Alan Rickman Guestbook

(July 1 - July 31, 2000)

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Wheeeeeeeeee! Sally, that GQ piccie is one of my all-time favorites as well...Sandy, I may have to share that Colonel chair with you...unless Mary Anne has extras! *grin*

I finally, finally got to rent Dogma and watch it!! The Voice is as great as ever...I liked it, even if it was pretty violent, and that scene at the end was touching...I'm gonna fast forward through some parts and watch it again! :)
Neva
USA - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 22:46:42 (PDT)

Thanks for your welcome, Darlene! As a newbie I really appreciate it. I know some lists don't welcome new fans with open virtual arms. So it's nice to be wanted :) I was wondering if any of you long time fans could take some pity on a new fan by copying some hard to find Rickman fare. I'm thinking specifically of NTSC tapes of Barchester Chronicles and Benefactors. Being a newbie I don't have any Rickman stuff to trade, but I can give you my undying appreciation, Rickman related chat, blank tapes and postage. Please email me privately if you can help. Thanks! Mindy (mpete@usa.net)
Mindy <mpete@usa.netfoo>
CT USA - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 19:47:18 (PDT)

Darlene, "Fallen Angels" is auctioned fairly regularly at ebay, and this link is for a current offering.
Georgiana
Seattle - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 18:30:15 (PDT)

Suzanne, I ment to thank you for your welcome. To say welcome to Mindy. This is so much fun. I's great to read messages from people from all over. I never knew there were so many Alan Rickman lovers out there. I'm still trying to find a copy of the Fallen Angels that AR did. I hope that somewhere out there someone can help me. Your Fellow Alan Rickman Fan "D"
Darlene Davis <AbcdDavis@aol.comfoo>
Bronx, NY USA - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 18:22:31 (PDT)

Georgia, I'm sorry you are having so much trouble getting through to me. I wish I was able to E-mail you. I'm not sure what the problem is. I know I had to many dots before, But please keep trying. Are you sure you are entering the adress corectly? It's great to read about all the work that AR has done over the years. I hope that some of you guys will share your well stocked AR video libraries. I would also like AR's photo from the 91 GQ cover. Oh yes went to CPP. What a great site. I loved it. I myself love to write. I'm thinking of writing a novel (fiction) with Alan in mind. oh, what fun. Please feel free to e-mail me with any idea's you might have about it. Your Fellow Alan Rickman Fan, "D"
Darlene Davis <AbcdDavis@aol.comfoo>
Bronx, NY USA - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 17:54:10 (PDT)

One of the frustrating/fun things about being an AR fan is trying to figure out where the latest film is going to premiere. What part of the world will see the latest epic first? Will it be a famous European film festival? A regular movie release in thousands of North American cinemas? Who can say?

This year's guessing game involves Help, I'm a Fish. Let's spin the magic wheel and see where the ball drops. Well, according to the IMDB site, it's Scandinavia's turn! Yes, you lucky northerners, you get to see this AR flick first:

Denmark - October 6
Finland - October 13
Sweden and Norway - October 20

You may now begin the scramble to find up-to-date info for the rest of us.

Magda
Canada - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 17:41:36 (PDT)

note to those who are having problems sending emails through the questbook-you have to delete the "foo" at the end of the addy for it to work. :) Fausta and Claire-thank you for sharing the totally drool worthy photos!!
Beeners <BeenBaby25@aol.comfoo>
CA USA - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 17:38:03 (PDT)

Fausta, Fausta, Fausta - no plans and to create a Hugh Jackman website after I have sent you a nice package of Hugh Jackman Australiana! (Just teasing you...And I know you probably haven't received it yet). If anyone IS interested in Hugh Jackman, there are a couple of good websites out there - just start at http://www.hughjackman.com Me, I will stick with fantasising about AR for now (safely up there on an unobtainable pedestal!)
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 16:23:54 (PDT)

Aaaaagh! Shriek? Be still my BEATING heart! My FAVOURITE AR picture, bigger than ever! Oh Claire, you surpassed yourself! I don't suppose anyone knows where I could obtain a hard copy of that GQ photo??? Like I know someone once told me about the MARVELOUS link that enabled me to buy back issues of Strburst with a GQ interview with AR, so, does anything like that exist for GQ magazine? Or does anyone know where I can just plain by the photo??? I have checked out many celeb photo spots, and none seem to carry that particular photo...
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 16:10:32 (PDT)

Re CPP: forget the paramedics! Where's that Colonel chair? :-) Great choices, Dana.
Sandy <fiebrans@prodigy.netfoo>
Tewksbury, MA USA - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 14:43:35 (PDT)

Darlene, I had another e-mail message to you bounced back to me. Took out the "foo", too! Can't figure it out...
Georgia
Anaheim, Ca USA - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 13:29:27 (PDT)

Thanks, Magda! I'll follow up on that link. And someone has already offered to send me Benefactors. You guys (we) are wonderful!
Nancy R.
CA USA - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 12:45:08 (PDT)

Just went over to check; it was the May 25, 2000 issue and the article is online at:

http://www.nybooks.com/nyrev/WWWarchdisplay.cgi?20000525004R
Magda
Canada - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 12:23:42 (PDT)

If you're interested in Frayn and Copenhagen, there was a very good article about the play some weeks ago (I don't have the issue handy) in the New York Review of Books. Very thoughtful and worth reading.
Magda
Canada - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 12:20:28 (PDT)

I've drawn a blank on e-bay, so if anyone has a copy of Benefactors that she's willing to copy, or lend me to copy, please email me, and I'll try to make an offer you can't refuse. It's not just the AR connection; since reading Copenhagen, I've gotten interested in Michael Frayn's work. Thanks!
Nancy R. <nroberts@sonic.netfoo>
CA USA - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 11:18:24 (PDT)

My internet at work won't let me visit CPP for some reason so I have to wait for our DSL line at home to get fixed; but I just visted the August Rickmanista--Oh those soulfull brown eyes! My obsession went along these lines: 1. That villian in DH sure is good 2. The Sheriff made that movie, Costner had no screen presence 3. Colonel Brandon, heavy sigh, rewind, rewatch, rewind 4. Discovered certain web sites, a few more movies than I realized and more fuel for the fire!
Cindie
USA - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 11:08:43 (PDT)

Nancy, I'm not sure sure why the link doesn't work for you, but try again, please. As to where to find Benefactors, a fellow fan sent me a copy, but I tried having someone else make a copy from that copy and it just doesn't copy well at all, especially the sound. Maybe another fan would be able to send you a copy?
Fausta
USA - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 10:07:04 (PDT)

Off Topic, from Infobeat:

*** Spacey fuels London theater with donations

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - Two-time Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey is using his clout to bolster ambitious plans to raise cash to inject into London's theater community. The actor jetted to London last week to help the Old Vic in South London raise capital for theaters citywide. Old Vic Productions plans to raise about $1.6 million to fund plays. The company has garnered a six-figure sum from Spacey. He plans to meet with institutional investors looking to take advantage of tax breaks on investments. Spacey won an Olivier award for his leading role in "The Iceman Cometh" two years ago at the Old Vic. Spacey said his affection for the venue and London's theater tradition dates back to when his parents brought him to see a play in the U.K. capital when he was 5. The board of Old Vic Productions includes Judi Dench, Jeremy Irons and Richard Attenborough.

Georgiana (Joan must be pleased!)
Seattle - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 10:04:20 (PDT)

Fausta/Claire, the link to "Benefactors" in the Monthly Rickmanista doesn't appear to work...and some of us WOULD like to know where to get a copy! And thanks for another month's worth of sterling contributions to the cause.
Nancy R.
CA USA - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 09:19:23 (PDT)

Re: bounced e-mail. Are y'all remembering to remove the "foo" from the end of the address? Just a thought.
To all the newcomers, when you post to this Guestbook, the extinction "foo" is automatically added to your e-mail address to cut down on spam, so you must remember to remove it before sending your message.

And speaking of newcomers, Welcome, Darlene (and also Endril, Nicci, Cat and anyone else I missed), to our wonderful community! You're absolutely right -- it's too hard to choose between those videos. My advice? Watch them all! It'll be a long AR Film Fest, but hey, that's the best kind! :-)

Thanks, Sally, for the 'easter egg' info! I'll check it out. And I want to apologize for my delay in getting the extra DVD clips on the net. After everything I tried failed and then calling Alaris tech support, I discovered that their video capture device is not compatible with DVD players (aarrrggghh!!!). However, I'm looking into another option, so don't lose hope!

Suzanne <SuzanneK@bigfoot.comfoo>
911 is going to be awfully busy, Claire!, :-) - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 07:54:14 (PDT)

Re: CPP. *grabbing for phone as I crash to the floor* MEDIC! MEDIC!

Mary Anne (Yow, GOOD choices)
*Fanning*, USA - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 06:30:52 (PDT)

To Georgia and Georgiana, I sent an E-mail To you Grorgiana but I was trying to reach Georgia. So to Georgiana Sorry and if you like please E-mail me back. To Georgia please try to reach me again today if you can. I got the adress right this time. If it kicks back again. Contact me through the GB. Once again sorry for the mistake. "D"
Darlene Davis <AbcdDavis@.comfoo>
Bronx, NY USA - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 06:18:11 (PDT)

. . . and while you are at it, go to CPP. Those suceptible such things might want to have the paramedics standing by . . .
Fausta
USA - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 06:00:55 (PDT)

Please visit the August Monthly Rickmanista!
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 05:33:44 (PDT)

Been in Devon and Cornwall for the last week so I haven't been able to look at the GB. I see the news about "The Search for John Arisham" is old news. Great photo in the Daily Mail by the way :-)One of those times when I wished I had a scanner. Visited both Saltram House and the village of Berry Pomeroy while in Devon (both locations used in S&S) Was especially overjoyed at visiting the church where the wedding between Marianne and Col Brandon took place. I could tell the locals thought I was a bit of an S&S nut :-) My 13 year old brother was not impressed by the pilgrimage. Bye for now.
Catherine <catherine.bowles@virgin.netfoo>
Halifax, Yorkshire - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 04:27:01 (PDT)

To Sally from "D", I ment to thank you for you welcome. I wish I had a DVD player too. Maybe I'll get one for Christmas. Hint, Hint to my husband. If he does get me one he had better get Die Hard. If you really have'nt seen it please do. I tell you there is nothing beter than seeing Bruce Willis get messed up by Alan and his gang. I am not a big BW fan. I can't wait to see "Blow Dry" "EEEEEGods, what a name for a movie. I want to be the first on line. I hope my health it good on the day it opens. I've got a date with hubby to see it. Your Fellow Alan Rickman Fan "D"
Darlene Davis <AbcdDavis@aol.comfoo>
Bronx, NY USA - Sunday, July 30, 2000 at 21:06:38 (PDT)

Hi all: I usually post to the AR egroup but I thought I'd put my two cents here as well. I'm pretty much a newbie but I've been doing my homework, having seen and purchased a good number of AR films over the past month (Galaxy Quest, Dogma, Closet Land, Judas Kiss, Awfully Big Adventure, Rasputin, January Man, Bob Roberts, Truly, Madly, Deeply, Sense and Sensability, Mesmer). Dogma's the film that started it off for me. His charismatic performance didn't leave any doubt in my mind that here was a special actor, one whose work demanded a closer look. Thanks for all the info and news both on your websites and the lists. I'm wondering what everyone's favorite AR films are. So far, mine are Closet Land, Truly, Madly, Deeply, and Awfully Big Adventure. Take care, Mindy
Mindy <mpete@usa.netfoo>
CT USA - Sunday, July 30, 2000 at 20:27:56 (PDT)

Oops! I missed Die Hard - apparently they have interviews etc with the cast and crew for all the trologies on the Die Hard DVD. Impressions would be its the first Die Hard DVD that counts...
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Sunday, July 30, 2000 at 19:28:45 (PDT)

For those of you with DVD players (and I sit here green with envy without one...), there is a website which lists 'easter eggs' hidden on the DVD. Galaxy Quest is listed as one, with 'hidden' interviews with the cast. To check out instructions, go to http://www.dvdeastereggs.com/eggs/galaxyquest.html. I'm sure with time, other AR movies will appear here...
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Sunday, July 30, 2000 at 19:27:04 (PDT)

Georgia, I also E-mail you and it came back. I sent it again I hope it got to you. Well with the rain that we seem to be getting alot of here in New York. This would be a good day and night for an Alan Rickman Film Fest. Let me see What should I watch first. It's so hard to pick one. Maybe you can help. I have: The January Man, Close My Eyes(Waht do the show the other guy's butt but cover Alan up with a sheet? Makes on sence to me.) Rasputin ( he deserved every inch of that emmy),Micheal Collins (loved Alan in this one and Liam Neeson he's another one of my fav's. Loved Rob Roy.)'Turly, Madly, Deeply. ( Better that Ghost.), Die Hard ( Oh what a sexy bad guy AR makes.), Robin Hood Prince of Thieves ( Alan completly and totaly stole the show in this one. "I'm going to cut out your heart with a spoon." is one of my favorite lines. As for Kevin Costner, well how can I put it. Oh I know "EL STINK A ROONO.), Judus Kiss(not one of the best pictures in the world, but loved seeing Alan and Emma together again. And the accents were interesting.), Bob Roberts ( I really enjoyed this one and so did my husband very funny and kind of scary. I mean this stuff really happens. If you know anything about whats going on here in NY yu know what I mean.),An Awfully Big Adventure ( the subject matter in this one concerned me I have three wonder kids and being a parent it's hard sometimes to open your mind to such things. But, They do happen and yu can't close your eyes to them. I don't beleive in keeping peole in the dark. Any way the movie was very good. I love Alan as captin Hook. He really should consider playing Hook in a movie. Would'nt you love to see that?), Mesmer ( OH GOD WHO COULD BE SEXIER!!! Those eyes, that hair, and those beartiful please touch me hands. Did I say OH MY GOD!!!), Quigely Down Under ( Good movie Alan makes for a really good cowboy. Looks wonderful in black hat too.}, Sense And Sensibility ( I LOVE YOU COLONEL BRANDON. Forget Marianna, she fool marry me. Oh I'm already married. Oh well I can dream. "smile"). Well that's my list. Now you can see why it's hard to make up my mind. But, soon I will be addingj: Dogma, Galexy Quest, Dark Harbor,and closetland. I would really like a copy of the Fallen Angels that he did. And any thing else that I can find. Well got to take my med's now so let me say again Georgia and any one else reading this. May You all have Great fun with Ar loving and Wonderful blessings. Your Fellow Alan Rickman Fan, "D"
Darlene Davis <AbcdDavis@aol.comfoo>
Bronx, NY USA - Sunday, July 30, 2000 at 16:18:30 (PDT)

And S&S is on broadcast TV in Australia this week... Personally, my favourite scene is also the one Col. Brandon is reading to Marianne as she recuperates. But alas, it was Dogma that got me interested in AR - didn't know he existed prior to that (which is quite staggering considering he has been in several popular movies...). Welcome Darlene!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Sunday, July 30, 2000 at 15:53:44 (PDT)

Hi, Darlene, it's Georgia again. I tried to e-mail you at the address in your last message. Still no luck. I got it returned again (scratching head in puzzlement). Are you sure you didn't leave something out, or maybe added something?
Georgia
Anaheim, Ca USA - Sunday, July 30, 2000 at 13:46:16 (PDT)

From an article in 24 July 2000 London Times about Thea Sharrock, age 24, theatre director: "So she wanted to be an actress? No, but she knew she wanted to direct after seeing three productions in 1992: Alan Rickman's Hamlet at the Riverside Studios ("it was impressive to see a movie star in a radical show") and, at the RSC in Stratford, Robert Stephens's King Lear ("the moment he walked out carrying Cordelia was just exquisite") and Antony Sher's Tamburlaine the Great ("I loved its sheer theatricality and saw it six times")."
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Sunday, July 30, 2000 at 11:09:12 (PDT)

Hi again Georgia, it's Darlene, Sorry again about the E-mail adress. The one at the bottom of this message is correct,(to many dots in my dot com...Ha, Ha) So please feel free to send me some mail. I hope we have many a great Alan Rickman converstion, along with other things. I hope I hear from you soon. You know I am making an AR scrape book. I love art so I am making it all by hand. It's alot of fun. Oh well got to go for now. May I give lots of love and blessing to all you Alan Rickman Fans out there. Your fellow Alan Rickman Fan "D"
Darlene Davis <AbcdDavis@aol.comfoo>
Bronx, NY USA - Sunday, July 30, 2000 at 10:44:49 (PDT)

Hi there Georgia. I'm sorry about the E-mail. Please try again. I will check to make sure I got it right. This is new to me so please forgive me if I made a mistake. I want to thank you for answering me. I hope we may have many Alan Rickman conversations. Oh yes I don't want to forget to say Hello to Endril. I wish I could be Marianne too. Oh to kiss those beautiful lips. AR is a real sweetie. Hope to hear from you both soon. Your fellow Alan Rickman Fan "D"
Darlene Davis <AbcdDavis.@.aol.comfoo>
Bronx, NY USA - Sunday, July 30, 2000 at 04:30:15 (PDT)

Before I knew the story, while reading the book for the first time when I was about 10 (it is now one of my faves), I also could not understand why she was choosing Willoughby over Brandon. When I saw the movie years later, I felt even more strongly about it. The min. I saw Brandon, I felt if I was Marrianne I would fall in love immeiatly. By the way, welcome!
Endril Lei <BloomieKay@hotmail.comfoo>
st. Louis, mo USA - Saturday, July 29, 2000 at 19:02:47 (PDT)

Darlene, I sent you an e-mail message, but it was returned, saying that the address was invalid. Is there a mistake in it somewhere? Welcome to the list, and Sense and Sensibility is the one that got ME hooked on Alan!
Georgia
Anaheim, Ca USA - Saturday, July 29, 2000 at 17:32:40 (PDT)

Hello To All You Alan Rickman Fans Out There: I first noiced Alan Rickman in Sence And Sensbiliy. I have been a big fan of Jane Austen since I was young girl, and I have seen all the movie and Tv verions of her stories. I must say that I really enjoy Emma Thompson verion very much. Her choice of Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon was brillant. Even after reading the book,(which I have done thousands of times since I was 11 years old. I now 40.) I could not understand why Marianne chose Willoughy over Colonel Brandon. But, then seeing AR Playing in the role, I said to myself, " My God she must be crazy! Look at him, what a face he has, and those eye. Not to forget that soft spoken sweet voice. WOOOOOOOOOOW !!! Compared to him Willoughby looked like a pinched rat. So now I'm a huge Alan Rickman Fan. I would love to see everything he has ever done, but some of it is hard to find, and I'm very ill. I am a diabetic, and it has taken is toll on me over the years. The nureopathy in my feet and legs provents me from walking alot. And I don't always have the funds to do so. So I am hoping that some of you AR fans out there will help a fellow Rickman lover out. Please feel free to E-mail me. It would be nice to hear from people who understand how it feel to LOVE ALAN!!! THANKS TO YOU ALL "D"
Darlene Davis <AbcdDavis@.aol.comfoo>
Bronx, NY USA - Saturday, July 29, 2000 at 11:17:23 (PDT)

There is a new profile shot from "Blow Dry" up at the Entertainment Weekly site.
Georgiana
Seattle - Friday, July 28, 2000 at 16:37:42 (PDT)

I think it's a recognition on someone's part that he's the perfect choice for "mature men" roles that Derek Jacobi is too old for. The Hans Gruber roles are going to Ralph Fiennes types now and the quirky roles belong to Geoffrey Rush (who's displayed some AR-ish judgement re his last few films). I've always felt that AR could be the Alec Guiness of the decade if he picks the right scripts.
Magda
Canada - Friday, July 28, 2000 at 11:25:07 (PDT)

It has occurred to me that we seem to be seeing a long run of what one might call "triumph of the has-been" in Mr. Rickman’s recent film roles. It seems an appropriate assignation for David Weinberg. Certainly one could see Dr. Lazarus in such a light. From what we know of "Blow Dry," it would seem Phil can be put in that category, and now John Gissing. Seems to be something of a common theme, and makes me wonder about the attraction he has for such parts, or if that is how those casting see him. Just a thought.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Friday, July 28, 2000 at 10:24:01 (PDT)

And the LA Times chimes in with What Makes a Bravura Baddie? by Stephen Farber, which contains this paragraph:

Other action films have done a better job of convincing us that the heroes were up against a master strategist of mayhem. Alan Rickman in "Die Hard" and Dennis Hopper in "Speed" played genuinely brainy antagonists. Maybe the smartest of these baddies in recent years was the assassin played by John Malkovich in "In the of Fire," who managed to stay one step ahead of Clint Eastwood throughout most of the story.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Friday, July 28, 2000 at 10:01:01 (PDT)

Library Journal, June 15, 2000 v125 i11 p133
Mesmer. (Review)_(video recording review) Jeff T. Dick
COPYRIGHT 2000 Cahners Publishing Company

Mesmer
colon 107 min. First Look Pictures. 1994. ISBN 0-941981-12-6. $24.98. Deranged charlatan or gifted genius? That's the question dividing the 18th century Viennese medical establishment--one still stubbornly clinging to bloodletting--over the merits of Franz Anton Mesmer, a physician, hypnotist, and self-professed healer devoted to "animal magnetism" as an enlightened treatment. Despite the considerable talent of Alan Rickman in the title role, Roger Spottiswoode's film is, well, nice looking but somewhat less than mesmerizing. For comprehensive collections.

Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Friday, July 28, 2000 at 07:48:19 (PDT)

Oops Sally forgot. Glad you've got access to cable. Let me know if you miss any of the re-runs of Eco Challenge. I know the voice is somewhat incongruous but no more incongruous than the fact that the Greenpeace Team is captained by one John Howard! Had quite a giggle over that.
Judy
Sydney, NSW Australia - Thursday, July 27, 2000 at 17:13:40 (PDT)

Been away for awhile but did manage to catch Ms Wax whilst she played here. Her stand up routine is very different from the television work. My husband who is not a fan AT ALL spent 2 hours bent over double in hysterics. The show concentrated on her parents, male/female relationships (not smutty ) and women coping as working parents. Lots of British ex pats in the audience. I'm not sure what other states she is playing in but it was a fun night out in a STRESSED week.
Judy
Sydney, NSW Australia - Thursday, July 27, 2000 at 17:10:09 (PDT)

My candidate for the Thomas the Engine conductor is the original TV series conductor, Ringo Starr. But then, he's also my favorite Beatle
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
old enough to remember the Beatles, USA - Thursday, July 27, 2000 at 09:46:29 (PDT)

Just finished visiting the Search for... site. Surely the coda, where Gissing fulfills his dream of owning a West-end theatre, indicates that this is Mr. Rickman's role!?! Sounds like a theme that would be near and dear to his heart. On another topic, does anyone know where I can buy a copy of the BBC radio broadcast of Blood Wedding with Rickman? It sounds wonderful.
Cat <icrubins@hotmail.comfoo>
Tempe, AZ USA - Thursday, July 27, 2000 at 08:28:49 (PDT)

From yesterday's Washington Times: "A certain amount of speculation lingered among the disenchanted after a screening of the lackluster kiddies' movie 'Thomas and the Magic Railroad,' which opens today. Seeing Alec Baldwin cut down to size as a toy-land railway enthusiast called Mr. Conductor certainly was unusual. But the question remained: Was there another American film actor who would look more incongruous in fairy-tale surroundings? Steven Seagal came to mind, then James Woods and John Malkovich. Alan Rickman seemed the funniest possibility among English misfits."
Georgiana (I'm so glad he's filming!!!) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Thursday, July 27, 2000 at 07:48:44 (PDT)

well, I'll definently keep a lookout for the movie (hopefully it will come out here soon as well). It looks like it might be quite good (especially if AR is in it). I love it how the local movie rental is always out of Dogma when I want to rent it... must run, thanx
Endril Lei <BloomieKay@hotmail.comfoo>
st. louis, mo USA - Wednesday, July 26, 2000 at 19:17:59 (PDT)

Thanks, Raffaella and Sally. "The Search for John Gissing" looks like it could be quite fun. Let's hope this is an indie that manages to find a distributor.
Georgiana
Seattle - Wednesday, July 26, 2000 at 12:05:49 (PDT)

Somehow I meant to enter a blockqoute before the "Dear British person" . . .
Fausta
USA - Wednesday, July 26, 2000 at 06:38:37 (PDT)

The Search for John (whatever-his-last-name-is) has a character that might fit the Film Unlimited's Euro Villain. For more details on their Eurovillains, read Could you could be the next Euro- villain? which starts by asking, Dear British person: could you could be the next Euro- villain? Are you a crown subject? Have you performed leading roles with an internationally recognised theatre company? If you answered yes to both questions, you are hereby eligible to portray a villain in a major Hollywood film. In accordance with the laws of the European Union, the British villain will now be known as the Euro-villain - but we all know, deep down, that he's British to the core. Adhere to the following guidelines and you'll be well on your way.
Choose your character

Type A: Sneering, disdainful, urbane villain who wants to regain his degenerate aristocratic family's squandered fortune while grinding everyone else down into the dirt. (Examples: James Mason, Alan Rickman, Dirk Bogarde, Paul Scofield, Ralph Fiennes in Schindler's List, Jason Isaacs in The Patriot.)
Type B: Sneering, resentful working-class villain who rages against those who made his father a snivelling failure, his mother a whore, and generally kept him down in the dirt all his life. (Examples: Steven Berkoff, Tim Roth, Gary Oldman, Robert Carlyle, currently Vinnie Jones in Gone in 60 Seconds.) Rafe got to be a type B in Wuthering Heights, too.
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Wednesday, July 26, 2000 at 06:36:53 (PDT)

Make that: ...AR is John Gissing...
Magda
Canada - Wednesday, July 26, 2000 at 03:23:49 (PDT)

Well, judging from the (very complete) synopsis, it seems likely that AR John Gissing, the executive from hell who makes the young couple's life miserable until they team up with him. Either that or he's the jerk CEO who gets his comeuppance. Hmmm. Bears watching.
Magda
Canaa - Wednesday, July 26, 2000 at 03:22:53 (PDT)

Couldan find the article about AR being in Searching for John Gissing, but found a link to a bit about the movie. It wasn't very helpful - no news about WHO was in it - but it does give the synopsis for the film. Hopefully they will update soon??? Seems to be completely in production RIGHT NOW (hint hint to all of you in London who want to rush off an spock out some of the locations)

Anyway, check it out at: http://www.searchingforjohngissing.com/
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Tuesday, July 25, 2000 at 19:52:28 (PDT)

Hurray for Raffaella, getting the name right in her news section: "The Search for John Gissing." Boo, hiss for Mail on Sunday. According to the IMDB database, the director/writer/actor behind this indie is a guy named Mike Binder whose last opus was something called "Sex Monster". It's coming out in 2001. (Fingers crossed.)
Magda
Canada - Tuesday, July 25, 2000 at 14:39:06 (PDT)

Hello! I'm back from London and I've just updated my page with new photos. I also updated the "news" section. Let me know if there are some broken links: Geocities is somewhat messy in these days. Love from Raffaella.
Raffaella <rossEross@tin.itfoo>
Italy - Tuesday, July 25, 2000 at 13:41:37 (PDT)

I write this as a fan of Jeremy Brett's "Sherlock Holmes" of which I have a library of most of the episodes and have enjoyed them so much. But when I read of his supposed comment about Alan's overacting in RH, I thought "here is the pot calling the kettle black!" I find Alan's "overacting" always extremely humorous... while JB's characterization of SH was and remains, to me, consistently, tho I admit amusingly, "very strange". I felt that Dr. Watson was a refreshingly normal character to counteract the strange outbursts of Holmes. I would love to see a tape of Alan's former portrayal of SH, which was praised in some review I read... although I know that unfortunately there is no tape history of most (?) of his plays. Too bad!
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.netfoo>
Greeley, CO USA - Tuesday, July 25, 2000 at 11:59:19 (PDT)

Hi there! I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed surfing around your little website here for my first time. I've been a fan of Mr. Rickman's for quite sometime now and I am glad to see just how many people share my admiration for his talents. Keep up the good work and I'm sure I'll be stopping back by again soon.
Nicci
Tampa, FL USA - Tuesday, July 25, 2000 at 11:41:55 (PDT)

Can anyone supply a link to The Mail On Sunday? I'm having no luck via the search engines. I too want to know about this new project he's filming in London.
Nancy R.
CA USA - Tuesday, July 25, 2000 at 10:51:36 (PDT)

Good God! how much one misses whe one is in transit! Well, now I am deeply entrenched in Summer here in the States, and what do i find? That horror of horrors, Jeremy Brett fans have been hoping for a replacement! Gracious me! Poor Jerr would have turned over in his grave! considering he thought Rickman overacts, and preferred the likes of Kevin Costner to AR, I highly doubt that he would have taken kindly to the suggestion that anyone would play the role he made his own! It's late, and my feelings are a little overwhelming, but I want to cry! Never, not once did JB even mention anyone else in the part of Sherlock Holmes, and was so passionate about the character himself! Oh I feel a diatribe coming on! But nonetheless, despite all my purist intentions, AR did play Sherlock Holmes, on stage, the listing for which you can find on the resume section of this site. Ohh, I fall upon the thorns of lid\fe, I bleed...
Julia
Clagary (or not, really), MA Canada, but now USA - Monday, July 24, 2000 at 21:23:56 (PDT)

MA--LOL! I'd like the Chaise Longue, mmmmmmmm . . .
Renie <reniept@hotmail.com foo>
CA, USA - Monday, July 24, 2000 at 19:48:27 (PDT)

KatrinaL, I believe you requested The Colonel Chairs? *grin*

After those scenes you describe, I think that you had better take one and I'll take the other . . . ;-)

Mary Anne
Does this make me the chairperson?, USA - Monday, July 24, 2000 at 17:32:48 (PDT)

Blackrose, I dunno how I did it, but I accidently stumbled across your AR links page before you announced it in the guestbook, and I am VERY impressed! You and Fausta both have extensive links for anyone to explore!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Monday, July 24, 2000 at 16:02:15 (PDT)

While in the subject of pajamas, here's a nice photo
Fausta
photo courtesy of Georgiana by way of Claire, USA - Monday, July 24, 2000 at 14:10:48 (PDT)

What is The Search for John Arisham?
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Monday, July 24, 2000 at 14:05:24 (PDT)

Okay, so it's in the suburbs. You might have to take a cab.
Magda
Canada - Monday, July 24, 2000 at 12:41:33 (PDT)

Magda, Paxton House is in Northumberland, at the Scottish border, as we posted when this first came up in May.
Georgiana
Seattle - Monday, July 24, 2000 at 12:39:43 (PDT)

Anyone going to London this summer might be interested in this exhibit:

Period Costume from Film and Television
At:Paxton House
28 May 2000 - 28 Aug 2000
A stunning display of costume worn by Kate Winslet, Nicole Kidman, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Colin Firth and others in the most popular period films and television drama of the past decade. On display for the first time in the north.

North of what exactly, it doesn't say.
Magda
Canada - Monday, July 24, 2000 at 11:40:43 (PDT)

Do check out UK's Sunday 23rd edition of The Mail On Sunday (Review Section). Pic of AR on location in London making The Search For John Arisham - complete with pyjamas, dressing gown and matching slippers!!
dianne <diane.stott@gsb.co.ukfoo>
London, USA - Monday, July 24, 2000 at 10:04:08 (PDT)

Hello all. I have a new site called Blackose's Links. It has links to some of my favorite celebrities including Alan Rickman. http://www.black-roses.net Alan's pages are not quite finished, but if I am missing anything in the "sites" page please let me know ok. Thanks
Blackrose <blackros@telusplanet.netfoo>
Edmonton, Ab Canada - Monday, July 24, 2000 at 09:35:21 (PDT)

Katrina, (and everybody, too) feel free to use any uncredited photos in my site, as long as it's not for commercial purposed (the copyrights of all the photos in my site remain with the photographers).
With the photos where I credit a contributor, for instance, it might say "photo courtesy of Claire", please ask Claire (or whoever the contributor is!).
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Monday, July 24, 2000 at 07:34:59 (PDT)

Ooooh, Colonel Brandon! Just have to post again! ;-) I still hold his first scene in Sense and Sensibility above everyone else because I just melt every time he walks in with that first puzzled and later quite passionate expression on his face... *ssssiiiigh* Mary Anne, you don't happen to have a Colonel chair ready that I can faint on, do you?! ;-)

And now, for something completely different: I can't deny that I've see so many lovely pictures of AR, thanks to you all. Since I'm working on a homepage, I've found that a lot of my interest tends towards making an AR-page - only in Swedish yet. (The only Swedish AR-page so far!) But the pictures I want to use! Oh, dear! Where did I find them all? On whose pages? And what is the general policy among you?!

Question is: do any of you allow that I use pictures from your sites? I'm quite sure that I've collected pics from Suzanne, Claire, KelClancy, Raffaella, Fausta and probably some more... I can assure you that I will be providing links and ample thanks on my future pages to those who have already done the most of the work by making the pictures accessable! Please let me know, ladies!

KatrinaL, anxiously awaiting your reply <katrina.l@telia.comfoo>
Sweden - Monday, July 24, 2000 at 07:25:33 (PDT)

hi. Cindi, that too is one of my all time favourite scenes in that movie ( I still do like the one where he reads poetry nearly the best). When I rented the movie (for the hundreth time), I would always watch that scene over and over again. It is so well shot, and his expressions are so wonderful. Well, must run. bye!
Endril Lei <BloomieKay@hotmail.comfoo>
St. Louis, mo USA - Sunday, July 23, 2000 at 19:47:49 (PDT)

Hello everyone. Eva, I agree with everything you said. Power and Bankability is a very big thing these days. KatrinaL and Magda, I agree with you - Ruby can be a bit full on at times and now she is coming here to Australia. Cindie, That is also one of my favourite scenes too! The sun is beginning to shine on Col. Brandon's face after all the rain... A new start for him as he comes out of the shadows maybe. Take care everyone.
Barbara
Gold Coast, Austtralia - Sunday, July 23, 2000 at 19:25:20 (PDT)

Just rewatched S&S last night. The scene where Colonel Brandon has brought Mrs. Dashwood to Marianne and is just about to close the door as he is looking inward, he is in the frame out of focus, Marriane notices him and thanks him, he is now in focus, looks up and opens the door abit so that the light hits his face which looks so hopeful....makes my toes curl every time.
Cindie <cynthiagreen@ameritech.netfoo>
USA - Sunday, July 23, 2000 at 17:42:55 (PDT)

OK Catherine - will be in touch when I have finished taping all the episodes!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Sunday, July 23, 2000 at 16:04:30 (PDT)

Hi all!

Magda, I partly agree with you about Ruby Wax: can't stand her for longer than 5 minutes. But she helped Jennifer Saunders to make "Absolutely Fabulous", which makes me laugh hysterically, so I'm still grateful to Rickman for helping her along! And in "Ab Fab" we don't have to see her... ;-)

Eva, I agree with you about he next part you want to see Rickman in! *sigh* :-) BTW, we're neighbours. I live in Malmö, Sweden. It's not easy being an AR fan in this part of Europe but Galaxy Quest had it's premiere here last Friday.

KatrinaL <katrina.l@telia.comfoo>
Sweden - Sunday, July 23, 2000 at 05:11:29 (PDT)

To Barbara. The subject of the list was power, not talent. But we can all make our own lists. Unfortunately the bankability of an actor is an important factor in what projects they get offered. But perhaps Hollywood is learning, though X Men vs The Patriot that the star factor is not all it is said to be.
Eva
Denmark - Saturday, July 22, 2000 at 12:41:35 (PDT)

Sally. Thank you SO much 8:D I would love for you to do me a copy. Please feel free to let me know if I can repay the favour in some way.
Catherine <catherine.bowles@virgin.netfoo>
Halifax, West Yorkshire - Saturday, July 22, 2000 at 10:26:32 (PDT)

Inflicting Ruby Wax on the world is valuable work? Maybe he should stick to acting and directing.
Magda
Canada - Saturday, July 22, 2000 at 08:28:05 (PDT)

Eva from Denmark, I have to say that it amazes me that he only came in at No.41! Perhaps the "4" is a mistake! AR has given so much to the Theatre in the U.K. and in Film everywhere and has supported so many young talented people in the comedy arena, such as Harry Enfield, Ruby, and Lee Evans, who have continued on to greater success's with his support. AR is such an asset wherever he goes and I hope he continues doing this valuable work wherever he goes. Bye.
Barbara
Gold Coast, Australia - Saturday, July 22, 2000 at 05:06:51 (PDT)

Will it never end? Today's (well, if you're in the UK, it's now yesterday's) Guardian advises on "How to be a Euro-villain," if you're British, including: Type A: Sneering, disdainful, urbane villain who wants to regain his degenerate aristocratic family's squandered fortune while grinding everyone else down into the dirt. (Examples: James Mason, Alan Rickman, Dirk Bogarde, Paul Scofield, Ralph Fiennes in Schindler's List, Jason Isaacs in The Patriot.)
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Friday, July 21, 2000 at 17:05:15 (PDT)

Got your message Heather Look in your mailbox. May I offer a comment regarding the Harry Potter project? Having just returned from Galaxy Quest, in which Mr Rickman of course was brilliant. Never the less I would rather see him in an adult, romantic/realistic movie next time around. I thinking in the cobcepts of Sense & Sensibility, Close My Eyes and Truly Madly Deeply.
Eva
Denmark - Friday, July 21, 2000 at 13:17:06 (PDT)

Eva - thanks so much for the article from "The Sun". One question/favor, is there any chance you could email me because I have another favorite English actor and am wondering if he made it on the list and if so where. Thanks so much.
Heather <arbgfan@yahoo.comfoo>
Atascadero, CA USA - Friday, July 21, 2000 at 10:53:09 (PDT)

Thank you Cindie for your kind words, and please send a review, a photo or a recipe. My site wouldn't exist if it weren't for all the wonderful things people send.
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
thank you all!, USA - Friday, July 21, 2000 at 06:03:49 (PDT)

Found this at E! Online today. USA Today is the latest newspaper to list Liam Aiken, a 10-year-old Jerseyite, as one of about a dozen young actors in the running to carry Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. While Aiken may be half-British on his mum's side, and has a résumé that includes I Dreamed of Africa and Stepmom, his potential casting goes against everything producers and writer J.K. Rowling have said up to now--that a Brit will play the bespectacled wizard-in-training. The Aiken-as-Harry story apparently got launched by the British tabloids and was fueled by Internet gossip mills and Potter fan sites. Aiken, the story goes, is a favorite of Potter director Chris Columbus, who put the kid through his paces in Stepmom, in which he played Susan Sarandon's son. The inclusion of Aiken in the roster of would-be Harrys had reportedly become so contentious that casting director, Susie Figgis, a Brit, quit in protest. Despite the "evidence," Aiken would seem a longshot. Both Rowling and Warner Bros., the studio bankrolling the planned franchise, want an English kid in the role. Steven Spielberg reportedly declined the chance to direct the film because he couldn't get Sixth Sense star (and red-blooded American) Haley Joel Osment to play the young sorcerer. Meanwhile, Ain't It Cool News has an alleged interview with Rowling about the film. Asked if Aiken was in the running, the author replied, "Who? No, ignore the Internet, ignore the Daily Express. Harry has still not been cast yet. And believe me, he's going to be British when he is!" A different report on BBC radio said Rowling even phoned up Columbus to make sure Aiken hadn't been cast. As for other Potter players, the current issue of Entertainment Weekly runs down other rumors: Tim Roth as Professor Snape, Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall and Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid. For its part, Warner Bros. says only that the casting process is continuing and there are no front runners. The studio better get in gear--Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is supposed to start shooting this fall.
Heather <arbgfan@yahoo.comfoo>
Atascadero, CA USA - Thursday, July 20, 2000 at 19:50:11 (PDT)

Fausta, Just revisited your site. Had no idea all the wonderful things you have there. You answered my question in spades --- now I have to tear myself away and get back to work -- can't wait to get back there. Thanks.
Cindie
USA - Thursday, July 20, 2000 at 11:13:59 (PDT)

God. Alan Rickman has pretty much the most sexiest voice of all time. I get all shivery just listening to him. darn! Gotta run! Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast...
Endril Lei <BloomieKay@hotmail.comfoo>
St. Louis, mo USA - Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 16:19:38 (PDT)

Catherine, I shall be taping Eco-Challenge over the next few weeks as it is shown here (Australia) and would be happy to make a copy for you when its done (the middle of August) if you can't find a version elsewhere (I believe Australia is the same format as the UK). Mind you, it will have ads and my terrible editing in it (not to big on credits and previews of the next show...). Boy, those credits dont' half whiz by! Blink and you miss AR's accreditation as the narrator!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 15:58:08 (PDT)

Hi everyone. I keep hearing about this Eco-challenge thingy. I don't have Sky and never got the chance to watch it first time round. Since evryone is raving about it I'm desperate to see it. Does anyone know if the vid is available on English format or just American ?? Please help. I just know all you great sages out there will come up with an answer :-)
Catherine <catherine.bowles@virgin.netfoo>
Halifax, West Yorkshire - Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 11:13:18 (PDT)

Endril, the eco-challenge video can be purchased from www.discovery.com
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 06:07:41 (PDT)

Where can I find a copy of my own of the eco-challenge tape with Alan on it?
Endril Lei <Bloomiekay@hotmail.comfoo>
St. Louis, Mo. USA - Tuesday, July 18, 2000 at 20:09:09 (PDT)

Fausta, Thank you. I tried the connection from this page and from the Rickmanista page and couldn't get there. I will try again later. Thanks again. Cindie.
Cindie <cynthiagreen@ameritech.netfoo>
Olmsted Falls, OH USA - Tuesday, July 18, 2000 at 18:20:53 (PDT)

Cindie, re: audio tapes, please visit the Rickmanista's audio page.
Sally, I wish I were in Sidney! Yes, I'll be most grateful for any Hugh Jackman articles. He is sensational. Please e-mail me, maybe we could trade stuff. Thank you!
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Tuesday, July 18, 2000 at 16:57:54 (PDT)

Many, many, MANY thanks, Suzanne! I hope you didn't think I was complaining about needing to vet my entries before posting - I am in awe you even got the cgi script to work! I have never got anything to work from Matt's archive - so kudo's to you (mind you, I did discover the other day that was because my website was on a Windows NT server not Unix...)

Fausta, if you are a Hugh Jackman fan, you should have been in Australia this last week... Its been an absolute fest of him in the papers. He is actually known down here for his singing prowess on stage, and really wants to do Shakespeare. Let me know if you want me to see if I can find some of the weekend news articles for you and send them to you...

Barbara - YES!!! I can't help but smile as I listen to AR narrating Eco-Challenge. Don't ask me why, sometimes he just sounds incongrous with the setting, but loving it!

And Eva - what a weird list! I would have ranked many of the actors and actresses higher - wonder if is it was based on their current earning capacity as opposed to everything else that factors in... Joseph Fiennes deserves to be higher though - I am still smarting on his behalf over the snub he got from the awards and Shakespeare in Love...
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Tuesday, July 18, 2000 at 16:00:51 (PDT)

I had hoped Alan Rickman had made it higher on that list, 'cause he certainly deserves to. But some of those actors are pretty good anyway. And isn't Liam Neeson Irish and Ewan McGregor Scottish ( I'm really glad they made it on, since I guess it all counts as the UK anyway). my friend August (who I made the HP list w/) is here, and she thinks the site is really nice, even though she's not a hard core AR fan (not even a little one- oh well.) She's currently shouting in joy that Ewan beat Connery on the list ( however, she IS a big Brit actors fan- she says " at least the hot ones").
Endril Lei <BloomieKay@hotmail.comfoo>
St. Louis, mo USA - Tuesday, July 18, 2000 at 15:12:25 (PDT)

British tabloid "the Sun" has made a list of the 100 most powerfull brits in moveies. AR, who according to the article is 44 years old is listed as no 41. For comparison, Ian Mckellan is listed as no 47, Hugh Laurie as no 39, Kenneth Branagh as No 36, Rober Carlyle no 24, Sir Michael Caine as no 22, Rupert Everett, no 18, Liam Neeson no 17 Sir Sean Connery no 15, Hugh Grant no 12, Emma Thomphon no 11, Jude Law no 9, Ewan mcGregor No 8, Kate Winslet no 7, Catherina Zeta Jones is a the highest listed actor at no 3, Ridley Scott is No 2 and Tim Bevan ard Eric Fellner is no One Ralph Fiennes is no 52 three places behind his brother, Patric Stewart 56, Gary Oldman 55, Tim Roth 54, Jason Isaacs no 90. I do not agree with every one of these placement, because what is power, talent and flavour of the moment. Anthony Hopkins is not included, probably he is considered American. In general AR is placed above most of the actors he is usually compared to.
Eva
Denmark - Tuesday, July 18, 2000 at 10:35:33 (PDT)

I just picked up Blind Corner by Dornford Yates as Read by AR from the library. I'm still listening to ROTN so I didn't start listening to it yet. I'd never heard of this one before, anyone know anything about it?
Cindie <cynthiagreen@ameritech.netfoo>
Olmsted Falls, OH USA - Tuesday, July 18, 2000 at 10:33:12 (PDT)

I did The Guardian's quiz, at http://www.filmunlimited.co.uk/quiz/questions/0,5952,343447,00.html, and got this score,

You scored 9 out of a possible 10
Your knowledge of Hollywood's anti-British slurs is scarily impressive. You're obviously storing up every single snub and slight with the aim of getting even one day soon. Hollywood directors had better tread very carefully when you're around

On the off-topics, A Rickman fan who is also a Jackman fan tells me HJ was in Oklahoma at the RNT, at about the time of A&C.
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
Oh what a beautiful morning . . . , USA - Tuesday, July 18, 2000 at 08:36:03 (PDT)

Thank you! I had John Isaacs mixed up with someone completely different (it was the reference to Soldier that threw me off).
Endril <BloomieKay@hotmail.comfoo>
St. Louis, mo USA - Tuesday, July 18, 2000 at 08:13:51 (PDT)

Fire extinguished. :-)
Everyone makes mistakes. No problem. As for changing our comments before posting, that would be helpful, but it's not possible with this script, once you click the submit button, unfortunately.
Suzanne
USA - Tuesday, July 18, 2000 at 07:35:48 (PDT)

Done it again - Suzanne, please correct my faulty html again - I could have sworn I had closed out my font tag... Really, we need to be able to review the comments before they are posted. I do aplogise most profusely for turning the guestbook red and hope noone is color blind!
Sally
Sorry!, USA - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 22:31:38 (PDT)

Endril, Jason Isaacs has previously been in films like The End of the Affair, Divorcing Jack (which was a brilliant film for those of you who haven't seen it), Armageddon, Dragonheart and Event Horizon. Other than those, we start going into the smaller more unknown films. Does that help place him??? Alas no Stargate (which given how dreadful that film was, maybe not be a bad thing for him...)
Sally
Taking a tea break..., USA - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 22:25:16 (PDT)

Hello everyone! I agree with you all that Basil Rathbone was a great actor, especially as holmes. I was lucky to get 2 post cards, when I was in London in 98, of Jeremy Brett and David Burke as Holmes and Watson, from the Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker St. Also Holmes and Moriarty with Eric Porter as the professor. This was a small place, but it did sell all these items from the Granada series. I would LOVE to see AR in this role. I also loved Christopher Plummer as Holmes and James Mason as Dr Watson in the Movie "Murder by decree".Sally, isn't AR voice wonderful in that Eco Challange! Take care everyone!
Barbara
Gold Coast, Australia - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 21:02:30 (PDT)

Endril-go to Rafaella's page. There's a couple of younger AR pics on there.
Heather <BeenBaby25@aol.comfoo>
CA USA - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 20:58:58 (PDT)

I second the repulsion. And I agree with the raptures a certain employee of SoCal Gas felt (feels?) watching and listening to Alan. Unfortunately, I cannot stomach the hard alcohol, but the metaphor is apt, I'm told. *grin* Anyhow, honey, tell Mom, "Handsome is as handsome does." Alan does much that is praise-worthy. Must go.
Ann Wagner
AZ USA - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 20:06:28 (PDT)

I knew I had seen Ian McK somewhere before... he looks so fimiliar. And that Jason Isaac guy- was he in a movie called Stargate a long time ago? Now off topic-Does anyone know where I can find a pic of AR young (weird, yes, but don't ask...).
Endril Lei <BloomieKay@hotmail.comfoo>
St. Louis, mo USA - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 19:49:11 (PDT)

Further to Karen's comment, ya know what's so spooky about Ian McK's portrayal of Nicholas II? He LOOKS like him!
Sally
- Monday, July 17, 2000 at 18:54:32 (PDT)

For those of you who are recently fired up at seeing Ian McKellan in X-men, yes, you have seen him somewhere before. Next time you watch Rasputin, check out Czar Nicholas.
Karen
Seal Beach, CA USA - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 18:06:37 (PDT)

We know he wrote the book. From the 9 July Guardian, on Jeffrey Wright in "Shaft": "Then again, Wright's gleeful nastiness fits in the tradition of other distinguished Shakespeareans-turned-sniggering villains, established by the likes of Alan Rickman."
Georgiana
Seattle - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 17:50:13 (PDT)

Oops, sorry... Jason Isaacs?
Maxine
USA - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 17:07:06 (PDT)

Picking myself up off the floor... please excuse me. Oh, yes, Suzanne!!! THANK YOU!!! That is the Mesmer VHS cover too! You should be renamed, "Thank you Suzanne". ;^) Now that I have regained my composure, I think I'm going to be the target of some vegetables tossed my way... I don't see any similarity with that Jakob Isaacs, but I do see a young Alan in Tom Green! I may have said that on the GB before, but it drives me crazy. And what is even strange in my world is that Tom's fiance, Drew Barrymore is the daughter of one of my first "favorites". John Drew Barrymore drove me crazy in the mid-60s!!!!
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.netfoo>
Greeley, CO USA - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 17:06:12 (PDT)

Having had the great misfortune to catch "Soldier" while shampooing my carpets over the weekend, must say I don't understand all the comparisons between Jason Isaacs and Rickman. Found Isaacs totally forgettable in "End of the Affair" (all right, found the film mostly forgettable also), and he totally failed to impress in "Soldier" (an awful film).
Georgiana (not likely to see "Patriot" until it's free, given the revisionist history...)
Seattle - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 16:54:16 (PDT)

Yet another article on the 'plague of British villains,' again with Rickman's Hans Gruber as prototype, this time in the Telegraph.
Georgiana
Seattle - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 16:48:31 (PDT)

Maxine, are you referring to this Mesmer photo? It's from the DVD cover. I imagine the U.S. videotape has the same cover.(??)

Suzanne <SuzanneK@bigfoot.comfoo>
"Gorgeous" is one word that comes to mind., :-) - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 16:38:23 (PDT)

And er, sorry for contuinuing the off-topic - but at aint-it-cool-news, from the mouth of J.K. Rowling, comes the confirmation that there is no way in a gazillion billion years JK Rowling (and she apparently retains big veto powers) is going to let an American kid play Harry Potter - not unless Britain fails to turn up any potential Harry Potters - which one would have to admit, is a wee bit unlikely...
Sally
USA - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 16:00:09 (PDT)

More off-topic FYI... Although Anna Paquin maybe born in Canada, I think New Zealand claims here since her mother was born there and she has been living in Wellington now for several years with her mother...
Sally
Downunder, - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 15:42:23 (PDT)

Speaking of pictures, does anybody have a copy of the beautiful picture from the cover of the Mesmer video? I saw it today for the first time and wow, my old video cover (from the wonderful Canadian-produced/sold video) didn't look THAT good!!!
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.netfoo>
Greeley, CO USA - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 15:13:11 (PDT)

Re: LLD "Seduction" photograph on Claire's page. Nice! but it's only part of the picture. Who can provide the rest? What's actually happening on that chaise longue? Where's Valmont's other hand? Don't settle for a fragment when you can Have It All! [Sorry, I live in the 18th century and am totally unelectronic, but the picture is out there in hard copy and can be captured by diligent Rickmanistas in all its exquisite completeness....Good luck!]
R.Faey
USA - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 10:54:06 (PDT)

Actually, Basil Rathbone was a South African. Just FYI, as Fred Kwan would say.
Magda
Canada - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 08:55:46 (PDT)

The Christian Science Monitor joins "The Patriot" clamour and their article contains the following paragraph:

"British actors are often good at charisma that isn't likeability," he adds, saying that actors like Alan Rickman and Ralph Fiennes seem more comfortable in the kinds of cold roles they play. "We're not great grinners, we Brits," Mars-Jones says.

Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 07:50:01 (PDT)

On all the off-topic threads,
The Jeremy Brett version of Rebecca was done approx. 20 years ago; in fact, Mrs. deWinter was played by the real-life mother of the girl that played Mrs. deWinter in the Charles Dance version. I've seen the JB version on reruns on tv (and didn't have a tape to tape it on!), & have never seen a video version, but would love to own one if there's one anywhere.
While at first sight the X-Men has the British-actor-(Ian McKellen)-as-a-bad-guy syndrome, it also has a full Commonwealth cast: Patrick Stewart (England), Anna Paquin (Canada), Ray Park (Scotland), and the spectacular Hugh Jackman (Australia) playing a Canadian. Made a Hugh Jackman fan out of me -- will a jackmanista website be far?
For those who like those things, X-Men ends with a nice voice-to-voice confrontation between PS & ImK, featuring hands and chess set.
Meanwhile, for an audiobook treat, I greatly enjoyed R. Fagles translation of the Odyssey performed by Ian McKellen. Also on audio: Basil Rathbone recorded many books on lps, and several are available on audiocassettes, either on ebay or as commmercial re-issues.
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
what, no New Zealand X-Men?, USA - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 07:30:17 (PDT)

I have a soft spot in my heart for Basil Rathbone as Holmes, if only because I enjoy seeing Rathbone in just about anything--but Brett is my preference for authenticity; it seems that he preserved the character with all the eccentricities that appear in the writings of Doyle. I enjoyed both David Burke and Edward Hardwicke as Doctor Watson, since both of them played the character as an intelligent man and not a bumbler; it's awfully easy to caricature Watson.

I would have really enjoyed seeing Rickman as Holmes. He probably preserved the eccentricities with a vengeance!

(Personal note--Suzanne, check your e-mail, please.)

Mary Anne
The game is afoot, USA - Sunday, July 16, 2000 at 19:40:19 (PDT)

I thought Charles Dance was a wonderful Maxim DeWinter, didn't know that JB ever played that role. When was it out? I still think he was the definitive Holmes and Edward Hardwick the perfect John Watson.
Cindie <cynthiagreen@ameritech.netfoo>
Olmsted Falls, oh USA - Sunday, July 16, 2000 at 17:59:15 (PDT)

PS - to anyone in Sydney, I see Ruby Wax will be playing here later this week. Each to their own, and apologies for spouting here - but she repulses me. Her humour is most defintely to crass for me! If anyone has seen her show and recommends it, I'll consider seeing it because I have nothing else to do that night...
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Sunday, July 16, 2000 at 17:33:55 (PDT)

Egads! Yeuch! I don't think so! Yep, keep those comments to yourself!

I read in the local paper that the director of Harry Potter was plugging for some kid from Stepmom to play Harry Potter! What is the point in doing a HUGE cattlecall for a british Harry Potter if the director is going to plug for some unmemorable American brat??? Another Yuech!

Other than that, finally I get to hear AR on Eco-Challenge as it is being replayed on Discovery... I didn't realise it was 4 hours long! :-)
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Sunday, July 16, 2000 at 16:25:59 (PDT)

M's Elk, posting your theories about Alan Rickman's private life is both salacious and unnecessary. The man is a great actor and for that we honour and admire him.

Leaving some of your personal thoughts about his private life UNSHARED at this site would have been a better choice for you and us.

You are entitled to believe anything your imagination can dream up about the man, but you would have done better keeping your opinion to yourself.

I'll put my soapbox away now.

Anne
Anne Harding <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Sunday, July 16, 2000 at 08:38:05 (PDT)

Rima is alan's very close friend. Very close, he needs her to feel grounded. He's got a male lover. Someone very nice and good looking from a good family, but someone very much younger that AR. And, he needs Ruby Wax for balance because it would be a combination of Rima and Ruby, plus traits not encountered by AR that would win him over for good, settle him finally, hence his availability, which we can dectect. My theory which is mine.
Ann Elk
Elk City, NC USA - Sunday, July 16, 2000 at 07:50:36 (PDT)

Fausta, I saw your posting and agree Jeremy Brett was a great Maxim Dewinter. In fact I have been fruitlessly searching for a copy for a couple of years now.

Even my local PBS station, which showed it some years ago, no longer can obtain a copy.

The reason I'm looking so desperately is because my mother, a true Jeremy Brett fan, has never seen his version of 'Rebecca' and she is eager to do so.

If anyone has the video and would be willing to copy it, I would gladly pay the cost of the tape, the time it takes to copy and of course, the postage.

As this is not an AR subject, rather than taking up Guestbook space, could anyone with a copy, willing to share, please E-Mail me

Thanks for any help I could get.

Anne
Anne Harding <ahard73977@aol..comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Saturday, July 15, 2000 at 21:46:09 (PDT)

When I was eight years old as my mother puts it "You became obsessed with that damn limey!!" Now at 23, I still love what Mr.Rickman brings to his performances. Handsome no doubt, but it is his mastery and love of craft that seduces you in the darkeness of the theater. His diversity of creativity showed his growth as years have come. Never stale! He is quite the renaissance man so multifacted romantic and focused.His succulent voice reminiscent of a great brandy I had once inspires enough lusty fantasies in my bosom, but in his private sanctuary how can I really say I "love" this individual.? I go on websites such as this greedily gathering answers but I respect a man who acknowledges life's true gifts such as the intimacy he covets, so that his moments have that much more value. I had my Medea moment when I found he had a "girlfriend"(Smile)He is one of God's creatures not to be missed. In reading Emma Thompson's S&S Diaries You get a personal brush with his candor and it was like feeling cold winter air and seeing a majestic wolf so austere except for a wicked grin and those hooded eyes with mirth. Maybe one day just casually I'll meet him, if not there is every night that I dream. Best wishes Alan Arlene Bruni
Arlene Francesca Bruni <JBruni@socalgas.comfoo>
North Hills, CA USA - Saturday, July 15, 2000 at 21:19:38 (PDT)

Well, since St. louis always gets the movies last, I finally saw x-men, opening night here. AR would have been a great Magnento, I agree, but the guy who got the part was pretty amazing anyway.
Endril lei <BloomieKay@hotmail.comfoo>
st. Louis, mo USA - Saturday, July 15, 2000 at 20:38:40 (PDT)

In today's Montreal Gazette, there's a large article about the annual Just for Laughs comedy festival and its organizer, Bruce Hills; sort of a "how they get book all those comics" expose. In April Hills was in London checking out British comedians and attended a party where he met AR:

"At the party afterward, I'm introduced to Alan Rickman. I tell him that I've just seen Galaxy Quest on the plane and that I thought it was hysterical. Alan tells me that DreamWorks decided to market the film to kids and took 22 minutes of the funniest material out of the film. Alan recommends booking Ruby Wax's one-woman show. Too late for this year, but I'll tell Jodi so she can look into it for next year."
Magda
Canada - Saturday, July 15, 2000 at 18:10:25 (PDT)

Karen, two of the articles about the Harry Potter casting can be found at http://www.filmunlimited.co.uk.
On July 10, Harry Potter casting row rumbles on http://www.filmunlimited.co.uk/News_Story/Exclusive/0,4029,341750,00.html
then on July 13, Warners pledge British Harry Potter http://www.filmunlimited.co.uk/News_Story/Exclusive/0,4029,342888,00.html.
Magda. clearly it's been too long since I watched my Errol Flynn movies! I prefer Jeremy Brett as Sherlock, but it all depends on how quirky one likes their Holmes. I also prefer JB's Maxim deWinter to the other versions.
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Saturday, July 15, 2000 at 13:29:29 (PDT)

I was reading the latest version of 'Entertainment Weekly' and they say the rumour is that the cast for the 'Harry Potter' movie is most likely to be mainly, if not entirely, British.

they indicate Tim Roth is a likely 'Snape' Maggie Smith as the female professor (who's name escapes me for the moment)and Robbie Coltrane for 'Hegrid'.

No word yet on the main characters for the the title role and the Dean of 'Hogwart's'.

Well we can all hope AR is offered the role of Dean.

Anne
Anne Harding <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Saturday, July 15, 2000 at 13:18:13 (PDT)

Fausta: Actually, Rathbone played Sir Guy of Gisborne and the sheriff was played by Melville Cooper strictly as comic relief. (Re the scene where Cooper swaggers up to a bound and gagged Errol Flynn and slaps him only to be kicked hard where it hurts, causing even his own men to laugh.) And of course, Claude Rains as evil Prince John.

Other than that, AR's career does have many similarities to old Basil's: the villain in big, expensive movies and the hero in smaller ones. And forget Jeremy Brett, Basil Rathbone IS Sherlock Holmes.
Magda
Canada - Saturday, July 15, 2000 at 12:44:07 (PDT)

As long as we're casting Harry Potter, I rewatched RHPOT, thinking the Sheriffs hairstyle is somewhat like I picture Snapes. The big guy with the bulging eyes and wild black hair, who plays Little John, would make a great Hagrid, don't you think? Does anyone know if there's any validity to the rumor they're going to use an American cast? I haven't seen any articles to that effect. As an "American", I agree it should be a British cast!!
Karen <kmccauleysb@yahoo.comfoo>
Seal Beach, CA USA - Saturday, July 15, 2000 at 11:45:18 (PDT)

Going back to the "earlier" British actors as villains, let's not forget the most second-most-famous Sheriff of Nottingham, Basil Rathbone
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Saturday, July 15, 2000 at 07:58:09 (PDT)

Well, Jason Isaacs in "The Patriot" seems to have spawned a whole spate of Big Bad British articles. Here is one by Tim Cooper from the Evening Standard (This is London) site, and here is the link to the article in today's London Times, which actually goes back before "Die Hard" to roles by Alec Guiness (Fagin) and Charles Laughton (in Les Miz).
Georgiana (hope the links work--they are long ones!) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Friday, July 14, 2000 at 17:52:26 (PDT)

sorry to be a little late on the subject, but I just thought it was interesting to read your remarks on the harry potter cast, especially since only a few days ago a friend and I did that exact same thing (put together a cast list, that is) and we even cast AR as Snape. Just an interesting coincidence. And I agree that Harry Potter needs to have an all brittish cast- it just won't work any other way.
Endril Lei <BloomieKay@hotmail.comfoo>
st.louis, mo USA - Friday, July 14, 2000 at 16:49:40 (PDT)

Agh, sorry folks, I slipped and sent the posting before it was ready. Recent LA Times entertainment section heading "IF YOU WANT A VILLAIN, GET A BRIT!!" All seem to credit AR and Die Hard as the beginning of this trend. Why not, when these classically trained actors steal the show from the guys whose only talent is that they happened to be born good looking? (Of course, not even that applies to Bruce Willis - oops, sorry, personal opinion).
Karen
Seal Beach, CA USA - Friday, July 14, 2000 at 11:43:13 (PDT)

Recent LA Times entertainment section headline - "IFausta - I agree, Alan would be excellent as Dumbledore in Harry Potter, altho his name comes up for Snape. For those who've read all the books, I think AR would be great as Prof. Lupin in Book 3, if Alan doesn't want to get hooked into a movie series. Seems like we're considering Patrick Stewart and Alan together alot recently, eh? Sally - Great to "talk" to you last night. Maybe I'll be less technologically inept the next time. Guess I'll have to see X-men.
Karen
Seal Beach, CA USA - Friday, July 14, 2000 at 11:40:06 (PDT)

In Today's London "Times," more on British badness, which starts:

Wicked at being evil
Matt Wolf

Hollywood loves evil men with British accents. Matt Wolf meets the latest, The Patriot's Jason Isaacs

British actors share a rich cinema history with evil characters. Think of Alec Guinness's Fagin back in 1948 in Oliver Twist or, even earlier, Charles Laughton on the trail of Fredric March in the 1935 film of Les Miserables.

More recently, one can point to the notably camp baddies Alan Rickman and then Jeremy Irons in the various Die Hard films, not to mention another Jeremy (Northam) alternately romancing and terrorising Sandra Bullock in The Net. Occupying his own category is Ralph Fiennes, who redefined screen Nazism in his career-making performance in Schindler's List - and has done little since that one would remotely describe as comic.

Sometimes the rumble of a British accent - so beloved by international filmgoers when allied to the floppy-haired charm of Hugh Grant - is enough simply to sound sinister all by itself. It's as if that famous English charm, once curdled, exists to cast a lasting chill. Or a campy grin.

Georgiana (don't have time to do the link right now...)
Seattle - Friday, July 14, 2000 at 07:54:30 (PDT)

Not only the official site but Miramax has finally got it listed too.
Magda
Canada - Friday, July 14, 2000 at 02:25:28 (PDT)

Hey! They updated the Blow Dry site and AR is now the lead piccy (with Natasha Richardson)! Says they are in final post production phase with a scheduled release in the US for Sept 22... Well, I should have got my act together and booked myself one of those cheap airline tickets to LA during the Olympics down here... Bummer!
Sally
USA - Thursday, July 13, 2000 at 19:31:16 (PDT)

By the way - thanks everyone for filling me in on the Doctor Who thing... Just a rumour, eh?!
Sally
Apologies!, - Thursday, July 13, 2000 at 17:19:54 (PDT)

Fausta: I would have to agree with you - AR would have been nothing less than MAGNIFICENT in X-men as Magento! Ian McKellan undoubtedly relished the role (indeed, I have read that he loves this revival in Hollywood for the British actors to play villains in movies...), but there were sometimes, when he was a looked a bit tired, and... well, the rest if fantasy. However, he was better than the british villains in MI:2 and Gone in 60 Seconds. It always help to have a co-actor of equivalent acting capability such as Patrick Stewart to just make eachother look better... Meanwhile, I guess we drift in fantasy land until we hear of what direction AR is going to take next, but there are certainly some big movies about to be made for which he could be very good in.

An American cast for Harry Potter??? That's dreadful! The casting call was for a british Harry Potter, couldn't they continue with the rest of the main characters being british??? Tragic! Its a British book - they BETTER not move platform 9 3/4 to New York Central Station instead of Kingscross!
Sally
Australia - Thursday, July 13, 2000 at 16:17:24 (PDT)

I didn't get to see the sketch, but I did some searchin' on the web and found the Dr. Who site (run by the BBC, I think). From what it said, the episode was called "The Curse of Fatal Death," with the Doctor being played by Rowan Atkinson and the Master by Jonathan Pryce (from Tomorrow Never Dies). For anyone who's interested, here's a link: Doctor Who and the Curse of Fatal Death
Neva
USA - Thursday, July 13, 2000 at 10:43:37 (PDT)

Have been a reader for the past six months, but never posted. According to a web search, the "Comic Relief" episode(s) were apparently broadcast last year, without Rickman in the cast. It's been great fun to read the archives, especially when there's a difference of opinion! Very entertaining and I hope meant in light-hearted spirit! I recently purchased Barchester Chronicles with a VHS conversion. When the tapes came, there were 2 sets of video tapes - one in VHS format and one in the original PAL format. Can a technically-minded reader advise if there is any reason for me to kep the PAL tapes? If not, I would happily send them on to a PAL user (but without the original case, as I want to keep that for my VHS tapes). Please e-mail if interested.
Cat <icrubins@hotmail.comfoo>
Tempe, AZ USA - Thursday, July 13, 2000 at 10:38:01 (PDT)

Sally. Yes I DID see the Doctor Who sketch but, alas, no AR. I kept expecting him to appear but to no avail. Lots of other famous Brit actors though and one woman but I just cannot remember who. I'll be racking my brains tonight :-)
Catherine <catherine.bowles@virgin.netfoo>
Halifax, West Yorkshire - Thursday, July 13, 2000 at 10:20:13 (PDT)

While Magneto would have been the ultimate hands part for Mr. Rickman, I'm delighted there's a movie with both Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. Now that the movie franchise is started, maybe in the future we could hope for AR to join in.
In the meantime, there are articles saying that the Harry Potter movie might get an all-American cast with an American setting, which IMO misses the entire appeal of the series. However, when I read the books I cast Mr. Rickman as Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, with an all British cast, too, with Richard E. Grant as Snape.
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Thursday, July 13, 2000 at 09:02:31 (PDT)

Sally,

Rowan Atkinson? As in Mr. Bean?
Neva
USA - Thursday, July 13, 2000 at 08:17:29 (PDT)

Ok, for anyone hoping AR will play Snape in Harry Potter, all I can say after seeing X-men is he better not vascilate on resurecting the villain image because Ian McKellan seems to be enjoying it - and loving it!
Sally
Nail biting times ahead..., \ - Thursday, July 13, 2000 at 06:29:50 (PDT)

Hey, does anyone know about this??? Supposed to be something on Doctor Who and the BBC... I don't know which year it was, but did anyone in the UK catch it???

Doctors return for Comic Relief!

12th March is a date not to be missed. Two skit episodes of Doctor Who will be aired on Comic Relief, reportedly featuring Rowan Atkinson as the Doctor and Alan Rickman as the Master. Rumours abound that various previous Doctors may return for the skit.
Sally
USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2000 at 23:37:21 (PDT)

Thank, Sandy! I enjoyed making the wallpaper and like Claire, have to thank everyone who has put pictures on the web of AR. And please, if people want more AR wallpaper (because I really want to make more!), send me some scanned photos as well (or Claire, care to talk???)
Sally <movieThemes@cybamuse.comfoo>
Send me piccies as well, please!, - Wednesday, July 12, 2000 at 15:52:33 (PDT)

Claire, truly thud-worthy photos this week (and all with nice hair too)! Sally, I also wanted to say great AR wallpapers too.
Sandy <fiebrans@prodigy.netfoo>
Tewksbury, MA USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2000 at 13:57:36 (PDT)

Claire, Could you please put a medical warning on your photos? Not that I'm complaining!
Ann, the music on the Rickmanista Review main page is Return To Innocence, from http://www.abcard.net/index.html ABC card. One Valentine's Day I received an anonymous card that had that music, and figured it was the nicest spam I'll ever get, so there it is. I'm glad you like it, too.
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2000 at 13:29:44 (PDT)

Just a note regarding the latest Seduction CPP - the unusual photo from Les Liaisons Dangereuse is from a theatre programme (not the standard US or UK LLD playbill)courtesy Georgiana. Many Thanks!

It's worth saying again, that without the selfless generosity of GB readers sending me scans - the Picture Page would be far less interesting for me to prepare or you to view.

Claire
- Wednesday, July 12, 2000 at 13:03:12 (PDT)

Dear Fausta, I would like to know the title of the song which plays when I open the "Rickmanista Review"'s main page. Thanks, Ann W.
Ann Wagner <wagner@cybertrails.comfoo>
AZ USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2000 at 12:14:46 (PDT)

New piccies, Claire? They're great! :) (I like the one of him as Sei...)
Neva
USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2000 at 10:59:46 (PDT)

Ok - just a quick question for the tech-heads out there - is it difficult or easy to capture video images and convert them to jpeg/gif? And if easy, do you need to buy lots of expensive equipment? (Since some of you seem to have been doing this for a while). Or should I just keep saving my pennies and go bust on a DVD player...
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Tuesday, July 11, 2000 at 23:54:57 (PDT)

Anne, sorry if I wasn't clear. The DVD "Director's Cut" of "Mesmer" is identical to the video version. It is neither widescreen nor does it contain additional scenes. The video version of the film was Spottiswoode's 'cut.' The only version of "Mesmer" that has been put out is the 'director's cut.'

So far, the only DVD's of Mr. Rickman's work offering new material have been "Sense and Sensibility" (has extra scenes, none, however, with Rickman) and "Galaxy Quest," which actually has extra Rickman scenes, one well worth the price of the DVD ("I am a rock...")

Georgiana (but, actually, I don't know about the "Michael Collins" DVD, which I have not purchased)
Seattle - Tuesday, July 11, 2000 at 12:47:04 (PDT)

Thanks for the welcome back, Georgiana, much appreciated, it's been too long.

Actually I have an Excellent VHS version of 'Mesmer', but I was looking at an ad for a "Director's cut" of the VHS version and was wondering if it is a longer version of the original with additional scenes, or just a widescreen version of the original.

I don't have a DVD player yet, although it's already on my list for Santa this Christmas.

thanks for any information you can give me on this Anne
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Tuesday, July 11, 2000 at 12:21:25 (PDT)

This is old news to many of you but my library finally got in ROTN for me. I've been listening to it on my way back and forth to work--I've never wished for a longer commute before --- Raptures!!!
Cindie <cynthiagreen@ameritech.netfoo>
Cleveland, OH USA - Tuesday, July 11, 2000 at 10:09:44 (PDT)

Okay, here is an excerpt from The National Post about the deplorable state of villainy (OK, the article was really about the movie, Shaft) in the movies today and why - with of course, AR setting the benchmark...

"Simply put, if you're a strong, commanding presence, the hunks of today don't want you as a villain. Ever since Alan Rickman's breakthrough performance as a wily terrorist in Die Hard (1988) -- a modern matrix of evil, only in it for the money -- today's pretty-boy leading men have been wary of character actors who might steal the picture away from them.

Think I'm exaggerating? Then name the actor who plays the villain in Mission: Impossible 2. (It's Dougray Scott.) You think Tom Cruise, who co-produced the movie, wants a fight for dominance with another Alan Rickman? That's what makes the double-barreled villainy of Shaft so refreshing. Jackson is too powerful an actor to be upstaged by anyone, and he knows it. He lets Bale and Wright play out the full dimensions of their characters, unencumbered, and the film is enriched by it. "

And this is from The Observer by someone who is saddened to see solid british actors becoming villains in Hollywood (Ok, this article was really about Jeffrey Wright in Shaft):

"Maybe there's something sad about the fact that a highly regarded African-American classical actor still has to play a coke king to make his name in Hollywood. Then again, Wright's gleeful nastiness fits in the tradition of other distinguished Shakespeareans-turned-sniggering villains, established by the likes of Alan Rickman."
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Monday, July 10, 2000 at 21:49:39 (PDT)

Ok - click here to go to the desktop wallpaper?!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Monday, July 10, 2000 at 17:49:40 (PDT)

Ok, what am I doing wrong here - why don't the links appear as links instead of html text... Hmmm.
Sally
puzzled, - Monday, July 10, 2000 at 17:48:09 (PDT)

OK folks, some are ready! If you wish to spock out and download some Alan Rickman desktop wallpaper for your computer, please check out the first 3 I have created at: < ahref="http://www.cybamuse.com/movieThemes/actors/arickman/ar_wallpaper.htm">http://www.cybamuse.com/movieThemes/actors/arickman/ar_wallpaper.htm.

As mentioned before, I have ideas for more AR wallpaper, but would really appreciate people sending me links for photos or decent scanned images/photos of AR to incorporate into some of the other ideas I have in my head! They can be recent images, images from movies or even a nice collection of him in the theatre... Please email them to me at movieThemes@cybamuse.com

Hope you enjoy them and hope I get some more images soon as I REALLy enjoyed creating these desktop images (Hint: Like, I want to make more...)
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Monday, July 10, 2000 at 17:46:38 (PDT)

Ann. Re: the Video Gallery and The View interview, etc. The Xoom.com pages open fine when I use Internet Explorer. However, you will most likely get a "page not found" message if you are trying to play the RealPlayer version of The View interview, because it is linked to KelClancy's Rickman page, which is not available at this time. So, you will need to download the Videogram version to see it (if you don't use a Mac). If you still experience difficulty, please e-mail me.
Suzanne <SuzanneK@bigfoot.comfoo>
I enjoyed "Longitude" as well., - Monday, July 10, 2000 at 12:24:56 (PDT)

Director Christopher Hampton may have missed working with AR in DANGEROUS LIAISONS, CARRINGTON, and the perpetually-in-development MOON AND SIXPENCE, but he does keep his friend in mind. According to an article by Parvathi Nayar in the Business Times (Singapore) dated October 9, 1999: "When writing his characters, Mr Hampton finds it useful to think of particular actors for inspiration. 'If I can "hear" the voices, then the actors have done the job so it doesn't matter if we don't get them in the film.' When writing MARY REILLY for example, he conjured up Alan Rickman in his mind to create the Jekyll-Hyde persona." Hampton said elsewhere in the article that his career is cluttered with his screenplays that never get filmed.
R. Faey
USA - Monday, July 10, 2000 at 10:33:04 (PDT)

Hello All! Even though I hve made arrangements to see a prof about a theisis, I dawdled at the computer, and I think I have found the AR sound files page with "The View" interview, etc.. Trouble is, it's a xoom.com page and Internet Explorer cannot open it nor any of the related pages! Any tips? Comments? Is the listmum remodeling it? Thanks.
Ann Wagner <wagner@cybertrails.comfoo>
AZ USA - Monday, July 10, 2000 at 09:40:02 (PDT)

Stayed up watching the excellent Longitude, which when I read the book seemed very unlikely to be made into a screenplay (tv or cinema).
Now I’d love to see The Professor and the Madman, about the making of the OED, starring AR as both Dr Minor (American) and Prof. Murray (British), since Simon Winchester describes them as "being uncannily similar in appearance".
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
And yes, I have said I didn’t want AR in any more period pieces . . ., USA - Monday, July 10, 2000 at 06:21:23 (PDT)

Oh, never mind: according to the official site (http://www.amfar.org/pages/cannes.html), Miramax substituted "Love's Labours Lost" instead.
Magda
Canada - Sunday, July 09, 2000 at 15:00:09 (PDT)

According to a fashion world web site called Threads, some lucky people - a whole planeload, in fact - have already seen "Blow Dry":

Victoria's Secret Extravaganza

25 models dressed in white stretch hot pants and pink leather bomber jackets will board the Concorde on May 16, headed for the Victoria's Secret fashion show tahing place at the Cannes Film Festival. Apparently Victoria's Secret plans to paint the Concorde pink for the occasion, and organizers are expecting headline celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Puff Daddy, Stephen Dorff, Mira Sorvino and Faye Dunaway to join the models on the flight. The show, sponsored in part by Miramax and co-chaired by Elton John and Elizabeth Taylor, will help raise money for Cinema Against AIDS 2000. The evening kicks off with the film, "Blow Dry" (which features German model Heidi Klum), followed by the runway show and a "silent auction". After that comes a black tie dinner for the 650 of the 850 guests invited to the event.

Magda
Canada - Sunday, July 09, 2000 at 14:00:32 (PDT)

Thanks everyone, I loved the sites. Keep them coming if you will. I watched Sense and Sensibility about 3 times in the last two days since someone had just happened to have taken it out. I just loved him in that. I also saw GalaxyQuest just awhile ago. I'm hoping to watch Dogma asap as well. I've been collecting pics of AR, so I will keep a lookout for that picture for you as well. Bye!
Endril lei <BloomieKay@hotmail.comfoo>
St. Louis, mo USA - Sunday, July 09, 2000 at 13:08:34 (PDT)

Really trawling here, but from a 7 January 2000 article in Entertainment Weekly called TO HATCH A THIEF by Marc Bernardin:

To gain an insight into what it takes to be one of the rare few who can live life on their own terms, I suggest you look to the heist films of director John McTiernan: The Thomas Crown Affair, The Hunt for Red October (1990, Paramount, 135 mins., PG, also on DVD), and Die Hard (1988, Fox, 132 mins., R, also on DVD). As one of Hollywood's most respected, intelligent action filmmakers--hell, for years every other movie was described as "Die Hard in a..."--he's in a unique position to reveal just what you'll need to be a modern man of mischief.

o HAVE AN ACCENT It's amazing how much respect people will give you if you've got even a whiff of a foreign demeanor. It works for Pierce Brosnan in the new-to-video The Thomas Crown Affair. Sure, he's a billionaire financier who can crush the average mortal with his checkbook, but it's the Irish/British brogue that makes this moonlighting art thief so imposing. Sean Connery speaks with that awesome Sean Connery accent--which is to say a mumbly Scottish--no matter who he plays, even if it's Marko Ramius, the larcenous Soviet submarine captain of The Hunt for Red October (he trotted out the same accent for Entrapment, in which he portrayed, yes, an aging master thief). And Die Hard's Alan Rickman plays Hans Gruber, the rare German pseudo-terrorist with a British lilt. Perhaps it's the nonchalance, the oh-I'll-get-around-to-fleecing-you-when-I'm-good-and-ready insinuation of a European intonation that makes it the perfect criminal accessory.

Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Sunday, July 09, 2000 at 11:01:00 (PDT)

Ok folks - I need help, please!

AS mentioned, I am trying to put together some AR wallpaper for computer desktops. But, I really need a nice, reasonably good quality RECENT(ish) photo of AR. Prefer it to be in colour and around 600 pixels HIGH (more is better). Also want it to be a 'general' photo, not one of him in a movie. For example (to give you an idea), I have seen a nice one floating around of him when he was directing The Winter Guest, but I haven't found a decent copy of that on the web. So, if any of you would like to generously donate a scanned photo of AR in (say the last 5 years) to this project of mine, it would me much appreciated. Can you please email photos or links of where such a photo may exist on the web to me at movieThemes@cybamuse.com.au And Thanks to anyone who can help here!
Sally <movieThemes@cybamuse.com.aufoo>
Sydney, Australia - Saturday, July 08, 2000 at 15:44:46 (PDT)

Eugenia - need a few more hints to tell you about a picture :-D

Working on some freebie wallpaper images (for the computer desktop) of AR for all you fans out there (since there seems to be a dearth of them!). Got 3 now, working on the forth and will hopefully post them in the next few days for one and all to download.
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Saturday, July 08, 2000 at 06:24:09 (PDT)

Hello everyone. It is wonderful to see Dogma will be coming out soon here on video. Next month or so says my friend who runs the local video shop. I would like to extend a big hello to all the new people who have joined this wonderful guestbook for AR. The wonderful infomation that is shared here by some knowledgeable and articulate people is amazing! The information and articles and links shared here with us are greatly appreciated. The photo's are great too, Claire! This is a great place to be. Bye.
Barbara
Gold Coast, Australia - Friday, July 07, 2000 at 22:10:08 (PDT)

Welcone back, Anne. The DVD version of "Mesmer" is no different than the video version (unless your video copy was of poor quality) and is not wide screen.
Georgiana
Seattle - Friday, July 07, 2000 at 12:38:58 (PDT)

It's been such a long time since I have posted anything here, but I've been up to the eyeballs in work,work, work. Finally, I've caught up with myself! It's so good to be back.

I saw an ad the other day for a director's cut of 'Mesmer' in VHS and was wondering if anyone can tell me if this is a longer version of the film or the same film in wide-screen format. The info would be much appreciated as I have the "original" version and would like to know if I should invest in this version.

Thanks for any help anyone can give me.

Anne
Anne <Ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Friday, July 07, 2000 at 12:35:38 (PDT)

Never mind the request for help. I think I got it (finally)!
Fausta, again
thank you!, USA - Friday, July 07, 2000 at 09:13:12 (PDT)

Help!
Could anyone who has successfully used navigation pop-ups in tripod pages please help me? I’d like to add several pop-ups to my index page (to replace the lists), but have had no success so far.

Thank you,
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Friday, July 07, 2000 at 08:36:26 (PDT)

Thank you Ann and Heather!
Endril, try these Rickman sites http://emma_on_line.tripod.com/links.html for starters
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Friday, July 07, 2000 at 06:48:54 (PDT)

Hello. Well I am finally admitting to myself that I am an Alan Rickman fan. I find him sexy, and a very good actor. I loved him in Galexy Quest, and then I saw Dogma, I was blown away. I want to see him in more movies. If there are any fans who are interested in writing me please e-mail me at brigit_42@hotmail.com Thanks, Michelle
Michelle <brigit_42@hotmail.comfoo>
San Diego , CA USA - Friday, July 07, 2000 at 00:03:24 (PDT)

Hey Sally, You might be able to help me....if you will please. I found a picture somewhere on the web of
Eugenia <Guenitiva@aol.comfoo>
USA - Thursday, July 06, 2000 at 20:05:15 (PDT)

Honeychile (aka - Endril), you are no longer alone... Your enthusiasm and passion for AR will be matched here! Plus quite a few of us have websites dedicated to Da Man! Tis a shame I cannot tip my bookmark section into the guestbook - that would give you about 50 or 60 websites with everything from fansites, interviews, pictures and news and other info on Alan Rickman, instantaneously...
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Thursday, July 06, 2000 at 19:35:43 (PDT)

hi. I am new to this site, but I happen to have a strong obsession and passion for Alan Rickan. I only really started liking him less than a year ago or so, but since then I have made it my business to find out as much as I possibly can about him, find as many websites about him as I can, and possibly watch as many movies with him in it as possible. My friends don't understand what I see in him, but this doesn't bother me anymore, and I still call them up to rave about him in the latest movie I've watched (trust me, I think they're getting tired of it). I also think he's really really hot (another thing no-one understands, I'm all on my own out here), and if anyone could lead me to their favorite AR sites (especially w/ pics!!!), or talk to me about him, I would be thankful. By the way, this is a neat site. -Endril lei
Endril Lei <BloomieKay@hotmail.comfoo>
St. Louis, mo USA - Thursday, July 06, 2000 at 19:16:43 (PDT)

Now that I have awoken from the fainting spell (induced by the sight of Mr. I!), I say, bravo Fausta for another funny edition of "The Monthly Rickmanista."
Also, thank you, Claire and Georgiana for the pictures of the hapless (but comfortably dressed) Yorkshire Tour Guide. Yes, he certainly enjoyed himself -- and had everyone laughing with him. :) Pity I couldn't be there.
But I have a thesis proposal together. Must go discover where the cat is hiding . . .
Ann Wagner <wagner@cybertrails.comfoo>
AZ USA - Thursday, July 06, 2000 at 11:50:03 (PDT)

For those of you with access, Dark Harbor will be showing in the U.S. on Action Pay Per View beginning July 11.

Kari
USA - Thursday, July 06, 2000 at 10:47:09 (PDT)

Off-topic,
This week's issue of the Foundation Center's Philatropy News Digestnewsletter is dedicated to founding resources for the arts. For instance, the section on writing is at http://fdncenter.org/pnd/current/writing.html.
In my experience, The Foundation Center has proven most effective as a resource for funding for non-profit organizations.
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Thursday, July 06, 2000 at 08:13:34 (PDT)

If you are going to get to London anytime soon, I highly recommend both "Stones in His Pockets" and "Orpheus Descending". Both guys in "Stones..." are incredible, but you'll just want to take Sean Campion home. (Pity, but he's not going to be interested.) "Orpheus Descending" is another terrific Nick Hytner job, with the wonderful Donmar producing. As for the players, all are excellent, but Stuart Townsend reduces many audience members to small wet puddles. He's too young for my taste, but the effect of his presence is palpable. c
Luvvie <luvvie@pobox.comfoo>
MA USA - Thursday, July 06, 2000 at 06:59:54 (PDT)

A bit OT, but great bit in the Bridget Jones sequel by Helen Fielding, where Bridget gets to interview Colin Firth. Although she is supposed to ask him about some new action movie he is in, she plays the besotted fan and grills him for details on his role as Mr. Darcy. How was he like Mr. Darcy and how different? What would Mr. Darcy think about...? She and her friends are obsessed with the scene in Pride and Prejudice where he jumps into the river. She asks him how many times he had to change his shirt, how wet it got, etc. Reminded me of AR and Brandon. V. funny!
susan
USA - Thursday, July 06, 2000 at 06:44:15 (PDT)

Wow!! Great pics Claire!!
And Fausta-I really enjoyed the July Ricmanista!
And welcome to any new people I didn't get a chance to say hello to yet.
Alan's biggest fan-well, I think the fact that we all ARE his fans is pretty darn cool! It's sad when you still meet people who don't know who he is. :(

Heather <BeenBaby25@aol.comfoo>
CA USA - Thursday, July 06, 2000 at 01:42:35 (PDT)

Hello everyone! Linda, thank you for sharing your news with us all. It is a wonderful thing when you meet two people, like AR and Rima who are trying to make the world a better place. I really envy YOU! Sally, yes it is true about taping on one and watching another channel..... I have Austar and it is the same. To all the people in the great country of Canada, hope you all had a great day. Also to the great people, here , from the USA, I hope you had a great 4th of July! Till next time, Bye.
Barbara
Gold Coast, Australia - Wednesday, July 05, 2000 at 21:50:19 (PDT)

Hmmm... Well, I think we can safely eleminate me from the running! Just following this guestbook, I know I am not as dedicated as some other AR fans! And for me, the battle was won 30-odd years ago when he found Rima who is undoubtedly his No. 1 fan of all time. But, I would still love to have the opportunity to meet and chat with AR - seems to be a lot of substance to the man, which is rare nowadays. Sounds like hanging around London theatres is the way to go at the mo though - and I'm a few 1000 k's to far away for that! (not that would appear to have stopped some! ;-) ) Ah well - keep up the good work everyone!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Wednesday, July 05, 2000 at 19:11:31 (PDT)

There seems to be a contest as to who is the biggest fan of Alan Rickman and I must say I am the winner. Anyone else fly to London for an overnight visit on the off-chance of meeting this incredibly sexy, gracious and elegant man? I did a couple of years ago when he directed the one-woman show for Ruby Wax. He was gracious and courteous when he spoke to me and he sat with Rima - what an absolutely lovely woman she is. Let's all be happy he's a happy man and lives with someone he loves dearly.
Linda <Aldonza123@aol.comfoo>
Thousand Oaks, CA USA - Wednesday, July 05, 2000 at 16:30:24 (PDT)

Gerogiana, I can't tell you how absolutely GREEN with envy I am that you were that close!!! Thanks for expanding on the hair color, and lucky, lucky, lucky you!!!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Wednesday, July 05, 2000 at 15:58:23 (PDT)

Attention Seattleites: a local small-theater group will be presenting the regional premiere of Radha Bharadwaj's stage adaptation of CLOSET LAND, July 7-30, in an old hangar at the former Sand Point naval base. Previously performed in Tucson, this staging features the same actor (Clark Andreas Ray) as the Interrogator. Details: www.closetland.com.
Rebecca
Seattle, WA USA - Wednesday, July 05, 2000 at 15:29:28 (PDT)

Sally, in the well-lit bar afterward, seemed mostly a luminescent light gray with some blonde on top. Film was Kodak Max 400. Stage lights were heavy on the red and yellow.
Georgiana
Seattle - Wednesday, July 05, 2000 at 07:58:48 (PDT)

I'm gonna rant and rave a little bit today...I went to the local Blockbuster recently, and to my shock and disappointment I discovered that there was a dearth of AR films...*grumble* No Dark Harbor, no Michael Collins (which I really wanted to see), and not even Die Hard (though they did have Quigley Down Under, Galaxy Quest, and Prince of Thieves...didn't check for Dogma yet). Came back home highly upset...*sigh*

Great pics, Claire (this happened to be the bright spot of the day...) :)
Neva
Happy Fourth of July!! :), USA - Tuesday, July 04, 2000 at 20:34:03 (PDT)

OK, a bit off base here - but I am curious. So, attention Aussie cable users - a questions for you (please!). I just got cable with Foxtel. I can't tape one channel and watch another. Are Optus and Austar like this as well???

Nice piccies Claire! IS AR currently sporting strawberry blonde or is that just the theatre and camera???
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Tuesday, July 04, 2000 at 18:25:51 (PDT)

nice page...but where are the rotating pix? and if you don't know what i'm talking about i want some rotating pics or any pics good for a web page but i can't seem to find them can you please write back telling me where i could find them...thank you very much...have a nice day!
christina <cuztina baby@aol.com>
elmwood park, nj usa - Tuesday, July 04, 2000 at 16:07:04 (PDT)

Wow Sandy you are quick of the mark, hadn't finished loading both sets of pages. Thanks to Georgiana for the two Burma Campaign pictures from a week or two ago ... hot off the photo press!

Claire
- Tuesday, July 04, 2000 at 13:57:16 (PDT)

Great new pictures up at Claire's site.
Sandy <fiebrans@prodigy.netfoo>
Tewksbury, MA USA - Tuesday, July 04, 2000 at 13:46:45 (PDT)

Linda P, If you can't get a ticket for Orpheus you can always try another variety of Six Degrees of Alan Rickman. In London and Stratford this year I have seen: "Battle Royal" directed by Howard Davies (Les Liasons), with Zoe Wanamaker (Captain Swing) and Gemma Jones (Sense and Sensibility), "Antony and Cleopatra" with Henry Ian Cusak (The 97 A&C), "Room" and "Celebration" with Lindsay Duncan (Les Liasons), "The Seagull" with Barry Stanton (Tango), "Richard II" and "Coriolanus" with Oliver Ford Davies (Sense and Sensibility), David Burke (Hamlet) and Sean Baker (Mephisto), "Henry IV#1 and#2" with Sandra Voe (Winter Guest), "Country" with Juliet Stevenson (Everything), "MacBeth" with Harriet Walter (S&S), "The Heiress" with Alan Howard (The 78 A&C), "Hamlet" with David Phelan (The 97 A&C), "The Graduate" with Paul Jesson (Pity in History) music by Barrington Phelong (TMD), "Passion Play" with Gillian Barge (Mrs Mesmer), "Much Ado About Nothing" with Tom Mannion (Mephisto), "The Cherry Orchard" with Michael Feast (Busted). In other words I would suspect that a vast number of current plays have some connection with the great man.
Mandy
London, - Tuesday, July 04, 2000 at 01:52:18 (PDT)

From Saturday's "Independent":

REGIONAL THEATRE IS IN CRISIS, WARN LEADING ACTORS
David Lister Media And Ciulture Editor

SOME OF the biggest names in British theatre yesterday wrote to the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, claiming that theatre was "in crisis" and needed more money.

Dame Judi Dench, Sir Michael Gambon, Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Derek Jacobi, Alan Rickman and Prunella Scales all signed the letter saying that "the crisis facing English regional theatre derives from years of underfunding".

Earlier this week the Arts Council's chairman, Gerry Robinson, called on the Government to give an extra pounds 100m to the arts, saying that pounds 25m of that would go to help theatre. However, he added that theatre itself had to share the blame for being too insular and failing to attract the younger generation as an audience.

Unsurprisingly, Britain's leading actors do not mention this alleged failure in their letter. Instead, they say: "We feel that for far too long lack of adequate funding has led to a decline in working opportunities, to fewer new productions and to smaller casts. The extent of this decline is such that quality of productions in our regional theatres is seriously threatened.

"Unless additional funding is made available - and directed into productions and work on the stage - we could well face a two-tiered system of quality of theatre provision between London and the regions, which would appear to be directly contrary to the Government's desire of providing access to high quality performances throughout the country."

Dame Judi, Sir Michael and the others tell the Chancellor that they have appeared in regional theatre in the recent past and have seen that many actors are having to accept low wages and poor working conditions, meaning they are often worse off at the end of an engagement in a regional theatre than when they accepted the job.

The letter, sanctioned by the actors' union Equity, asks Mr Brown to use the forthcoming spending review to address the problems of theatre with an extra pounds 25m.

The performers conclude: "We feel in the context of total Government spending, this would be a small price to provide stability in the theatre sector, and the social, economic, educational and cultural returns which would result...

"We urge you to meet the challenge of rejuvenating our regional theatres as a key creative industry."

GRAPHIC: Dame Judi Dench: Blamed 'years of underfunding'

Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Monday, July 03, 2000 at 09:27:48 (PDT)

make that "the next"
Fausta
oh to learn to type . . ., USA - Monday, July 03, 2000 at 06:17:00 (PDT)

From the http://britishtheatre.about.com newsletter,

WIN YOUR ACTING BREAK !!!
BBC Entertainment are looking for fun, outgoing aspiring actors to take part in an exciting new Saturday night game show and you could win your break into professional acting! The show will be on prime-time BBC1 and is to be recorded on August 1st at Television Centre, London, W12. If you want to take part call them now on 020 8576 4709! DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WIN A NEW LIFE! NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

Da play to see if in London!

What is the biggest hit play in the West End? Well, if buzz is anything to go by, it's Stones In His Pockets. It has two Irish actors you won't have heard of (yet), no set and it's short enough to fit in dinner afterwards. It's a delight and it has become not just a sell-out but a compulsory show for celebrities to see on their nights off.

They were inundated by celebs dropping backstage last week for kisses and chats. Charlotte Rampling, Britt Ekland and Lesley Joseph came in a gaggle to see the show. "They didn't kiss us because we were dripping in sweat," says Sean, "but we were ever hopeful." Alan Rickman, Paul Scofield and Alan Bates have dropped in. Ruby Wax went backstage and, without thinking, Conleth blurted out: "Jaysus, you're tiny."

Full article to be found at: The Daily Express
Sally
Missing these plays, Coz I live in the wrong country - Sunday, July 02, 2000 at 15:48:16 (PDT)

Yay, Canada is 133 years old! and I'm actually in the country this year. And, I'll be in the States on July Fourth! How multicultural am I??? Sorry about this off-topic post, but I'm feeling patriotic (looks like I'm about 27 minutes too late.). And Magda, you're absolutely right about the masterclasses being for young people: 16-18 was the age specification. Wow, 300 teenagers and Alan-- Can you say, Hormones? Better hope he's up to it!! ;)
Julia
Calgary, CANADA!!!!! - Saturday, July 01, 2000 at 23:28:49 (PDT)

Lucky Rima... Sigh. ;-)
Wishful thinker
- Saturday, July 01, 2000 at 20:24:08 (PDT)

hi! my name is elanor and im a 17/f/la and i think alan is cute in a way. one thing he is a hottie in "Die Hard". and he does not look 50 to me. i think he looks 43 now and 34 in "Die Hard"! well email me peoples!!!~Elanor p.s. cool website
Elanor Brown <myears_freak@hotmail.com>
Alan is hot in "Die Hard", - Saturday, July 01, 2000 at 16:41:03 (PDT)

he is Rima Horton's man
reality check
USA - Saturday, July 01, 2000 at 15:12:01 (PDT)

You all need to back off my man, OK? Thank you.
Rachel Brown <Rachbrow@cs.comfoo>
Monrovia, CA USA - Saturday, July 01, 2000 at 14:31:21 (PDT)

I love Alan Rickman. I am his biggest fan. I'm psoitive that there is no oen that loves Alan Rickman as much or more than I do. I think he is the hottest being to ever walk this earth and I think he is the greatest. I wish I could meet him. I am an Alan Rickman fanatic. You can ask any of my friends who my favorite celebrity is and they'll automatically say Alan Rickman. I love you, Alan!
Rachel Brown <Rachbrow@cs.comfoo>
Maonrovia, CA USA - Saturday, July 01, 2000 at 14:05:49 (PDT)

Happy Canada Day!

Magda
Canada - Saturday, July 01, 2000 at 05:34:04 (PDT)

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