die to get a review like that? It was written by the theatre critic for The Washington Post.)
Sally
London, UK - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 17:00:56 (PST)

Forgot to say that Barchester Chronicles is being shown on Vision TV on Friday afternoons (check your local listings) and that they're only on installment #2, which means that #3 is on this Friday. I can't quite remember which episode AR shows up in first, but he's definitely not in the first two, so you haven't missed anything.
Julia, again
- Monday, January 21, 2002 at 16:55:41 (PST)

Okay, this is my first posting... I am mainly just a lurker here usually. Anyway, I will (finally!) be seeing PL in 2 weeks, and am very excited about it. I just wanted to ask, is there generally a good chance of meeting AR if you go by the stage door? I have seen a few good reports on this, but as I have never been to the theatre, I am feeling fairly trepidatious about hanging around outside in the middle of the night. Especially in a city that I have only been to once! So basically, I could use a pep talk. :) Feel free to e-mail me directly, or just post here. Also, I would like to add for those looking for a copy of ClosetLand (my personal fave of my AR collection, if I had to pick just one.), that Ebay has had a few copies floating around lately. Usually the price doesn't get up too high, certainly not as high as the Amazon price.
cakewench <dobrien@erols.comfoo>
Washington, DC USA - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 16:55:17 (PST)

Ugh, what a travesty! Can you believe they don't have anything up on either the RADA website nor the Old Vic website about this Shakespeare "luvvie fest"??? I mean, how is a non-luvvie like me supposed to drool over the unattainable? So, anyone know a sure-fire way to make oneself a registered charity and make lots and lots of money to get over the measly currency exchange and buy a ticket to London?
Julia <j_petrov@hotmail.comfoo>
Calgary, Canada - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 16:50:29 (PST)

Harlii, I believe Anne had a transcript of the HARDtalk interview up on the Internet somewhere (?), and Rebecca has kindly sent me a transcript a few days ago (thank you, Rebecca!), which I am working on making a page for. Also (for those having trouble with RealPlayer), I was working on making a Videogram of the interview, but ran into a little problem because of its length (I never made one that long before). However, I haven't given up!

As for your "In Demand" question, I think that was the only new song (not on any other Texas album) included on the Greatest Hits album.

Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 15:58:34 (PST)

Stopped in for a quick check after a long time away - I was so sorry to read of Barbara's plight. O/T, I received an email pass-around with some very sensible advice on how to minimize damage should you be the victim of such a theft. I didn't want to print it here - not appropriate - but should anybody else like a copy, feel free to email me

Nice to read entries from some familiar names, but like Marialis, noticing gaps. Wondering if the community is still slowly recovering from the holiday wars.

Be well, y'all!
Mary <mkeith@mccdistrict.orgfoo>
McHenry, - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 15:40:32 (PST)

Mr. Rickman said at a presentation of TWG that he had great difficulty dealing with word processing while working on the film. This was apparently in the first draft of the screenplay. He has also repeatedly said, including in the "Hard Talk" interview, that "every word is Sharman's." So it is doubtful, Ginny, that you can ascribe any but rudimentary keyboard skills to the man based on that endeavor.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 15:11:40 (PST)

The same thing has happened to me Constance...the file is looking for something else to open it...do you have Real Player? Can you make Real Player your default thingie for viewing that kind of stuff? When I downloaded it (and I have QT too) it automatically came up on Real Player...
Harlii
- Monday, January 21, 2002 at 14:50:15 (PST)

Once again at war with Quick Time!!! I scrolled down to read the Hard Talk interview and quess who blocked me? QT!! Aaaarrrr.... So I uninstalled it and it still won't run for me! So... Does anyone here know if i can read the Hard Talk interview on another site? I looked on Claire's and here but could not find it.
Constance
USA - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 14:47:08 (PST)

Sorry. Apologies for jumping in again but, being relatively new to the GB, I was wondering what was the thought on Alan in the 1995 film noir- Murder,Obliquely? I thought his character in MO a forerunner to Sinclair. Just a think. Thanks.
Ginny
- Monday, January 21, 2002 at 14:43:29 (PST)

Constance, I have been thinking about why the ending bothered me and this is it: He played it so well! (Yoiks!) Soooooooooo, take that however you like it ;~} I love to see actors interpret different roles and the lengths they go to make it believable, but well, some things I just don't want to believe/think/wonder about and I think that's rather typical of most female fans and their male *idols*...but it was a really complex movie and that, I really enjoyed...

Gigi, do you think it's possible he's just off for a long trip in the *In Demand* video? I finally found that song on a Napster-like site, WinMX or something and downloaded it...so now I have the song burned onto a CD and listened all night long...Does anyone know how old that song/video is since it's listed as part of the Texas *Greatest Hits*?
Harlii
- Monday, January 21, 2002 at 14:31:18 (PST)

Hmm. About the infamous wig. I do believe that there were colour tests performed. One of the wigs was dark blonde and streaked and shoulder length. The black get-up puts me in mind of RPOT..ahem..after a good cut. Lol.
Ginny <gnnjameson@aol.comfoo>
- Monday, January 21, 2002 at 14:27:33 (PST)

Spoiler alert... I may get my nose nipped for this -- but such is life. I recently downloaded "In Demand" off the internet (thanks again, Claudia) and absolutely love it -- except for one thing, the rather odd ending. What's up with that? I'm wondering what other people make of it. Is it "goodbye forever" -- after all those wonderful hugs and that tango (!!!!!!), they'd have to be nuts. It doesn't look like she's dropping him off at work -- not with that huge bag on his shoulder. I just found myself unable to reconcile it with the rest of the video -- drool city. Many apologies to AR if he happens across this site -- just a Pavlovian response!
Gigi
- Monday, January 21, 2002 at 14:24:31 (PST)

Harlii!

Dark Harbor SPOILERS****

I agree with you about Dark Harbor but if it had not been for the "ending" (don't worry, won't give it away)I would have enjoyed the movie. I found the story compeling and the characters really interesting. I particularly enjoyed seeing Polly Walker who I haven't seen since (not counting a tiny part as Jane Fairfax in "Emma")her brilliant performance in "Enchanted April".The young man(Reemus?)I did find annoying and yes, AR needs to work on his American accent! I think it would have worked just as well if his character had been an Englishman. Polly's accent was perfect, though. But the ending!!!!I was watching it in my daughter's bedroom and all I could do was scream and start pelting the TV with beanie babies!
Constance <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
nc usa - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 14:21:50 (PST)

Thanks for that HP link Suzanne.But hang on,thats definetly not how I imagined him!I always thought he had longish blond hair and flowing lavender robes!Oh well,never mind....Funny really,Alan as Snape was eirily spot-on,a) how I imagined him in the books and b)how I though AR would look as Severus once I heard he was playing him-thats not what Lockhart looks like!!!
Okay,next time I want to talk about that I will take it to an HP mesage board,sorry if Ive wasted space complaining,I will go back to my revist of Netherfield...(I read this age 10,I have no unread books in my house,how sad!)
Daisy
U.K - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 14:18:23 (PST)

Well, why not? It's his prerogative.

Constance: I'll start again. Please don't worry about that. No hurry at all. (Men! No comment!) I'm surprised the message reached you, seeing it completely disappeared, leaving no trace.( My computer is not behaving at present.)
Sally
London, UK - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 14:12:10 (PST)

Ginny: He plays his cards close to his chest alright, I reckon.
Sally
London, UK - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 14:06:45 (PST)

There's a photo of Kenneth Branagh as Professor Lockhart in this article from today's Sun Online: Potter sequel looks magic.

Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Thanks, Renie!, TX USA - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 14:00:20 (PST)

Julia(Calgary): I think AR bears a great resemblance to David Thewlis as Metatron in Dogma. I said when I first saw him in that role that I thought he was a cross between D.Thewlis and Michael Barrymore.

Jules: I just bought Judas Kiss,too, from Blackstar just now where they have it, in PAL, for a snip at £4.79. Not bad for Blackstar, I thought. Plenty more copies I should think, anyone else who's interested.

Flamingkitties: So we AGREED on the hairstyle after all, then? And how old was the copy of the Radio Times? Old enough for them to be thinking about releasing it again, I hope?

Mortianna: Just get them to divert the plane to Victoria Station and you should just about make it on time.

Constance: I did reply to you first, saying take your time, but the message disapppeared. I hate computers when they mess about.I dread going back to the GB at times like this, wondering where the message has ended up!
Sally
London, UK - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 13:59:18 (PST)

Thanx Georgiana for the art link i was impressed he's good at art too!!
Spangle
notts, - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 13:59:10 (PST)

Hmmm. Don't know how confusion crept in... I point people from my website to this website, but they are most defintely informed it is someone else'e website! I wouldn't advocate the forum on my site for something like this because it only allows 500 messages before the freebie host starts deleting them! True, I could change but time does now permit... Long live Suzanne's GB!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 13:56:47 (PST)

Oh wow,sorry about all those mistakes,I had Marmite all over my hands so they were a bit sticky.(total Marmite junkie,me)Oh yes,and about the Snape-hair,I think that although he looks quite good wih it,I do prefer it in some of his other roles.Its great hair for the Snape part,but occasionaly I felt it looked slightly too neat/stlyed.(inccidently,I had a dream where I bumped into him at a hotel*if only*but he still had that hair!It did look quite odd with casual clothes I must admit.....)
Daisy-(Marmite-My mate...)
Bristol, U.K - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 13:45:52 (PST)

Elizabeth(or anyonee else who can help),could you possibly tell me what the HP2 thing in the telegeaph was called,becauise I need to see a picture of Branagh as Lockhart as I am having sligt problems scaling him into what I inagine him to look like.Im suere hes very good though.
Daisy
Bristol, U.K - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 13:35:53 (PST)

Hello! About Alan not having a pc. Alan writes screenplays..therefore either he, or Ms. Horton,is the proud owner of something other than a battered Smith Corona.I would be quite proud as punch to have such a fanbase and would pop in regularly..if I happened to be famous. No rotten straws in checking out those who like you and pay the bills! Nah, AR probably has a computer, maybe old as the hills..but just is keeping mum about it.
Ginny <gnnjameson@aol.comfoo>
- Monday, January 21, 2002 at 13:28:26 (PST)

From New Musical Express, 17 January 2002:

"Rufus Wainwright, Annie Lennox, Bryan Ferry and Des'Ree are amongst the artists to feature on a forthcoming new album which sees SHAKESPEARE's sonnets set to music. 'When Love Speaks' sees over 40 of the Sonnets interspersed with eight musical tracks set to Shakespeare's verse. The role-call of performers reading the works includes Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes, Kenneth Branagh, John Hurt, Diana Rigg, the late Sir John Gielgud and Richard Briers.

The record, due for release on February 4, was launched today (January 17) at RADA in London's Piccadilly by Lord Attenborough and the man behind the project, leading contemporary composer Michael Kamen. Kamen put the album together with actor Alan Rickman. Profits from the sale will go to RADA.

A live concert to showcase the album will take place at The Old Vic in London on February 10. The 'luvvie-fest' will be hosted by Attenborough and Rickman and will see Des'Ree and Eurythmics perform."

Thanks again, Suzanne, and all who help her maintain this site (and her sanity!) through an influx of new fans and contributors, and old gripes and gripers. This has been and will always be a wonderful back fence at which to gather, as long as we treat it with the respect it deserves, as well as enjoying the good feelings and fellowship it inspires.

Renie (yes, an update is overdue at the DT)
CA, - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 12:18:19 (PST)

*sigh* see - it's not just us... go here http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/98feb/movistar.htm to find what the professional cynics think... (pologies if you've seen it before - I hadn't)
Jules
UK - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 12:14:29 (PST)

This is my place, yes. :-) However, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Claudia and Claire, who have generously volunteered to be my Deputy D.o.C.'s (Department of Corrections). They will be helping me monitor the Guestbooks for trolls, spam and any problems that need to be fixed (thank you, Claudia and Claire!). So no matter what time of the day or night it is, one of us are on the job.

Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
TX USA - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 11:27:34 (PST)

I was under the impression that this wonderful site was run by Suzanne.There seems to be confusion as to is responsible for it.Hope this can be put right and give the credit where credit is due.
GCP.
- Monday, January 21, 2002 at 10:39:56 (PST)

I haven't been there for a long time and it seems that all my old mates are gone ! Where are GML and a Rickman Admirer for example ? Have you heard from them ? Anyway, I just come to wish to all of you, and to all who love AR and to Alan darling too, even if he never knows about it, an happy new year. Happy new year to you, Sally, and thank you for this place. Hope we'll have lot of movies and plays and readings to comment during 2002.
marialis
france - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 09:06:57 (PST)

Sally,

Got your e-mail(thank you) but cannot respond until tonight, maybe tomorrow. Kids are home and Hubby is a little grumpy today! Talk to you soon!
Constance
USA - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 08:32:47 (PST)

Thank you very much Fast Film in Los Angeles, Ca USA. I appreciate the comment, it made me blush. Thank you for sharing some more movies of his with me. I look foward to it. I just watched Die Hard last night on FX. It was a good movie and he played an excellent bad guy, who wasn't a trashy but elegant terrorist. Thanks again, i am only 15, but i have high hopes for being a film writer believe it or not. Thanks again, you made my day.
Nicole <Saxyninny1@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 08:13:07 (PST)

A decisively OT request:

This last weekend, I had a number of documents stolen, including my Driver's License, Social Security card and a copy of my birth certificate. Also included was my debit card and my credit cards, and one of my paycheck stubs from work.

What really concerns me is that, with my SocSec card and a copy of my birth certificate, I am at risk from identity theft.

Please, if someone approaches you under the name of Barbara J. van Look, gives you my birth date and birth city, and my social security number, that you view them with a great deal of suspicion.

I myself shall _not_ be opening or creating new accounts, or making credit/debit card purchases, so there will be no confusion.

Thank you for your time.

Barbara J. van Look
aka Barbara the Wallpaperer
Barbara the Wallpaperer
- Monday, January 21, 2002 at 07:15:29 (PST)

I only want to say that Alan is the greatest filmstar I´ever seen! Thanks!!!!!
Katharina König <kathi.the.king@gmx.atfoo>
Salzgitter, Germany - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 06:54:07 (PST)

Well that was a productive little browse...I just pre-ordered Blow Dry AND Judas Kiss from Amazon.co.uk. And WH SMith is trying to locate TMD for me. Now all I want is a multi-region DVD and I can get Mesmer. Then I'll be all Alaned out...
Jules
UK - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 06:35:17 (PST)

According to todays Daily Telegraph, Warner Bros released photographs from HP2 yesterday. There is a picture of Kenneth Branagh as Lockhart in the paper, page 6. And something about them filming in Fort William. And also a rather amusing article written by Phyllida Law several pages later on what she has in common with the Emporer Nero!!
Elizabeth
UK - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 06:11:38 (PST)

i agree with flamingkitties about da wig it makes him look wrong if u like it no offence.
psyco
- Monday, January 21, 2002 at 04:45:31 (PST)

forget my query as to the transportation problem. Bought tickets anyway.
if the gods wish me well, i'll reach it, otherwise - well, it shouldn't be.
as for who has seen private lives already - many have, but you just have to scroll a bit.
mortianna <mortianna@gmx.netfoo>
- Monday, January 21, 2002 at 04:32:30 (PST)

I just went to stezi's page again...WOW, she must be a very lucky girl! Hmm...does anyone in this guestbook also met AR and are there any pictures of those meetings? I defenately want to see those pictures! Tell me!!!! Thnx
Saskia <sasje@xs4all.nlfoo>
The Netherlands - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 03:22:33 (PST)

Yesterday evening, whilst clearing out the tip that is my bedroom, i found an old copy of the Radio Times (tv listings mag), and in it that copy, from that week, Closet Land has been shown, on ze BBC...(will stick the little review up if you likes), i wonder if this means they still have it somewhere in the acrchives and are planning on showing it... hmmmmm
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
southend, essex, uk - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 02:54:04 (PST)

Julia! I asked you on the "AR" mailing list 3 months ago if you wanted to go see Harry Potter together in Calgary or Red Deer or something. I received no response from you so I figured that you weren't interested. What a shame, cause I'm going back to Japan in two weeks. I would have loved to talk about AR "stuff" with you.
Carol <cebbyq@hotmail.comfoo>
Edmonton, AB Canada - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 01:18:33 (PST)

hi,
i was away from the internet for a few days, came back and found the stuff about the laurence olivier awards.
as i'm coming to london on 15, can anybody, perhaps sally - tell me if it is possible to get to the theatre at 11.20, when i'm supposed to be landing at heathrow at 10
this just seems perfect... well thanks.
mortianna <mortianna@gmx.netfoo>
- Monday, January 21, 2002 at 01:16:41 (PST)

Just wanted to say 'hi' and thank you for devoting your time to this wonderful site! Have fast become an avid Alan Rickman fan since 'discovering' him in the HP movie! Never would have thought this 33 year old would feel like a blushing teenager again! Glad I'm in fine company!
Pamela
Melbourne, Victoria Australia - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 22:40:35 (PST)

Gaye from Adelaide (I loved that city, BTW, esp the museums all conveniently located in a row) You are quite right about DkH being similar to the Michael Caine movie. I thought the same thing when I saw it.

I have a question, is there an Alan Rickman email address for fans or an address? Please email me if you know. ;)
Arielle <maggiey@connect.ab.cafoo>
Edmonton, AB Canada - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 18:55:11 (PST)

I don't know! Yeah, sounds like the sort of thing he'd be in! The play last night was by Brian Friel who wrote Dancing at Lughnasa which is all I've seen of his, as far as I know. But he (Friel) has written loads of other (Irish) stuff, according to the programmme. I expect you know him, if you're a Media Studies bod. If all his plays are as good as this one, I want to see them! (Though, with acting like that, any play would be good.) Thanks, Liz.
Sally
London, UK - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 16:43:31 (PST)

Sally - Ken Stott smiled at you! Wasn't he in something called 'Bringing Down The Asylum' (something like that anyway?) He's quite handsome in a 'lived in' sort of way, quite liked him after seeing that. Gawd, you are so fortunate to live in London and be able to see such good plays so regularly!
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 14:33:36 (PST)

Thanks for the advice on deletions, flamingkitties. I think I might start pestering, though, if I knew who to pester. Can't agree with you on that wig, though. All it makes me want to do is rip it off. Don't like it at all.
Sally
london, UK - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 13:27:11 (PST)

I forgave AR last night, because as a result of hearing that he had links with the ALMEIDA THEATRE, I'd booked a ticket for Faith Healer which was on there, and last night I went to it. Enjoyed the play immensely, and also the place, because it seems to be somewhere that the acting fraternity go to see plays, and you can stand in the bar and try to work out who all these vaguely familiar-looking people are! I asked someone and, yes, HE goes there as well! And the three actors from the play were in the bar at the end, two of whom smiled at me! One was Geraldine James, who I've admired since Jewel in the Crown and the other was Ken Stott, who I lusted after in The Vice I think it was a four- parter(?) that was on Brit.TV a while back. Remember him? Stocky, Scottish, very attractive with a big nose? and played a DI or something. Sorry, non-Brits, this must sound really off the wall! Anyway, YES! it was him! and he smiled at ME!! So, if it hadn't been for AR, I would never have had that experience. Thank you, AR!!! All is forgiven.
Sally
London, UK - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 13:14:51 (PST)

Gaye: Jules gave us the address of a rather nice little German website on Friday- www.alan-rickman.de - which I had a look at, even though it's in German. The pictures of CL were interesting-looking, and rather whetted my appetite for the film. (There were some other nice photos on there as well, by the way, which I, for one, hadn't seen before.)
Sally
London, UK - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 12:55:09 (PST)

Thanks, Magda. But unfortunately CME has been deleted by Blackstar. There is a "hunt" option, but that could be a bit pricey.

And thanks Sally from Sydney - I have sent you a note via your website.

I haven't seen Dark Harbor yet, but from what I've read it sounds very similar to a movie I saw years ago, called Death Trap (1977), starring Christopher Reeve, Michael Caine and Dyan Cannon. Does anyone remember this (yes I know it's a long time ago, but for obvious reasons it stuck in my mind!)

Sally from London - no I don't have a copy of Closet Land. I think Barbara from Australia had a copy for sale, but I'm not sure I want that. It sounds very dark to me. Any thoughts?
Gaye
Adelaide, South Aust - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 12:33:59 (PST)

Please don't give away the ending of DH.I ain't seen it yet. Thanks.
DSally
London, UK - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 12:29:19 (PST)

Harlii, when Jeff Sharpe (producer) introduced "Dark Harbor" at the Maine Int'l Film Festival, he indicated there was an early scene in the film in a motel with what you describe. They cut it. It is what is pictured on the video box. It is not on the DVD.
Georgiana (And, for many of us, the plot is so telescoped already that it would have worsened the film.) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 09:55:29 (PST)

For all that is interested and can get the Oxygen network--Truly Madly Deeply is scheduled tomorrow at 8 EST
Claudia
GA USA - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 09:21:41 (PST)

**SPOILER - DARK HARBOR**

Well, I watched Dark Harbor last night...I really, really liked the movie, until the end...I like *strange* movies and this one was kinda weird from the jump, and although I was watching very closely, I still wasn't prepared for the ending...Just a few thoughts: 1. AR's accent really bothered me from the start...I actually had my jaws clenched, waiting for him to fall into the *correct* accent and it never happened...he sounded just like himself. 2. The boy looked like a corpse throughout the entire movie and I just wanted to give him a bath...that bugged me, but I'm sure the ending justified that representation. 3. I was so not prepared for the ending and like I said, I watched the movie closely and can only think of 2 scenes where there might have been a little forewarning of the ending, but I'm wondering if anything was cut from the movie that would have given it a greater *connect*. And lastly, there's a picture on the back of the cover that is not in the movie...I'm almost certain...I saw it on Fausta's site too...it's AR in a suit, with a gloved-hand raised as if striking the boy in their living room and I'm sure that scene in not on MY tape...maybe it's on the DVD...hmm...

If anyone cares to discuss this anymore, please do...I'd love to hear your opinions on the movie...
Harlii <lmhpr00@aol.comfoo>
- Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 09:11:23 (PST)

flamingkittie is busy working on a stupid essay about the history of advertsing.

has any one else noticed that Snape's wig takes ten years off mr R (kinda)?
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
southend, essex, uk - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 08:26:10 (PST)

We just watched a bit of the harry potter premier for the sorcerers stone. There was a lady who said she was waitin 4 hours just to c A.R these were her exact words 'I`ve been waiting 4 hours to see Alan Rickman cause he`s the lushest man around'
psyco and mercury
- Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 08:00:09 (PST)

Hi is flamingkitties in da house?
Psyco
- Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 07:54:55 (PST)

Donna - Post on FOF fixed ! See the Alan Rickman Home page link above for full list of AR Stage, TV and Film roles. Therese Raquin is a 1979 TV mini series, he has a small but interesting part as painter Vidal. It is reviewed in Fausta's Rickmanista Review.

Claire
Dep. D.O.C (UK), - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 07:34:45 (PST)

Sally et al - when stuff is deleted, doesn't mean it won't be back soon, when i wanted the Rocky Horrow Show, it was deleted, 6 months later they re-relased it, same with Truely Madly Deeply, what with dvd becoming the forefront of the market, you'll find they'll re-release it, if they don't contact the distributors and nag them, get lots of people to pester and they might do something about it.
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
southend, essex, uk - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 07:34:41 (PST)

I just added a comment by mistake into Flights of Fancy thinking it was this guestbook. When I started reading the posts I was getting confused because it's so different from this one. Anyway, I wanted to know if anyone's heard of the movie "Therese Raquin". Alan is supposed to be in it. It's supposed to be from Masterpiece Theatre. There also was another movie of his on the list that I'd never heard of, but I forgot what it was. It was sort of a french name I think. He's supposed to be in a new movie called The Search for John Grissing" or something like that anyway.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 06:58:27 (PST)

Thank You Fast Film for that bit about Ian McKellen. I must admit that when I watched Rasputin, his was the performance that left me gaping and most moved. He was recently on Regis and Kelly and was so charming and humble, funny and... so gracious. I have yet to see Lord of the Rings but am really looking forward to it. When my husband and boys came home from seeing it, all they taked about was how great Gandolf was. He made quite an impression, even on a 12 year old!
Constance(who needs to get off the computer!!)
usa - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 06:53:09 (PST)

Hello MIKA!

So lovely to have a japanese Rickmaniac in the fold! I totally agree with you about the "maturation" of Mr. Rickman. As "spatula-dropping" gorgeous as he was in his 40's, I suspect that he was not( oh dear...better start finding furniture to hide behind...) very patient back then, a bit arrogant perhaps, with a definite chip on his shoulder. I get this impression from various articles and interviews I have read and if you read them chronologicaly you definately see a change, a mellowing of the heart and spirit.Concerning Hollywood for example, he recently said that he wished he had not been so harsh in the past. So yes.... as he is today, he seems more generous and grateful, more humble and patient. There are advantages to growing older I quess..... Anyway, MIKA-- on Claire's page there are tons of articles and interviews. See if you agree with me.

"Arigato Gozaimas"(sorry about the spelling!)
Constance(is it safe to come out yet?) <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
cary, NC USA - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 06:45:19 (PST)

On CME,Ive looked around all my little local'stock all those really hard to find'video shops without success so it looks as if HMV is my only hope before I try to order it online(I think I will get my computer-literate mother to do that one)
Hey GML,Alan signing everyting as Prof.Snape-what a funny thoght!It sounds like the kind of thing I would do.Of course,Id probbaby go to the next extereme and wear a robe for a couple of days too...And you Hamlet expirence,this often happens to me when I see a play-does this mean its particularly Bristolians who have this theater/film-wrecking trait?Are all my trips doomed until I am old enough to move??
Daisy
Bristol-theater disturbing capital of the world...., U.K - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 06:44:02 (PST)

Sorry, Magda. Just saw your posting about CME.
Sally
London, UK - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 05:56:10 (PST)

Gaye: I echo what you say. . I enquired at HMV (my nearest and biggest shop with extensive collection of vdeos) and they said Close my Eyes had been deleted. So now what? Is it available in the US either, can any one tell me? And Gaye, does that mean you have Closet Land? If so, where did you get yours? It can be got at a price from Amazon, but I just don't like the price!
Sally
London, UK - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 05:52:57 (PST)

Hi Gaye - yes, the Rasputin video is still available but you will have to act VERY quick - I am going away for about 2 months on Thursday and if things work out, won't be returning to Australia... At this stage, I was planning on packing the tape and if I dont' return, it will be shipped to me and will no doubt surface on eBay in a few months time... Soooo. Lets see now, you can try clicking on the email link below again and removing the 'foo' or you can go to the contact page on my AR website and fill in the online form - I get those pretty quickly! Hope you can reach me - it would be nice to give it to a good home as opposed to an anonymous home!
Sally <rickmanfans@yahoo.comfoo>
Sydney, Australia - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 05:20:30 (PST)

Gaye,....CME can be found at WWW.Blackstar.co.uk.This is in widescreen and PAL format.
Magda
Scotland, - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 04:52:12 (PST)

Thanks for the link to the Antonio artwork, Georgiana, I have been curious too. I'm glad it turned out to be a self-portrait, they sometimes tell you quite a lot about the self-victim :) - If anybody finds anymore artwork, let us know please.

Stezi, I especially liked the last photo on your first page: slightly shy but very friendly expression on his face, shame your sister scalped him on that one! ;) - Well, he obviously heard about the tabloid (I forget which now) article about the Snape autograph; I laughed when I read he now *offers* to sign as Snape. I reckon he should have gone further and insist on signing *everything* as Prof Snape for a week or two; Including his cheques... After writing the sum down in sickles and knuts, with a note at the back saying "complaints and claims for refunds to be addressed to Mr [insert name of journalist]" ;)

Ahem, talking of sickles and knuts, they are now exposed as part of the Money through the ages exhibition at the British Museum, would you believe? I was there a little while ago on my way back from France, looking for euros which I've not seen yet as I travelled back just before they became the legal currency there. I didn't see any in the British museum, but maybe they were well hidden, or you needed special permission and a protective suit to see them (European joke, sorry! ;) - but they had sickles and knuts... My, is British tourism cashing on the little wizard or what? They'll talk the Queen into wearing a Harry Potter hat next! :)

Uh, OK, confession time (you never get over being brought up in a Catholic environment, you *have* to feel guilty about everything ;).. since I had to stay in London overnight, I thought I might just as well treat myself to the play again (yeah, I've seen it before) - Report? Well, full-house again, I was lucky to get a seat in a corner, there were a few people sitting on the floor at the back. It all felt very cosy and a bit like re-reading a favourite book. As compared to the first time I saw it, the first scene seemed more fluent (but while Elyot was standing with his back to the audience against the balcony, the bottom of his jacket wound itself around one of the spikes and I spent the whole time thinking OoOoh, nooo, he's going to rip it or remain stuck to the thing as soon as he tries to move forward, but he didn't. Of course they're probably cardboard spikes anyway, but that set is so realistic...) - the dance scene went very smoothly, they glided around, chatted and laughed in one light-footed and light-hearted effortless act. On the down side (just to be finnicky) 'Victor' was a little LOUD (I know he is supposed to be, but I think Mr Godley overdid it a bit and my eardrums protested) and I found Mr R slightly overdid the comic expressions on his face... which was very effective, the audience loved it, but I prefer it done a bit more subtly, like it was in November. The women were all perfect. And I had a great time again - the audience was very responsive and the actors even had to delay their lines and alter the pace of the play once or twice to allow the laughter to die down before they could deliver their next lines. There was quite a bit of coughing, but nothing likely to disturb the players. And to bore you even further with my ramblings, I remember going to see an RSC production of Hamlet during which the audience was so noisy (for *three* hours) coughing (there was an epidemic of cold) and rustling papers and walking around (it was in Bristol..;) you could hardly hear the actors. No such thing happening at the Albery fortunately - and I suggest anybody wishing to see the play in London hurries up to book, the tickets are disappearing fast.

That's all folks ;)

GML
UK - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 04:03:48 (PST)

This is just to say 'Sorry!(Gomen-nasai in Japanese)' for my silly mistyping for my post..
Mika
Japan - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 02:50:47 (PST)

My friend's just come from UK and brought PL guide and some photos at the theater's front door.Honestly I envied her and I couldn't help feeling I re-found what has been missing in my life of past 6 years then. Well no complain though. When I saw Stezi's site, I also re-thought and was very x very happy because AR seems that he's getting better looks as he increases no. of 'age'. It seems he 'GRADUATED' from his flag-career-days with razor-sharp-looks like in his early 30s' or agrresive ones in his 40s'. (Personally, I like those 'graduated' people very much because they're the most torelant, kind, caring, calm, patient, fair-minded and natural-stanced people...) Even though they are professional actors, one's looks reveals the person's attitude towards 'Life' and person's inner history and richness as one gets old, very honestly. No matter how good as an actor the person is, he/she can't help hiding it all the time...And that's 'Good Looks' I mean. Hopefully many of you can agree with me... Here in East Asia, we don't get as much info. about AR or his work as the Western countries people do. So, please keep putting various info here, and of course, I'll do it if I find anything I can contribute... See you.... Stezi, many thanks for your post about your 'real' night with AR...
Mika
Japan - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 02:47:31 (PST)

Thanks Stezi for your great photos and narrative of meeting Mr Rickman in the flesh ! It was just as wonderful as I'd imagined ! But I can't blame AR for not going near the internet. It's taken me absolutely ages to just read through this GB since I was last here ! I've learnt my lesson not to leave it to long to check this site ;-)
Lisa <narmou@aol.com.aufoo>
Sydney, Australia - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 01:39:42 (PST)

Stezi, lucky, lucky you! It was really good to see your pictures, and especially the autographs. And he obviously didn't have any problems signing "Prof. Snape". Even though I am envious of everyone who gets to see Alan at the Stage Door, I do love to read all about it. And that reminds me, Georgiana, did you go to the Stage Door after each performance? I read through all your reports, but can't remember that part of it.

And to Sally, of Sydney, I have sent you an email but it doesn't appear to be getting through, (and yes I did delete the end bit!), so can I ask here if you still wish to sell your copy of Rasputin? You were right, I couldn't copy it.

And does anyone in the UK know where I can get a copy of Close My Eyes, it's about the only video I can't seem to find.
Gaye
Adelaide, South Australia - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 00:50:41 (PST)

Assuming everyone here is an afficianado of all great British film and theatre actors, I relate the wonderful evening I just spent watching Ian McKellen giving a Tolkien reading gratis to assorted gifted classes of Los Angeles schoolchildren (you may safely assume all are economically challenged with English as a second language) including the Hobart Shakespeareans gifted class at my husband's school, of whom Sir Ian is a proud, bigtime sponsor. He deftly fielded the kids' questions answering things pertinent to this chat, like playing villains is so much easier than good people: he chose the Gandalf part as a challenge therein. Or why great British theatre actors turn to film later in their careers: theatre is too physically demanding, even the contemplative, non-swordplay roles exhaust one. He also answered that he specifically chooses the roles that he thinks he is NOT suitable for as a challenge as well: this might submit a clue to Magda's query on script choices of great actors perhaps not being so great.
FastFilm
Los Angeles, USA - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 21:12:47 (PST)

Sorry, meant AR wasn't to OLD. By the way - not saying he SHOULD be on the computer - after 3 years intensively managing websites as a career, I would happily give up the computer at times - especially when my life gets busy, and it strikes me, his is busy right now!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 20:03:53 (PST)

Just back from Stez's place. They didn't have that thundering great big picture of AR outside the theatre when I went last October - all they had was the picture of that leg and the names of the actors! He really is a charming and gracious person to his fans!

Sorry for the poor imagery Barbara - PA/Personal Assitant is the buzz word in Sydney - and since he said, I guess it is in common usage in the UK...!

Glad you chose not to be offended Sally (uk) - it wasn't meant to be an offensive comment - just to much use of vocab.

And generically speaking, I don't think AR is too hold to take up the computer if he wants to - my Dad was 50 when he started tooling away in DOS and my mother is in her 60s and maintains 2 websites which she started in her late 50s! Its just a matter of when the timing is right!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 20:02:13 (PST)

Nothing definite on NY--Howard Davies was there checking out two available theaters (both bigger than the Albery).

Here is a direct link to Stezi's "Private Lives" page. However, since it is a Tripod site and as I recall links do not always work, copy the following URL and past into your browser window:

http://members.tripod.co.uk/lopez_renate/private_lives.htm

Georgiana (Condolescences.) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 18:28:22 (PST)

I've been gone from the GB for a while as my father passed away early this month so I was hoping someone could update me as to AR and PL coming to Broadway. Anymore news? any dates? name of theatre? muchas gracias....
S ;-)
- Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 17:54:13 (PST)

And I will gladly send it to them if required! (As no scanner myself).Phew!
Sally
London, UK - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 16:28:47 (PST)

before I was so rudely interrupted, "Star is beside herself over theatre award". Now I can't remember what I put. Oh, to hell with it. Is the internet busy at present or what?
Sally
London, UK - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 16:26:57 (PST)

There is an immaculate pic to go with Georgiana's post of yesterday, if any of our picture people want it i.e Stezzi, Claire, Barbara the Wallpaperer. It goes with article in the Times of 18/01/02 entitled
Sally
London, UK - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 16:23:42 (PST)

No worries Gabby. Hit Stezi's name at bottom of her post on Friday Jan18 14:48:09 (PST) or alternatively click on AR Home Page at top of GB scroll all the way down and there is a link to Stezi's pages and then hit filmography and you'll find it (and lots of other photos as well)
Judy <judy15@bigpond.comfoo>
Sydney, NSW Australia - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 16:22:17 (PST)

Hey Judy. Thanks...now to sound especially daft: Do u mean i should click on Stezi'z name at the bottom of one of her posts or...??? I know, i know- Im hopeless! Gabby, who is struggling to find a post from Stezi at all and is beginning to think she (Gabby that is, not Stezi) is blind.
Gabby <de_valera@hotmail.comfoo>
Melb., Aus. - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 16:03:56 (PST)

Thanks, Georgianna, for the Gilda site artwork. Now I know he is of the Ralph Steadman/Gerald Scarfe school of Beaux Arts.
FastFilm
Tinseltown, USA - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 15:38:00 (PST)

Nicole in New Jersey, you sound like you have the makings of an excellent young film writer: you can appreciate what the actor does to differentiate his parts in various movies. I suggest a foray to your local video store to find "Galaxy Quest," (funny science fiction), "Truly Madly Deeply" (a funny but sad ghost story) and "Sense and Sensibility" (complicated romantic entanglements in a historic setting) to see Alan Rickman in a variety of roles that are guaranteed to entertain you and your sister further. Your Severus Snape is a talented guy!
FastFilm
Los Angeles, CA USA - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 15:05:46 (PST)

'Spangle,' the only Rickman artwork I know about is the graphic for "Antonio," which you can see at Gilda's site.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 14:54:38 (PST)

Rare foray into GB. Gabby click on Stezi's name on GB and then click on Filmography and you'll get the photos. May I make a public request for more reviews from those going to PL in late January.
Judy <judy15@bigpond.comfoo>
Sydney, NSW Australia - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 14:47:07 (PST)

Make that "Getting". Technology and i dont mix :)
Gabby <de_valera@hotmail.comfoo>
Melbourne, Australia - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 14:36:17 (PST)

Could somebody please direct me to the much praised page Stezi created???? Im etting dizzy from scrolling down, and all with no result! Any help would be much appreciated!! Cheers!
Gabby <de_valera@hotmail.comfoo>
Melbourne, Australia - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 14:34:56 (PST)

So there is something worse than his taste in scripts.
Magda
Canada - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 13:59:51 (PST)

Likes, I meant likes... but probably loves.
Constance
- Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 13:18:18 (PST)

Well Georgiana, I guess AR and I do not share the same taste in Dance (are you surprized?). He probably like Maplethorpe! Oh well..... Who gives a ----? He still looks lovely in boots!( LOL)
Constance(don't hate me Georgiana, it's all in fun!) <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
USA - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 13:17:06 (PST)

i was wondering as AR was an art student for a while if any of his work has been displayed, i would love to see it out of curiousty.
Spangle
Nottingham, - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 11:49:48 (PST)

Here's the first part of an article:

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH(LONDON)
January 19, 2002, Saturday
SECTION: Pg. 01
HEADLINE: A place where life happens Pina Bausch has transformed contemporary dance and theatre, as her many celebrity supporters will testify. During preparations for her return to the London stage, she talks to Ismene Brown about the savage violence and redeeming love in her work
BYLINE: By Ismene Brown

What links Victor Meldrew, Britain's favourite television grump, and Pina Bausch, the first lady of modern dance? Not much, on the face of it. Bausch would be virtually unheard of by the millions who were enchanted by One Foot in the Grave, while Meldrew is not exactly your culture vulture. The link is, of course, the actor who plays Meldrew.
Richard Wilson has long been a Bauschite, ever since fellow actor Alan Rickman took him to see her company's first British appearance, in 1982 in London. The coup de foudre that hit him then has endured, and, nearly 20 years later, he, Rickman, Fiona Shaw and the artist Antony Gormley discreetly headed a fund-raising effort by her many admirers among actors and artists to support the return of the Tanztheater Wuppertal to Sadler's Wells at the end of this month.

"Victor Meldrew wouldn't know her from a hole in the head," Wilson said drily last week, "but I think she is a genius. Some of the things she shows are certainly violent, and she does point out some of the nastier aspects of the human condition, but I never leave feeling miserable or depressed. My feeling is that she has real heart in her work, a hope and a joy. She is so witty, there is such taste there." Wit and taste are not the first things that might come to mind in thinking about Bausch's dense, elliptical dance-theatre productions. Violent, even sado-masochistic images clot on a visual pallette of refined, almost exaggerated decorativeness. When you see snarling alsatians chasing men wearing chintz dresses through a field of pink carnations, do you laugh as the men gleefully bunnyhop away among the flowers, or do you flinch at the gloating Nazi-ness of it? When people rub their faces into raw onions, when a pair of corpses are tenderly married, you may be both repelled and compelled.

Bausch is the world leader of dance-theatre, often imitated, never equalled.

Georgiana (We should be discussing his work, not choice in home equipment...) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 10:03:55 (PST)

I just found out about alan ricman in harry potter when i took my sister to see it. I thought he was a teriffic actor. He made you believe he was evil. I fell in love with his peformance and wanted to see more. Then i saw Robin Hood. As much as he made everyone hate him, i wanted to see more of him in it. He keeps eveything interesting. I can't wait to find more of his movies and am looking foward to others. Thanks.
Nicole <Saxyninny@aol.comfoo>
NJ USA - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 09:20:20 (PST)

Well Sally,youre doing better than me!I have blooming I.T lessons at school and I have only barely managed to get to grips with cyberworld!And they call us the computer generation...Even worse,I have an Apple Mac,whereas at school theyre all Windows pc thingy(utterly hopeless me)which is an entirely different programme so Im even worse!!Its meant to be the parents asking children for help(no offence parents,or anyone else infact)not'muuummmmm,the comps. stopped again!' every five mins!But yes,if even my mum manages,youd think he would.Mayby he just doesnt have that great a need for one.
Anyway,I think will go back to good old-fasioned books and snail mail before I break the thing,and next time I promise I will stick to the subject!If we all had owls life would be so much easier....
Daisy(my goodness,what a lot of'm's
Bristol, U.K - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 08:28:10 (PST)

Besides... AR is an ARTIST and he lives like an artist. I don't see how the internet would serve him! I know that if it weren't for the living I make(flogging used books on the net) I too, would not go near a pc! He does not need to access files for clients, download documents , and I don't think he lacks friends and needs to "chat"..... He lives a rather nineteenth century life (or so he does in my imagination): he enjoys eating out with friends, long walks, art, theatre, literature, writing and then to top it off he's on stage 7-8 times a week to AMAZE us! When he is the "director", well perhaps then computers would help, but then again he does have people to do that for him. His value is in his unique artistry and spirit. He needs nothing more!There is only one Rickman in this cosmos and when he passes on, he will be impossible to replace :~( !!!

Okay.... said my peace! Have a great weekend, friends. Back to reality: Basket Ball games, peanut butter and jelly sandwitches and the nagging feeling that I was born in the WRONG century!:~0
Constance
NC USA - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 08:13:18 (PST)

Stazi, were can I find your pics? I'm very curious!!!
Saskia <sasje@xs4all.nlfoo>
The Netherlands - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 08:09:46 (PST)

Sally in Oz: You wrote: "I do know when I met him after seeing PL one evening, it would appear that his PA and some of his friends do mention the websites to him from time to time"
I'm sorry, but I couldn't help laughing. Where I come from, a PA is a Prince Albert and the visual that went with that was a bit much for me! ;)

Barbara the Wallpaperer
- Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 07:35:54 (PST)

Well, I'm a few years younger than AR but not so many, and I've "learnt computers" in the last few years, and still learning. Have had to, as have all my 'my generation' friends, as comps. weren't around when we were at school. And we are all supposed to be computer lit. nowadays aren't we? Don't see why he should be let off the hook! But don't want to labour the point. (And anyway,(ditty) "Anything I can do, he can do better" presumably?)!
Sally
London, UK - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 07:10:17 (PST)

The original HP cut was 4 hours - deemed far too long for a childrens film, i am hoping it will have the full four hours on the dvd, gives me a reason to buy a dvd player!
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
southend, essex, uk - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 07:09:04 (PST)

Okay,me again!I was thinking(goodness,I seem to do a lot of that now!)about all the scenes that were cut from HP,and realised just how funny it would have been(sorry Alan)to have seen our Mr.R up on a broomstick!Shame really,because there arent any more flying Snape scenes,so I never will get to see him on one!Never mind,the imagination is a wonderful thing...
Daisy(popping out to Quality Quidditch Supplies...)
U.K - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 06:59:59 (PST)

No, it's OK, Sally, I don't want to be offended.
Sally
London, UK - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 06:47:33 (PST)

Sally, feel free to be offended - but I was speaking generically - you are not the first and will most certainly not be the last person on any of the numerous chatrooms, forums, guestbooks and email discussion to express the wish that he read them....
Daisy - I agree absolutely with your comment! It would change the tone dramatically - well said!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 06:11:50 (PST)

Sorry, I meant "did'nt" I'm not a good typist!
sue
preston, england - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 05:56:03 (PST)

Magda, don't worry you did't! I just wanted to post how much I enjoyed Blow Dry the second time round and how good I found it overall. I mean I did'nt have to ff to the Alan bits, it was a good performance from all the actors and I liked much more than the first time I saw it.
sue
preston, england - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 05:54:09 (PST)

I am not suprised about Mr R having no computer, he's a little younger than my dad, and if it wasn't for me nagging my dad for a pc, he wouldn't have bought one. Think he'd need someone a decade younger than him to persude him that its worth it, even for writing. Having said that I do all of my writing by hand first anyway, so, who knows, I really don't have a brilliant point to make!
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
southend, essex, uk - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 05:32:56 (PST)

Thanks for sharing Stezi! The pictures are wonderful. I can't wait for the show to get to NY!
Claudia
GA USA - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 04:14:54 (PST)

Oh wow,sorry Sally,I hope I didnt sound too nasty,I accidentily submitted before I finished!.I was just thinking that it would actally be pretty funny if he came on,possibly revealing that he had been observing the comments for sometime-I expect some of us would be sat there kicking ourselves!<-again,no offence there,but I know I would!Everything I had ever said would suddenly become meaningless!
Hey ho though,we have seen many of his talents and mayby he just aint into I.T!I know its not on my list of special assets....!He does everything so well,we cant ask for too much more!
Daisy
Bristol, U.K - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 04:07:52 (PST)

Well,I must say that I too am glad that AR has found a better way to spend his time(no offence)than reading and replying to things written about him on various sites.I feel that what we should enjoy the wonderful performances given by him,and polite responses given at the stage door/written requests for autographs,instead of worrying about his lack of presence here.If he did ever say anything,we might all change tack and start writing to himand many of the interesting disscussions between us(like this one)that we have would be lost.And,you have to ask wether we would acctually WANT him to read all the posts.Yes,most of them are perfectly respectful,but then again,the occasional few...and also,if someone DID come on claiming to be AR,even if it was 'THE MAN HIMSELF',how many people would belive it 100% straight away?(well,I may have got the last one wrong,I personally tend to be a bit doubtful on those kind of things first time)And just how self indulgent does it look when most TV/film or music stars do that on their sites?
Daisy
Bristol, U.K - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 03:50:27 (PST)

Thanks for all your comments, folks. Judging by the number and despite the varied nature of them, I seem to have struck a chord somewhere. ( My namesake in Australia, I find your tone rather offensive, or perhaps "petulant" is an unpleasant word. I think my posting merely expressed upset, with a fair dash of humour thrown in, nothing more, and certainly nothing more intended.) But no matter.
Sally
London, UK - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 03:37:16 (PST)

Off Topic
FastFilm - I totally agree with what you said below, absolutely. I think for an artist of Mr Rickman's standing it would be rather inappropriate for him to be trawling these sites, because of the nature of his persona as a 'star'. However, please don't label all 'celebrities' as being self seeking if they get involved in online discussions - Terry Pratchett regularly posts to fan sites about his 'Diskworld' books, and the late and much missed Douglas Adams (who wrote 'The Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy' and others) used computers for years (since the 1970's I think) and also regularly posted to his fan sites. This sort of behaviour by authors, who are semi-anonymous, work a lot from home and use the internet for research and reader feedback is totally acceptable and to be encouraged. For an actor or indeed a musician who has reached a certain international status, and for whom their sexuality is a part of their star persona package, I agree that it is in poor taste.
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 01:49:07 (PST)

I do not share the sentiments as my British namesake and with some of the things written in various chatrooms, this GB, email discussions etc, if was AR, I absolutely would NOT be reading them! Also, even if AR read them back when the sites to him first went him, even he would detect, like those who have been around a while, a lot of what it said is said again and again and again (just by new people) and after a while, it gets a bit repetitive. He has had women admiring him for 20-odd years now - he's probably heard it all before! That said, I do know when I met him after seeing PL one evening, it would appear that his PA and some of his friends do mention the websites to him from time to time - so watch out - your comments could be read by a close contact! I would imagine that petulant comments about being upset that he doesn't patronise the websites dedicated to him will not win him over. If someone mentioned that to me and I was rich and famous, I'd probably just think, "get a life." I visit these online thiings to talk about the accomplishments of AR with other like-minded folk, and have no real desire to have a hotline to him - especially through a medium as untrustworthy as the web!
Sally
Sydney, Oz - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 23:37:22 (PST)

Hello everyone! Well said Fast Film!!! AR would have so much to do during his 6 day week (or is it 7 day?)he would not have much time to relax and read all these wonderful pages. I truly believe that AR IS AWARE of all of us here and appreciate's all the effort put into the GB here, and ALL the other pages dedicated to him. Suzanne was faxed by AR, was it a year or two ago, when she was very ill. I hope you don't mind me writing this, Suzanne! He is a really kind person!Stezi, thankyou so much for those photo's and narrative! I will never get to see PL but this helps! AR is only one person and pehaps RH has a computer!!!!!!! Only guessing! Bye.
Barbara the Australian <hermione(underscore )3@hotmail.comfoo>
Gold Coast, Qld Australia - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 22:22:09 (PST)

Taking into account all the hours I WASTE on my pc, I have decided that it should be "comforting" to know that our Rickman has better things to do with his time (ouch!). I cannot imagine a more diligent thespian who more than net time, needs "nap" time! Good night sweet prince....
Constance(who could use a few Zs herself)
usa - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 21:26:24 (PST)

This goes out with sincerity to Sally. There is a dynamic of celebratedness (as opposed to celebrity) that you might not be giving proper thought to. Artists of all stripes work hard to be recognized for their work. When they attain a certain level of success, they can concern themselves more with their work itself, rather than all the drab matters of maintaining it: marketing themselves, promotion, dealing with the middlemen of any business and yes, fielding your public. Unless one is a director, writer, cinematographer, art director, choreographer, composer or actor with a real sense of the art, there's no reason to be as rabid as most are to get into the difficult to penetrate movie business except the great money. Those solely in it for the money without any real talent are the pigs one sees in the tabloids doing moronic things with their money. Those in it for reasons of art or craft are more likely to concentrating on just those ends. I would not expect ANY level-headed celebrity to check out their own fansites: this is a job for their promotion people. If you want to imagine the type of celebrity that reads and responds to their own audience on the web, think Courtney Love.AAAGGHHH!
FastFilm
Los Angeles, USA - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 20:18:18 (PST)

Gaye, look in your local video store for a copy of The Winter Guest to rent, if thinking about buying it - or just tape it on Jan 27 (Mischivous wink!). Most reputable video stores seem to have aa copy (although I dispair of Blockbuster and have not patronised them for over 5 years now since there is ALWAYS a non-chain or smaller chain store that doesn't seem to feel they should only carry the last 3 years worth of movies in great volume...

Barbara, thanks for answering my questions about the photo in the Winter Guest. I remember at the time of In Demand you and I were the only ones to make an attempt on the industry to revoke their claim that the video was on the CD - it categorically was NOT! So, with that in mind, I guess I should say with only TWO complaints in the whole of Australia, the pigs and Universal decided not to come clean and reissue the CD WITH the video...Bummer about Play...
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 20:07:14 (PST)

Daisy, I was just reading your post about your audience experience when watching HP. I just wanted to say consider yourself lucky they have an intermission. I would love that considering it is such a long movie, but here in the states they play the movie straight through. No intermission!
Michaele <mmh1324@home.comfoo>
Chattanooga, TN - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 20:00:21 (PST)

Well, how lucky can a person get? I went to a local video retailer in the mall this afternoon (Suncoast) looking for The Ten Commandments and Ben-Hur...I found them, but this overly enthusiastic clerk kept bugging me asking what I was looking for...I calmly told him I was just *looking*...to prove it, I stood there & started reading through all of the videos in *Drama* one by one, well, I glanced over Dark Crystal, Dark Harbor, Dark Victory, Dead Calm...WHOA!!! Wait a second!! Did I just see *Dark Harbor*??? So I back up and YES! There is MY video! I say MY video, because I'd ordered the darn thing back in September and when it didn't show up for 2 months, I asked for my deposit back...so I just assumed they cancelled the order...Luckily for me, they didn't...so YAYAYAYAAY!!! I have my $9.99 copy of Dark Harbor...I'll watch it tomorrow night and let you guys know this weekend what I think of it!! I am so glad I stopped by there this evening!!! Sorry for the exclamation marks (Magda ;~} ), but I am so excited! I think I let out a little yelp when I found it...hahahah...
Harlii - Ecstatic!!!
- Friday, January 18, 2002 at 19:12:18 (PST)

Stezi- great pictures and accompanying narrative! Thanks for a peek into the "Lifestyles of the Lucky"! Leslie- that was great that you inquired about PL coming to Toronto. But by the answer you got, I guess I can kiss my fantasy of a San Francisco run goodbye! (Not that I really thought it could happen...sigh.) Daisy- thanks for the great story about your "child-enhanced" HP experiences. The first time I saw it was DREADFUL. I wondered if ANY of 'em actually watched any of the show or if they just spent the whole time doing exactly what you described. It's much nicer to go to the 9:30 show, after most of them are in bed! Glad to know I'm not the only one who gets a tad cranky about this. (Having small children hasn't upped my tolerance, either.)
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 19:10:55 (PST)

Stezi - fantastic pics and narrative. Thanks so much from someone who will never meet Alan Rickman ~ I just wouldn't know what to do or say!

Sally, oh darling (not condescending!). Please do not fret over the fact that he is not hooked up to the 'net & tracking the stuff on his fanpages. :)

You like him as an actor for his work and what he gives to us through it, right? SO if he misses some fanpage give & take - it's ok, isn't it? Would we *really* want him reading every single word posted here after all? Did we ever *really* think he did? *Smile*

Again I am not meaning to sound 'above it all' - hey I actually wrote my first "fan" *ugh* letter since I was 15 to the man (many, many weeks ago) and and will probably never receive the picture I so politely requested, but overall ... does it really matter? In the big picture, not so much at all! It's not personal (gads I hope), he's still an actor I like with some fantastic films that I watch over & over. Cheer up gal!
Michele <sorry-too many ??? messages/spam stuff latelyfoo>
PA USA - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 17:34:08 (PST)

Delurking for a moment to thank everyone for their reviews, comments on Private Lives. I am waiting, like other AR fans in my area for the word on when PL will be coming to Broadway. I've already bribed my 18 year old daughter into coming with me (y'know, me paying for the ticket, dinner, etc). She's even promised to get a pic of me and 'himself', if I should be as fortunate as you Londoners to get to meet him at the stage door. Regarding another topic brought up by Sally-I believe there are many celebrities who don't pay a whole lot of attention to their presence on the Internet. You may think this makes them uncaring about their fans and their image. I think they might just be too busy to put aside the time to check it out. I'd rather AR be civil and take time with his fans at the stage door, gladly fill autograph requests that arrive in the mail, than check out what's going on online. The most important thing is that he's out there, making films, doing theater. That's what's most important, to me anyway. Celebrities who maintain an online presence aren't always doing it because they care so much for their fans-there are some celebrities who have official sites and charge fans to gain access to special 'extras' on that site. Do you think those stars care more about their fans or the all mighty buck? :) Just my two cents!
Mindy <mbp2@hotmail.comfoo>
CT USA - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 16:33:48 (PST)

Woah, Sally calm down calm down! I can understand what you are saying but also I can understand why Mr Rickman does not have a computer, he is so busy he probably does not have time to bother with one. Perhaps he will get a laptop for when he is in New York to communicate with friends and family by email (although I am sure he won't worry about transatlantic phone bills!). I for one am quite glad that he does not visit any pages on himself - how self immersed would that be? Also, although the vast majority of comments are polite and respectful (and especially here), there are always some who are downright rude and disrespectful of the man's privacy. I feel that at least someone he knows is aware of the online community and hopefully tells him that we are a polite bunch in general!
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 16:32:54 (PST)

Hi Laurel Got your emaill thanks for the poem it's just what I was looking for unfortunatly I had problems tryimg to find the web sight you advised I try but I really did appreciated it and i'm sorry I mad you brake your record of not crying at moves!! but I hav eto admit that part and the bit when they wave her good buy gets me too I dont think there is a person alive who dosn't get moved by that film if they not thay must have no sole!! or very hard! Have you seen Harry Potter yet with Alan in he's very good I have to admit that when I read the books and the film was not out yet I thought to myself that Alan would be very good in this role as it's his type of character he's good at playing but I wont say any more if you haven't seen it and if you haven't I sugest you do it's very good. Thanks again for all your help and hard work in tracking it down, your a real star and your halo shines bright today!
Becky <ROREILLY@AOL.COMfoo>
Southampton, Hampshire - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 16:25:01 (PST)

Sorry, it's me again but I've got to say this. I actually find it pretty depressing that he never reads his websites (unless he does on someone else's computer)and thus, presumably, never has any interest in what's said about him -atleast by the likes of "women like us?" (Whatever we're supposed to be like, that is.) Perhaps we should strike a deal, and say that we won't take any interest in him, either, or his lousy films and average old play and stop spending money on seeing them and stop buying his boring old videos and Harry Potter merchandise and all the paraphernalia that helps him earn a fat living, and stop educating our kids to like him too, and see how he likes that! And I shall go back to Gene Hackman, Sean Connery, Angus Deayton, Paul Merton, Ian Hislop and the tasty Jonathan Ross, and all the men I deserted for him!
Sally
London, UK - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 16:05:50 (PST)

Oh,a big thanks for making that page Stezi!All I can say is that you are one lucky gal!Well done for talking to him,I doubt I would have had the nerve even to go to the stage door!
Seeing as my computer is now making very loud and unhealthy sounds,it looks as if I will have to go without one to!Oh well,if its good enough for Alan...
Daisy
U.K - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 15:58:45 (PST)

Oh dear! That Stezi is one lucky woman! I was surprized that AR doesn't have a computer! Can't think of anything intelligent to say! Heart still racing!
Constance
USA - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 15:57:16 (PST)

I don't know what to think about this. Toronto has great theatre, some plays coming here before Broadway. So, I wrote to Ed Mirvish Productions and inquired if "Private Lives" may come...with the British cast of course. The response I received was this: "although we were certainly interested, the British producers weren't; so it's unlikely we will get "Private Lives" before Broadway". Does that mean perhaps after? I don't know. It was worth a try.
Leslie <lcalvert@rogers.comfoo>
ON Canada - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 15:39:54 (PST)

Fast Fim! Don't leave, without telling me who or what you are! I've been wanting to know for weeks.

Jules:Thaks for the, er, german website tip off. It really is anice little site with some different photos in. Which is the movie where he embraces the boy? And Closet Land sounds/looks really interesting. Thank you.
Sally
london, UK - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 15:39:48 (PST)

OT .... Sue,sorry you are the lady that has lost someone just recently.Hope my comments didn't sound too facetious,Having been in that situation I wouldn't want to cause any hurt.
Magda
Aberdeen, - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 15:31:58 (PST)

Thank you, Stezi, for taking the time to make that page for us. Very interesting. (Well,if he can live without a computer, then maybe I can again!) Lindsay's comments were interesting too. What I would want to know is, what is "the reality" of lying on a sofa with him, like? I suppose when you have to do it every day of your life for months on end, it's job, but it pays well! Which restaurant was it, by the way? Was it the one with blacked out windows and a doorman? He sounds as if he has become professional at signing autographs! Did you get Lindsay's? Well, I think you are very brave, anyway. But good for him not signing that book (the unofficial autobiography). It must be incredibly annoying to have that happen- someone publish a book about you that you don't approve. But I supppose he accepts that it is the price of fame.
Sally
London, UK - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 15:21:26 (PST)

On the subject of audiences,Ive seen HP 4 times now(goodness,I need someting cheaper to do with myself)and each time I have been graced with the may joys of having quite young children behind me who-talk inccessently through most of the film,dont quite follow the plot entirely(though I suppose it is pretty complex)rustle sweets,popcorn etc,crawl up and down the aisle when they get tired of the film and point out anything remotely out of the ordinary to them that may come on screen('look daddy,theres an owl')A little girl sat behind me the first time I saw it prompty burst into tears upon ARs entrance into the dungeons.There was also a group of people sat along from me who seemed to think that every line spoken deserved some sound of appreciation,normally a chuckle,grunt or snort),which does become slighty wearing after about the first 10 minuites.I cant really have too much against the reflexes/bodily functions,especially with the children,though they could be taken before the film starts,or possibly try and hold it in more.On my second visit I was in the middle of a rather nasty bout of flu,and as courtesy to others in the vicinity,I managed to hold in a coughing fit until the intermission,where I steadily coughed my way through 15 minuites,and again in the second half where I held it again until the closing credits(I always stay for the credits though,no matter how many times Ive seen the film previously,so it didnt make too much difference in time)and one of the attendants kindly got me a very welomed glass of water.
Anyway-sorry for rambling on like that,my complainings over and done with.Well,not really,but Im sure you dont want to hear about the state of the bus company so Ill go now.
Daisy
Bristol, U.K - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 15:11:52 (PST)

Hi guys! I'm back in business! I received the photo's of Alan (my London trip) today. I've scanned them right away and updated my page with my meeting of the LEGEND! Read and weep! I hope you all enjoy this update as I did in private Alan!!!!!!
Stezi <Stezi@wxs.nlfoo>
The Netherlands - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 14:48:09 (PST)

SPOILER......,
Sue. I really liked Blow Dry,but was fascinated by Josh Hartnett accent although admittedly he did try hard.AR's accent didn't sound too great at times.When have you ever heard anyone saying"You wupped and went".For me though the hilight was seeing that wonderful tattoo.Warren Clarkes rendition of the Elvis song had me in hysterics,another actor under used as I am sure you will agree.
Magda
Aberdeen,at least you are in Gods country Sue, Preston, - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 14:31:04 (PST)

Thanks, Claire! Never would have figured that out for myself.
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 14:11:14 (PST)

?SPOILER...... I have just watched Blow Dry again. The first time I saw it about three weeks ago I was too busy being thrown by the accents etc just like everyone is. This time I was able to concentrate on the film more and found it really excellant, parts of it were gut wrenchingly emotional for me and the helplessness that we feel when untreatable cancer hits those we love were played correctly by the actors without ever descending into melodrama. The comic parts really made me laugh this time and were needed to lighten the theme of the film. Having been brought up on the east Lancs. west Yorkshire border I feel that the accents were actually local and even Josh, though he did slip into American so often, the bits that he managed were right (if that makes sense) And please believe me when I say that if someone from round here says "Thats grand love, thats grand." it carries a whole depth of meaning thats entirely lost south of Manchester, and Alan had to say that and similar in the film, he was as always, professional enough not to spoil the inflection by elborating or embellishing the simple words. Please, if you are unsure about this film do watch it again, it is truly good and the Elvis song " I just can't help believing" at the end leaves a good feeling to close with. This is going to turn into a classic for me.
sue
preston, england - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 13:22:27 (PST)

I wanted to reply concerning audience behavior...I've noticed that at movies or plays in which I am particularly interested, I am more easily *disturbed* than in others where the audience behavior is the same or worse...For example, during Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, I was thoroughly pissed off by folks getting up and going out, whispering, passing popcorn, shifting in their seats, etc., yet I wasn't as concerned when I saw other movies, in which I had a lesser interest...

We need to take into account that being a die-hard fan of a particular movie, actor or play is NOT a prerequisite to viewing it...it may be someone's first time seeing our *beloved* in anything and they have yet to acquire that attention span that doesn't allow fidgeting, coughing, blinking or breathing to hinder our observations...of course I'm being sarcastic on purpose...

The people sitting next to us purchased their tickets just like we did...coughing, the need to relieve oneself, sniffling, etc. are all natural human bodily functions, and I, for one, would drag my sick, sorry arse to the theater if I could just catch a glimpse of AR in the closing scenes, coughing and sniffling notwithstanding...AND if I simply had to go to the potty and couldn't wait for the intermission, I'd have to go...I'm sure those around me would prefer me getting up and walking out to a wet, smelly seat...Of course, I'm not suggesting that those mentioned in that news article weren't as die-hard as we are, but well, you get the idea...You don't have to be a Rickmaniac to enjoy watching his performances and I'm sure he wouldn't want anyone to ruin their kidneys by *holding it* or popping their eyes out by trying to hold in a sneeze or a cough ;~} Even for his benefit...
Harlii
- Friday, January 18, 2002 at 13:15:49 (PST)

Harlii--Thanks so much for your e-mail and the info about "Intelligence"! I tried both--but this is a public computer (library) and it turns out there's a problem with the two servers trying to find each for this particular link (according to the technology people here, whom I just told about my access failure). Maybe I'll find another computer that has audio and can manage the link!
Lee <charmquark02@yahoo.comfoo>
US - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 13:11:44 (PST)

Sally, she doesn't know me at all. I've stopped at the box office only twice.
Georgiana (Isn't the internet a wonder?) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 12:51:39 (PST)

LLD is Doctor of Law.

Claire
- Friday, January 18, 2002 at 12:42:18 (PST)

"yobbo"- That's what I love about this GB; it's always adding to my vocabulary! Apologies in advance for what's a totally off-topic question, but you're such an erudite group that I figured someone would know: what does L.L.D. mean when it follows someone's name? (I'm now conditioned to see those letters and think "Les Liaisons Dangereuses", but that can't be right in this context...) Thanks!
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 12:26:06 (PST)

just seen your posting, Georgiana. I think you were unlucky. I've never experienced that.As I said, I think we are too quiet. Still, I would rather have that, than some yobbo proclaiming in my ear. How very unfortunate!
Sally
London, UK - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 11:42:11 (PST)

I'm replying to Harlii and Constance from probably hours ago-(I've just got in from work)and Hooray! it's the weekend! Anyway, just to say, one reason I really am working on getting to see PL in New York when it goes there is to experience the difference in audience reaction in NY.(I hope it will be more exhuberant than our reaction). I really think that by this stage of the play, after all its success, people would want to applaud when Alan and Lindsay appear on the stage, but no, nobody ever does.(They do at the National, or did, for Olivier, and probably do for Ian McKellen) though I've never seen him there.(Perhaps you have to be a sir, or Judi Dench!(Dame).(Yes, that would be it! Definite evidence of status!)I was thinking aloud there. Anyway, certainly at the end of the play, I always want to jump to my feet, but no, nobody ever does! So, I was really heartened yesterday, when some people did. (Needless to say, I didn't!) By the time I had looked around and got over my surprise, it was too late,(plus I'm a big coward anyway.)The English are definitely too restrained. (It's our upbringing.) I'm always glad when I'm near Americans in the audience, because, for instance, one Saturday night when I was there, they all liked the wonderful set (and it is wonderful; it's beautiful) and they all applauded and said Oooh! as the curtain went up! It was such an exciting and happy moment!

One more little anecdote, and then I'll shut up.I queued for yet another ticket at the box office and when I got there, the woman looked at me and said,"I should know you by now!" Rather taken aback, I said "Yes, you should!" Then we started to laugh. If that's what she says to me, goodness knows what she'd say to you, Georgiana! Probably, come out, throw her arms around you and kiss you. (For the uninitiated, Georgiana has been 25 times).
Sally
London, UK - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 11:36:34 (PST)

Yes, Laurel, "Big Adventure" is my personal favorite. I read much of the book--did not like the order of the book which starts with the closing scene of the film (taking the teddy bear out between the rows in the stalls) and found it totally changed the emotional experience, knowing at the beginning that PL had died. It is a lovely black comedy and Mr. Rickman was spectacular in it. To me, it also conveyed the message that, no matter how well meaning you are, life can certainly whap you a good one.

I was finding in November that the PL audiences were getting less and less respectful. Does a hit play attract a crowd of those who view it as a 'must see' and go regardless of interest, or are these all my rude fellow countrymen? (The worst for me, though, was a Brit in a neighboring seat who felt he needed to verbalize some guttural indication of comprehension following each and every line of the play.)

Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 11:32:12 (PST)

NEW Evening Standard picture up on CPP courtesy of Sue who has posted the text below. Thanks Sue!

Claire
- Friday, January 18, 2002 at 10:53:02 (PST)

Oops! German!
Claudia
GA USA - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 10:46:18 (PST)

D U T C H ?!?
FastFilm
Town of Tinsel, USA - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 10:37:02 (PST)

I just got a copy of AABA (the book) and am reading it with great interest. Anybody else read it? Georgiana- I seem to remember reading in a back issue of the GB that you enjoyed the movie (so did I- and I haven't come across too many others who like it much). Did you read the book, and if so, what did you think about it? I'm really getting a big kick out of how different O'Hara is in print!
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 09:58:37 (PST)

Thank you, Jules. Your right--it doesn't matter if you speak Dutch or not--an impressive website no matter what language one speaks. He really should be honored at all the hard work that is done by his adoring fans. And it is hard work!
Claudia
GA USA - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 09:57:21 (PST)

There's a sweet little site at http://www.alan-rickman.de/ if you want to have a look. Doesn't matter if du sprechst kein Deutsch...
Jules
UK - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 09:42:42 (PST)

London Evening Standard 18th January 2002
Letters Page
Headed - Private Lives and public nuisance

"Further to your article Screen test for those who make a noise at cinema(14 January), I was appalled by the behaviouir of some of the audience at the Albery theatre for a performance of Private Lives last Saturday.
The man in front of me rummaged about in a plastic bag for most of Act One and thankfully, gave up and wandered out halfway through Act Two. A woman in the front row of the stalls also dashed off at one point (to the toilet?). Unfortunately, she came back to her seat about ten minutes later. Isn't the interval a more suitable time for this call of nature, no matter how desperate?
The man behind me had a hacking cough, which he shared loudly with us all. He should have stayed at home with it. In bed. I seem to recall a line in the play that goes something like:"I'd like to cut off your head with a meataxe!" My sentiments entirely to anyone who goes to the theatre (or cinema) with an uncontrollable cough.
I expect I'm oversensitive, but these three people were a real nuisance and a distraction.
.What puzzles me is how anyone can behave like this when theatrical greats such as Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan are on stage. The whole performance was stupendous, a magical and wonderful experience, an absolute joy from beginning to end. I'm going to go again before the play closes...and hope and pray for a more appreciative, and healthy audience."

Sarah Hankinson,SW18

This Letter was accompanied by a very nice large colour photo of LD and AR dancing.
Sue
England - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 09:39:11 (PST)

Gigi, several of us have expressed your sentiments to Mr. Rickman at the Stage Door in London, and he appeared interested in a New York run if the details could be worked out.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 09:15:14 (PST)

Laurel--I lost your email. I'm sorry--please re-send.
Claudia
GA USA - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 09:01:23 (PST)

Dear Laurel Thanks for the help with tracking down the poem I was looking for from truly,madly,deeply and I would be very grateful if you would email that poem to me I've had a few problems looking for it myself and with your instructions but my net company is pickiey! So please shine your halo up once more and help me out! Many thanks again your a real star Becky. Oh and thanks to Georgiana too for help as well. I lok forward to that email my address is ROREILLY@AOL.COM
Becky <ROREILLY@AOL.COMfoo>
Southampton, England - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 08:58:42 (PST)

I just read an earlier post here on the board that "Private Lives" might come to Broadway and that there's at least some possibility that Mr. Rickman will continue with his role here as he did in "Les Liaisons Dangereuses". Although I recognize that the probability of "The Voice" lurking on this board is rather remote...PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE come to Broadway!!!! Frankly, New York still needs all the help it can get after 9/11...and that's one show that I would definitely come to see. Damn, I think I may need my fainting couch again. *Thud*...OWWWWW!! @#$%^&!! Didn't quite make it in time...oh, my poor li'l head...
Gigi <gigi0620@aol.comfoo>
New York, NY (yes, really) - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 08:40:16 (PST)

Saskia - 'In Demand' is almost 10 MB - I think your email would have a nervous breakdown. Download Quicktime and then download the clip (you can get sites where it is available from previous posts). 10 MB takes ages to download but please believe me when I tell you IT IS WORTH IT.
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 07:50:19 (PST)

I thought about this last night...I think that one role which Alan Rickman should have had a chance to play and hasn't yet is Mr. Rochester from "Jane Eyre". Can you imagine it? I can, and only too well (*shiver*) -- the brooding mien combined with a streak of ruthlessness when he has to subdue his wife, yet a romantic sensitivity underneath the darkness. Oh, my -- I think I may need to lie down before I swoon...
Gigi <gigi0620@aol.comfoo>
- Friday, January 18, 2002 at 07:16:42 (PST)

The Times (London)
January 18, 2002, Friday
SECTION: Home news
HEADLINE: Star is beside herself over theatre award
BYLINE: Dalya Alberge Arts Correspondent

Lindsay Duncan, the husky-voiced actress who seduced theatre audiences as the temptress in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, is competing against herself in the Laurence Olivier Awards.

Judges were so captivated by her performances in two plays -Private Lives and Mouth to Mouth -that they decided to shortlist her twice for the Best Actress prize, a first in the 26-year history of the Oliviers. Duncan said: "I'm doubly thrilled." (cut)

Duncan faces competition in her category from Victoria Hamilton for A Day in the Death of Joe Egg and Zoe Wanamaker for Boston Marriage. It has been said that no one does sexual intrigue like Duncan but the 51-year-old actress has been nominated for two comic roles.

One reviewer said that anyone who missed her in Mouth to Mouth, Kevin Elyot's satire on suburban manners, "won't know what a terrific comedienne she is capable of being".

In Noel Coward's Private Lives, she was reunited with Alan Rickman and the director Howard Davies after their 1985 triumph Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Rickman is also up for a Best Actor prize, along with Sean Foley and Hamish McColl, a rare joint entry in recognition of their double act: they are the stars and creators of The Play What I Wrote.

The Laurence Olivier Awards, the most prestigious in London theatre, are presented annually by the Society of London Theatre, the trade association that represents London's principal theatre producers, proprietors and managers.

Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 07:02:39 (PST)

Sally, that photo is NOT AR... it is a photo of her husband and the actor's name is given at the end of the film. Gaye, The WG is a really good film and AR IS in it albeit a tiny amount of time but ET and her Mum are really good. So glad to hear that AR is up for an award! I guess no chance of seeing it here. Dogma is on Movie One and Extra next month 7&8th Feb. I agree - not one of his best choices but worth it to see those WINGS! Sally, I didn't see anything on PLAY either. It was not shown on SBS last year. I also had trouble with IN DEMAND. I bought it here and it had on the back that the Video was on it but the computer refused to play it. I was angry and retuned it to the store but the guy there could do nothing to help me! I was lucky to catch the song finally on V channel on Austar Pay TV Last year. It is a really good song!
Barbara the Australian <hermione(underscore )3@hotmail.comfoo>
Gold Coast, Qld Australia - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 06:18:37 (PST)

WOW! Please tell me all about PL! Because I live in Holland, i do not have the opportunity to go to PL. I'm very jealous...!!!! question....does anyone has the clip In Demand (Texas) in video-file? Please send it to me (sasje@xs4all.nl)!! I have never seen the clip but i'm very curious about it....THANKS!
Saskia <sasje@xs4all.nlfoo>
Leiden, The Netherlands - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 05:13:27 (PST)

just told my sister in law that I'd bagged tickets for PL and she actually squeaked! :o) Now she's scared to tell her 19-year-old daughter, because said daughter (always a mature and discerning child) is also a huge AR fan and will be hugely jealous. Hey ho. Shall I let you all know what the performance is like? Or are you all reviewed out?
Jules
UK - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 05:01:34 (PST)

Smiley's People is available from the BBC shop website here, public service information brought to you by Lou-o-Matic. Let me know if i am boring you already.
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
southend, essex, uk - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 04:08:12 (PST)

The Barchester Chronicals are available from the BBC shop website here, public service information brought to you by Lou-o-Matic.
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
southend, essex, uk - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 04:06:23 (PST)

Last night we went to see "Beautiful Mind" with Russel Crow.

Absolutely amazing performance!!!! I kept thinking: " could/would AR make such a movie? How would he do it if it was his? I love to see male actors shed their egos and vanity and do such roles.The sensitive side of AR is what I l love most, the subtle performances where you can "see" him think.My favorite AR performances therefore are: S&S(really?),AABA( did not "like" the movie but his acting was so haunting it comes to mind often without provocation) and CME( same situation as AABA). The over-the-top Rickman, almost camp, comic book performances leave me cold.

Anyway, "Beautiful Mind" is a must for all of you! I am proud of our Ron Howard( yeh! Oppie!)....Oscars to all!

And to Laura: Where IS you new AR web site?

Here in the States audiences getting to their feet for standing ovations are quite common. If this is rare in the UK... well, that says a lot about PL. Well deserved, I'm sure!

Sue and Magda: it was nice chatting last night. Wish I could have stayed longer!!! :~(
Constance(older but NOT wiser)
nc usa - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 03:51:57 (PST)

Thanks for your thoughts on buying The Winter Guest. Unfortunately, when I went to buy it, it had already gone. But thanks, Sally from Sydney, for letting me know it's on Showtime. Yes we do have Foxtel, - unfortunately (again) it was on earlier today (doh), but luckily it's on again on the 27th January.
Gaye
Adelaide, South Australia - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 22:56:48 (PST)

Hello! I became a Rickman fan as soon as I heard he would be playing Snape in Harry Potter. I decided to find out everything I could about this actor who would be portraying my favorite character, to see if he was 'good enough.' Oh, my, is he ever. I watched nearly all of his films before Harry Potter was even released. And when it was, it was a delight, of course. I've seen it 7 times. :) Anyway, wonderful site you have here. I come here often for your wonderful resources. Thanks so much for the videos and pictures you provide. I'm also here to with a minor plug for myself. I've recently opened up a new webpage devoted to Mr. Rickman, and I would be pleased if people want to come by and take a look, and maybe contribute some artwork! Thanks, and keep up the fantastic work. :)
Laura <nasubionna@cs.comfoo>
Olympia, WA USA - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 21:24:16 (PST)

Lynn, thank for the loyalty, but you don't have to worry too much - I come to Suzanne's GB for the lastest goss as well... As far as I can make out, Rafella's email list and this GB are the best areas to go for the latest breaking news! Lucky you finding a card! I have been keeping an eye, but the only exception to cards on then kids I have seen in Australia are Robbie Coltrane, Maggie Smith and Richard Harris
(and wasn't Ian McCallem MAGNIFICENT as Gandalf in Lord of the Rings?! There is no way Richard Harris could have supassed that IMHO! Sorry similarities here as they are both sporting long grey beards in their respective roles...).
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 20:35:00 (PST)

Hello everyone,

Guess what I bought today, I bought a Snape Greeting Card, yes thats correct , there are now HP greeting cards and best of all there is the SNAPE card, I couldn't believe it.

SALLY I gave this notice to your site first, :) lol,lol so the ones that don't come here will also get the info.

I'm such a happy camper , Now it's a birthday card but thats fine with me. It was funny, because when I went through the cash I was telling the girl that I was keeping this card for myself. She just gave me a look , I had to explain that I am a HUGE fan of Mr. Rickman and that I really liked HP and especially Snape.

if you would like to know where I got the card then feel fee to email me . Hope this is new news , I don't remember seeing this here .....
lynn <Pyewacket001@aol.comfoo>
Ottawa, Canada - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 19:25:44 (PST)

Well, first off I must say that Alan did a fantastic job in Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone. He sucked in Galaxy Quest! Overall, he is a cool guy. Good lookn' too.
Tanya <won't tellfoo>
can't say, ? U.S. - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 17:38:07 (PST)

RE: Standing up to applaud...Sally, that is so weird...at every play, concert, circus, whatever, that I've attended, the audience always stands to applaud at the end, no matter if it was crappy or not...just the fact that you were witness to such effort in live performances seems to be enough to induce such a response...maybe it's cultural?
Harlii
- Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 17:20:07 (PST)

I happened to be in the theatre today and it's the first time I've seen people stand up to applaud. Lindsay looked radiant (even more so than usual)! In fact the whole cast seemed super-charged!
(Nearly swallowed my sandwich whole at lunchtime today when I came across that article and photo in the Evening Standard, so surprised was I to come across Alan Rickman in the middle of the day! Dont normally buy the ES.)
Sally
London, UK - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 17:11:09 (PST)

Sorry- I meant the link to the text of the poem, not the link to the FAQ! (And maybe it's only my computer that can't access it?)
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 15:51:09 (PST)

Fausta also has the poem up, both in the original Spanish and its English translation.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 15:50:17 (PST)

Becky- there's information about this poem (La Muerta/The Dead Woman) in the FAQ, but I think the link there doesn't work anymore. I found the text for the entire poem at http://www.brindinpress.demon.co.uk/psnermue.htm or, if you want just the clip featured in the movie, I have it written down somewhere and would be happy to e-mail it to you.
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 15:49:06 (PST)

Becky, please see item #9 in the FAQ (=frequently asked questions) referenced so prominently at the top of this page.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 15:44:41 (PST)

Gaye, I notice The Winter Guest is on Showtime this month - if you have cable TV! It is also available in most video stores

By the way, I have a question about The Winter Guest. In the brief 5 minutes I saw of The Winter Guest today, they briefly cut to the girl, wrapped in some bright red/orange towel or something and she was bathing her foot in a small bowl. This is just after Phyllidia' charcter has sent the boy on his way and before Emma Thompson snaps a shot of her mother's just after Phyllidia has reminisced about seeing light though her hands. Anyway, the shot with the girl - in the background, there is a propped black and white photo, about A3 size. Is that AR in the famous black and white photo he sends out to people when they write to him??? Has anyone else overserved this? I stared at if for the whole length of the scene and became fairly convinced it was - it was just slightly unrecogniseable because you see the WHOLE picture, not the smaller version sent to us in the post.
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 15:38:58 (PST)

PLEASE CAN YOU HELP! I am desperately seeking the poem that Alan and Juilet Stevenson say to each near the end of the film Truly madly deeply Alan begins by saying it in spaish and Juliet Tanslates it in to English . So please could some one tell me what it's called, please...
Becky <ROREILLY@AOL.COMfoo>
Southampton, England - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 15:31:53 (PST)

Gaye- add my voice to Elizabeth's. TWG is a terrific movie and definitely worth owning.
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 14:59:30 (PST)

The Olivier Awards ceremony on 15 February takes place at noon.
Georgiana (Wish I could be there, but work obligations intervene, alas!) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 14:08:54 (PST)

Sorry me again. Gaye go and buy The Winter Guest immediatley. And if it is on special offer you have no excuse!
Elizabeth
- Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 13:31:47 (PST)

I was just looking at my calender and I happened to notice that that Feb 15th is a Friday. Which is odd, as if the Olivier Award ceremony is in the evening hardly any of the nominated stars will be there to collect the "chess piece", as they have become known, if they win. Nonetheless, it is usually televised on BBC 2 on the Sunday evening after the presentation, so that will be.........Sunday 17th Feb. This may of course have changed, and they may decide not to bother at all......I mean if everyone is not going to be there then why televise it?
Elizabeth
UK - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 13:26:53 (PST)

Harlii, What a coincidence! I was reading your message about getting January Man, and feeling very envious, when my daughter casually mentioned that she'd seen a copy in our local Cash Converters Store. Luckily, last night was the night the shops stay open late here in Adelaide, so I was able to go and get it straight away.

Unfortunately it's another film where Alan gets so little screen-time, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching what there was of him. And there is almost as much swearing in this film as there is in Dogma. But its shouted out much louder than the way Jay says it. And of course a nude sex scene thrown in for good measure. However, I was glad to add this to my growing collection of Rickman films.

BTW is it worth buying a copy of The Winter Guest? Once again, my daughter has seen a copy on special, but is it worth getting, seeing as Alan isn't in it?

And finally, I was lucky enough to borrow a copy of the BBC's Private Lives, starring Penelope Keith, and Alec McGowan. Finally I can imagine what is happening when I read everyone's reviews of the play. But I think Alan's performance must be totally different to Alec's, which was delivered like a robot, almost in a machine-gun like manner. Has any who has seen the current live production also seen this BBC version? I would love to hear some comparisons.
Gaye
Adelaide, South Australia - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 13:25:17 (PST)

Tonights Evening Standard AR picture now up on CPP

Claire
- Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 12:42:38 (PST)

RE: JM, Magda, it lost me even before the fire scene...when they showed the murder on New Year's Eve, something about the music that was playing in the background made it almost funny...I wasn't shocked or anything...maybe I was tired when I watched it...and about Susan S. and the calimari, didn't you find it odd that she didn't know what she was eating when they made her character out to be such a society matron? That was a huge disconnect.

Okay folks, will the Olivier Awards be telecast in the USA? Or can someone tape them and make us copies for a fee? I'd gladly pay to see it :-(
Harlii
- Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 12:36:21 (PST)

Thank you, Anon. My mistake. I quite liked it in any case.
Georgiana (Would have loved to have seen Rickman's "Hamlet.") <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 11:38:41 (PST)

Just taking a break between homework/cello practice to say-yes,I did hear about the problems with the In Demand Cd.Sorry to anyone whose doesnt work!I have mine on a double edt.of the Greatest Hits album,which has the normal album on Cd1 and remixed tracks/videos on Cd2.If thats any help to anyone....
Obviousy,dont buy this if you only want the vid though,its probably quite expensive.Mine was reduced to about £5 in a sale,and I quite like Texas anyway.So,back to my R.E project,due in last term-erk!
Daisy
Bristol, U.K - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 10:59:10 (PST)

JM lost me at the very beginning when the famous Nick Sharkey is rescuing someone from a burning building and the fire chief and NS's brother the commissioner just stand there with their hands in their pockets as he's trying to push through a shut door. But Susan Sarandan eating calimari and then asking what it is, is pretty funny.
Magda
Canada - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 10:26:20 (PST)

Laurel and Gigi--email me with details on your problem and I will be glad to try to help you. Claudia
Claudia <Flipper828@aol.comfoo>
GA USA - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 10:25:36 (PST)

Great news about the Olivier awards. I can't wait to hear about it from the people lucky enough to attend. Sally-from-Sydney- I didn't know that was YOUR site! It was the first one I came across when I began my quest for more AR information, and was so helpful in pointing me towards "what to see next". Harlii- I read somewhere that there was some sort of strike or something along those lines that adversely affected the writing for JM. Not sure about the validity or the details of that, but the material sure sounds that way. And how many times DID Danny Aiello make gratuitous use of the "f" word...about a thousand? Regarding the "In Demand" video, I bought the CD single off Amazon that claims it has the video track on it. Is it just Australia that suffers from false advertising about this elusive video (alas, my computer, like Gigi's, tends to insist on several brief intermissions while playing it online) or is that glitch more widespread? Constance- I wish I was cyber-smart enough to help you with your thwarted viewing experience, but if my soon-to-arrive CD has all the bells-n-whistles it says it does, you're welcome to borrow it anytime!
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 10:18:14 (PST)

The London Evening Standard has a piece on the Shakespeare Album. It includes a Picture of AR. Here is a link to the This is London copy (without photo)
cleekety-cleek
- Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 09:55:49 (PST)

Georgiana, Unfortunately despite giving BY FAR the best performance of last year, Simon DIDN'T win the Olivier for his Hamlet (criminal oversight from the Olivier judges). The Best Actor went to Conleth Hill for "Stones in His Pockets". Simon won the Evening Standard for his Hamlet, he won the Best Actor in a Musical Olivier for Candide the year before. My money is on Alan this year. Simon didn't really get into his part until well on in the run of Humble Boy and I'm surprised that he has been nominated as I would have assumed the judges saw it early in the run.
Anon
London, - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 09:50:42 (PST)

Funny how this stuff works...I was getting ready to post a message about how I watched the "In Demand" video for the first time on my computer last night -- and I saw that someone had been having trouble watching it. I found a Real Player file at the following location. It paused several times during play because my poor li'l 56K modem had to buffer some of the stream feed...but at least I got to see it... http://www.btinternet.com/~sc.i/id.rm What is there to say but...*siiiiiiiigh*!!!! That lucky little so-and-so!!! A true diehard (sorry, couldn't resist) Rickmaniac should prepare to have smelling salts and a fainting couch on hand while she's watching. It surpassed my expectation! Plus, I realized that I could become a "Texas" fan even if he hadn't made this video. The music is very good...
Gigi <gigi0620@aol.comfoo>
- Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 09:06:40 (PST)

Try as i might.... I can't get IN Demand to run on my pc because of Quick Time!!! Has anyone had the same experiance? I saved the file on a disc but now i don't know what to do! Oh please Cyber Genies......Help!
Constance
usa - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 08:08:21 (PST)

Copyright 2002 Scottish Media Newspapers Limited
The Herald (Glasgow)
January 17, 2002
SECTION: Pg. 35
HEADLINE: FACE OF THE DAY: Alan Rickman Robbing Robin of the limelight
BYLINE: By Susan Barr

WHEN he's good he's good, but when Alan Rickman's bad . . . he's even better. With his snidy sneer, he takes ruthless and evil to new levels, but in the most gentlemanly of fashions, of course. There was the terrorist leader Hans Gruber in Die Hard, the ruthless baron in Quigley Down Under, and his portrayal of the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves - all outstanding, in the most dastardly style. In fact, so amazing were his outbursts when filming Robin Hood that Kevin Costner made sure many of Rickman's scenes landed on the cutting-room floor. Even so, the Englishman's performance still stole much of the limelight. So, just what makes Rickman such a convincing villain?

Well, his hawkish appearance helps, as does his classical acting training. What clinches it, though, is the voice. If you can't remember what it sounds like, suffice to say that it sends shivers up your spine with its languid tone and delivery - ironically, the result of a speech impediment that means he can't move his jaw properly. How typical of Rickman to take a problem and turn it to his advantage. It's something he's had to do all his life.

He was born Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman on a council estate in Acton, west London, on February 21, 1946, of Irish and Welsh parentage. His father, a painter and decorator, died of cancer when Rickman Jr was eight years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his two brothers. As a child, Alan Rickman began to show his artistic tendencies, developing an interest in calligraphy and watercolour painting. This won him a scholarship to Latymer School and from there he went on to study graphic design at the Royal College of Art. It was here he met his first serious girlfriend, Rima Horton (the couple are still together, with Rima a staunch Labour supporter - she stood against Alan Clark in the 1992 general election). After graduating he even launched his own Soho-based design company, Graphiti, but his love of theatre was too strong and, aged 26, he applied to study at RADA. His delivery of a speech from Richard III at his audition sealed his fate.

His classical training took him to repertory theatre where, for the next four years, he embraced all types of role, from farce to tragedy. It was here he befriended young actress Ruby Wax. And it was he who advised her to become a comedienne. By 1978, he had joined the Royal Shakespeare Company but found their traditional structure too claustrophobic. He left a year later and started making inroads into television, in the BBC production of Therese Requin.

Rickman was now well established within theatre and came to greater prominence via John Le Carre's Smiley's People and The Barchester Chronicles. But it was his role in Les Liaisons Dangereuses that was to provide his breakthrough. Producer Joel Silver was so impressed with Rickman's performance that he cast him in the blockbuster Die Hard (1988), opposite Bruce Willis. This was followed by The January Man (1989), Quigley Down Under (1990), Truly, Madly, Deeply (1991), and Robin Hood (1991). He continued to turn in solid performances in Sense and Sensibility (1995) and Michael Collins (1996).

Rickman has also ventured into the comedy world with Galaxy Quest (1999) and an appearance on the TV show Victoria Wood with All the Trimmings in 2000. Most recently he's brought his own dark magic to the blockbuster Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, released this year. And Rickman's role of Professor Severus Snape is being reprised for the sequel, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, due out next year.

After that, no doubt he'll be sending more shivers down our spines.

Alan Rickman stars in Galaxy Quest on Sky Premier at noon.

GRAPHIC: SPINE TINGLING: Alan owes his languid tones to a jaw problem.

(Paragraphs consolidated.)

Georgiana (I can't find this on their website. Please post the graphic if you have access.) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 07:51:29 (PST)

The Olivier nominations--How apt! I would put my money on Lindsay. Victoria Hamilton was quite good in "Joe Egg," but it is a depressing play. I also would bet Mr. Rickman has quite a good shot. His strongest competition, Simon Russell Beale, won last year for his "Hamlet."
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 07:33:02 (PST)

I am glad to see the Olivier people noticed him this time. When he did LLD everyone was nominated except for him. If Lindsay Duncan doesn't win it I personally will garrot all judges responsible (and especailly Mr Nightingale), although she does have competition from Victoria Hammilton. Mr Rickman's main competition comes from Simon Russell Beale. And I am now promptly going to shut up, because last time I named the competiton, the competition won!
Elizabeth
UK - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 06:53:12 (PST)

Here is a link to Official Olivier Awards page The awards cermony is on Feb 15th and there are a limited amount of tickets available to the public at £5.
cleekety-cleek
- Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 04:11:55 (PST)

Darnit why are all the things i want to go and see (oliver awards, some other stuff no one will have heard/care about in here) in the first two weeks of febuary when i am away in stupid Wiltshire, shooting a stupid student film, grrr and grrrrrnesss and stress, i'm off to binge on chocolate to calm myself.
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
southend, essex, uk - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 04:02:41 (PST)

Beat yer, GML! I thought I'd better move quickly before the last few tickets were snapped up, and I'm going on Feb 2. Heeheeeeee!
Jules
UK - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 02:26:44 (PST)

Yes! We knew it, we knew it! :)

My Fair Lady, Private Lives and Kiss Me Kate top Olivier Nominations

17-01-2002 The papers are in, the votes have been counted, and the nominations are finally out for the 2002 Laurence Olivier Awards, and as always the competition is tough. Particularly for Lindsay Duncan who will be competing against herself [ah, ah, I can just imagine the scene..] in the Best Actress category for her performances in Mouth To Mouth at both the Royal Court and the Albery, and her current role in Private Lives, also at the Albery. Other actresses in the running for the coveted award are Victoria Hamilton for A Day in the Death of Joe Egg and Zoë Wanamaker for Boston Marriage

Comic double act Sean Foley and Hamish McColl, the stars and creators of The Play What I Wrote, are rather appropriately up for two awards: as well as Best New Comedy, the boys share a nomination in the Best Actor category. Other nominees are Roger Allam for Privates On Parade, Simon Russell Beale for Humble Boy and Alan Rickman for Private Lives.

Two of the nominations for the BBC Award for Best New Play are National Theatre hits about to transfer to the West End - Gagarin Way by Gregory Burke and Humble Boy by Charlotte Jones (bound for the Arts and Gielgud respectively). August Wilson's Jitney and the Royal Court productions of Rebecca Gilman's Boy Gets Girl and Kevin Elyot's Mouth To Mouth are the other contenders in a strong category.

Two classic productions, My Fair Lady and Kiss Me, Kate, dominate the musical categories with 8 and 9 nominations respectively. Both productions will be battling it out for The Hilton Award For Outstanding Musical Production, alongside The National’s production of South Pacific.

As well as a brand new sponsor in the shape of Hilton Hotels (UK & Ireland), three new categories have been introduced, including the Audience Award For Most Popular Show. Created to reward excellence among London’s long-running shows it will also (for the first time ever since the Awards began in 1976) give the public an opportunity to vote for their favourite production. For the list of contenders and the chance to register your vote online, click here or visit the Olivier Awards website on www.OlivierAwards.co.uk. There is no need to panic if your modem lets you down as a telephone line will also be made available for public voting as part of the BBC’s A Week In The West End programme running from February 11-14.

GML
UK - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 02:00:28 (PST)

No surprise, of course, but he's been nominated for best actor in the Olivier Awards. PL is nominated all the way down for virtually everything, and you can buy tickets for the presentations. Visit www.officiallondontheatre.com to see how. Go Alan, go Alan, go Alan! Yaaaaaaaaay!
Jules
UK - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 01:56:18 (PST)

Oooh, that reminds me i had a list of locations 'they' were at shooting Harry Potter, before and at the moment, maybe I'll try and find them and post them on this evening, more stalking opertunity, or just a chance to shout boo at emily watson, because she's so very annoying.
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
southend, essex, uk - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 01:28:14 (PST)

Oh, we seem to have had a plague of little itallics tags today. Don't worry, they've all been trapped humanely and set free in cyber space.
Deputy DoC to the rescue
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 23:22:55 (PST)

Gosh darn it! Can't believe I didn't close the italic tag - sorry Suzanne!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 22:26:24 (PST)

Calling all Aussie fans - was Play on SBS last year???? I know it was tipped to be January last year, but it just dawned on me that I never saw anything any advertisments for Sam Beckett's stuff being SBS last year! If I missed it, bummer...

Just tooling to Fausta's Rickmanista Review site in light of Harlii's comments and noticed the link to the Search for John Gissing. Fausta, I can't imagine you will want me to review The Search for John Gissing in light of what I wrote(with numerous typos...) at my AR website... Was anyone else lucky enough to see the previews less than satisfied with John Gissing or is it just me?!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 22:25:53 (PST)

SPOILER The January Man

Of course, I'm thinking that I am the only person who hasn't seen it, but there may be others. :~} Okay...I read Claudia's and Sally's reviews on the movie at the Rickmanista site (I think) and they were hilarious; I agree with what they said there...My own take on it is this: It had the potential to be a really funny murder mystery, but it wasn't. I didn't laugh out loud once, though I smiled a few times (mostly at AR's scenes). I think all of the actors are awesome, talented actors and I've seen other movies they were in that weren't exactly great, but they also weren't as corny as this movie, however, even great actors are stretched a bit when trying to interpret bad writing and even worse directing, which I think is the true fault of this flick...

AR was great in all of his scenes, though I cringed every time I saw him; they had him wearing the most god-awful clothes...soooooooo tacky (poor stylish Alan in THOSE clothes? Never!)...But as Claudia said, the FF button is a Rickmaniac's best friend ;~} Constance, thanks again for the movie!!
Harlii
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 20:11:36 (PST)

Here's the first half of an article on the year in London theatre

Variety, Dec 24, 2001 v385 i6 p32(1)
Ringing in new by reclaiming old. (Strands). (theater productions in London, England)(Brief Article) Matt Wolf.
Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2001 Cahners Business Information

LONDON Suddenly, everything old was new again: That's one way of considering the London theater year now drawing to a close. It was thin on new plays (Mark Ravenhill's exuberant, even profound "Mother Clap's Molly House" notwithstanding) -- and even worse off when it came to new musicals -- but the year was distinguished by revival after revival in which one familiar text or another tantalized us all over again.

How else to explain the dizzying affect of Richard Jones' reappraisal for the Young Vic of "Six Characters in Search of an Author," in which Pirandello's existentialist template became both a celebration of the theater and a requiem for it as well?

Matthew Richardson's shadowy, expressionistic lighting was the unspoken star of Jones' staging. Indeed, it was an amazing year for lighting designers, with Lillian Hellman's "The Little Foxes" reanimated by director Marianne Elliott and her lighting designer, Paule Constable. They turned the tiny Donmar Warehouse into a spidery, half-lit environment perfectly attuned to the intimacies of this gripping take on Lillian Hellman's warhorse. Also at the Donmar, John Crowley transformed a once-epic and booming play -- Christopher Hampton's "Tales From Hollywood" -- into a merciless, moving examination of the price of exile: not just for people displaced from one continent to another, as Ben Daniels' wrenchingly acted Odon von Horvath was, but more significantly, for individuals exiled psychically from any true sense of self.

Exciting `Lives'

A similar mood upped the stakes at Howard Davies' "Private Lives," the commercial theater's most exciting reclamation all year, whereby Noel Coward's putative exercise in camp gave cause for pathos while still grabbing at every laugh. I shan't quickly forget the facial map of dismay given way to delight when Lindsay Duncan's Amanda first espies ex-husband Elyot (a definitively drawling Alan Rickman) on a neighboring balcony. (Separate cheers for set designer Tim Hatley's sloping art deco architectural folly, which positioned auds perfectly for the intelligence and wit to follow.) Reteaming onstage for the first time since "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" over a decade ago, Rickman and his exquisite leading lady lent a rare conviction to a play that exists as fully in its silences as it does in every well-aimed quip.

Theirs was not the only stage relationship to redefine a coupling that theatergoers could be forgiven for thinking they knew all too well. Director Deborah Warner and leading lady Fiona Shaw put a provocative spin on Euripides' "Medea" by suggesting that sometimes infanticide isn't enough; in the closing moments of the production -- far and away the best of the "Medeas" I've seen -- there was Shaw still flicking droplets of water at Jonathan Cake's grieving Jason. Even after death, came the implication, the desire for game-playing lives on.

Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 17:43:58 (PST)

Hi.. it's me,Ginny..I think this GB is somehow, without fault, the best boat to sail Alan an award. Let us put our heads together, fashion a screenplay and then swan it off to the literary agents..flaming Sco..there is enough BRILL here to do it..and at the very least..his HIGHNESS ( LOVE ALAN) will have a shred of idea that we aren't just GB wannabe's............for pity sake..if Ben and Matt could do it..why not about two dozen of us? Thanks, Gee
Ginny <gnnjameson@aol.comfoo>
St.pete/LBK, Fl USA - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 17:34:21 (PST)

Jules -- sorry about posting it, but someone had told me that they couldn't get the page...

Barbara the Wallpaperer
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 17:15:45 (PST)

For topical info on Branagh, Judi Dench, Kate Winslet, and other UK actors and such, check the Radio Times online. (Watch out, though, if you like to dawdle...)

According to John Lahr in the January 21, 2002 New Yorker magazine, the biggest hit this season in London is not Private Lives, but The Play What I Wrote. I'm not getting entangled in this battle, though! LOL! Lahr also wrote a profile (p. 58) of Judi Dench, entitled "The Player Queen", for her admirers (of which I am one).
Renie (2 posts in a day, shocking!)
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 17:06:40 (PST)

Gosh there were a lot of posts yesterday!

Daisy, you may have read about problems with the In Demand CD single in Australia. They packaged it all as having the video on the CD, but it wasn't. I kicked up a stink, but apparently being the only person in Australia who complained that they advertise a video clip on the CD that wasn't there, the Australian CD distributors decided not to do a rerun. Therefore, if ANY Australians order the CD from their local record store, I'd make sure you get an import - from Germany (as I did) or the States.

Thanks Michaela for answering my query about the quality of colour on the TMD DVD. My biggest fear was the source tape for the movie had deteriorated as well or something, given how many movies they seem to be 'digitally restoring' of late, and I have bought a few 'classic movie' DVDs where the quality is no better than a video (they were the ones not 'digitally restored...')
Daisy
Sydney, Australia - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 16:10:56 (PST)

Misc: Yes, Branagh is locked to play G. Lockhart in ChoS.

8 performances per week is the normal load for a stage actor in a normal run. There are usually two matinees. Monday is usually "dark" at a theatre, meaning no show is performed. It's also used as a travel day and set-up day for a show arriving at a theatre. (So it has nothing to do with filming schedules.) A Monday can be used, though, for rehearsals, put-ins (where someone new is joining an existing cast), technical work/revisions, and the like, for a long-running play or musical. The rare "day off" is known, at least in the US, as a "golden day". No kidding!
Renie (And happy birthday Claudia!)
CA, - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 15:58:25 (PST)

Oh Elizabeth, I agree with your wish completely. If only Judi Dench and Alan would be on screen together... that would be wonderful indeed! I'm still angry that she didn't win an Academy Award for Mrs. Brown. Though not too surprising since I heard somewhere that some members of the Academy give their ballots to their assistants, kids or friends to fill out... making it more of a popularity contest than anything. Too bad they couldn't somehow make it mandatory that a person must attend a screening of every film nominated in a category before a person could vote in that category. Too much to hope for, I know.
Christine
USA - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 15:35:30 (PST)

Did anyone know that Alnwick castle was also used for outside shots of Nottingham castle in RH:POT? Uncanny coincidence!
Oh, and I'd like to thank Liz and Magda for giving me some pointers for my project. If my tutor agrees, then Galaxy Quest or Harry Potter it shall be...
Becky
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 15:33:11 (PST)

Lee, I tried e-mailing you the MP3, but I think something happened during the download...is this the link you found in the GB: HIAF-Intelligence

It's working for me right now...apparently when I tried to send the MP3 to you, I lost my own file :( Try it again, chicky and see if it works now...
Harlii
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 15:11:07 (PST)

I recently read some criticism about the movie "blow dry". well my personal opinion is that the movie was very good and written well. it's like they say "You can't please everyone all the time." Alan Rickman seems to be a very intelligent and down to earth person on screen and off. I look forward to seeing him in other films in the near future. And by the way I saw Harry Potter twice and Alan you looked beautiful in black.
suzi frank <sinatra67@juno.comfoo>
ft.smith, ar u.s.a. - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 15:06:23 (PST)

Okay yes I made a mistake about the number of performances of PL per week, apologies. I was at work though when I was writing it, so no wonder my basic arithmetic did not work properly! He is still working 7 days a week though, by the sound of it...
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 14:52:49 (PST)

Help! I can't access "Intelligence" through the address given in the GB; all I get is a message about the servers not being able to access each other. Does anyone know another way?
Lee <charmquark02@yahoo.comfoo>
US - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 14:41:50 (PST)

Sally, one could assume that Mondays are used for filming -as Judi Dench so wonderfully put it - " in a shed outside London". Or one could assume that Mondays are the cast's day off, which I suppose could mean he sleeps for the entire day. The days at the end of January are quite possibly for filming in the limbs of the country so to speak.

On the subject of Judi Dench, and this is something I would love to see, AR and her doing a play or a film together. It would be so wonderful, both are without arugement truly amazing actors bringing a strange sort of realism to their work whilst acctually becoming the character they are playing, yet doing so with such subtlety no-one can see the divison between character and actor.

I was of the understanding that the Olivier award nominations were not announced until Feb. Have I got them confused with something else?
Elizabeth
UK - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 13:41:47 (PST)

I gather the Albery is shut 29-31st Jan for AR's filming so, according to Liz, this would be 'the few days off' for the Harry Pot. filming, so what film are the Monday filming days for? Ah ha, the plot thickens. I rang the Albery box office just now, to try and wring some info. from them "in the know", but she didn't know, or so she said. (She managed to sell me another ticket, though. I knew ringing the box office would be a dangerous thing to do.)
Constance: Go to see PL, whether you get to see him afterwards or not, (and I'm sure that if you want to see him, you will.) It's a marvellous play, and this Alan/Lindsay version is described as one of the definitive versions.I believe it is. And while we're on the subject ofAlan and Lindsay, she doesn't ever get much of a mention here, but, just to say, he'd never do it without her.
Sally
london, UK - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 13:11:12 (PST)

Hi Harlii. The search page is here: http://pages.prodigy.net/emeraldegg/ARsearch.html

Or if you want to read Rickman fan reviews on any films, got to the Rickmanista Review page at: http://www.rickmanistareview.com/films.html

Have fun!
Claudia <claudia@paradise.net.nzfoo>
New Zealand - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 13:10:28 (PST)

I just wanted to publicly thank Constance for sending me *The January Man*...YAYAYAYAAY! I plan to watch it tonight, but I'd love to read some reviews on it...I'm assuming there should be something in the archives, but can someone remind me how to do a search please? Thanks so much, chicky!
Harlii
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 13:02:37 (PST)

As we all know which stage door to visit if we would like to see Mr. Rickman, at least through 3 March, I do not think there will be much of a rush to Alnwick, but I was pleased to see that the local residents shared what would be the result of our vote on which member of the HP2 cast they would most like to have hanging out in the local bookstore.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 12:42:54 (PST)

Itallics fixed, Barbara, no problem.
Deputy DoC <claudia@paradise.net.nzfoo>
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 11:27:33 (PST)

Nice bit of wallpaper Barbara - bit wordy, particularly as I posted the URL yesterday. Still - makes good reading.
Jules
UK - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 11:18:07 (PST)

Whoops. Sorry about the italics, Suzanne....

scurries away, hanging her head in shame....
Barbara the Wallpaperer
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 11:08:34 (PST)

Biographical text:

People in the UK often complain that the finest British thespians seldom get opportunities to succeed in Hollywood pictures. Often the reason is simple - most great British actors are just SO damned British they're considered only for the occasional role. A butler, perhaps, or a dastardly villain, more often Queen Elizabeth I. And, in the case of Alan Rickman, there is a further problem. To most top-line stars, the man is a positive menace. Absolutely explosive in his work, he's not only ideally suited to cinema but he's a scene-stealer of the highest and most dangerous order. Take his Sheriff Of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves. Kevin Costner famously cut many of his scenes, and STILL the movie's remembered for Rickman's hilarious outbursts.

His path to prominence has been long and hard. He was born Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman, on a council estate in Acton, West London, on the 21st of February, 1946, to a Welsh mother and Irish father. He had one older brother, then a younger brother and sister. Sadly, his father, a factory worker, died when he was just 8, leaving him to be raised by his mum who, he's said, instilled in him both a sense of decency and a respect for women. As a child, he was bright, and artistic, capable of excellent calligraphy and watercolour painting. Eventually, he won a scholarship to Latymer School (later alumni including Hugh Grant and Mel Smith), and quickly became involved in drama. Latymer was fairly radical in this department. Both pupils and teachers acted alongside each other, an approach that demanded the boys mature rapidly.

Rickman loved acting, but his other artistic talents led him towards graphic design -- certainly a safer occupation. "Drama school," he says "wasn't considered the sensible thing to do at 18." So he enrolled at the Chelsea College Of Art And Design, later spending a year at the Royal College Of Art. It was at Chelsea that he met Rima Horton, still his partner today. Both keen to continue acting in some shape or form, they founded an amateur troupe, the Brook Green Players. Rima, sharing Alan's liberal beliefs, would eventually become a politician, serving for many years on the council of Kensington and Chelsea.

Alan continued at the day job, on graduation forming a design company, Graphiti, with some friends. He'd continue taking design work till well into the Seventies. But closer and closer he came to professional acting. He played with another amateur troupe, the Court Drama Group, performing in the likes of Romeo And Juliet and View From A Bridge. Then, at the relatively late age of 26, wrote to RADA, hoping for an in. He got one. Delivering a speech from Richard III at his audition, he was accepted, spending the next three years studying and performing Shakespeare and facing such emotional and technical challenges as Uncle Vanya and Ghosts. For his efforts, he was awarded the Emile Litter Prize, the Forbes Robertson Prize and the Bancroft Gold Medal.

After leaving RADA, Rickman threw himself into any acting jobs going. Though he is, of course, renowned as an extremely serious actor, he played all manner of roles over the next four years, as he gained experience in weekly repertory theatre. With the Library Theatre Company in Manchester, he he took on farce and light comedy, performing in the likes of Babes In The Wood, Lock Up Your Daughters and There's A Girl In My Soup. He was King Rat in Dick Whittington in Bristol, Sherlock Holmes in Birmingham. There were musicals too, Rickman touring with both Guys And Dolls and Joseph And His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. There were serious plays too, naturally, like Hamlet and St Joan, but Rickman was grounding himself in every stage discipline -- he could be still and desperately intense, magnetic and sexy, outlandish and larger than life. He also had good advice to share, persuading Ruby Wax to be become a comedienne, rather than the actress she was trying to be.

In 1978, inevitably really, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company. And, just as inevitably, given his age and his rootsy experience, he found their elitist attitudes and traditionalist structures too limiting. He stuck it for only a year, before returning to rep.

It could have been a big step backwards, but Rickman persisted. In 1979, he debuted on TV in a BBC production of the savage and haunting Therese Raquin (well, his debut if you don't count a televised production of Romeo and Juliet), and continued his work within UK theatre. He also gained ground in America, as star and assistant director of Desperately Yours at the Colonnades Theatre in New York. He spent a year between 1983 and 1984 at the renowned Royal Court.

Now came his rise to prominence. In 1982, Rickman had raised his stock with his performance as Brownlow, opposite Alec Guinness in John Le Carre's spy series Smiley's People. He'd also caused a stir in a TV adaptation of Anthony Trollope's The Barchester Chronicles. As the Reverend Obadiah Slope, a slimy, ladykilling politico, he'd provoked a near-unheard-of stream of fan mail, much of it from women. And it was this sex appeal, combined with his fierce intelligence, that now made him a stage star too, as he created the role of the Vicomte de Valmont in Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Between 1985 and 1987, the show was taken to London and then on to Broadway, where Rickman found himself Tony-nominated. Unfortunately, not only did James Earl Jones take that prize, but Rickman was also denied the film role, given instead to John Malkovich.

But Hollywood soon beckoned anyway. Producer Joel Silver had noted Rickman as Valmont, and asked him to play super-terrorist Hans Gruber, leader of a gang who take a bunch of hostages in an LA office block in Die Hard. Rickman recognised that the producers had spent so much on Bruce Willis they needed actors who'd work for next to nothing, but he went for it anyway, and was magnificent -- casually vicious, hilariously merciless and masterfully irritated as Bruce foiled his best-laid plans. So effective was his performance that Hollywood would now habitually cast Brits as major villains.

The next couple of years continued his rise. He was notable as Kevin Kline's oddball sidekick in serial killer flick The January Man, and excellent as mean-spirited ranch owner Elliott Marston in Quigley Down Under, hiring gunfighter Tom Selleck to shoot aborigines then going after his reluctant employee. Now, two killer roles: First, Anthony Minghella's Truly, Madly, Deeply, where Rickman was Jamie, the dead cello-playing lover of Juliet Stevenson (she'd move the entire nation with her deeply upsetting breakdown scene). Then came Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, with Kevin Costner. Here Rickman was incredible -- smarmy, callous, cowardly and flamboyant, storming through every scene with captivating ebullience. This was not simple scene-stealing, it was grand larceny, with so many memorable moments. Swearing he's going to cut someone's heart out with a spoon, he's asked by a minion why a spoon. "Because it HURTS!" he screams. In the final sequence, where he's trying to marry Maid Marian before the Merrie Men take over the castle, it was Rickman himself who came up with the notion of prizing open Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio's legs, as if he were hoping to consummate the marriage with the priest still present. All those years in rep were coming in useful -- Rickman won a hugely deserved BAFTA.

Next came the controversial Close My Eyes, where Rickman played the tortured husband of Saskia Reeves as she conducts an incestuous affair with her brother, played by Clive Owen. Then there was the extraordinary, and hard-to-find Closet Land, a movie with a cast of only two. In it, Rickman played a Secret Police interrogator, grilling children's writer Madeleine Stowe on the subversive messages supposedly hidden in her stories. Perhaps even better, now Rickman once again brought his experience in comedy to bear, as the magnificently manipulative spin doctor Lukas Hart III, in Tim Robbins' political spoof Bob Roberts. In one memorable scene, Rickman disengages himself from one sticky situation with a fabulously insincere "Excuse me, I have to go pray". In the same year, Rickman would provide narration for Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells 2.

Rickman's next major role was brilliantly cast. In Mesmer, he played the title role as the 18th Century Viennese physician who touted some thoroughly controversial healing practices, based on his concept of "animal magnetism." The film should have launched him as a leading man, but there were problems. Rickman and director Roger Spotiswoode (Air America, Tomorrow Never Dies) made changes to Dennis Potter's script, with the financiers feeling the completed movie was not the one they'd paid for. Litigation reared its ugly head and Mesmer, pulled from theatrical release, was not aired till 1999, and then on the Romance Channel. A terrible shame for all concerned.

But Rickman persisted and 1995 brought rewards. Onscreen, he was sexy and terribly devious in Mike Newell's theatrical romp An Awfully Big Adventure, set in Liverpool in 1947. Then he was the brave and tortured Colonel Brandon, loving Kate Winslet from afar in Ang Lee's surprise hit Sense And Sensibility. Rickman also directed his co-star from that movie, Emma Thompson, in The Winter Guest at London's Almeida Theatre. The next year, Rickman would make a big screen version of the play -- a deep tale of youthful hopes and intergenerational struggles -- again starring Thompson, with her mother played by her real-life mum Phyllida Law. Though not a big money-spinner, The Winter Guest would win prestigious prizes at the Venice and Chicago film festivals.

In the meantime, Rickman had made up for disappearance of his hypnotic Mesmer by taking on the equally transfixing role of Rasputin. Of course, Christopher Lee had been superb in Hammer's earlier version of the mad monk's rise to power in the court of the last Tsar of Russia, but Rickman, matching Lee for intensity and outdoing him for intelligence, was magnificent, taking both an Emmy and a Golden Globe. Then, having played such a ferocious libertine and open-hearted zealot, he took on the demanding role of the quiet, complicated and mercilessly pragmatic Eamon De Valera in Neil Jordan's Irish revolutionary epic, Michael Collins. By now, Rickman was confident in his abilities, yet this confidence was tested to its limit when he discovered his first scene involved making a speech to 5,000 Dubliners --with no rehearsal.

Now the offers were rolling in. He played alongside Thompson again, in the New Orleans-set kidnapping drama Judas Kiss. He was suitably angelic as the seraph Metatron in Kevin Smith's hilarious Dogma. And, perhaps best of all, he was side-splitting as Dr. Lazarus in the excellent Galaxy Quest, taking the rise out of himself as an arrogant thespian who despises the undying fame he's found as a Spock-like character in a trashy TV show. Onstage, he assumed the leads he so richly deserved, most memorably playing Mark Anthony to Helen Mirren's glorious Cleopatra at the Olivier. Oh, and he provided some much-needed class to the video for Texas's In Demand though, unfortunately for the band, he made singer Sharleen Spiteri seem very small and uncharismatic by comparison.

Like many great stage actors, Rickman stays true to his roots. He reunited with Anthony Minghella and Juliet Stevenson for Samuel Beckett's Play then played the hurt and abandoned hairdresser husband of Natasha Richardson in the Brit comedy Blow Dry. He stays true to his principles too. A keen supporter of the Labour party, he makes many appearances for charity, notably appearing onstage at the Royal Court with Glenda Jackson, at a public birthday party for Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese freedom fighter who's spent so many years under house arrest.

Thankfully, Rickman is ambitious still. Though he failed in a bid to buy the Riverside Theatre in Hammersmith, he remains committed to the British stage. And it's to be hoped that, as Professor Severus Snape, teaching potion-making to the young hero of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, he will secure another series of movie roles. They may not be substantial roles on paper -- though it would be wonderful to see him tear the screen up as a Roman Emperor in Gladiator 2 -- but, rest assured, once the incomparable Rickman has strutted his stuff, they WILL be. He's the best we've got -- arguably, the best ANYONE's got.

Barbara the Wallpaperer
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 11:07:29 (PST)

Georgiana, Alnwick is not far from me (I feel a little dim that you are posting stuff from The Chronical from the US and I live down the road!) I did not think that Mr Rickman would be up here though as I was kind of under the impression it was mostly studio based scenes he was involved with. Alnwick Castle is only used for exterior shots, and I don't think any of his scenes are such in CoS, just as in The Philosopher's Stone. So, don't all rush up to Alnwick folks!
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 11:05:24 (PST)

Which makes 7 per week.
Pedantic
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 11:00:31 (PST)

Mr. Rickman presently is doing 7 shows a week, one a day except Monday (=6) and a second show on Saturday (+1=7).
Georgiana
Seattle - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 10:59:59 (PST)

Whoops- pressed the wrong button - as I was saying - and 1 on Sunday. He also currently has filming engagements on Mondays, this is apparently not related to the HP stuff, which he is taking a few days off for. I was staggered, what a workload.
Liz
Newcastle , UK - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 10:57:57 (PST)

THE JOURNAL (Newcastle, UK)
January 10, 2002, Thursday Edition 1
SECTION: NEWS, Pg. 3
HEADLINE: We're wild about Harry once more
BYLINE: By The Journal

Wizards and big-screen wizardry will be returning to Alnwick when its historic castle will set the scene for the eagerly awaited second Harry Potter movie. Alnwick Castle, ancestral home to the Duke of Northumberland, will again be doubling as Hogwarts School in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, following its most recent screen outing in the Christmas smash hit Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Production company Warner Bros confirmed yesterday that filming is to begin in the middle of March. Pupils from the Alnwick's schools have already been invited to audition for what may be some speaking parts alongside acting star Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the boy wizard. And with the Philosopher's Stone going on general video release in the next month, firms in the town are expecting to conjure up some magical business opportunities from an expected rush of spell-bound visitors. The Duke's spokesman, Philip Gregory, said there was now a great sense of excitement around Alnwick and its young actors starring in what is likely to be yet another box-office blockbuster.

"Children have been asked to come forward for auditions, and from the castle's point of view this will undoubtedly be another huge coup for the whole town," he said.

"It comes at the start of the tourist season, whereas the last film came just as things were winding down. The Philosopher's Stone generated massive interest in Alnwick, and the castle saw a significant increase in visitor figures. The filming of the new movie can only add to the interest already generated by the success of the last one, and we certainly look forward to Alnwick becoming a major Harry Potter visitor attraction."

A spokeswoman for Warner Bros said the firm was delighted to be returning to the area, but was keen to keep the filming low key to avoid compromising production. But she added that once again some big names would be on the cast list, including Alan Rickman, Richard Harris, Dame Maggie Smith and, making his Harry Potter debut, Kenneth Branagh.

"The lead roles will be the same as in the first film, with Daniel playing Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron and Emma Watson as Hermione, but we don't want to give too much away at the moment," she said.

"We are, however, delighted to help out wherever we can and return to a place like North Northumberland, which has been badly hit economically over the past year." Businesses in Alnwick, meanwhile, were equally thrilled by the news.

"This is absolutely super for the town, and it can only be fantastic for the local economy," said Mary Manley, who runs the Barter Books bookstore in what was Alnwick Railway Station, which is itself a major tourist attraction.

"There has already been quite a bit of feedback from the first movie, including some relatives in St Louis, Missouri, sending me a newspaper clipping about Harry Potter and Alnwick Castle. It was quite amazing to see that the town's fame had spread as far as America. I only hope we can get Alan Rickman into the bookshop."

Georgiana (some paragraphing eliminated) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 10:57:53 (PST)

I was quite amazed when I was chatting to the chap from the Albery ticket office on the phone - Mr Rickman does not only do 8 performances per week - Tue - Fri, 2 on Saturday and
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 10:55:56 (PST)

Mr. Rickman found 8 shows a week when he did LLD debilitating--it did not allow the actors time to do self-maintenance.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 10:52:43 (PST)

Gosh! Eight performances a week. That workload makes me feel spoiled! I will never complain that the weekend is to short a time to be off again!I agree with GML--everyone deserves time to rest and refresh. I want every chance I can get to see him in a live performance but I wish he would stand his ground on this 7 performances vs 8 issue. Maybe even enlist the support from the other cast members.
Claudia
GA USA - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 10:46:19 (PST)

Harlii - There's some comments on 'In Demand' in the archives on Tuesday 18th December which I kicked off after I first saw the video. I'm sure there's *plenty* elsewhere ;) but that's my take on it anyway. I'd love to post to EZBoard, but the firewall where I work won't let me register.
Daisy - well, it does have a very melancholy feel to it doesn't it, so I wouldn't be too concerned about your reaction. It makes me sad too, but in a sweet way - 'tis better to have loved and lost etc. But ultimately it's such a stylish way to stick two fingers up at an old boyfriend and say 'Yah Boo Sucks!' too - you gotta admire the girl!
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 10:36:58 (PST)

Eight performances a weeks is a lot... everybody needs a day's rest, physically and mentally, in any job. I'm sure the quality of the plays suffer when actors are driven too hard, even if only for a few weeks. Ah, well, *sings* "money money money...

GML
UK - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 10:22:01 (PST)

I hesitate to post this one,as I too seem to recall a discussion on this a while back,and it may well be slightly too off topic.but as there has been a bit of talk on it recently,(well,the video anyway)I will sieze the opportunity and inquire on whether In Demand makes anyone else cry.This is only hearing the song that releses my sensitive side,as when combined with that lovely vid I am rendered incapable of doing anything exept ommit faint gurgling/wimpering noises:) I myself have it on Special edt. Cd,so I just need to turn on the Lap-Top and.....
A friend was humming this over and over in Geography today,and I was reduced to such a state that my teacher came over to find out what was wrong!(okay,so I wasnt quite in floods of tears,but she really did come over-cringe!)
Daisy,miles from any Rickman inhabited petrol stations...
Bristol, U.K - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 09:43:03 (PST)

I thought I would add the following information about the Belasco theater since there seemed to be some comments about the Richard Rodgers theater. Currently, the Belasco is dark; i.e., not showing anything and seats 1018. NYTheatre.com says the following about the Belasco - ' The Belasco Theatre is run by the Shubert Organization. It is a delightful old house built by the famous producer, director, playwright, David Belasco. It is said that after his death, his ghost sat in his private box every opening night until the opening of Oh! Calcutta! in the '70s. This was the first theatre to be built in an enclosed rectangular court. It is small and very attractive but not as intimate as you might expect. Seats are comfortable. Side orchestra seats are not great, but seats in the rear of the orchestra are terrific.' Just something to keep in mind, if this theater is chosen, for those lucky enough to attend.
Annette
Mansfield, Texas USA - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 09:07:28 (PST)

I stumbled upon the following from Cindy Adams on Page Six of the NY Post- more information regarding PL coming to NY: 'More B'way. "Private Lives" is such a hit in London that tickets have been scarcer than bellybutton warmers for Britney Spears. Director Howard Davies, stars Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan are the same bunch that made "Les Liaisons Dangereuses." Davies was in our town theater-shopping. Not for buying. For booking. He wants the Richard Rodgers or the Belasco. So when it opens here come springtime, is it the same cast? Rickman demurred for five minutes at doing eight Broadway performances a week. For some reason, he'd settled on seven as all he'd do. Person or persons unknown said a few genteel words to the effect that, either do eight or do none. So the answer is, yes, 'twould appear it will be the same cast.'
Annette
Mansfield, Texas USA - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 08:33:42 (PST)

The Olivier Award nominations are out tomorrow. Get thosebouquets ready, the Albery should be pretty busy!
Anon
London, - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 07:59:49 (PST)

Hello!

Raffaela!! If you are here let me just thank you for the wonderful photos on your two picture pages! I have not visited recently and forgotten..... truly "spatula-dropping" gorgeous!If any of you have not visited Raffaela's site, you are missing a treat!

I wonder if I get to NYC to see PL on B'way, what will my chances be of meeting "the man" at the stage door?I can hardly wait till spring then you will all go and tell me about it and if indeed such a thing is possible. Has anyone been to The Albery lately? And do we have any plans for Feb. 21?
Constance(completely off-topic as usual!) <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
cary, nc usa - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 07:57:11 (PST)

It would be difficult to achieve much of a sense of the intimacy of Acts II and III in a theatre larger than the Albery.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 07:05:40 (PST)

The IMDb lists the release date of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" as November 2004.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 07:03:27 (PST)

While searching for the Albery seating capacity, I stumbled upon someone's personal webpage and they had pix of themselves *on the way* to see PL...anyway, one comment they made was that PL is VERY BRITISH...

I've read ALL of your comments here on the play, but still, I don't understand what the difference is b/t being just a good play about humanity/male/female relationships vs. being VERY BRITISH...can someone explain, please? Thanks!
Harlii
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 06:03:03 (PST)

The problem with the Richard Rodgers Theatre NY is the width - it's almost double the Albery on stalls seating. Private Lives is a two set play, the second is a room where it is a requirement that one side of the room is throwing distance from the other.

If they stick with this theatre I would recommend only the middle section of seats. One needs to be face on to appreciate parts of the first Act balcony scene.

Claire
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 05:28:08 (PST)

Persistence is everything ;~} I found this at someplace called Theatermania.com or sumpin'...The Albery Theatre, originally named The New Theatre, was renamed in 1973. It is a member of the Society of London Theatre as well as ACT. The seating capacity is 879.

We don't have a *theater* here in town, but what they call a *concert hall*...not sure if it's the same thing, but I bet it's just a tad smaller than the Albery, but WOW! If the theater in New York holds 1,368 or something, that's a BIG difference...Surely they're not worried about NOT filling it up?
Harlii
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 05:18:11 (PST)

Alan Rickman is a great actor i like all the fims i've watched so far. Especially dogma, usually i wouldn't be into that sort of film but Alan rickman makes it a film worth watching.
sophia corbett <marina_astillo@hotmail.comfoo>
Cardiff, Newport - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 04:57:21 (PST)

HArlii - dont know how big it is i'm not counting but you can if you want here
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 04:44:23 (PST)

Found this at New York Times Online

Coward in the Wings

The British director Howard Davies, "The Iceman Cometh", was in town this week to look at the Richard Rodgers Theater, soon to be vacated by "45 Seconds From Broadway," for a possible transfer of his acclaimed revival of Noël Coward's "Private Lives," which stars Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan and has been packing the Albery Theater in London since October.

The transfer has been in the works for a while, but Mr. Davies is said to be concerned about the size and allignment of the Rodgers (1,368 seats); as of now, however, it's the only theater open for a spring run. He'll be meeting with designers over the weekend; the show's producers expect to make a decision by Sunday.

Begging all pardons if this was printed here before...Can someone explain to me the deal about how many seats and why that's important? How many people does the theater hold where PL is now? Less or more than the 1,368 in New York?
Harlii
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 04:37:02 (PST)

going by a couple of websites and imdb its branagh, they've already stated shooting it now havent they...a few months into...
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 04:34:17 (PST)

Sally! No, it was not January but February 17th that I am going to see Mr Rickman in Private Lives (all being well). Rest assured, I will tell you all about it when I get back and, if my bottle does not get lost, about meeting him afterwards!Jules - your PHHWWOOOR comment - ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!PS Yes, I *did* know the goosefat thing was a joke, good grief...
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 04:21:21 (PST)

Wasn't Ralph Fiennes in discussion for "Gilderoy Lockheart", too?
Aunt Petunia
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 04:16:42 (PST)

he he he, i didnt realise Kenneth Branagh was going to play Lockhart in COS, lol, that should be funny!
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
southend, essex, uk - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 02:59:26 (PST)

I've been bouncy about the second harry potter film so much so i am reading the book again, ontop of about five others...erk, the hobbit, hitchikers guide to the galaxy, norweigan wood, the wind up bird chronicals and strech 29, its mad, i cannot seem to finish a damned book!

joy to the world, my g/f is coming to see me on the 26th january, and either on the 27th or during the week i'm taking her to see PL, and she's taking me to see Chicago, woo!! :) anyone else going on the 27th or during that following week?
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
southend, essex, uk - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 02:41:21 (PST)

off-topic, well somehow:TO LIZ, ESPECIALLY:i just made my reservations and am coming to London on Friday 15, leaving Monday 18.
YES YES YES
so if you want to meet up, just try again with the email (cutting the foo).

mortianna <mortianna@gmx.netfoo>
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 02:13:35 (PST)

HANNA - Mesmer is not available in PAL format, just NSTC video (see FAQ above for purchase) and DVD Region 1 only(?).

Claire
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 00:58:33 (PST)

Is it for certain that Snape's role was cut back in Harry Potter 2? ....Hm...that's very disappointing....
Shizuka Dream <shizukadream@yahoo.comfoo>
CA USA - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 22:57:33 (PST)

I am desperately looking to buy the "MESMER" VHS Video in English or German. Is anybody out there who could advise me where to get it?
HANNA <HKnappich@aol.comfoo>
Hamburg, Germany - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 22:56:38 (PST)

After watching the In Demand video, I'd really like to discuss it, but because I'm almost certain there were several posts about it a while back, I hesitate to revive it in case it's considered off-topic, but if anyone wants to chat about it, drop by Utopia, My EZBoard

I set it up a while ago, but considering the heated discussions lately about what's appropriate to post here and wasting bandwith, if you need to discuss exchanging videos and it's only one or two people having that discussion, or anything else that doesn't fall in the realm of strictly AR related issues, feel free to do it there and not take up space here...Just an option, don't feel obligated...and if this isn't appropriate to post here, my feelings won't be hurt if it's removed...
Harlii - Just trying to help <lmhpr00@aol.comfoo>
- Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 19:25:55 (PST)

Oh Lordy!
I somewhat wish they would skip over HP:CoS, as the third is WONDERFUL for Snape. AUGH! The whole Mauraders Map scene and Snape...well, just read about the Boggart in the Wardrobe. Hee hee...Oh and the last scenes will be wonderful!!! I swear if they cut any of it, I will be muchas deppressed. AUGH! Go Prisoner of Azkaban!!!
Still giggling over Snape in someones clothing (Just read the book!)
C-Cret (Campaign Leader for the S is S brigade! Join while you can!)
C-Cret Lurker <DharmaChamelian@yahoo.comfoo>
Chicago, USA - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 19:13:20 (PST)

Oooh, Harlii, I totally agree with you. I had forgotten just how good the Pullman books are (reread them this past summer).

And though I haven't had the courage to download the "In Demand" video at work, the sound file on this GB sets off a round of "Anything interesting on the Rickman page today?"'s from my officemates.

Helen, may I recommend Sense and Sensibility and Truly, Madly, Deeply (my personal favorite)?
Cate <cate8462@yahoo.comfoo>
USA - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 17:46:40 (PST)

And I've started telling that voice to shut up as well,"You're amazing! You've figured this all out already".Grrrr! Goodnight.
Sally
London, UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 17:31:29 (PST)

Hallo, I'm just one of those "new fan" type people who caught on with the whole Harry Potter craze. Actually, I had watched Galaxy Quest and Michael Collins many times years before, and never paid attention to Mr. Rickman... I'm glad to say he's not only good looking, he's a TALENTED actor too! I'm just hoping for the day Private Lives would come on over to the local theatre in my little town in the USA. Which is never going to happen. This is so sad. I wanna move to England now. Which is never going to happen, since I am only in high school and I can't move ANYWHERE because of finals week.Anyway, this is a lovely guestbook. I haven't seen any of Mr. Rickman's films aside from GQ, MC, and Harry Potter. I begged my mom and ordered Closet Land in the mail... but it's not here yet. So... any advice for me? What Mr. Rickman film do you suggest me getting next time??~Helen
Helen <2shy@teenagewildlife.comfoo>
California USA - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 17:29:57 (PST)

Oh, Harlii! Every time I see your comments about how great that video is, I feel sick. I've been trying for hours and I can't get it to run. Computer too little, I think. Damn! and double damn! Same problem as you, Sue.
Sally
London, UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 17:27:56 (PST)

Sue- my 7-year-old daughter is astute like yours. Shortly after viewing HP, I was listening to TROTN when she came in and overheard the dialogue. "Hey! That's Snape!" she exclaimed. She listened for a few minutes and then asked, "Is he going to read something interesting now, or more of that stuff?" I guess an appreciation for Hardy comes with age...
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
CA USA - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 15:44:14 (PST)

In Demand Video once it is downloaded onto your computer will be in a temporary file. Locate and copy that temporary file to a permanent home on your computer and you can run it from there (double click) without downloading again. Running should then be smooth, if it isn't, make sure you have shut down any other applications. Videos need a lot of memory to run - a problem with computers of below 64RAM.

Claire
- Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 15:23:36 (PST)

Daisy--in the US, the book really is called _The Golden Compass_--it was released w/ a different name. (Sorry, off-topic. Now back to lurking.)
Jennifer
Columbus, OH USA - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 15:11:34 (PST)

Sue, I had the same problem with the in-demand website. However, if you click skip intro at the bottom of the screen, the page will then load.

Good luck, I have downloaded the video. I don't have real player yet, though.
SSP <zydko@softdisk.comfoo>
Haughton, LA USA - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 14:52:08 (PST)

Non Alan related,but-here the first Dark Materials book is called Northern Lights,rather than The Golden Compass.
Daisy
Bristol, U.K - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 14:42:13 (PST)

Liz (Newcastle): Are you ever going to tell us about your visit to PL on Sunday last? I can't wait any longer to hear. What did you think of it? And you wanted to see him afterwards. Did you and what happened?
Sally
London, UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 14:42:08 (PST)

On the subject of other characters,thats who I thought he should be-Lord Asriel!Thanks for that Harlii!I thought of that back in the summer hols,but it totally blanked out while I was typing!In the Amber Spyglass though,he has to fight Metatron,angel,voice of God etc,so it would be like fighting himself!(er,kind of.Weird imagination,me)If Lord Asriel was already taken(though I cant think who by)he could possibly be the smaller part of Stanislaus Grumman/John Parry.
Also,I can half imagine him as Robin Jarvis' Woden in the Wyrd Museum books (another evil character to play).I doubt anyone has ever read this trilogy,but it is highly reccomended.
Daisy
Bristol, U.K - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 14:39:11 (PST)

Heloo, wot?..... Georgiana and Constance...oh dear,OH. I thought I was cracking up. Now I know.
Sally (I think)
London, UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 14:37:02 (PST)

Wish there were some way to tell AR that P.L. O'Hara's interpretation of Hook is the best I've seen--wouldn't it be nice to see him do the entire play within the film? Magda in Canada--thanks for posting your review of AABA.
Lee <charmquark02@yahoo.comfoo>
US - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 14:25:06 (PST)

I keep trying to download the In Demand video but get the redirected message every time to the exact same url that I entered. It is very confusing for me. I have viewed the vid. finally from Claires site and yes, it's the stuff of dreams but very jerky, can I sucessfully download it to hard drive in a consistant and smooth form or am I too new to this game and expecting too much?
sue
preston, england - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 14:19:52 (PST)

Itallics fixed, Harlii. No problem.
Deputy DoC <claudia@paradise.net.nzfoo>
- Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 14:05:04 (PST)

Jules, I want to thank you for that link to the Texas site...I was able to download and view the In Demand video for the first time and well, I'm speechless...now...while it was playing I was making noises :\ My office is in an open suite and I think I attracted a lot of attention...I loved the video...hands, hands, everywhere and not a one on me! If anyone ever doubted Mr. Rickman's sexiness, let them watch that video...words really can't describe all the emotion he presented, so I'll shut up on that point...

Elizabeth, I thought of a few characters/people I'd like to see AR play...Historically, I'd love to see him portray Pilate in the story of Jesus of Nazareth...I think he has the proper nonchalance and sarcasm necessary for that role...Next, I'd love to see him as Darcy in Pride and Prejudice and as Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre (if he has portrayed either of those before, it has escaped my attention)...one last person would be Lord Asriel in Philip Pullman's fantasy series His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass. If you haven't read those books, you really should. They're excellent...

Jules, thanks again...that video really made a bad day much, much brighter...
Harlii - Do not watch *In Demand* while you're at work...
- Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 13:57:45 (PST)

Magda, I'm sure you are right there, and thats very reassuring.
sue
preston, england - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 13:45:35 (PST)

This is very good, I was looking at the Alan spitball site and my daughter (8 yrs) came in and said "thats Professor Snape!) Really I was surprised that she recognised him out of Snape costume & wig etc. She thinks he is cute, and especially liked him in the invisibility scene where he makes a grab for Harry. I think this is newsworthy because she has only been to the cinema twice and to recognise an actor out of costume demonstrates both that he really is very, very good at what he does and that she is a chip off the old block! Also that demonstrates that she has recognised that Snape is a character not sinister and to be afraid of, but somebody who is concerned, and deals with the bad guys. I think thats very perceptive because she has not read the other books and I have not discussed them with her. So Alans acting is spot on, I will really be disappointed if they reduce his roles in future H.P. films. By the way I love this site even if if I do make faux pas of my own as a newby (or incomer) as we say around these parts.I think you are all clever and funny and appreciate the effort put into the site.I loved the spitball pic. he really is a fine figure of a man! thank you.
sue
preston, england - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 13:37:57 (PST)

Since the HP movies are following the books closely and since Snape is a key character, I think the lack of Snape-time in HP-2-Chamber is because he actually has few scenes in the book. HP-3 has many more Snape events and I don't think Rowlings will allow them to "cut back" if it will make the film differ from the book. So we probably shouldn't worry.
Magda
Canada - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 13:24:18 (PST)

That was the Chamber of Secrets fact I was reacting to by the way.I can just imagine him as Sir Francis though!Sorry,I will think of my own,but Im doing the Slave Trade in History and cant think of anyone important offhand.Edward Colston perhaps?(link to Bristol there!)
Daisy
Bristol, U.K - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 13:22:09 (PST)

Ack,NO,NO,NO!Yes-a friend told me that.I thought she was just doing it to wind me up..!!!How can they do that to poor Severus/Alan?!Cutting one of the a)best fictional characters,and b)one of the greatest actors ever!Hes one of the most important people in the book for crying out loud!Warner Bros.will be reciving a furious piece of my mind once I find where to write to!Just when I was getting my hopes up aswell.Now I must retire to a cup of tea and a Rickman vid to recover...
Daisy-sorry about that temper tantrum!
U.K - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 13:06:52 (PST)

Having spent the entire day revising for tomorrow's History exam my mind began to wander (rather unexcusably considering this is an important exam!) I was thinking what a brilliant Sir Francis Walsingham Mr Rickman would make, and naturally he would be able to wear a totally black costume! Some of you are already aware that I think, despite serious height difference, he would make a super Jean Paul Marat in a chronicle about the French Revolution. So I was just thinking that a new point of discussion could be what characters from fiction, historical or contempory figures we would all dream about seeing him play?
Elizabeth
UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 12:54:11 (PST)

Thanks GML for that link to the photo of AR at school. It's amazing how many photos of him are available on the web. Also to Daisy - I read somewhere that Snape's role in Chamber of Secrets has been cut right back. I was looking forward to seeing a bit more of him on screen, but apparently it is not to be. Is there someone we can all write to at Warner Bros, demanding that Snape (and therefore, Rickman) gets his fair share of movie time? I just hope that they don't cut him back in the rest of the movies.
Gaye
Adelaide, South Australia - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 12:48:50 (PST)

Hah! Got one! All you frustrated In Demand people. Go tohttp://www.tol.fr.st/ and it's downloadable from there.I have to say, while appreciating the artistic abilities and the depth of understanding of the true meaning of the tango, and while respecting hugely the man's putting every ounce of himself into the performance: PHHWWOOOAAAARRRR!
Jules
UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 12:47:15 (PST)

Hey,hey I had a look around but I can not find the address but you could try Yahoo. Hey Flamingkitties, Psyco told me to tell you to reply to her e-mails O.k. I hope you got all that!
Mercury
- Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 11:59:58 (PST)

Hi newbies,

Much to my own surprise, I seem to have kept the photo of Alan misbehaving in his old school on

http://www.geocities.com/storepage/arschool.jpg

Sorry for not attempting a link, links just don't work with Geocities. Just copy and paste the above into your browser window and you should see it.

GML
UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 11:57:40 (PST)

Hi! I just thought I would tell you that I found a website on which you can buy Alan Rickman's Unautherised Biography by Maureen Paton, 246 pages (paperback). It is priced at $12.95, I don't know how much it would be in all the other countries. But you can get a direct order from U.K warehouses, delivery can take up to 4-6 weeks. I am just going to pop off and find out what website you can buy it on. C U later, Mercury.
Mercury
- Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 11:50:50 (PST)

I belive you mean The Prisoner of Azkaban,Magda.
Yes,I heard about it being held back for Terminator3(Terminator3??!)and the Matrix thingy.But at least we have the start of The Chamber of Secrets to look forward too in November or whenever it is."Or mayby hes standing behind you waiting too hear why you two didnt arrive on the school train..."The Snapey bits in book3 are simply great.I love seeing Potter getting told off,he always seems to get away with everything.Snape is the only teacher who gives him what he deserves.Heh,heh,I got the highest level in my English class for doing a talk to everyone about Snape.Next time I will do AR and do even better!Unfortunately,in my search for a paragraph to read out,I managed to memorize most of the the Snape parts from all 4 books!
Thanks to whoever(sorry,Ive forgotten who you were)who reminded me of what Dr.Lazurus does.I knew it was the same as Spocks,but I coudnt remember for the life of me what it was.(Erk,I suppose I'm gonna get reprimanded for posting all that non Alan-related stuff now.Sorry folks!)
Daisy
Bristol, U.K - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 11:36:42 (PST)

If you want to see Spike Milligan and hear about his position in the pantheon of British humour, get the Monty Python "Life of Brian" dvd and watch the Python documentary in the Special Options section. Milligan was on holiday in Tunisia when "the lads" were there shooting LOB and when they found out, they wrote him into the script. They pay a nice tribute to him in the documentary. Yet another reason to get a dvd player.
Magda
Canada - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 11:36:14 (PST)

Sally! Do you think that I, "Constance" am Georgianna? (The one blessed with multiple PL viewings?)...... I wish!I am a great fan of Monty Python and my children have just about memorized the "Holy Grail" but I have never heard of Milligan. I quess here in the States we just haven't been exposed.
Constance
USA - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 11:32:40 (PST)

Well, thank you, Sally. Of course, I was not the one who asked about Spike Milligan, but I am pleased to read your information nonetheless.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 11:29:24 (PST)

Its nice to see everyone is back to their nice, friendly, and uncritisizing posts! Thanks, everyone.Warner Brothers need to get their heads out of the sand! Although I really liked The Matrix--I just cannot see sitting through a sequel. And I am not even going to comment on another Terminator!
Claudia
GA USA - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 11:29:18 (PST)

On the Annoying News front:

I've been looking for some indications that the HP-3 film (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Something or Other) was underway and when it would come out. HP-3 is a huge Snape vehicle. And I found this at upcomingmovies.com:

"Variety reports that Warner Bros. is considering holding this [HP-3] back a year to November, 2004, breaking the "one a year" pattern of the first two. In an article today about WB's plans for future years, Variety confirmed that WB is leaning towards holding this third film back a year until November, 2004, leaving their "tentpole resources" for 2003 available for the Matrix sequels and Terminator 3. (Dec. 11/01)" Yes, indeed, we wouldn't want to pre-empt Terminator 3, would we?
Magda
Canada - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 11:15:49 (PST)

Jules and Ginny: I was very interested to read your messages to me. Thanks for writing. I'm glad Alan is a good bloke;I'd kind of come to a similar conclusion myself and have my own picture of him. DO you know him personally- as you speak with such authority about him? If so, any chance of an introduction? By the way, Jules, Notting Hill is not far, you know, from Kensington. I know, I walked from one to the other yesterday. It's just 'round the corner'as they say, or up rather a long and glorious road, from which you can glimpse at every turn, glorious houses and beautiful people.
Sally
London, UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 11:05:36 (PST)

And, it's Hokey Cokey. And I don't like it either!
Sally
London, UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 10:51:35 (PST)

Georgiana: I'm going to enjoy this,telling YOU something for a change, instead of me always asking you questions. Spike is one of our best comedians and he invented and script wrote " The Goonshow" for years until he had to stop through sheer exhaustion. Apparently he wrote a script every week for the weekly radio prog. for seven years, and he provided the voice for one of the characters in the programme in addition. It was an inceredibly funny show and apparently is now seen as the fountainhead of much subsequent British comedy, such as the surreal stuff like'Monty Python's Flying Circus' and the stuff that's come out of that. He's also written crazy books and silly verse for kids. I can recite you some, if you like!
Sally
London, UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 10:49:34 (PST)

WHO IS SPIKE MILLIGAN?! a comedian, an author, and a very old man, he used to be in a very very popular radio show called The Goons, which also had some tv play as well if i remember, well i won't remember, i wasn't born, but he's funny, if not a little mad in the head!
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
southend, essex, uk - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 10:32:36 (PST)

Who is Spike Milligan?
Constance(dodging flying tomatoes thrown by British readers) <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
NC USA - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 10:23:20 (PST)

on that subject way back, of music that reminds you of mr R, for some reason listening to the whole of William Orbit's 'Pieces in a modern style' sends me of wandering to day dream land......
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
southend, essex, uk - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 10:15:10 (PST)

The Hokey Pokey??? I HATE the Hokey Pokey!!!! I spent one year as a teacher's kindergarten assistant and every time we played that song.... my skin would crawl!

I hope someone out there can help me... I keep trying to download and watch the IN DEMAND video but everytime I try I get a banner :" Couldn't open the file----- because it is not a file Quick Time understands." Do I need to dis-install QT in order to watch the video? I hope not!!! I have already wasted about an hour with this! Please help!You can e-mail if you like.

Thanks for all the good stuff! I hope to chat with some of you ob Thursday.
Constance <madaboutron4@yahoo.comfoo>
USA - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 09:43:30 (PST)

The Victoria Independent Film and Video Festival program guide is now on-line. "The Search for John Gissing" will show Friday, February 8 at 9:30 pm at Cinecenta, and Saturday, February 9 at 6:45 pm at Capitol 6 Theatre 6, in Victoria, British Columbia. [Information for this film is on page 39; film photo does not include Mr. Rickman.]

Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 09:36:18 (PST)

I could not find my copy of the original page from Arena this morning--had a lovely photo of Mr. Rickman as student prepared to send sailing a spit ball with a plastic ruler while standing in a room full of school chairs--so I cannot verify whether Arena published "Hokey Cockey" or not. My post was copied from that of another GB regular denizen. In this country, we call that song the "Hokey Pokey."
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 09:14:49 (PST)

Jules, thank you for that link, it was excellent.
'This was not simple scene-stealing, it was grand larceny' - excellent line about RpoT!
And thanks Georgiana for clearing up the Marmite Mystery (my goodness, alliterating again - must be all the goose fat). 'Tis the food of the gods, to be sure, and now I am convinced of it. I will go forth and search out that Arena interview.
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 07:47:16 (PST)

Loved the Arena snip, Georgiana. I trust the 'Hokey Cockey' reference was your typo and not Alan's dose of 'smut'! ;o)
Jules
UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 07:26:36 (PST)

just wondered if anyone would be interested in this biog of AR. Have to concur with the final sentence... http://www.tiscali.co.uk/entertainment/film/biographies/alan_rickman_biog.html
Jules
UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 07:24:24 (PST)

Regarding marmite, in July 2001 an edition of Arena magazine came out with photos and interviews of 60 British national 'treasures.' Mr. Rickman was quoted as follows:

The Best of BRITISH
60 National Treasures talk exclusively to ARENA

Featuring
(...) Alan Rickman (...)
ruler of stage and screen

"How the Dickens are you?
Tolerably well, thank you.

The best thing about being British?
The language.

How do you cope with the weather?
See above.

That childhood seaside holiday in full...
There's a photo somewhere of some kids, buckets and spades poised, sitting in the Clacton day-trip sand with their raincoats firmly belted that rings a distant bell.

A favourite British pastime?
Crumpet-toasting.

What do you always buy that is British?
Marmite.

The one person that defines Britishness?
Spike Milligan.

What could we teach the rest of the world about sex?
Take a large dose of repression, mix it with guilt and add smut to taste.

What song should be the new national anthem?
The 'Hokey Cockey'. Think of the Queen and 100,000 people singing 'Knees bend, arms stretch, Rah!Rah!Rah!."

Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 07:04:40 (PST)

Becky: go with GQ. You'll have more bases for comparison. You can approach it as the culmination of the sci-fi flick phenomenon where we went from campy tv Star Trek through straight space futuristic sci-fi such as 2001 only to get sidelined with George Lucas' fantasy world Star Wars and its sequels and imitations and Steven Spielberg's Disneyesque ET. GQ returns us to the world of camp tv. Profs love comparisons and there's so much quotable material out there.

HP would be good too except it would make a better study as a series since the marketing is series-oriented. There wasn't any marketing effort at least in North America for Blow Dry so it might be too difficult to attempt. And Dogma got bogged down quite early in the whole "this is offensive to Christians" nonsense. Good luck.
Magda
Canada - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 05:37:24 (PST)

Becky, I would chose Galaxy Quest, as it is a parody of the Sci-Fi genre, notably Star Trek. Parodies allow you to examine the conventions of the genre very easily - plus it is a very funny film.
Liz - who has taught A level Media Studies b.t.w!
Newcastle, UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 05:33:00 (PST)

Huh? Did I turn over two pages at once? who are these people?
Anyway, I was hoping the die-hard (no pun intended) AR fans could help me. I have to do an 'Individual Study research project' for my Media A level. I've decided to study a film, and what better than to mix work with pleasure and study an AR film wherever possible. The problem is, I have to study it from a certain again (e.g production, marketing, an example of it's genre and how it compares to earlier films, etc). Also, it has to be a film released between September 1998 and now. Which, I think, leaves me with GQ, HP, Blow Dry and Dogma. Does anyone have any ideas as to which film would be best to write my project on? A big, BIG thank you if you can!
Becky <astrokini@supanet.comfoo>
Manchester, UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 05:26:45 (PST)

Hev, no really? Who would have thought it? Well, that's me out on all three counts then...
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 05:17:29 (PST)

That quote from the Guardian about AR and the goose fat was from a piece written by the actor Nigel Planer (Neil from 'The Young Ones') in the guise of his alter ego Nicholas Craig, a pretentious actor. Joke, people! Hope this doesn't disappoint any fans of AR, Darlington and goose fat.
Hev <hjd29@cam.ac.ukfoo>
Cambridge, UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 05:06:25 (PST)

Hey, hey again, I really meant everything I said about bein sorry. I will keep comin on as your favourate troll Mercury. Psyco will also keep her name and we will be good little trolls, not stupid little s**t heads. C U later.
Mercury
- Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 04:47:58 (PST)

@ Sally (UK):
Well, how do I know? ...that I know ... I know just nothing? *confused smile*
During years of study I attended - just for fun - some drama courses and workshops resulting in acting on university theatre's stage for a while (just as an amateur!). Later I switched to regional musical productions. (Hehe, the first time I got paid for it! So I became at least a semi-professional ... *grin*) There, I met some friends who work as professional actors since years and we very often discussed different techniques for acting on stage. One guy who was also working for television in Switzerland told me the thing about makeup-trick.
Sorry for being a little off-topic for the other guestbook readers, but I'd rather be polite enough to answer someone's question than to ignore it ...trembling with some "guardians". *twinkle*
Aunt Petunia
Germany - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 04:44:55 (PST)

i am new to this website but just so u no i am a friend to both psyco and mercury but i am nothing like them. i have seen galaxy quest and alan is really funny. do u agree. reply to this message please.
steph
- Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 04:36:52 (PST)

oh hooray and joy, won't that just brighten my day (*note sarcasm to be used when reading this sentance*)
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
southend, essex, uk - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 04:36:15 (PST)

Endurance.
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 04:12:15 (PST)

Leanne: The GQ DVD also has a short interview with AR. Go to the actor biographies. Over the one for AR is a little symbol that can be clicked on and will bring up the interview.

Sally from Sydney: The TMD DVD has better color quality than an older video. When videos first came out it was said that they would deteriorate, and they do. I found that out with my Die Hard video and that is why I started buying DVDs. Once you see a DVD, you won't want to watch videos any more!

What in the world do you use goose fat for?
Michaele <mmh1324@home.comfoo>
Chattanooga, TN - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 04:08:28 (PST)

Shush, pet, we'll be told off for wasting bandwidth! I was merely being lyrical, though I have embarked on a Foodstuffs Flight of Fancy...
Jules
UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 03:52:36 (PST)

Okay Jules, what is this thing with Marmite and Mr Rickman?!! I have heard people musing over the merits of Marmite when they discuss Mr Rickman, but I am mystified (ooh, what a lot of alliteration).
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 03:31:06 (PST)

oooohh, Liz, I know what you mean. And I thought he was a Marmite soldier. Though Marmite can be a little sticky...
Jules
UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 03:18:17 (PST)

As someone who lives in Darlington (I put Newcastle because it's the nearest big city and even in the UK not many people seem to know where Darlington is!) I just had to post this! "The rapid improvement in what's available in northern supermarkets is almost entirely due to touring actors demanding higher standards, but there's still much work to be done. I clashed trolleys with Alan Rickman in Selfridges - he said he'd had an absolute nightmare trying to track down goose fat in Darlington." I laughed so loudly when I read it that I startled everyone around me! This exerpt is from an article in The Guardian - http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4335430,00.html Alan Rickman needing goosefat in Darlington, oh dear god help me my imagination is doing overtime...
Liz
Newcastle, UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 02:22:43 (PST)

Hello, I just would like to tell that I love Mr. Rickman as Professor Snape very much. That's all. Good bye...
Kanarpa Panchaipet <kanarpafoo>
Korat, Thailand - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 02:18:12 (PST)

Thanks Claudia. And he lives in Notting Hill, not Kensington. And I'm not revealing anything that isn't already in the public domain so I'm not contravening the terms and conditions of the GB. He is quite brilliant, charming and playful but sometimes has an off day. Which makes him human too.
Jules
UK - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 02:10:35 (PST)

Hello, I'm Suzanne's off-sider as far as Guestbook upkeep goes. I'm disappointed to see the "them and us" attitude that has appeared recently.

If your post is still in the guestbook, and hasn't been deleted, or you haven't had an e-mail from Suzanne telling you to pull your head in, there isn't a problem. So please, don't get paranoid, and enjoy Alan Rickman and this site, which we've all put a lot of work into contributing to and maintaining. Suzanne most of all.
Claudia
New Zealand - Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 00:28:00 (PST)

Claudia (US) - I agree. I have always felt a kind of 'tension' from some of the longterm fans as if they feel, I dunno, like they have turf to defend?!(not all I hasten to add! - Some, including Suzanne, Fausta and Rafaella in particular, have been very supportive when I made my entrance into this realm 2 year ago, as excited as many of the newbies now appearing) I dunno. I maintain, we ALL have the potential to make a unique contribution to the support of Alan Rickman's fan base, and its kind of fun reading all the other people's inputs. True, when the topics drift a little into la la land or too much detail about someone else's personal life, then I am not interested either - there are other forums for that. But, I just skip those posts when scanning the GB!

Lynn - never anything to forgive - as mentioned, I was just teasing you! You made me smile :)
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 21:35:12 (PST)

SALLY

Oh pleeeeeeeeeese don't be mad, I don't want to hurt your feelings, but I like both sites. How about I say I like yours the best, :) feel better. lol,lol.....
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 19:31:13 (PST)

Was happy to see your question, Leanna.
Georgiana
Seattle - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 19:12:44 (PST)

Odessa, thanks to Suzanne, I can answer your question...At the end of RHPOT (Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, in case you didn't know, as I didn't when I first posted here) when the Sherrif is trying to marry/rape Marian, the Vicar/Priest, whatever, says, "Do you George..." yada, yada, yada...that's the only time his name is mentioned I think...hope that helps! :D

{whispering: i'd just like to say that every accusation, explanation and caustic statement saying that folks are taking up bandwith, are in fact taking up bandwith themselves, when it could just be left up to Suzanne, who i've spoken with via e-mail and isn't as upset as certain people would have you believe.}
Harlii
- Monday, January 14, 2002 at 19:04:09 (PST)

abit late..sorry..what has been going on in my tiny life and all..but..Sally..the article..if one would call it such..was the 26 dec. of the mail..page 22..Wicked Whispers..what a bunch of ^&^*^..but then again, I know that THE DILY ,uhm, DAILY MAIL is a rag but...this must stop..Alan is a kind and gentle man..anyway..hope to be able to be into the GB more..and THANKS to you who could undersand that JS was not over the top in TMD! Ginny.
Ginny <gnnjameson@aol.comfoo>
- Monday, January 14, 2002 at 18:57:58 (PST)

Thanks Georgiana, sorry for the repeat! Just when everyone is trying to be so careful too!! I DO read the posts and try to keep up, it is just when you work full-time and are a caregiver to an in-law, things get forgotten or missed sometimes, so I do feel bad when I have asked something that was addressed already. But, thank you for "refreshing" me! I will definitely get the GQ DVD! Sounds great!
Leanne
WI USA - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 18:16:28 (PST)

Sad that people are being made to feel they have to apologise for posting something.
Claudia
GA USA - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 17:57:22 (PST)

Apologies if this has been posted before.

From The Baltimore Sun, Nov 16, 2001, Reviewer Michael Sragow, in one of the few poor HP reviews I’ve read, had this to say about AR:

“ . . . few besides Coltrane get to shine; the exception is Alan Rickman, who as the ominous, sneering Potions Master, Snape, proves himself a Master of Making Something from Nothing.”

Hmmm, I rather liked HP. Oh well, at least he was right about something. The more of his work that I see, the more I have to admit that while the quality of some scripts, directors, castmates, and even accents (JK) may be arguable, I am convinced that Alan Rickman is consistently the best part of each and every project to which he chooses to lend himself.

Cate
Cate <cate8476@yahoo.comfoo>
USA - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 17:45:27 (PST)

I'm an up-and-coming rickman fan, so the last time I saw Robin Hood was when I didn't know who Alan was! So I'm confused about in the filmography it says "George, Sherrif of Nottingham." HELP!!
Odessa <tie_basser@dangerous-minds.comfoo>
- Monday, January 14, 2002 at 17:32:10 (PST)

Leanne, we discussed this about a month ago. The "Help! I'm a Fish" (DVD Region 2 only) has a five minute interview with Mr. Rickman on it; it has not yet been released in the US. The "Galaxy Quest" DVD contains two Dr. Lazarus scenes which were not included with the film or on VHS. One is very funny (Lazarus is introduced to his quarters and bathroom facilities--both of which are a tad unusual), and the other is quite lovely for the degree of overacting, where Dr. Lazarus puts himself in the position of the rock-monster ("I am a rock"). If you like the film, the DVD is worth having.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 17:20:24 (PST)

Ok, here I am with DVD questions again! I was just wondering if ANY of the DVDs of Alan movies have extra pictures/footage/etc with Alan in them? I was curious recently if Galaxy Quest DVD had extras with him? Any info would be GREATLY appreciated! I hope you don't mind me asking all these questions! If I EVER get any good info, I will certainly pass it on, it is just hard to beat the great info on this GB!! I'll keep searching.....
Leanne
WI USA - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 16:13:45 (PST)

I'm sure that a lot of you will be coming to NYC when PL transfers to B'way. I can't wait until the dates are confirmed and tix go on sale.

Anyway, this is from the 1/11/02 NY Times in case some folks want to take in other shows while they are in NYC.

"New York Times columnist Jesse McKinley said today that British director Howard Davies was in New York this week to look at the Richard Rodger Theatre for a possible transfer of his revival of Noel Coward's Private Lives which stars Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan.

The main concern of Mr Davies is the size and allignment of the theater which seats 1,368. He is meeting with designers this weeek and the producers will make a decision on Sunday.

...Variety reported this morning that Estelle Parsons, Frances Sternhagen and Elizabeth Franz have been added to the list of the cast of Morning's at Seven set to open on April 21 under the auspices of Lincoln Center Theater.

...Alan Bates and Frank Langella in Fortune's Fool, Liam Neeson and Laura Linney in The Crucible, Kate Burton, Rupert Graves and Billy Crudup in The Elephant Man Vanessa Williams in Into the Woods and Chris O'Donnell in The Man Who Had All the Luck. "
joan
USA - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 16:05:24 (PST)

Sorry, that sounded dead mercenary and probably something else I should have known. It's just that, I knew he had to be well-off, but when you see it..
Sally
London, UK - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 16:02:10 (PST)

Alan Rickman is RICH, man, rich! Went to see my sis-in-law for lunch today who works in the road in Kensington near where he presumably lives (as he has been spotted around there a few times by her and her colleagues.)Well, this has obviously got to be a very, very nice neighbourhood ,which it is.(We didn't see him, I hasten to add, thank god.)I looked in an Estate Agents window at some property prices round there: £1.25 million for a 5 bedroom house; and I saw one rental (for a small flat) for £3000-per week! OK, by Hollywood standards that's not so much, but by mine, IT IS!! (and it shifted my thinking a little bit, too.) ...ruffled feathers.......!!
Sally
London, UK - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 15:43:15 (PST)

Goodness me! I have never seen you come out fighting so much Suzanne!

Thats great news, Lisa, about all the AR stuff coming out on DVD in Australia. I don't know if I will still be here in April though...

Can anyone with the TMD DVD tell me what the colour quality is like? I have the ORIGINAL video (i.e. no copy), but the colours are a bit washed out and yellowish. Is that the same on the DVD or did they fix that up?
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 15:34:28 (PST)

Let's get something damn straight here. The only and I mean the only times anyone has complained about too much chit-chat on this site is when people waste space on personal matters that only concern two or three people and that should better be handled by email. Matters such as swapping videos, discussing music preferences or other actors, trading pictures, informing someone that they have been sent an email, etc. etc.

This GB and the accompanying pages with articles and interviews are the result of group efforts by a number of people to collect information and bring it together in a central location. On this entire GB, few people have done more to provide info than Georgiana who has been very generous in sharing it with the rest of us.

All newcomers are welcome to this site. That has never been an issue despite the efforts of some to pretend that newcomers are not welcome. It is expected that newcomers will take the time to read the FAQ's and earlier postings before asking questions that were answered the previous day or are dealt with on the FAQ page. It is not an unreasonable expectation.
Magda
Canada - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 15:29:25 (PST)

Oh Lynn, I'm hurt! You say the same things at my site! (*grin*)
Sally
Syndey, Oz - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 15:28:18 (PST)

Of COURSE the costumes in GQ were tailor-made for each actor! You only have to look at people wearing off the shelf Star Trek costumes to realise they tailor make the clothes for the actors in the movie/series! Think how Jonathon Frakes (Star Trek: The Next Generation) would have looked if they didn't have tailors altering his costume as he became increasingly more 'portly' as the series wore on..

Daisy, if you watched the original Star Trek, you'd have realised that Alan Rickman was playing the pseudo-role of Spock, the pointy-eared vulcan on Star Trek. Spock and Dr Dane were both Science Officers...
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 15:25:42 (PST)

Harlii, I roll my eyes with you. I enjoyed reading and contributing to this guest book, but now feel that every post I make is going to be scrutinised and picked on by the Guest Book "police". Fair enough, the people who have been posting here for a while may get annoyed with "newbies", but, heck, we're all AR fans so let's not get offside with people who have just discovered him. I am almost tempted to say that those suffering from PMT (PMS for those American contributors) should NOT post until they are over it.
Gaye
Adelaide, South Australia - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 15:18:14 (PST)

Speaking of eBay (which Laurel was, earlier), I was looking at the signed photo of Snape (auction ending Jan. 21)... this signature doesn't look like Alan's to me. Not that I'm an expert, but I've seen enough of his signed pics on websites such as this one and others (including eBay, before all the HP hype) to know that his l's and k's aren't loopy. Also his first A in Alan is usually sized more like a lower-case a. Hmmmm... let the buyer beware.
Christine
USA - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 15:13:53 (PST)

I apologize to all for my faux pas, calling the costumes in GQ flight suits. My mistake...what I should have said, and consequently am saying now, is that what they wore appears to be along the same lines as the flight suits worn by pilots and astronauts...aesthetically speaking...of course, this is my uneducated viewpoint, seeing as I have not had the privilege to actually touch or otherwise handle the costumes from the movie...if anyone here has had that opportunity, I'd like to hear an account of it, what it felt like, why they made them look like flight suits, etc...that is if it falls within the guidelines of discussion allowed here {rolling eyes}...
Harlii
- Monday, January 14, 2002 at 13:59:36 (PST)

No, I don't know who has AR's Galaxy Quest costume. Could someone enlighten me?
Annette
Mansfield, Texas USA - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 13:07:56 (PST)

Hia Harlii!I think you are right,his outfits would look baggy if they wernt handmade to fit.Thanks for the link to the pic too,he does look very sltyish.
However,if,as Georgiana says,it is true the costumes were handmade,mayby it is something to do with him acting an actor who acts an alien(did you get all that?)as aliens arent meant to be that attractive and dashing are they?Oh yeah,they might have mentioned it on the film,but if they did,Ive forgotten:What exactly is Dr.Lazurus' job on the ship?Or is he just there as'alien relief'?Every sci-fi series needs one...
Daisy
Bristol, U.K - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 13:06:07 (PST)

And we KNOW who has his!!!!!!....
Cleekety Cleek
- Monday, January 14, 2002 at 12:49:44 (PST)

In "Galaxy Quest," the actors did NOT wear flight suits. They wore hand-tailored wool costumes made specifically for each actor. The costumes for the three lead actors (Allen, Weaver, Rickman) were later auctioned at Amazon.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 12:33:33 (PST)

Thankyou, Cleekity Cleek for that link to the Shakespeare sonnet that Alan Rickman is going to perform on the CD
GCP.United
UK, - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 11:57:35 (PST)

Hi Daisy! I noticed that his flight suit was slightly baggier than the others, but then AR is very thin anyway...I think most of his clothes would look baggy on him if they weren't tailored to fit...here's a pic from Rafaella's site where you can see how his clothes fit so closely: He is so trim and stylish in this pic.

However, I used to work at Space Camp here in town and had to wear a flight suit for my uniform sometimes and those bad boys just aren't made to fit ANYBODY...fat, skinny, great bod, whatever...But I'm sure you also noticed how form-fitting they made Sigourney Weaver's outfit...that was done on purpose...flight suits are made for comfort and ease of movement...NOT to look sexy in...though I'd try if it were me ;~}
Harlii <lmhpr00@aol.comfoo>
- Monday, January 14, 2002 at 11:53:42 (PST)

Suzanne,I forgot to say last night,thankyou for all your reassuring words.I was getting worried.
This may just sound like another boring,exeedingly juvenile question,but did anyone else notice that in Galaxy Quest,Alans suit looks slightly baggier than the rest of the casts.I was wondering if there was a specific reason for this that anyone might be able to help me with,or is it simply'another one of those things'-wardrobe blip etc....?
Daisy
Bristol, U.K - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 10:59:59 (PST)

Good morning! (At least it still is here...) I was doing a little prowling around on E-Bay and noticed a copy of "Fallen Angels I" (M-O) up for sale. The price was reasonable, too, just in case anyone's hankering after that video. Also, I saw a few copies of the Amnesty International "We Know Where You Live" in US-version video featuring a performance by AR, too, that someone mentioned recently. I hadn't heard about that one before, but looked it up online and on the June '00 GB. Sounds funny- if there are other people who haven't heard about it, I'll certainly report on it when my copy comes!
Laurel <laurelb@flash.netfoo>
San Jose, CA USA - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 10:49:47 (PST)

I have decided I will come back with a new identity. I have proberly given it away but oh well. I had a talk to Psyco, she is still going to say horrible stuff. I thought you would like to know that I have tried my best to, as you would all say, control the troll. T.T.F.N Ta,Ta for now
Mercury
- Monday, January 14, 2002 at 10:48:01 (PST)

Georgiana, lighten up - 'the newcomers', such as we are, didn't know there was an entrance exam. There is so much on this terrific site that it takes a while to go through it all - some search engine links take you straight to the guestbook, some to the homepage, some to the different pages. So I got the name of the Tango play a little wrong, so the next person didn't know it was a play. I've just spent many hours catching up on the GB archives and have thoroughly enjoyed your own numerous posts on Private Lives. Your choice to see it so many times, perhaps my choice (and others) to have a life elsewhere too?
Jules
UK - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 10:37:42 (PST)

Sorry Flamingkittie I didn't mean to offend you. Have you all forgiven me?
Mercury
- Monday, January 14, 2002 at 10:19:28 (PST)

For having such an abiding interest in Mr. Rickman, many of the newcomers appear to spend amazingly little time perusing the wealth of information available at this site. For example, you can find "Tango at the End of Winter" by examining the excellent list of Mr. Rickman's work compiled on Suzanne's home page, which is the first page of her site, referenced at the top of this page.
Georgiana (but, no, 'twould be too much to ask that one might read before posting?...) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 10:08:00 (PST)

I would just like to point out, Alan Rickman is not my idol.
flamingkitties <louise@bubbles16.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
uk - Monday, January 14, 2002 at 10:06:25 (PST)

Suz. I am very sorry for every thing I have said, this is your A.R fan club and you just don't want trolls about. I must say he is a good actor I have watched 4 of his films, I have realy enjoyed Harry Potter and Galaxy Quest. I hope you forgive me. Flamingkittie, I wish to also say sorry 2 u. I hope you may forgive me for all the chidish and discustin things I said about you and your idol Alan.R. I have been looking at the email you sent. Knocked some sence into me. I see from the guest book you received the email from Psyco.I think she will have more to say on the subject. To all the fans I wish to say sorry, you to don't wished to be botherd by trols and don't want anybody saying horrid stuff about Alan. If Alan does visit the site I would like to say I am deeply sorry and I hope u 2 can forgive me. I am just stupid and childish. Deep down I know you are a wonderfull actor just trying to do what you do best,entertaining and making a living. Good luck and enjoy your life! I would like to imform u that if/when I come back next I will say good things about him and the users, and I will be using a different nam