Alan Rickman Guestbook

(May, June, July 2005)

Just stumbled across this site--I love it! Frankly, I don't care what Alan Rickman is doing, I just want to sit and look at him for hours, and hours,and hours... Thanks for making such a great diversion in my day!
Patti D <pdfowlerphill@yahoo.comfoo>
Lecanto, FL USA - Sunday, July 31, 2005 at 07:12:28 PM (EDT)

KEEP IT UP.
MUGU <MUGU@MAGA.COMfoo>
OWERRE, IMO NIGERIA - Sunday, July 31, 2005 at 01:26:27 PM (EDT)

Love the website - Loved him in Dogma as the voice of god.
Simon <webmaster@richardwilsonarchive.comfoo>
UK - Sunday, July 31, 2005 at 09:06:04 AM (EDT)

An earlier than normal post from me as I've been online to send out emails to family letting them know that my daughter arrived in England this morning (many thanks to Julia and Heather for all the info and help they provided to this nervous Nelly mother :-) ) Looking forward to catching up on the gb now that my schedule can return to normal.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Sunday, July 31, 2005 at 08:07:04 AM (EDT)

"...Perfume, by the brilliant Patrick Süskind, to start filming in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and Poble Español on Wednesday 3rd August, starring Dustin Hoffman, Alan Rickman and Ben Whishaw, and directed by Tom Tykwer."

Excerpt from Eve Tomkis on 2005/7/30 @ 18:15 in Film & Theatre
Slope
Canada - Saturday, July 30, 2005 at 05:47:57 PM (EDT)

Nevermind! I found it! LOL!
Annessa
- Saturday, July 30, 2005 at 04:08:43 PM (EDT)

Hey Everyone!

I know pretty much everyone has seen that too sexy for words pic of Alan from the People magazine issue, but does anyone know which issue date it was?

Ness,
Annessa <fvnesscafe@yahoo.comfoo>
Tampa, FL USA - Saturday, July 30, 2005 at 03:55:33 PM (EDT)

Hi Angie, thanks for the link. That's a very good question (i.e., when will TSFJG be released on dvd)! Sheena has been trying to petition to get this film released on dvd for years now--see the green text link at the top of this page--so far without success. We live in hope!
Slope
Canada - Friday, July 29, 2005 at 02:44:41 PM (EDT)

Hey! Saw at Claudia's; somebody posted this link to Mike Binder's website. It has some funny video clips from "Search for John Gissing" and a couple of awesome photos of Alan! How cool is that to finally see some of this movie?! But when will it come out on DVD?????
Angie
California U.S. - Friday, July 29, 2005 at 10:48:50 AM (EDT)

Fayel - dude! If you wanna talk about any Harry Potter stuff (that may or may not happen in the book), then there's a link at the top of the page for you to do so. You'll find a lot of people there that are willing to talk with you about anything HP-related. On the other hand, if you are just another bloody troll, then bugger off. You're not funny. When you grow up, you'll learn the difference between immaturity and a sense of humour.
SARF
NZ - Thursday, July 28, 2005 at 08:41:38 PM (EDT)

Lynn, I can quite truthfully say that this question is very hotly debated. Just read along and enjoy the book. I'm now going through for the 3rd time, #2 and 3 on audio with the always thrilling Jim Dale. I notice something new each time, which shows what a careless reader I must be.
Aurora
- Thursday, July 28, 2005 at 07:40:18 PM (EDT)

hey there, just want to know if the second post from the top Just gave away the new HP book. cause i am still not finished and if its true, i'm very disappointed in that.

there are a lot of us who are still not finished the book, and if that person just gave away the ending. i'm going to be very upset. Please please please tell me its not true...
lynn
ottawa, canada - Thursday, July 28, 2005 at 07:11:40 PM (EDT)

Dee- Re: Urbana - isn't there a university there? My experience is that college towns generally have a lot to offer in the area of the arts. Concerts of all varieties, visual arts, festivals, etc. Ooooh, even the opportunity to take classes! Might be fun! Diana
Diana <dianaglass@rcn.comfoo>
Boston, MA - Thursday, July 28, 2005 at 02:39:45 PM (EDT)

Post moved to HP-HBP Page So sorry for the delay, guys!
Suz (D.o.C.)
- Thursday, July 28, 2005 at 02:23:42 PM (EDT)

Which reminds me, it's been far toooooo long since I've watched 'In Demand'. And another thing, if at all possible, you should try to find the enhanced CD not just the shortened MTV version. I bought mine on eBay. The ending might surprise you.
snapes_witch
- Thursday, July 28, 2005 at 02:59:50 AM (EDT)

Caressing Alan (and being caressed in return) must have been so intoxicating, Sharleen hasn't been in her right mind since and has completely forgotten the name of the video! Perfectly understandable.
snapes_witch
- Thursday, July 28, 2005 at 02:56:03 AM (EDT)

I guess the comments about "Summer Sun" video by Texas have been fully discussed here? It was a typo? They meant "In Demand"? I was sort of hoping there might be two videos with Alan in 'em.
Kat <phatglassmeow@hotmail.comfoo>
Portland, OR USA - Wednesday, July 27, 2005 at 10:22:05 PM (EDT)

Boy...you don't check in for awhile and there's lots of new names on the board (plus some old friends back to visit)! Guess we're all obscessed with AR!

OT: Does anyone here know anything about Urbana, Illinois? My husband just started working there (He only comes home on weekends. Sigh...) and we might be moving.
Dee
Indiana - Wednesday, July 27, 2005 at 10:55:46 AM (EDT)

Heya to all you Craaaazy Rickman fans out there! I know this isn't a Snape forum/Guestbook or whatever, but I just have to say, after reading the halfblood prince (Snapey ;) ) that the film is going to be so great! And it is so obvious what is going to happen in the next book, I want to gag its so obvious!!!! And Snape will be the best! yay! Anyway onto Alan Rickman (that does snapes character complete justice), I Saw him In the Texas-In demand video recently, and how has it been so that I have not seen it before. Surely it must be a law, to be played reguarly on music channels?! Well It should be in any case. And onto other issues, I am currently Writing a book in which Mr Rickman plays a vital role, I would love it, if people who have met the man himself would email with any information about there encounter, or other fans that perhaps have not meet him but would love to share ideas about this form of writing. Please please get in touch Grace Elizabeth x
Gracie <Severus_Snape123@hotmail.comfoo>
England - Wednesday, July 27, 2005 at 09:51:03 AM (EDT)

you kicked ass in harry potter, keep up the great work!
Jimmy Dick <coffeetalk0044@yahoo.comfoo>
webster, - Wednesday, July 27, 2005 at 07:48:00 AM (EDT)

Thanks Martha! I will have to have a look at Yorkshire to see where Snape is! I also think, that maybe, JK Rowling has read the "Da Vinci Code", with all the twist's and turns and plot of this latest book. Take care everyone.
Barbara the Aussie <bpac350@hotmail.comfoo>
Gold Coast, Qld. Australia - Tuesday, July 26, 2005 at 08:44:36 PM (EDT)

Excerpt from interview with Lesley Manville (the original 'Cecile' in LLD):

Favourite production you’ve ever worked on
When I was in the original RSC production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, I knew it was something special. Initially, we were in The Other Place in Stratford, which is this corrugated iron shed and absolutely baking in summer. But the building suited the play and its themes of decadence, decay and degradation. I remember the first performance, realising that what we were doing would have a life way beyond that night, and yet I know Lindsay Duncan, Alan Rickman and I all felt how perfect the play was in that space at that time and that it could never be repeated. We had tamed the beast.
20 Questions With…Lesley Manville
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, July 26, 2005 at 09:04:30 AM (EDT)

The personage of Alan is a unique marriage of erudite and sexy. One sentence spoken in his soothing, alto Brittish accent luls me deeply into a coma wrought with unrequitted love dreams. Sighhhh. Love you Alan...kiss kiss...you are yummy and succulant!!!
Cinderella <cinderella6251@yahoo.comfoo>
USA - Monday, July 25, 2005 at 05:11:58 PM (EDT)

Barbara - I do believe that JKR got the name from the town.
martha
maine, - Monday, July 25, 2005 at 01:25:59 PM (EDT)

Coming Soon! website has posted an interview with the three young actors portraying Viktor Krum, Cedric Diggory, and Fleur Delacour about filming Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Stanislav Ianevski (Krum) gave an answer that won't surprise:

CS!: Of the other actors you've worked with, which of the veterans most impressed you?

Stan: Personally, every single actor on this film has his own strong side, and I've been impressed by everyone, really, but especially Dumbledore, Michael Gambon, and Alan Rickman. The bigger actors seem to be more friendly then I thought they would be, and they really make you feel like you're there to have fun rather than work. http://comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=10507
Emtee
- Monday, July 25, 2005 at 12:24:21 PM (EDT)

Hello to each of you! I only wanted to ask, when this site (www.alan-rickman.com) will be restyled!? Because there aren´t pictures of alan (and sounds, videos...) (i know the download-heaven) ;) See you Sophie
Sophie
Germany - Monday, July 25, 2005 at 09:08:26 AM (EDT)

I just happened toi notice that there is a town called SNAPE in Yorkshire! Can anyone confirm this??? Maybe, like Dursley, JK has used towns shje lived near or passed through on the train to London?

Terrible news coming from London.... One at the Westbourne park station according to my Sunday Mail..... all in AR's Area.....

I have so much to say re HBP but will go to the discussion Page. Bye everyone. PS Thanks so much for sharing the news Suzanne!
Barbara the Australian
Gold Coast, Qld. Australia - Sunday, July 24, 2005 at 09:10:15 PM (EDT)

Hi Everybody, I used to post here often back when I was going crazy with a husband with Asperger's Syndrome and kids and just moved here and felt isolated. One day I saw Snape in Harry Potter and became obsessed with Alan Rickman. It filled a void, and I found many kindred spirits here. It really helped to write and be obsessed with Alan. I don't regret it. Nothing has changed with him, he's still an amazing artist and a beautiful man. I changed, I found out how to not need an obsession. It wasn't easy, and it wasn't one thing that did it. It took awhile. I just wanted to stop back in and give my regards. This is a great site with a lot of very intelligent people. Take care!
Cynthia
Bay Area, CA United States - Sunday, July 24, 2005 at 07:41:42 PM (EDT)

Surely the article meant "In Demand", no?
sandra
CT - Sunday, July 24, 2005 at 05:49:52 PM (EDT)

Yeah, some people have really difficult job assignments like fondling AR. I'm very sympathetic! ;->
Diana <dianaglass@rcn.comfoo>
Arlington, MA US - Sunday, July 24, 2005 at 02:34:28 PM (EDT)

Pertinent excerpt from previous article...Sharleen: "There have been lots of sexual content in previous Texas videos, such as Summer Sun, where I had to touch and caress Alan Rickman."
Slope
Canada - Sunday, July 24, 2005 at 10:14:49 AM (EDT)

Lucky Sharleen...

YOU TEXY THING
Slope
Canada - Sunday, July 24, 2005 at 10:13:26 AM (EDT)

snapes_witch, I am reading THE PARFUM both in English and German at the moment and can say so far that the translator did a marvellous job. He translated not only the gist but word for word as far as it is possible. the book is incredible. While reading I can smell.... Now, Tom Tykwer will make Grenouille a more human creature; someone who seeks love (as everybody does) - that's a plausible interpretation IMHO. There are so often several sides to a plot, aren't there? I just think of Synge's Playboy of the Western World, which caused a tremendous uproar because people took the play at face value. Ladies, have a lovely Sunday, Hikity
Hikity
Germany - Sunday, July 24, 2005 at 05:22:11 AM (EDT)

Meeressternchen, no,so sorry but I didn't receive a mail. Perhaps went straight in the junk mail?? Pls fill out the subject line. I'll be back home on Tuesday
Hikity <Hikity2001@yahoo.defoo>
- Sunday, July 24, 2005 at 05:12:47 AM (EDT)

'Perfume' is a pretty strange book but I enjoyed reading it. I've read that Grenoille (sp) is going to a more sympathetic character; big mistake IMO. I wish I could read it in the original German; translations are too dependent on the writing abilities of the translator.
snapes_witch
- Sunday, July 24, 2005 at 03:48:26 AM (EDT)

Gosh, it's been a long time since I popped in here. I noticed that there is picture of the Perfume crew floating around the net. I'm sure you guys have seen it since it seems like people here have some kind of gift for ferreting out new Alan info. :cD Anyways, I was wondering if there are people here who have read the book. Is it any good? Do you recommend it?

Ness,
Annessa <fvnesscafe@yahoo.comfoo>
Tampa, FL USA - Saturday, July 23, 2005 at 09:18:02 PM (EDT)

Is saying, "No comment," actually making a comment?
Ann <harrisonfemail@yahoo.comfoo>
Fullerton, CA US - Saturday, July 23, 2005 at 04:49:53 PM (EDT)

(sorry, private message)

Hikity, did you get my e-mail? Or what happened?
Meeressternchen
- Saturday, July 23, 2005 at 07:44:46 AM (EDT)

Sonata, thanks for your mini-review of "Mary Stuart", and also for the tips of likely venues for Alan-spotting! I have been to the Almeida, but not the others as they are semi-fringe and further out of the city centre. I narrowly missed seeing him at "Death and the Maiden", which his chum Juliet was starring in. Pity. :(

I was just in London last fall (hoping to spot Alan as he attended the RADA benefit cabaret, which ended up being cancelled), so no trips on the cards for awhile. But I certainly intend to return as I love London, Londoners, the culture, the history, everything except the bloody tourists like me--although on second thoughts, I've chatted with some interesting visitors from all over the world there too. My thoughts are with London today...stay strong!
Slope
Canada - Friday, July 22, 2005 at 06:25:00 PM (EDT)

Here is a link to an article on the filming of "Perfume" from "The Week in Germany" Newsletter from the German Embassy Information Service: The Week in Germany
Christine
NJ - Friday, July 22, 2005 at 06:11:21 PM (EDT)

Hello there, Nice to read all your letters and I hope you are all well. What a horrible thing for the people in London... a second attack. Thank goodness, no killings, but the people must be really scared. I love England so much and I feel very much for them. I just read in Internet news here, that we also have been threatened. I hope none of you is going to visit Amsterdam this coming week for "they" promised a hell in Amsterdam, so I want to warn everyone who plans to go that way... please don't. I don't live very close to Amsterdam, but I dread the coming week. Imagine all the people there....Well, let's not be too pessimistic. I better go back and play my harp. Music is THE way for me to be feeling happy. Take care, all of you.
Miriam Heijdemann <mheijdemann@netscape.netfoo>
Almelo, the Netherlands - Friday, July 22, 2005 at 03:05:09 PM (EDT)

Slope, "Mary Stuart" is an excellent production, a brilliantly written piece of theatre with a very strong cast. The press reviews are just coming out and the critics are as impressed as I was. And the script is very resonant of our times, speaking as it does of fanatical young men determined to die for their faith - except of course they weren't trying to take a whole bunch of innocent travellers with them! I hope you get to London soon, go to the Donmar, enjoy the city and do all the ordinary, everyday stuff that has become so very important here.

P.S. If you're hoping for 'sightings', focus on the Almeida, Hammersmith Riverside, Donmar and Hampstead Theatre, especially pre-press night performances where AR has a chum in the cast. It's not foolproof, but when that moment happens, when you sense the electricity in the air and you know, even before you turn around, who's just walked in...it's worth it.
Sonata
London, - Friday, July 22, 2005 at 05:34:02 AM (EDT)

Long Chen, just watch some films starring Alan und you can answer your question yourself, lol. As he is the best actor alive (imho and maybe some others,too), a complex character such as Snapy isn't a problem for him but a nice challenge, I believe.
Hikity
Germany, rainy - Friday, July 22, 2005 at 02:56:36 AM (EDT)

Of course he can! How could you doubt him? LOL
snapes_witch
- Friday, July 22, 2005 at 02:00:07 AM (EDT)

Professor Snape is a cool role that can let me know Alan Rickman.His smile is nice,I like it, though we can't see that sence in the film.Base on the novel,Snape is a excellent spy.He will please two sides.Can Alan act it perfectly?
Long Chen
Quebec, Canada - Thursday, July 21, 2005 at 11:53:31 PM (EDT)

I saw the news from London rather late, not until evening here. I don't even know how to say what I feel. Sad? I'm not sad, more like angry. Easy for me to be angry and defiant from a distance, though. It must have been scary for the people in those trains. London, I only wish I could be there myself. I'm lifting a gin and tonic in your honor. I'll even spell it honour.
Aurora
- Thursday, July 21, 2005 at 09:24:57 PM (EDT)

We're fine, thanks for your concern, MA! Hurricane Emily had little effect on us except for some rain (which we needed, so that was good). No strong winds or tornados, fortunately.

I heard the horrible news about the London incidents this morning. I hope all of our friends over there are okay!

Sonata, thank you for sharing your AR sighting. Wonderful descriptions!

And, oh, what a fun article to read (and listen to), Martha, thanks for the Cheltenham link!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Thursday, July 21, 2005 at 07:10:25 PM (EDT)

Hope everybody out there in London is fine (as far as this is possible). It's all really awful and I am somewhat afraid what will happen next. Take care everybody, Hikity
Hikity
Germany - Thursday, July 21, 2005 at 01:47:13 PM (EDT)

Jennifer - Love the comment about where you should be. That's the spirit!
Emtee
- Thursday, July 21, 2005 at 08:27:58 AM (EDT)

Suzanne--hope you're not getting any trouble from Hurricane Emily! I know it's hit the extreme south down that way, and most of it is over Mexico, but I always worry about tornado spinoff, etc.

Good thing there's no Hurricane Alan; we'd all be throwing ourselves into its path . . . ;-)

MA
- Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 01:37:56 PM (EDT)

Emtee, perhaps I was wrong I'll have another look too. He's sitting in the chair, I think he is holding something in his right hand and his left hand is sort of on his lap (it should be me on his lap, but that's another story)!!
Jennifer
Calgary, - Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 01:09:35 PM (EDT)

Elaine that is strange that they cut out Alan in the UK MPH ad! But he's tacked on right after the text at the end of the ad, so you might think it's over and switch the channel before he fleetingly appears.
Slope
Canada - Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 12:47:31 PM (EDT)

Sonata, thanks for sharing your sighting! And you are lucky to see AR in the audience. I've seen many a show in London and have sighted famous people in attendance but never, alas, Alan himself!

That's nice that he's supporting his old friend Harriet Walter in "Mary Stuart". How was the show, btw? If I were in London now, I'd definitely go see that one (also because I've always wanted to attend a play at the Donmar Warehouse...I like small venues).
Slope
Canada - Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 12:44:55 PM (EDT)

You got me wondering on Harry's wedding ring in LA! I don't have the DVD, so I scoped out a picture of the gift wrapping scene. It seems to be on the ring finger in the picture, but let me know if I'm looking at a picture from the wrong scene. It is from a website called Secret Obsession whose owner has made screen caps of lots of movies. http://www.secret-obsession.com/caps/displayimage.php?album=15&pos=246
Emtee
- Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 12:22:31 PM (EDT)

Sonata, how often are you going in the theatre to "meet" Him 5 times??wow, lucky you.
Hikity
Germany - Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 11:22:01 AM (EDT)

Sonata...how could you stand it!! Being so close..it would drive me crazy! I loved your description! You made my day. With regard to my comment about Harry's wedding ring in LA, I just wondered if Harry had taken his ring off and then put it back on the wrong finger or perhaps Alan put it on the wrong finger by mistake for the scene! Anyway, I thought it was interesting.
Jennifer
Calgary, - Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 10:53:53 AM (EDT)

Sonota - Lucky you!

Glowbox - Lucky you, too. That sounds fascinating.
martha
maine, - Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 09:32:56 AM (EDT)

Sonata, you're so lucky! I hope that now he's back in London all the London people will keep their eyes peeled for him - i miss the posts people used to make around Private Lives time where there were always lots of sightings...
Jizel
- Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 09:04:52 AM (EDT)

Woo Hoo, Sonata! Thanks for sharing your sighting of The Man!

From your wonderful description of his hair...its just like I like it! Yes indeed!

Claudia
GA - Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 08:42:14 AM (EDT)

Yes, he's in London - or at least he was on the evening of Monday 18 July when I walked into the bar at the Donmar Warehouse Theatre in Covent Garden to see Schiller's 'Mary Tudor'. This is my fifth sighting (always in the audience at small London theatres), so I order a glass of wine and stood just close enough to hear that wonderful voice.

In the auditorium he sat just two seats in front of me. His hair's fantastic - just tuggably long, a grey swoosh over each ear, lightened a bit but grown out about an inch...so his roots show, so what. He fiddles with it a bit. Wouldn't we all.
Sonata
London, - Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 07:54:07 AM (EDT)

how can u ban sum1 from the guestbook?
Looky Lookt Snape
- Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 07:28:17 AM (EDT)

Thanks for that article, Martha - it's always nice to hear some "ordinary people's" views on celebrities.

I took my daughter to Paris last week and guess what we visited? Nicolas Flamel's house! Yes, he and his wife, Pernelle really existed in the 14th century. He was a bookseller and rumoured to be an alchemist. His house is the oldest one still standing in Paris.
Glowbox
France - Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 04:34:26 AM (EDT)

Slope, at least you get a "click" of AR in your MPH ad. He's cut out of ours for some strange reason. I get all excited every time I see it on TV thinking that this time.,he'll be in it! But to no avail.

You've got all the best connections, Suzanne! Thanks for sharing.
Elaine
UK - Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 12:09:53 AM (EDT)

Many thanks for sharing the message from Melanie Parker, Suzanne! You're grrrreat!

Claudia
GA - Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 09:19:30 PM (EDT)

Suz, thanks for the update on AR's whereabouts. Perhaps he feels the need to be close to his nearest and dearest after the tragedy in London.

Canadian AR fans, I'm probably way behind on this but have you seen the Make Poverty History ads on CBC shown around Corrie? If you blink (or snap your fingers) you could miss Alan.
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 09:16:48 PM (EDT)

London! Think he remembers where he lives?

Oh, Suzanne, I hope we get the answer we all want about the HP movies. *crosses everything*
martha
maine, - Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 09:08:30 PM (EDT)

Swiped this from Claudia's. It's an article by the people who own the place where "the stars" stayed while filming CoS in Cheltenham.
martha
maine, - Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 08:57:27 PM (EDT)

Hey guys!
I received a message from Melanie, in which she says that Alan will be (unusually) in London for a few days (she met up with him yesterday). Anyway, I just thought you'd be interested to know that she also said that while AR was in Munich, it was for costume fittings and meetings, etc. and that filming for Perfume hasn't actually started yet.

Or not his part, anyway. I asked her if he has (or will be) committed to any of the HP films after GoF, but haven't received an answer yet. So I'll keep you posted!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 08:54:22 PM (EDT)

Mary - Here's the link for the article about KR playing Capt. Jack's father. It was right next door at the DT. (Thanks, Chandra!)

The confrontation between Mrs P and Slope had me grinding my teeth. They are both so odious, I didn't know who to root for.

Jennifer - Really?? I'll have to watch the movie again.
martha
martha, - Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 08:33:46 PM (EDT)

REALLY? I didnt notice
looky looky snape
- Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 12:20:22 PM (EDT)

look looky snape, posts removed. This page is not for fiction (please read top of page). And even our fiction page is not for that kind of fiction, sorry.
Suz (D.o.C.)

Hi everyone. Interesting comments about the new Harry Potter book. I haven't read any of them and have only seen the first movie so your comments are a bit "beyond me"! I watched LA again yesterday. In the scene where Harry and Karen are in their living room, wrapping gifts and they are listening to Joanie Mitchell, I noticed that Harry's wedding ring is on the middle finger of his left hand. Significant?
Jennifer
Calgary, Canada - Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 11:08:12 AM (EDT)

Mary - Thought I saw an article the other day confirming KR in Pirates, but imdb doesn’t have him listed.

As for Obediah, yetch! Loved him. Loved the entire thing - lol! Wonderful entertainment.
martha
maine, - Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 05:54:01 AM (EDT)

Clara, unfortunately I doubt the spelling of "luscious" was in any way intentional.. :-)

Martha, I remember from the other day there was some posting of info on Nighy in PoC part 2.. any word on whether Keith Richards will be making an appearance as Capt. Jack's father?

I'd forgotten to mention that my perambulations around Borders waiting for midnight yielded an AR item.. I found a dvd copy of The Barchester Chronicles. Got to watch it Sunday morning (is that the Rev character some of you have talked up from time to time?). AR did a good job with that role.. I'd really like to hear what the rest of you thought of Obediah Slope.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 12:51:29 AM (EDT)

Well, Barbara - HP5 was a very thick book. But the thicker, the longer one can read - even enjoyable for a non-native-speaker like me. ;o) Good morning everybody! (6:15 a.m.) Ricky
Ricky
Austria - Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 12:14:57 AM (EDT)

Thanks Claudia (GA 15/7)!! I had forgotton about Rasputin!! How DARE I??!

Went out yestrerday to get HBP and will start reading now. It is a lot smaller than book 5. Oh what a relief, that is. Book 5 was ENORMOUS. Buy everyone.
Barbara the Australian
Gold Coast, Qld. Australia - Monday, July 18, 2005 at 11:24:34 PM (EDT)

Hello. I just recent watched the movie 'Sense and Sensibility' when I saw that alan rickman was in it I thought it would be a weird movie because I had only seen him playing the role of Professor Snape. In which I might add he played that role very well. Anyway I didn't think of him as very romantic. Well after seeing that movie I think he can be a very romantic actor. I love acting very much and someday I hope I can full fill my dreams of being an actress. Alan Rickman is a wonderful actor.
alan_rickman_lover
- Monday, July 18, 2005 at 08:15:44 PM (EDT)

Suzanne, no problem, I'm just glad to hear that you received it...can you tell I have no faith in North American postal services? ;-)
Slope
Canada - Monday, July 18, 2005 at 11:30:09 AM (EDT)

I think we should hold off commenting on the HBP for a couple of weeks - hard, I know, but we´ve got a couple of years (give or take a day) to discuss possible outcomes, alternative endings, etc. till the next book comes out. That gives most people chance to finish it, as Real Life gets in the way of Serious Reading Time. I had a speed-read planned, but my son had a severe reaction to something he ate and I didn´t even get to the shop till this morning.
Clara
- Monday, July 18, 2005 at 08:01:21 AM (EDT)

Clara - no misspelling anywhere:-)
mortianna <mortianna02@yahoo.defoo>
out of the dungeon, - Monday, July 18, 2005 at 07:27:14 AM (EDT)

Suzanne - I’m slow, but I’m persistent! I read for 15 out of 19 hours.
martha
maine, - Monday, July 18, 2005 at 06:26:58 AM (EDT)

Mary - Are you sure that putting "Luscious" instead of "Lucius" counts as a misspelling ? :-D
Clara
- Monday, July 18, 2005 at 06:01:07 AM (EDT)

Half way through the HBP and I´m really looking forward to what other people make of this story line.
Clara
- Monday, July 18, 2005 at 05:54:16 AM (EDT)

Pam, I know what you mean about "my poor eyes", I had to remove my eyeglasses for the last half or so, and just hold the book closer.. I was loathe to put the book down and read for hours and hours straight, when I got the chance.

Suzanne, Annie didn't speak with JI. She's got a huge crush on him (you should have witnessed how lit up she was when she read about him making an appearance at a local store Friday afternoon) but I think she was just too shy to say a word. Personally, I couldn't understand why when there were no other personal appearances to promote the book, we in RI would be getting one.. it just didn't seem likely, so that's what I asked him about. BTW, I must have been so tired by the time I got home, I'd misremembered a detail regarding "The Brotherhood", it's for Showtime, not HBO (sorry for the mistake).

Martha, and lucky you for those AR encounters. :-) I wish I could adequately relay how impressed others at the local Borders were as well that night, by Jason Isaac's kindness, patience and how sweet he was to every child in line (I heard he did more than a few Lucius impressions when kids asked him to do so). I went outside quite a few times to get some air that night, and people where talking about how wonderful he was. As an aside.. earlier in the day when I took a drive over to pick up the tickets to pick up our copies of HPB, the sign someone at the store had made up on the fly to announce the appearance had miss-spelled Lucius.. and it read Luscious Malfoy, lol. Annie called up to inform them of the mistake, but I hadn't noticed whether they'd corrected it by the time he'd arrived.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Monday, July 18, 2005 at 02:44:49 AM (EDT)

Hi, I just finished reading the Hp book. Thanks for the link Suzanne, as I really need to talk about what I read and dont want to here as not everyone has read it yet! All of you were lucky to have met Jason Isaacs..The party we went to at the stop and shop was really fun-they had their wizard treats and supposedly Butter beer and pumpkin juice..The kids were all cute dressed up in their costumes and they gave the top 3 kids for the best costumes free books! I am such a softy I said to my friend seeing that there were only 10 kids dresssed up that they all should have been given a free book for their efforts in dressing up) The store had 700 books with about 100 or so of us in line. I stood my place in line we were first to get the new book!! It was pretty exciting-even the book itself had a ligther tone but I cant discuss anymore or Ill be saying stuff I need to talk about just for those that have finished the book. All I can say is her last book should be interesting to see how she wraps it all up...Good night all-my poor eyes-Pam
Pam
MA - Monday, July 18, 2005 at 01:19:48 AM (EDT)

Martha, for a self-confessed slow reader, you sure were quick! :-) I understand the need for spoilers for those who haven't finished the book yet or just haven't received it yet (like me) and the difficulty of deciding how long to wait. But I also understand the desire to talk about it once you have read it! So I have added another GB where you may freely discuss it without spoiling it for others:

HP-HBP Discussion Board

Wow, Mary and Annie! How exciting that must have been to meet and talk to Jason Isaacs! He's one of my favorites and, as it happens, another very nice guy. :-)

I'm hoping AR will precipitate in more HBO projects, also. And I, too, I'm really looking forward to HBO's Rome series (and now The Brotherhood ). Is anyone watching ABC's version; Empire? So many AR links in it. Like Fiona Shaw (HP and various plays) as Fulvia, and James Frain (Rasputin and AABA) as Brutus, to name a couple. Oh, and Michael Maloney (TMD) as Cassius! No wonder so few recognized him at the John Donne Celebration. He looked so familiar, but I could not place him until I looked it up at IMDb.com! LOL

Thanks, Glowbox, for the BBC HP review and Les Lays links! I've always said that if I could go back in time just once, it would be to see LLD, no doubt about it.

Slope, yes, I got it, thank you so much! I apologize for my delay in responding to your e-mail, and to everyone else who has written me! I'm really behind again, so thank you very much for your patience.

Welcome to the club, Tamara! You are in good company. :-)

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Sunday, July 17, 2005 at 09:20:18 PM (EDT)

testing
test
- Sunday, July 17, 2005 at 08:49:36 PM (EDT)

Well, I was the one who suggested a special spoiler alert warning... On the other hand, devoid of plot consequences to the subject of this guestbook, I must praise the side effects of the book's publication: masses of children wanting to read. This is only good. In L.A. here, there was a UPS special to deliver the books to children at 12:01 a.m. The generous parents then allowed the kiddies to stay up as long as they could as long as they were reading.
FastFilm
- Sunday, July 17, 2005 at 06:18:07 PM (EDT)

Critics split--Yes, the fellow in the Guardian was quite cross. I was composing a reply in my head that said, "I notice I have read half your review, and you have yet to mention anything in the book itsef. So far you've just made sniffing noises about how terrible this HP phenomenon is." NYTimes thought it was aces. I rather liked it, too. Quite a ripping yarn.
Aurora
- Sunday, July 17, 2005 at 06:15:16 PM (EDT)

Here's the BBC News review: Critics Split
Glowbox
France - Sunday, July 17, 2005 at 05:48:11 PM (EDT)

What a nuisance - these people who think they could annoy us with such spoilers... ladies, don't worry about the outcome of HP6 - I don't believe a word but only those between the lines (and that is the opposite...).
Hikity
Germany after a wonderful sunny summer day - Sunday, July 17, 2005 at 05:43:50 PM (EDT)

Blatant spoiler removed
Suz(D.o.C.)
- Sunday, July 17, 2005 at 03:48:34 PM (EDT)

Not really a HBP spoiler, but keep strong fans. remember Harry has been WRONG about Snape in every book! There are other explanations for the ending of the book than the most obvious. Remember when Spock died in Star Trek II and what he said in Star Trek VI? ("I've been dead before"). If this confuses those who haven't finished the book, keep reading! The rest of you, get reading!
kit
pa usa - Sunday, July 17, 2005 at 02:27:11 PM (EDT)

Read it between 9pm last night and 3.15 this morning, as it was the only time I had to myself. Still processing here too, Martha.
KBBJ
- Sunday, July 17, 2005 at 12:30:16 PM (EDT)

Mary - Jason Isaacs - wow! Lucky you. I’ve heard he is a really nice guy. As is someone else we know, though JI, I gather, may be a bit more approachable. And that is not a criticism of anybody!

Finished HBP last night. Still trying to process it all. OMG. No. Don’t believe it. Nope.

*wanders off shaking head searching desperately for some else who has finished it*
martha
maine, - Sunday, July 17, 2005 at 08:47:55 AM (EDT)

Just finished reading HBP, and I have to say I agree with the rule about not posting spoilers. There are ways to discuss the book without ruining it for others who haven't read it as yet... email, for example.

All I will say is this was the hardest one for me to finish (not in a negative way, but emotionally). When I got home last night I was worn out from the excitement, too much caffiene and just plain determined to post a quickie and then tear into the novel. It's late now, but there's no way I can sleep just yet so I wanted to share some further info on the HBO series Jason Isaacs is starring in that's being filmed in my state. It's the story of an Irish American family who lives in Providence, RI. Jason's character is a gangster type, the character has a brother who is either a politician or a police officer. I was so shocked when he approached initially because his hair was as dark brown as my own.. while I know he doesn't have Lucius Malfoy's shade of hair color, in Peter Pan it still appeared fair. He's an absolutely charming man, and I hope the series does well.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Sunday, July 17, 2005 at 03:27:25 AM (EDT)

I've joined this page just to write one thing : I LOVE U ALAN !
Tamara <jumbo_jet22@hotmail.comfoo>
Struga, Macedonia - Saturday, July 16, 2005 at 07:56:39 PM (EDT)

And secondly, half the fun of internet chat is its very immediacy. By tonight half of this Guestbook will know to what I am referring, and it's unfair to silence them to defer to a few. Perhaps a special spoiler alert *WARNING*POTTER6 ALERT AHEAD!* and extra spaces etc. would be in store. After all, these plot developments will weigh HEAVILY on the career of the subject of this Guestbook. And I haven't even read it either, I just hightailed it over to Wikipedia's chapter synopses...
FastFilm
- Saturday, July 16, 2005 at 06:40:33 PM (EDT)

Yeah, but the tone of this Guestbook is sure going to change radically the second everyone finishes reading HP6! Whoa!
FastFilm
- Saturday, July 16, 2005 at 06:21:28 PM (EDT)

Don't go giving anything away, you lucky people who already have HP6 - we won't have it in our house until my daughter's birthday at the end of the month!

Les Liaisons Dangereuses is now a ballet: the third paragraph is the one that interests us. Would that I had been in London in 1987... Les Lays
Glowbox
France - Saturday, July 16, 2005 at 05:06:31 PM (EDT)

Suzanne, did you get the mag yet? Hope so.
Slope
Canada - Saturday, July 16, 2005 at 02:49:53 PM (EDT)

MUGU KEEP OFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
MUGU <MUGU@YAHOO.COMfoo>
ABA, UMU NIGERIANER - Saturday, July 16, 2005 at 09:54:15 AM (EDT)

Pam, you know I was hoping for the same thing (AR showing up!!!) :-) But despite that not happening, and getting there too late to get a spot in the line to get Jason Isaac's autographed photo, I actually got to meet and talk with him for a minute. I have to say that he is one of the most genuinely nice celebrities I've ever met. I'm so glad my daughter checked out the Leaky Cauldron site today, or we would have gone to Barnes and Noble instead and missed meeting him.

Here's the lowdown on why he made a personal appearance at the local Borders. Jason is part of the cast of a new series for HBO called "The Brotherhood", which is being filmed in Rhode Island. He's staying with a cousin who lives in Cranston, and after seeing the ad in the paper about the midnight party at the store, he called them to offer to come and be a part of it. The line to get his autograph was all the way around the store, must have been more than a thousand in it, and he was the spirit of cordiality to everyone. Anyway, I'm logging off to start reading the book for a bit and then try and get some sleep.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Saturday, July 16, 2005 at 01:21:45 AM (EDT)

Thats great about Jason Isaacs being at Borders! It's not that far from me either. Probably a half hour or so. My friend and her daughter are stopping by my house around 10:30 tonight and we are going to the stop and shop in Mansfield MA (next town over from me) for a HP party from 11-12 where there will be Wizard food, whatever that may be. They are also having some games etc. and then the books will go on sale for 19.99 at midnight. My son has his other friend over tonight for a sleepover and they are both coming with us to the party and to buy the new book. They will probably be up all night/morning reading!!! I cant wait-this should be fun-who knows, maybe AR will show up??? (LOl) as if he would ever come here!!! Oh well, I can be optimistic I guess...see ya later guys. Have fun at all your parties tonight. Pam
Pam
MA - Friday, July 15, 2005 at 09:55:34 PM (EDT)

Hell, no.

I would have finished it by now and been blabbing.
lablanche
- Friday, July 15, 2005 at 05:24:19 PM (EDT)

OMG This is Annie, Mary's daughter. And I'm posting here for her to tell you that JASON ISAACS will be at the Borders in Garden City, Cranston, RI tonight from 9-11. Don't believe me? Check The Leaky Cauldron. Annie
Mary's daughter
Warwick, RI US - Friday, July 15, 2005 at 01:35:01 PM (EDT)

Of course. :-) Double deleted. Sorry to hear about your husband!
Suz (D.o.C.)

ahhhhhhhh sorry sorry sorry

got click happy suzanne SOWWY :o( do you still wuv me?

with love ailicec
ailicec <twiggy797@yahoo.comfoo>
this one, that one the other - Friday, July 15, 2005 at 11:43:03 AM (EDT)

hi im laughing at the plots to read the new book b4 the children. if i had the money to get the book i would have no problem there as my son is only 3 and a half so he cant even try to read it yet. (hoping to bribe someone to email me details as to who is the half blood prince) also dying to see the new movie. a friend is going to take me to see it when it comes out. and the GB is going back and forth on this one but is or isnt AR gonna be in the 5th installment of this series of movies. i know all 3 kids are and robbie coltrain (hagrid) isnt. so anybody hear for SURE whether or not our man is?

kk im done for now byeeeeeeee

btw for those that know me and my bad luck my husband had a stroke and is now blind and unable to work.

bye with love ailicec
ailicec <twiggy797@yahoo.comfoo>
this one, that one the other - Friday, July 15, 2005 at 11:41:37 AM (EDT)

lablanche - you'd have returned it right off, right?
martha
maine, - Friday, July 15, 2005 at 11:17:46 AM (EDT)

Barbara, I'm hoping AR will do more HBO films too. They did a film this year with Ken Branagh called Warm Springs which actually led to another film that Branagh will be directing for them. I don't know the specifics for I am just a fleeting fan of KB's but that did give me some hope that AR might show up more in HBO projects.

HBO and BBC have been teaming up lately with the recent heart-warming film The Girl in the Cafe and coming in the fall is a huge production called Rome starring Ciaran Hinds, Polly Walker, Lindsay Duncan, and a host of other fantastic Brits. So I am very hopeful that we will see more of AR on HBO. Besides, AR did HBO very proud a few years back with a fantastic little fims called Rasputin.
Claudia
GA - Friday, July 15, 2005 at 09:45:14 AM (EDT)

Crikey!

I was in that very Eckerd last week and missed the moment.

Da-amn.
lablanche
- Friday, July 15, 2005 at 07:50:08 AM (EDT)

Link fixed. Thanks for the article. Only one more day to wait for HP-HBP!
Suz (D.o.C.)

Suzanne! Help! I broke the bl**dy board! It was the URl for the 9 yr old kid.
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050713/NEWS01/507130328/1006
I saw it first at BBCi, but this one from mugglenet gives a bit more detail.
Aurora
- Friday, July 15, 2005 at 06:40:54 AM (EDT)

Some might run for it with their accidental early copy of HBP, but this nine-year-old turned his in because, "It was the right thing to do." Oh, and his parents had read that the Canadians who returned their books received nice gifts.

Carl and Ana, you have inspired me to re-watch Mesmer. I've seen it just once.
Aurora
- Friday, July 15, 2005 at 06:36:55 AM (EDT)

I'm sure JKR is very happy about the media attention...it makes her richer and richer. Slope, I haven't got an invisibility cloak - my father never had one either - anyway, thanks to you and Mary for the pieces of advice....
Meeressternchen, postman was here this morning - no HP book delivered.
Ladies, have a wonderful weekend
Hikity
Germany - Friday, July 15, 2005 at 06:36:46 AM (EDT)

SOMETHING THE LORD MADE is probably one of THE best movies, that Alan Rickman has ever made!! I am so glad that I was able to see this uplifting film! The two main characters were so GOOD! It seems that HBO is capable of creating such inspritional film's with the talent of AR to help them along! I just hope that AR continues to make films with them!! It was SO GOOD to watch. I hope that other Aussies got to watch. Are there any other AUSTRALIANS who want to comment????

All this media attention with HP I wonder what JK Rowling thinks of it all? Harry Potter stands out without any help from all the attention....... As does JK Rowling. She needs no help. We will all find our way to the magic of her latest book. Bye.
Barbara the Aussie <bpac350@hotmail.comfoo>
Gold Coast, Qld. Australia - Friday, July 15, 2005 at 02:52:47 AM (EDT)

Had to log on briefly to post this.. my daughter just got home from work at her campus library. She was doing some work in the cataloging department, and spotted a copy of HBP in the stack needing to be prepared for entry into circulation. Of course I had to ask if she'd taken a peek.. no such luck (she's better at waiting for surprises than I). I'm proud of her, but still.. ;-) Ah well, just about 24 hours 'til I get my hands on a copy.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Thursday, July 14, 2005 at 11:52:50 PM (EDT)

Hey fir! The weather up here is the usual July type.. hot, muggy & hotter and muggier. We've got some overcast, but not the kind that helps any. A few spectacular electrical storms over the water.. that's about it. We're hoping hurricane season doesn't produce many storms. How are things down your way, what with the storms and all?

Re: JK, AR & ET's accents didn't bother me. It was almost endearing to be honest... Emma seemed to be having fun with it overall. If I can get a copy of it (still no reply from the seller of the dvd that I ordered) I just didn't buy the rest of the cast. I'm not arguing with anyone elses opinion either.. just stating my own reaction. Also, the print reviews I'd read were "neo-noir" this, and "neo-noir" that.. (neo-noir my Aunt Fanny!. I've watched Gutierrez's Gothika and also She Creature (the latter was more in the horror vein, not your usual mermaid tale) both were better written, and filmed... btw, Gugino was also in that one.. how did I forget that?) All I can say is that some of the characters (or how they were interpreted), some dialogue, etc.. felt completely incongruous. There were a few beautifully lit and framed shots.. enough to the point I could pick up on what Gutierrez might have been wanting to put across.. but it just fell flat for me. I would very happily buy the dvd just to re-watch Alan and Emma's scenes.

Re: HBP, I'm a fast reader.. if I'm into a story, I will read through the night. I do have to bring both cars to the mechanic Saturday morning by 9 am, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to endulge in an all nighter.. but if the story gets its hooks in me, I'll sure make my best effort to try not to put it down. :-)
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Thursday, July 14, 2005 at 06:51:04 PM (EDT)

It's going to take me days to read the book. I'm slow - no speed reading. Have to be sure I read every. single. word.
martha
maine, - Thursday, July 14, 2005 at 03:31:50 PM (EDT)

I know what you mean about the JK video. Though both he and Emma are fantastic in it, I thought at first, I had the wrong tape in the box!! I had just purchased it from the video store when they had put all their VHS tapes on sale. As the movie began-WOW-(The part where the security guy is watching the adult video) I wasnt too sure and pulled the tape out-yup it was the right tape-(LOL) at least it had somewhat of a story line and they were both pretty good in it even with their "southern" accents. Ill have to watch it again sometime. I only watched it one time and put it on the shelf... Cant wait for the new HP book to be released. Ill pick it up early Saturday morning and we can start reading-probably all day like everyone else...anyway, off to do some errands. Have a good one-Pam P.S. I finally watched the entire Barchester Chronicles-it was awesome..especially loved both Donald Pleasance and Nigel Hawthorne, along with geraldine McEwan (witch in sherrif of Nottingham with AR) and played such a wonderful controlling bishops wife--loved it all-
Pam
MA - Thursday, July 14, 2005 at 02:20:21 PM (EDT)

I too enjoyed the banter between AR and ET in JK; it was the cleverest stuff in the film. Hal Holbrook was good, too; BUT the whole thing was so weak in the writing and LOGIC, plus the rest of the cast was awful. I usually describe this movie as a "teenagers wet dream" except for the scenes with AR and ET. I kind of like their accents: not New Orleans really, but not too bad if you can decide what southern accent it is supposed to be. ET sounds like my Aunt Nell in Texas, who can talk even faster! This is a Fast Forward film for me; he looks great. By the time youu all have your books Saturday, I'll be done reading! Taking daughter to B&N party Friday night.
kit
pa usa - Thursday, July 14, 2005 at 02:05:29 PM (EDT)

AR's and ET's banter is the best part of JK as far as I'm concerned. But I do have to admit I got several chuckles from Til Schweiger too. I've always blamed the irrevelant sex scenes to be the final nail in the coffin. Everytime I watch The View interview, I really do feel for AR when he's talking about this film. He's trying to make a joke out of it but you can tell he wasn't to enthused with it.

Alfan...girl, you got those AR film quotes down to a science, don't ya? *grin*
Claudia
GA - Thursday, July 14, 2005 at 01:57:11 PM (EDT)

I have to be honest with you, the first two times i saw JK i was severly dissapointed but then the more i watched it the more i enjoyed it. I mean i always enjoyed Alan and Emma in it but i actually started to like the movie. Although i love Alan and his " well f-ck me sidways" and Emma's " what, here?" I really enjoyed Reuben (Til Schweiger), his lines are halarious, hes a hoot. I also like the one liners Alan has, " the butler did it, im sorry it took me so long when the clues were so clear" and the tackyist is " your gonna have a beautiful new nose". But i love the Emma line ' you gonna fill me in" and Alan saying " that can be misconstued as sexual harrasment Miss Hawkings. But some of the best lines are when Emma asks " like to be on top?" Alan-" half the time!' Emma-"wanna have sex later" Alan-"sure, ill check with my ex-wife" Emma-" ill check with my ex-husband" ( told you i could quote movies of his) They do work well together and i think they had a great time making this film even though it was a flop. If you have not watched it more than once or twice, watch it again and pay attention to the humor in the film its quite subtle but significant i think.
Alfan
Canada - Thursday, July 14, 2005 at 01:13:12 PM (EDT)

Hi, just recieved this email from amazon. I feel better now. I also spoke to my mailman yesterday and asked him to be sure to deliver my book on Saturday. haha, he said he knew nothing about no Harry Potter. I guess he will soon learn.

Hello from Amazon.com. We're happy to let you know that we've begun preparing your order for "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" for delivery. You should have the book(s) in your hands no later than 7:00 p.m. in your time zone on Saturday, July 16. Most books will be delivered by U.S. Mail, either with your regular mail delivery or in a separate, special mail delivery. Some orders may be delivered by UPS. Because our carriers are delivering hundreds of thousands of books on that day, we do ask that you wait until 7:00 p.m. before contacting customer service if you haven't received your order. Although we're not requiring a signature, we still recommend that someone be home to accept the package, as the driver may not leave it on your doorstep if they don't feel it's safe to do so. You'll receive our usual shipment confirmation e-mail after your package leaves our fulfillment center. Thanks for shopping at Amazon.com, and happy reading!

of course by 7:00 lots of people will already be finished with the book and on the internet discussing it.
Hi Mary, how's the summer going up there? I miss the New England summer :( !
fir
- Thursday, July 14, 2005 at 11:02:58 AM (EDT)

very goood keep it up.
mumurity <mallam@mumu.comfoo>
lome, togo - Thursday, July 14, 2005 at 06:13:02 AM (EDT)

Mary - I agree and disagree with you - lol! Judas Kiss isn’t my favorite movie, but I do kinda like it. Frankly, ET’s and AR’s accents are awful! But I love their characters. Who couldn’t like a woman named Sadie Hawkins? I think the best job of the movie, after our main two, was done by Carla Gugino (Coco). She had some of the worst lines in movie history but played the part to the hilt. She was just perfect. Had she played that part straight, it would have been too, too terrible. And while I do think the entire movie was supposed to be very much tongue in cheek, I agree, it doesn’t quite make it as a whole.
martha
maine, - Thursday, July 14, 2005 at 06:00:43 AM (EDT)

No problem, duplicates deleted.
Mary, thanks for your Judas Kiss review. I had a feeling this wasn't going to be one of your favorites! LOL Mine, neither. Though I must admit, it grew on me with repeated viewings. Some thought it was a bit too... graphic. Doesn't bother me, personally, but I feel embarrassed when I watch it with someone. LOL I think it would have been a better movie if they had developed and expanded the "Sadie & David" back story... Naturally. :-)

Thank you, Claudia, Daydreamer, Sue, Glowbox, Sheena and Aurora, for the great links, photos and Info! I've already pre-ordered the Off Stage book at Amazon.co.uk. And the Alex Winter film; just last week, I was wondering what happened to the Acts of Charity project. I'm glad to see it's still in the works.

Welcome, Carl & Anna and thanks for the insightful Mesmer review. And congratulations, Cat, and all of our new mothers!

Nice to see you posting again, Uli. Thank you very much for keeping us posted about any details you find out about Perfuwme!

fir, I think we have the same mailman. He folds all my magazines in half,... even though I have a HUGE mailbox! *grrrr*

Happy HP reading this weekend, everyone!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Thursday, July 14, 2005 at 12:56:21 AM (EDT)

The only redeeming feature of Judas Kiss is hearing Alan Rickman say "well f--- me sideways"- the accent is amusing too, although I don't think it's supposed to be a comedy-one of those films that is soooooooooo bad that its mesmerizing LOL-it still holds true that Alan Rickman is the best bit in the film.
ACC
- Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 10:18:18 PM (EDT)

A thousand apologies Suzanne.. after sending the first time I received an internal server message. Went to GB, refreshed page, no message appeared, so I tried again twice.. the same server message. Finally decided to go to main GB page to start afresh and there were the three copies of the post. Could you delete two of them please?
Mary
- Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 08:56:00 PM (EDT)

Kit, I guess I had to learn from experience. :-) When I finally went to bed this morning, I had a furrow in my brow.

A few weeks back Suzanne mentioned she'd like to read my thoughts on JK, so here goes (this is just my opinion..). Perhaps I'd built up my expectations as I've been waiting to see the film for several years now. The casting, especially of the gang was horrible. Carla Gugino (she also had a production credit in the titles) was way too over the top. I've only seen her in the Buccaneers, and in that she seemed to be quite good.. but as Coco, she and her fellow badguys were just wrong. AR's and ET's initial scenes seemed awkward to me... perhaps ET was having fun with the role of a policewoman named Sadie Hawkins? At a certain point I wondered if perhaps AR and ET realized that the film wasn't what they'd first agreed to and that was what was going on.. After a bit though, especially towards the end they both seemed to jibe as the characters for me. On the whole, despite a few beautifully framed shots (and getting to see AR and ET working together) JK was a painful viewing experience for me. Perhaps it was just a screwed up project.. Gutierrez has written/directed better films since.. Overall, I think he might have been trying to out-Tarantino, Tarantino, but failed miserably. (I've been dreading writing this review all day)

Had to make a stop at Barnes & Noble today, just happened in when the shipment of HBP was being delivered!!! I joked with the cashier about letting me buy one "accidentally"... no such luck. 48 (or so) hours to go.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 08:52:35 PM (EDT)

Just a quick word on the movie Mesmer. We just finished watching this movie and were astonished not only by the acting which is perfect to form and to character. It also does not show an adulterated skewed picture of the culture that it represents. Mesmer did not live now... the film portrays the masogynistic society without paying service to feminism so as to show "how things people were then". To really understand this movie one needs to have ones cultural biases removed. This film excellently tries and nearly succeeds with a large part of its target audience. However, the film restrains itself to a smaller audience with the ability to submit to this level of empathy and cultural independence. This is not a mainstream movie and never intended itself to be. It cannot and should not be criticised for its unrelenting potrayal of truth. Kindest regards, Carl and Anna Piaf
Carl and Anna Piaf <psychology@bostream.nufoo>
Sweden - Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 05:54:30 PM (EDT)

AR and Elodie Bouchet starring together next year? Alex Winter interview
Glowbox
France - Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 05:24:50 PM (EDT)

Mary, I too like to keep distance from JK. Except for the Ar scenes, it is worth staying away from! (I like ET in it also, but the plot and the rest of the gang should just stay home!)
kit
pa usa - Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 01:23:56 PM (EDT)

i think that alan rickman is so hot and even though i am 16 years old, making him about 42 years older than me, i would still jump into bed with him given half the chance. :D oh, and he has the most sexiest voice in the world.
Lottie
England - Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 09:29:04 AM (EDT)

Regarding the HBP - those who preordered at amazon - it may very well be that the book is actually delivered at friday noon instead of saturday morning, as it happened last time with OoP. :))
Meeressternchen
- Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 07:53:46 AM (EDT)

Well, I've watched Judas Kiss.. I'll post my opinion later this morning after I've had some time to get some distance from the experience.
Mary
- Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 04:55:35 AM (EDT)

As a means of avoiding the busy work, I decided to dload some AR clips, I chose the Victoria Wood "Plots and Proposals", and have watched it twice already.. what a lark! Firstly, who is Victoria Wood, and does anyone have any info to relay on this? I'm seriously impressed that such a group of fine actors were assembled for this bit of satire.
Mary
- Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 01:56:03 AM (EDT)

We leave to go camping in Colorado Thursday. On the drive my daughter (youngest and now only one at home, boohoo) and I will finish OotP for the fifth time. We plan to pick up HBP in Albquerque at midnight Friday, and read it the way god and jkr intended, without spoilers between rafting, hiking, fishing and biking. Is praying for rain too out there?
lola
- Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 12:45:44 AM (EDT)

Pam, the Stop & Shop near me is open 24 hours, and will be stocking HBP on the shelves at midnight. I did try and convince Annie to pass on the midnight release party, but she wouldn't hear of it. Not that I'm a party pooper, but I like to just get the book and skedaddle home asap. So I'll get there by 9, order a large Tazo Passion iced tea and find a corner to hole up in with a book to help the hours pass and it's time to queue up.
Mary
- Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 12:25:10 AM (EDT)

Mary, You took the words out of my mouth! I was thinking of going to the stop and shop in Mansfield near my house on Saturday to get mine! (LOl) The CVS which is in town near my house, is advertising it will be in Saturday. (They open either 8:30 or 9AM) The toys r Us are offering a special t-shirt with the pre-order. I almost did that, but thought, nah-Ill just go the local Stop and shop!! The Party sounds fun though. Our library is having one also at midnight. The kids and adults could buy the tickets for the books. Not sure if the library will be passing the books out, or maybe its just a coupon to pick up the book over at borders. At any rate, enjoy everyone-cant wait to see what happens next. My son and I have been listening to the audio tapes of the last book (order of the phoenix) so we could refresh our memory. P.S. Dee-so glad to hear of your husbands new job. Pam
Pam
MA - Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 12:09:54 AM (EDT)

Hey fir! Glad to see a post from you. Your postman sounds like a real tarter.. If he's as bad as you say, you should call your local branch and speak w/the delivery route supervisor about this. I'll have my fingers crossed for you that you receive the book on time. :-)
Mary
- Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 11:48:34 PM (EDT)

Well ladies, Judas Kiss is on, at 3am this morning on the Lifetime Movie Network.. but I'm determined to stay up to watch it. Lots of caffeine for me, and some serious busy work to keep myself seriously awake. :-)

Hikity & ACC.. we're in the same boat. :-) ACC, my daughter's in college as well, though she lives at home. Every year since we bought Chamber of Secrets, she's gotten hold of it first. Last year she promised to adhere to sharing it so we each could read it... ie.. I'd read it when she was out, or online, that kind of thing. She didn't keep to the promise. So I pre-ordered two this time.

We're going to the midnight sale because she loves seeing the little kids all in their wizard gear, and the like. It does get a bit tiring though as you have to take a number and then line up in groups. If it was up to me, I'd just go pick up myself a copy at Stop & Shop, which is only 10 minutes away from the house.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 11:38:29 PM (EDT)

My daughter is in college, and broke of course, except for what she gets from mom-and has been dropping hints all over the place about how she cannot bear not to read the new Harry Potter as soon as it arrives-main problem is that it is due to arrive at mom's,hours away by bus, and since I paid for it, it is only fair that I read it first-I expect her to come by broomstick, or owl post, and stand tapping her foot, pleading with me to read faster-I wondering if I should change the locks.
ACC
- Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 07:00:45 PM (EDT)

Hikity, how about hiding the book under the invisibility cloak? Just teasing. ;-)

Why wait until Saturday to get the HP book? I heard that some bookstore in Vancouver or somewhere already started selling the book yesterday. I predict that heads will roll...
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 05:36:28 PM (EDT)

I may be way off base, but I think for OotP Amazon.co made arrangements with UPS (good ole Brown) to make a Saturday delivery. In fact, UPS is their usual delivery system, not the Postal Service. I don't know about OotP personally because I picked it up at B&N.
snapes_witch
- Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 04:09:53 PM (EDT)

Well, I preordered it via amazon.de and I am full of hope, :) :). The problem to be solved will be my daughter, who wants to read it asap. Do you have any good ideas how to hide the book and read it without discovery??
Hikity
Germany - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 01:53:20 PM (EDT)

I also did not preorder. I was able to pick up the last book at midnight and the grocer had ordered plenty. Now I just have to convince the store manager to give me the store display for my classroom. I wonder if any teachers have asked for it yet?
Cat
TX - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 12:58:04 PM (EDT)

fir - For all the reasons mentioned, I shall be picking mine up at the local store. Still have to check their hours, might even do a midnight thing. I took Saturday off from work so I can read.
martha
maine, - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 11:44:03 AM (EDT)

How many of us have preordered HBP? I ordered mine thru Amazon and am wondering how the Post Office is going to get all those books delivered on Saturday. I have my doubts. Since I have moved to Florida alot of my DVD/CD orders have been lost in the mail. My new mailman is an OLE grouch. He loves to bend, fold and mutilate everything trying to smash it into the box. Does anyone work for the Post Office and/or can shed some light on this delivery schedule?

Is anyone else wondering about this or am I just getting anxious? I want to spend next weekend reading, not crying that my book didn't get delivered.
fir
- Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 10:57:40 AM (EDT)

Just to repeat- AUSSIES - "Something the Lord Made" is on, for the first time, on the PAY tonight on MOVIE ONE @ 8.30pm. and tomorrow @ 1.25pm.
Barbara the Aussie
Gold Coast, Qld. Australia - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 05:02:15 AM (EDT)

Hi Ulli, how nice to hear from you. Pls send a mail (see above). If we want to go to Munich we have to hurry up a bit...so - why has your friend left that job, grummel... Looking forward to hearing from yu
Hikity <Hikity2001@yahoo.defoo>
Germany, more than 60 km from M - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 03:07:36 AM (EDT)

Oppe!! Ment KBBJ!! Sorry about that. It has been too long since I wrote here.
Barbara the Aussie
Australia - Monday, July 11, 2005 at 07:28:28 PM (EDT)

Hello everyone! Gee, it's good to see you back KGGB! Also to all the new Mum's.

Just want to mention here to all AUSSIES that SOMETHING THE LORD MADE, IS ON THE PAY TONIGHT for the first time!!! It's on Movie One @ 8.30pm and again tomorrow @ 1.25pm. Other dates are -17, 18, and 24th July. It's finally here in Australia!!!!!!!!!

To all in London ,you have coped so well - keep happy everyone! This town and it's people have done so well! Bye.
Barbara the Aussie <bpac350@hotmail.comfoo>
Gold Coast, Qld. Australia - Monday, July 11, 2005 at 07:24:18 PM (EDT)

Wow, it seems another baby-boom has started! Cat, my congrats!! :))

Hikity, I live near Frankfurt, so it's not so far away. Would be cool to go as a trio!!! :)) BTW, send my greetings to her!

Ulli, if you mean www.alan-rickman.de, I have no longer access to the forum since the website was re-built, and have not gotten a password yet. :(( But my e-mail is meeressternchen@hotmail.com - it would be terrific if we could join you and sniff around in Munich!!! :)))
Meeressternchen
- Monday, July 11, 2005 at 01:26:19 PM (EDT)

Ooh! It's another baby! Congratulations, Cat. Here's wishing you much joy.

Thanks for the news on the photo book, Sheena. Whoever wrote the announcement has info on other pices, but is adopting a "no spoilers" policy re: AR's pic.

Dee, glad to hear your husband's new job. You are allowed a sniff about its being in another state and him home only on weekends.

Boo, weekend over and back to the salt mines myself.
Aurora
- Monday, July 11, 2005 at 07:00:46 AM (EDT)

Congratulations to all the new mothers. And how good für your husband, Dee, having a job - and an enjoying on - again. In those days it's often very hard to get one. :o)
Ricky
Austria, - Monday, July 11, 2005 at 12:21:52 AM (EDT)

Gee...I don't check in for a week and babies are popping out left and right! Congratulations Cat and Allison! What a wonderful time of life for both of you!

Sheena -- thanks for the info about the photo exhibit. I'm not familiar with the photographer's work, but it will be great to see a picture of the man included!

OT - Some of you may remember that my husband had been downsized and was out of work. The good news: he got a new job he really enjoys. The bad news: it's in Urbana, Illinois, so he lives there during the week and only comes home weekends. Sigh... It's lonely without him and hard to run the whole household alone. Sorry to complain - I'm just really bummed. Sounds like I should get some cheese to go with that "whine":)
Dee
Indiana - Sunday, July 10, 2005 at 06:55:55 PM (EDT)

Sheena, thanks for the info--sounds like an interesting exhibit (and book). Wish I could visit London to see it!
Slope
Canada - Sunday, July 10, 2005 at 06:18:33 PM (EDT)

Don't panic! *hehe* Italics fixed. Great to see you again!
Suz (D.o.C.)

Oh No!!!!!! Now I've gone and done it!!!! I have managed to italisize the whole bloody Guestbook! Sorry Suz!!!!!!!!!! I have been gone way too long! ;~)
Constance
- Sunday, July 10, 2005 at 05:54:36 PM (EDT)

Hello and Congratulations to Cat!

It has been ages but I just wanted to send a warm internet HUG to all our British family here, thinking and praying for them after the London bombings. I am heartened to read that the Londoners carry on about their lives, undaunted! Bravo!

I just returned from a too brief vacation in NYC and after hearing about the terrorist attack, decided to take my family downtown to a British owned and operated tea shop called Tea and Sympathy on Greewitch Ave. in the Village( google it for the website, a really fun one. I would do a link myself but last time I did ...it did not go well so, I will leave you to it.). You all might remember that our beloved Rickman and Rima came to this very shop towards the end of their stay in Manhattan. Before my trip, I had determined to visit the shop but after the bombings, I was totally resolved. In my own small and pathetic way, I wanted to help, show my love and support for the British people.... so that was my way. Symbolic, really, I mean, the money I spent there came nowhere near the tragedy but still, I wanted to connect in some tiny way. Anyway, I scanned the tiny establishment, hoping for an autographed picture of our man on the wall but alas, no such thng. Still, lovely little place,a bit run down which only adds to the authentisity. I bought I lovely tea mug and some candy for my daughter. Towards the end of my visit, a handsome young reporter for The New York Post stopped in to interview the owners; their reaction to the bombings, do they have family back in London, etc, etc.....He must have overheard me talking to the clerk about wanting to support the British for he wanted to interview ME! Good grief! I did not have the heart to mention that it was the beautiful Alan Rickman who had been my initial motivator! LOL Oh well, that was fun!

I am SO looking forward to the release of Snow Cake. I think this will be a great film!

Nice to see you all again...back to hiding.... much love,

Con
Constance <conpappa@yahoo.comfoo>
Cary, NC USA - Sunday, July 10, 2005 at 05:21:34 PM (EDT)

To help celebrate RADA's Centenary there is to be an exhibition of photographs by Cambridge Jones of RADA people including Alan Rickman.

The exhibition Off Stage: The RADA Centenary Portraits will be at the National Theatre from 22nd August to 17th September, opening from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 11pm (Bank holidays 4pm - 11pm). Admission is free.

Here is what is said about the photographs "Cambridge Jones's photographs are intimate, honest and warm. Many of the portraits were taken in the subjects' homes, capturing them off duty, off-stage and away from their stage or screen persona. John Hurt is caught midway through a story about Lord Attenborough & Gandhi; Fiona Shaw is photographed having just flown back from the States; Imelda Staunton is captured talking about the wonders of parenthood; Maxine Peake sits astride a chair on her dining room table; and Matthew Macfadyen is pictured lying on the photographer's bed."

There is also going to be a book: The book Off Stage will be published on 11th August by Dewi Lewis. It includes a foreword by Lord Attenborough and an introductory essay by Miranda Sawyer.

Kind regards
Sheena <dragon@amberdragon.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
Berkshire UK - Sunday, July 10, 2005 at 12:31:08 PM (EDT)

Congratulations on the baby Cat and to you too Alison. I believe I was on holiday when you had yours.

All the warm wishes to you both that go along with new baby motherhood and I pray that you both have an easy go-round (teething, colic, etc, etc). Enjoy your bundles of joy they grow up so fast.
bunks
Whitby, - Sunday, July 10, 2005 at 11:20:37 AM (EDT)

Hello everybody,
I've read this guestbook a lot, but my last post was about ... well, some time ago! One reason to write again is that I want to express my compassion to all of you who live in London, and my hope that neither of you or your friends and relatives have been hurt by those horrible bombings! May those terrorists burn in hell for ever!

The second reason: I live about 60 km from Munich (centre of the Rickman world at the moment) and have a friend who worked at the Bavaria Film Studios until last year! She may find out about details about the filming of "Das Parfüm" (which I, by the way, find a most fascinating novel and enjoyed it very much!). I promise to let you all know ...

@Meeressternchen and Hikity: I'd like to get in touch with you - perhaps at a German fansite or by e-mail! Do you have any ideas?
Ulli
Germany - Sunday, July 10, 2005 at 08:17:41 AM (EDT)

Warm wishes, Cat, from the other side of the world. Hope all goes well.
Barbara
NZ - Sunday, July 10, 2005 at 06:20:52 AM (EDT)

Cat, congratulations on your baby! Wish you all the best.
Hikity
Germany - Sunday, July 10, 2005 at 05:29:43 AM (EDT)

Cat, Congratulations on your new baby! He must be so cute and precious. Take care, Pam P.S. off to watch episode 5 of The Barchester Chronicles. I was going to go to bed, but have to see what happens next!!!
Pam
MA - Sunday, July 10, 2005 at 01:32:26 AM (EDT)

Cat, congratulations on the birth of baby Jack! It's good to see you back amongst us, and with such happy news. :-)

I've dloaded the 2 available avi files Daydreamer created from the Perfume shoot, and have enjoyed them tremendously. If any of you have any problems viewing them, update your codecs for Winamp or try another player (per someone's suggestion, I tried BSPlayer, and it's worked fine for me).

Less than a week away from the release of HBP, my daughter and I going to the midnight release party at Barnes and Noble. Speaking of my daughter.. I spoke with a few friends today, one of which had a daughter who spent a semester in Glasgow this past year, and who was returning there, so I'm feeling much more relaxed about Annie's trip. Not completely stress free.. but what mother ever is ;-)
Mary
Warwick, RI - Sunday, July 10, 2005 at 01:07:34 AM (EDT)

Cat - Congrats and welcome baby Jack. As hot as it is you have a great excuse to stay indoors and read, read, read next week. Kiss those baby cheeks and enjoy the love around you, it is the antidote to the saddness we all feel.
lola
- Sunday, July 10, 2005 at 12:03:23 AM (EDT)

Today is the first day I have been able to check the board since arriving home. I'm so pleased to hear all of our ladies are safe and sound. Baby Jack was born at 3:15 p.m. on 7/6/05. Sometime during the night, I was roused from my drug stupor to watch the unbelievable footage from London. It brought back unpleasant flashbacks from the birth of my daughter who was born on 9/05/01, we had only been home a few days from the hospital when that atrocity struck. Our hearts and prayers are with you and I pray the police are able to detain the cowards responsible ASAP.
Cat
TX - Saturday, July 09, 2005 at 09:24:15 PM (EDT)

Daydreamer has worked very hard on digitizing and tranlating (in three languages at that!) the Pefume videos that were on German TV last week. AR doesn't speak in these but he looks wonderful!

Find them on her LiveJournal

Thanks so much, Daydreamer!

Claudia
GA - Saturday, July 09, 2005 at 08:17:25 PM (EDT)

With my luck, if I won, it wouldn't be AR delivering the dvds to my door. :-)
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Saturday, July 09, 2005 at 03:07:03 PM (EDT)

OK, here's a reason to re-order all your AR films, one by one, just in case a certain someone is participating in this program:amazon celebrity deliveries http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/14104251/ref%3Dann%5Fgw%5Fsd/102-2192271-0970539
Aurora
- Saturday, July 09, 2005 at 10:47:11 AM (EDT)

You know what, Mary? I think it shows great maturity on your daughter's part that she wants to go despite all this. That kind of attitude is going to get her far in life -- if we were to panic and fold our hands at everything that seemed bigger or more powerful than us, we wouldn't go anywhere. I'm not even going to mention that it's unlikely that Cambridge is going to be a target -- but even if it were (god forbid), I am certain that you have raised a daughter who is wise enough to carefully consider all the potential dangers and risks, take all the necesssary precautions, but go on seeking (and finding) new and wonderful experiences. That's what life is all about, and she's about to find that out for herself. I'm sure you're worried, but you're probably pleased and proud as well. Hang in there -- here comes adulthood!
Julia
Canada - Saturday, July 09, 2005 at 12:24:12 AM (EDT)

Watching the coverage on television of the aftermath from yesterday has been extremely heart wrenching. People looking for loved ones and friends they haven't heard back from since yesterday. I've been in two minds about Annie's traveling there, but she's even more determined to go, and I'm committed to supporting her decision.. though I'd be lying if I didn't admit to being nervous. Sorry for the OT, I just needed to vent, because I don't want my worries to weigh on her mind.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Friday, July 08, 2005 at 10:24:30 PM (EDT)

It's beautiful, Lola (paragraphs added).
And thanks, Hikity, for translating the Perfume article and for the link to the screencaps Daydreamer made! And to Claudia, Slope and everybody else for all the great links.

Welcome to the Realm of Rickmania, Charlene, Louise, Sandra and all the other newbies!

Catherine, Claire and AFNH, thanks for checking in, I'm so relieved! And it's good to hear from you again, too, Fausta. :-)
Suz (D.o.C.)

Will I never learn html? Every fourth one should have been a p instead of a br. Suzanne, if you don't hate it and wouldn't mind terribly, could you please make me look less an idiot?
lola
- Friday, July 08, 2005 at 09:51:19 PM (EDT)

Found this and thought it was worth a post:

Noel Coward was a fine Englishman …

London Pride has been handed down to us.
London Pride is a flower that’s free.
London Pride means our own dear town to us,
And our pride it for ever will be.

Oh Liza! See the coster barrows,
Vegetable marrows and the fruit piled high.
Oh Liza! Little London sparrows,
Covent Garden Market where the costers cry.

Cockney feet mark the beat of history.
Every street pins a memory down.
Nothing ever can quite replace
The grace of London Town.

There’s a little city flower every spring unfailing
Growing in the crevices by some London railing,
Though it has a Latin name, in town and country-side
We in England call it
London Pride.

London Pride has been handed down to us.
London Pride is a flower that’s free.
London Pride means our own dear town to us,
And our pride it for ever will be.

Hey, lady! When the day is dawning
See the policeman yawning on his lonely beat.
Gay lady! Mayfair in the morning,
Hear your footsteps echo in the empty street.

Early rain and the pavement’s glistening.
All Park Lane in a shimmering gown.
Nothing ever could break or harm
The charm of London Town.

In our city darkened now, street and square and crescent,
We can feel our living past in our shadowed present,
Ghosts beside our starlit Thames who lived and loved and died
Keep throughout the ages
London Pride.

London Pride has been handed down to us.
London Pride is a flower that’s free.
London Pride means our own dear town to us,
And our pride it for ever will be.

Grey city! Stubbornly implanted,
Taken so for granted for a thousand years.
Stay, city! Smokily enchanted,
Cradle of our memories and hopes and fears.

Every Blitz your resistance toughening,
From the Ritz to the Anchor and Crown,
Nothing ever could override
The pride of London Town.

lola
- Friday, July 08, 2005 at 09:47:59 PM (EDT)

Hikity - thanks for all the hard work!

Aurora - ...Edgeware Rd. was my local tube station. I'm taking this personally. I know how you feel. lol! Paddington was my local, but that's close enough.

Glad you all liked the link - I was afraid some might be offended. The like the quote from the Mayor of London:
Whatever you do, however many you kill, you will fail.
martha
maine, - Friday, July 08, 2005 at 04:11:09 PM (EDT)

So, here comes what the Spiegel basically writes:
http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/0,1518,druck-363400,00.html

The Murderer and his Women

Producer Bernd Eichinger has been dreaming of filming the story ever since Süsskind's book was published 20 years ago....

At midnight on the hills of Gréoux les Bains, a small village in South France, Tom and Bernd finally dicided about which of the red-haired two actresses Héloise Adam (F) and Caroline Herfurth (Germany) would play the great love in Grenouille's life, after the two women had just played a brief love scene with Ben. It was important to see the actors act together and find out whether they could convince their audience about their (undying, ) love. Beautiful Caroline got the job.

In contrast to the book's character Grenouille will be shown as a man with emotions who desperately wants do be loved. Therefore, he will be much more "human" in the film. As Tom and Bernd emphasize the film is mainly about beautiful women. The audience will love Grenouille although he oversteps any moral. Grenouille is an artist rather than a monster.

Süsskind (shy) does not intervene (friend of Eichinger)

Tom has to demonstrate his ability to transfer his special style (penchant for extremities) into a historical story of 18th century France, but Bernd is convinced that Tom succeeds (budget: 50 Mio Euro).

Directors such as Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott and Milos Forman were interested in the material, but Eichinger believes Tom to be the one to be able to get the book's character under control.

The last girl Grenouille falls in love with is Rachel Hurd-Wood (Peter Pan), but -as all the other women (except for the first one) she is only an echo. With the first woman on scene he could have found fulfillment.

Before they decided on Ben, they considered Orlando Bloom and esp. Leo DiCaprio, who half agreed but backed away eventually (most probably because of his managers who were afraid of his reputation...). Ben, however, has the exact age and the mysterious/arcane charisma. He has devilishly good looks (even in rags he looks great). He has the mixture of innocence and abysm Tom was looking for.

Altogether, Tom and Bernd had checked more than 100 candidates for the leading role.

The rest is about Eichinger's works in general.

Quite interesting - if true, which we never know with journals such as GALA - Dustin and Tom have been friends ever since DH phoned Tom after he had seen "Lola rennt" and congratulated him on his great film.

Alan is not that known in Germany I 'm afraid, especially not his voice and its effects....

love you all, xxx
Hikity
Germany - Friday, July 08, 2005 at 12:27:06 PM (EDT)

2nd trial: Meeressternchen, I am living between Cologne and Duesseldorf, and yu? Peekabooh is interested in travelling down to Munich, too. Please check Claudia's. Daydreamer has posted absolutely gorgeous pics of our Man from TV "Taff": http://www.livejournal.com/users/dreamingallday/6095.html
Hikity
- Friday, July 08, 2005 at 12:10:56 PM (EDT)

Hikity, thank you for the compliment (Re name). Where exactly do you live in Germany? May be we could meet and go down together, if you wish and have no definitive plans yet.

Re: London explosions - talked to a friend today, she's thank god ok, but she said the underground functions partly again, though it's hard to get to wrok or home. She reports that there have been indeed over 100 dead people (officially it was stated yesterday over 30) and many more injured. They think it has to do with G8.
Meeressternchen
- Friday, July 08, 2005 at 10:41:59 AM (EDT)

You gotta love the "Carry on" attitude. Thanks, KBBJ and Martha. BTW, when I was in London recently, Edgeware Rd. was my local tube station. I'm taking this personally.
Aurora
- Friday, July 08, 2005 at 07:20:20 AM (EDT)

Great, reassuring link, Martha. Thanks.
Glowbox
France - Friday, July 08, 2005 at 04:39:30 AM (EDT)

Martha, what a fantastic link! Sums the reaction up entirely. Ta for posting it.
KBBJ
Oh, you know. That place that's burning with fear when it's not going to the pub for a cheeky half., - Friday, July 08, 2005 at 03:59:13 AM (EDT)

Claudia, what happened to your site? I haven't managed to open it for 2 days. I have Parfume news and photos
Hikity
Germany - Friday, July 08, 2005 at 03:15:15 AM (EDT)

professor snape is awesome and beautiful alan rickman with black hair floats my boat(good).
angelwitch5 <angelwitch5@bolt.comfoo>
beverly hills , ca u.s.a. - Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 11:45:47 PM (EDT)

Came across this London Bombing Quotes list on an LJ. I think it captures the spirit of Londoners rather well.

http://www.livejournal.com/users/tyrell/154027.html#cutid1
martha
maine, - Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 09:35:52 PM (EDT)

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of our friends in the UK. BTW, I do know that all is well with Heather.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 09:06:24 PM (EDT)

KBBJ, well bless you too! Laughter is a release and just one mechanism for coping with a traumatic event. I was very moved watching Londoners speak about their ordeal on tv today. There was one woman (quoted all over the newspapers) who did an excellent job of on-the-spot journalism. She quite put the so-called professionals to shame with her determination not to misrepresent any of the facts. Last OT post, I promise.
Slope
Canada - Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 07:36:59 PM (EDT)

Although it's been said many times already let me also add my thoughts and prayers to those in London and surrounding area. Having just been to London and those areas it hits home for me too.
bunks
Whitby, - Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 06:21:10 PM (EDT)

My deepest condolences to the victims and families of today's terrorist attacks in London. May the spirits of those who passed find peace, may their families be comforted.

My love to you all.
BackstageMystic (Carolyn P. in Arizona, USA)
BackstageMystic
- Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 06:03:15 PM (EDT)

Hi all, Was in London today, thankfully not near any of the incidents, in fact knew nothing about it until arriving at work. Friends and folks also thankfully all accounted for. Have to agree that, although maybe a little shaky, those in London were generally holding up very well indeed - a determination to just keep getting on with things.
Catherine <catherineharpham@hotmail.comfoo>
Reading, England - Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 05:12:40 PM (EDT)

Just have come home from work, dinnner and theatre (Musical "Rocky Horror Show") - have had a really lovely evening.

And now that news (never have the radio on at work), how horrible. My best wishes are with all the people who stay(ed) in London, the victims and their families. I'm enclosing into my prayers - less enough.
What are those people, how can do such things! I hope they will be captured soon and prisoned.

Ricky
Ricky
Austria, - Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 04:58:07 PM (EDT)

Slope, I see you realise it's just the way we deal with things over here. Bless you! May not be to everyone's taste, or even in any decent taste at all, but it works for us in any case. As I was walking to the overland station at around 5-ish, the pubs were full but no one was being lairy or overly drunken.

I haven't been able to get to eBay, Pam, hence I haven't read the report you kindly flagged up for us, but can I stress that this 'no one is able to get out of London' is untrue and I wouldn't like anyone to think that it's the case - I got home tonight from the City to NW6 via public transport (overland train). There were no buses running in the central zone, but many overland/mainline stations opened again and Waterloo (I think I'm right in saying) didn't shut. It's unlikely that many children would have been among the injured thanks to the time of the attacks.

One odd side effect of all this is that I've discovered that BBC news is by no means as objective as it used to be. :( In a few reports it has Londoners "burning with rage". No doubt there are some who are. A couple of people at work today were a little shaky. But that was it. People on the whole are calm, sanguine, and most of us knew it would happen at some point. Bizarre and almost depressing in a way.

But thanks on behalf of all Londoners for the concern and the good wishes offered by so many people here. You're all lovely.

Suzanne, sweetheart, this is my most off-topic yet, but given the circumstances, please leave this up for a while before you get your big deleting pen out. :)
KBBJ
- Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 04:46:00 PM (EDT)

I just posted this over at Claudia's, but in case you havent been there lately, here it is. I wanted to check out the latest on the London tragedy, so searched around some forums etc. If anyone is interested in hearing a first hand account from a Londoner, please go to Ebay, click on community, then discussions, then go to Town Square, scroll down to the subject Update on London from a Brit by Rolling Panda. She says how the transportation system is completely shut down and no one can get out of London right now. They also fear Al Qaida (sp) is involved. On a good note, she stated so far, the unconfirmed reports state that no children have been found dead. They are also still searching the trains undergrounds that they didnt get to yet..Those poor people. All my prayers go out to you over in London..Take care, Pam
Pam
MA - Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 03:42:15 PM (EDT)

KBBJ, gallows humour, eh? That's why I love the Brits! My thoughts are with Londoners today, though. I stayed last fall (when I was hoping to catch AR at the ill-fated RADA benefit) in the area where the bus blew up, and have been in most of the tube stops that were affected, so this hits home quite a bit.
Slope
Canada - Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 03:29:06 PM (EDT)

Not in London, but checking in anyway. Those images are truly awful, my thoughts go out to anyone with loved ones caught up in it all.
AFNH
- Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 03:21:28 PM (EDT)

What a horrible news. All those poor people and their families..... I must say that also my thoughts were with Alan, but wasn't he already in Munich? I keep thinking about Rima, too. I hope she is allright, too. Or did she also go to Munich? I am Dutch, but England is my second homeland and I feel so much for all those poor people. I wish everybody best of luck. Take care, all of you.... especially the people in London. My thoughts are with you.
Miriam Heijdemann <mheijdemann@netscape.netfoo>
Almelo, the Netherlands - Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 02:46:29 PM (EDT)

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO terrorist attacks in London!!! I hope Alan Rickman wasnt on the train or a double decker bus. I hope he's alright. This is soooo horrible.
Joyce
Honolulu, HI US - Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 02:33:10 PM (EDT)

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you Londoners during this dreadful time. Please take care and let us know you are okay. Pam
Pam
MA - Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 02:02:07 PM (EDT)

Just checking in, Fausta and MA - all OK here.
Claire
- Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 01:43:41 PM (EDT)

Meeressternchen, what a lovely name(our guinea pigs' names were Mondstein und Sternschnuppe, grins). I am afraid I have no idea. I've tried to find out more but it would be best to be at site...hmmm, still thinking of going there.
Hikity
- Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 12:50:36 PM (EDT)

I have been watching the news all morning. My prayers go to all of you in London. Please let us know you and your family are ok. Having been in DC on 9/11, I know how hectic things are in London right now.
Brinda
VA USA - Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 11:15:09 AM (EDT)

Aww, what exactly happened in London with those explosions? I'm sorry, I have missed this or the news have not yet reached me...

Regarding Perfume - does anyone know (Hikity?) if they are going to show anything else about the filming on TV? I know they don't let any people on the set, it is a closed production...
Meeressternchen
- Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 10:51:28 AM (EDT)

Indeed, awful news about the explosions in London! My thoughts and prayers go out to all in the UK. Thanks, KBBJ, for letting us know you're all right. To all our other friends in London, please let us know you're okay.

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 10:24:50 AM (EDT)

I hope everyone is safe and well regards from Janine
Janine
- Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 10:11:12 AM (EDT)

Lola, much of the mobile network has been given over to the emergency services for priority calls. Even my landline was b*ggered this morning. So don't worry if you can't get through. I'm sure they'll be completely fine. *hugs lola*
KBBJ
- Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 09:33:10 AM (EDT)

Thanks for letting us know you are OK KBBJ. We are still waiting to hear from hubby's parents who are in London at present. Hope you get that pint (or three).
lola
- Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 09:21:12 AM (EDT)

Personally it's pretty much wall-to-wall gallows humour here. They've broken out the booze on the floor downstairs and we have to dodge HR to get out of the building.

There's been a report that Al Qaeda believes we're "burning in fear". We're actually gasping for a pint.

Hope everyone else is OK and has managed to track down friends and rellies. Texting works, mobile calls may not. Phone boxes 100% reliable. See you all post-HP. x
KBBJ
- Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 09:10:03 AM (EDT)

Heart breaking news out of London. My thoughts and prayers are with all of London right now. We'll be waiting anxiously for word from all our friends in the area that they are OK.

Claudia
GA - Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 08:56:49 AM (EDT)

What awful news. I am thinking of all UKers here and hope you and your families are fine. xxx Hikity
Hikity
Germany - Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 08:53:52 AM (EDT)

Though I imagine Londoners are in front of their TVs, on the phone and gathered with friends now, posting on the Internet probably not the first priority.
Aurora
- Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 08:18:32 AM (EDT)

Yes, indeed, awful news. I'm sure we all share the concern for people in the London area. So please keep us posted.
Aurora
- Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 08:16:25 AM (EDT)

UK Rickmaniacs, check in please and let us know you're okay. Horrified by the news this morning.

MA
- Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 07:59:02 AM (EDT)

Claire, how are you and yours?
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 07:14:25 AM (EDT)

about 7.5 hours drive away from Munich.. Glowbox, that's a typical French remark, :) :) :)
Hikity
still Germany - Wednesday, July 06, 2005 at 02:29:29 PM (EDT)

Welcome to the guestbook Sandra it's a great place to meet fellow Rickman fans and find out more about our favorite actor.
bunks
Whitby, - Wednesday, July 06, 2005 at 02:26:15 PM (EDT)

Charlene try going into Amazon.com and doing a search for Alan Rickman under DVDs and VHS, you should be able to pull up something for him. Just been there and there are all kinds of Dvds available. At least enough to get you going :)
bunks
Whitby, - Wednesday, July 06, 2005 at 02:23:40 PM (EDT)

There's a nice mention of AR in a Twenty Questions interview with Megan Dodds at www.whatsonstage.com this week.
Penny S.
- Wednesday, July 06, 2005 at 01:23:14 PM (EDT)

To Whom It May Concern: I am pleased to find a site for which I might be able to learn more regarding the work accomplished by Mr. Rickman. I first noticed Mr. Rickman's performance in the role of Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series. I felt that he portrayed Professor Snape as I had envisioned the character. I must confess, he was my facorite character in the films. I recently had the pleasure of watching him in the Jane Austin movie "Sense and Sensibility." I must admit, I was captured again by his character portrayal of the gentleman suitor. Having now established an interest in this actor, I wondered wher I could find other works by him, since I don't imagine that he came to be this refined without previous experience. This is how I chanced upon this site. I am new to using a computer to find information. Perhaps well behind the times, but I like that I have an opportunity to be a fan. Sincerely, Charlene M. DiCriscio
Charlene M. DiCriscio <CDiCrscioLawson@yahoo.comfoo>
Cambridge, MD US - Wednesday, July 06, 2005 at 12:27:37 PM (EDT)

Yes, I've looked at all those Perfume cast photos and that lovely young woman is definitely hanging on to Alan's arm. No wonder he's smiling!
Glowbox
France - Wednesday, July 06, 2005 at 04:53:01 AM (EDT)

Oh yeah (laughing). How about -- 'My gawd, I'm standing next to Prof. Snape!'(or any of AR's other roles)?
snapes_witch
- Wednesday, July 06, 2005 at 12:38:28 AM (EDT)

I love that blond girl's incredulous look in the Perfume cast photo: it looks like she just can't believe the resemblance between Rickman and Hoffman! (yes, that must be it!)
Julia
Calgary, Canada - Tuesday, July 05, 2005 at 10:04:10 PM (EDT)

So I clicked on the link to see who the infamous top ten British actors were.. dreading the results quite honestly.. but was actually impressed to see among the ten luminaries I've been a fan of since childhood. Charles Laughton.. that really gave the listing credibility to me.. the man was a genius in my not so humble opinion, Night of the Hunter was incredible.. and I wish the Epic That Never Was had come to fruition.. I only wish he'd lived to act and direct more. Cary Grant is timeless, and I'll be forever grateful he wasn't written off. I too would like to see AR, as well as Alastair Sim on the list to name just a few. My big gripe is the British stage, having such an long history would limit such a list to only ten.. that is the problem that should be addressed.

One more thing.. while there, I saw a link for something titled "Live Aged", my curiosity won the day, so I clicked. Saw a teensy photo that looked like Rickman, clicked on that.. had to giggle a bit because it turned out to be Midge Ure.. haven't seen a photo of him since I was in my early 20s.. he does bear more than a passing resemblence to the man.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Tuesday, July 05, 2005 at 03:25:25 PM (EDT)

Claudia, thanks for sharing the url for the photo of the Perfume cast.. I've been looking forward to that film as I enjoyed the novel (unrepentent horror fan), even more since AR will be in it. Judging on Hoffman standing off a bit by himself, I'll lay odds this is his first meeting with his fellow castmates.

Suzanne, not only have I circled the 13th in red on my calender, marking down channel and time, I've set up notifications on my computer calender so I won't forget when JK will be on. The one thing I miss about the days of VHS is that I could have pre-programed the darned thing this far in advance.. my cable system doesn't allow programming selections this far in advance.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Tuesday, July 05, 2005 at 02:53:50 PM (EDT)

ah ha! Alan and Dustie in the same photo!!
snapes_witch
- Tuesday, July 05, 2005 at 01:28:22 PM (EDT)

Canadian AR fans, I see that Amazon.ca has Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy on dvd to be released Sep 13.
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, July 05, 2005 at 11:29:39 AM (EDT)

My name is Sandra Luckett. I am a medical secretary in a hospital in Barnes, London.

I am a great fan of Alan Rickman and my favourite films are Sense and Sensibility, Mesmer, Truly, Madly Deeply, Love Actually and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.
Sandra Luckett <sandracoward@yahoo.co.ukfoo>
London, United Kingdom - Tuesday, July 05, 2005 at 11:24:38 AM (EDT)

"THATS MY WIFE!!!"
"I MUST AWAY TO LONDON!!!"
hi, we love alan rickman we think he is amazing! a sexy biatch!! wudnt mind haviung a bit of the old tuimble in the broom closet with him! he is so talented, and even though we are young we still appreciate his good looks. Basically we think hes hot! WE LOVE HIM!wooooooooo thanks for the great films! today we are having an Alan rickman day, wait.... everyday is an Alan rickman day!!!! = D BOI! xxx
louise una anna <annabithiah@hotmail.com, sprtiz182@hotmail.com, cherub_rock_@hotmail.co.ukfoo>
Engaland!, eng Engaland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Tuesday, July 05, 2005 at 10:48:57 AM (EDT)

Hmmmm, it would seem ddd is a little on the desperate side! LOL Suzanne, I'm hopeful to get some answers in the next couple of days.

Chalebh and Daydreamer are reporting that the AR drought is coming to an end!!! AR is in Munich!

Daydreamer first reported that she saw him on German TV in Punk 9 news.

Then, Chalebh posted this new picture of the Perfume film crew.

Thank you Daydreamer and Chalebh!!!

Claudia
GA - Tuesday, July 05, 2005 at 08:06:30 AM (EDT)

Mary, sorry to hear about your JK dud! Hope you can catch it on Lifetime.

Slope, thank you for the Rachel Corrie article (link fixed)! And thanks, Glowbox, Mel and Hikity for the links, article, info, photos, etc. Yes, Hikity, it's perfectly fine to post info (along with your source) from other places. Spreading the word and sharing is what it's all about! :-)

Yup, AFNH, us Aquarians know a good thing when we see it... er, him! :-) (don't ask me why, but it made me so happy when I found out Rima's also Aquarius LOL)

And a warm welcome to our newbies, Melissa and Jessica!

I had a busy, busy and fun, 4th of July three day weekend. Hope you all from the U.S. had a great one, too!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Tuesday, July 05, 2005 at 01:29:27 AM (EDT)

Still no reply from the seller, but I've good news in that Judas Kiss will be broadcast on Lifetime on July 13th.. so that's at least something. Not much from me tonight as I'm zoned from a loooong day, too much company and cooking. Just wanted to share the news about JK on tv with any others in the US who haven't seen it as yet. I'm off to collapse into my chair with a nice glass of wine and watch Diehard for the AR bits, ;-)
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Monday, July 04, 2005 at 10:03:38 PM (EDT)

Aha - no wonder Megan Dodds is so appreciative of AR, her birthday is in the same week as our Suzanne's, she's in good company! *grin*
AFNH
- Monday, July 04, 2005 at 05:32:07 PM (EDT)

Quite right, Hickity. Some strange choices there. But ten is a rather small number.
Glowbox
France - Monday, July 04, 2005 at 05:00:23 PM (EDT)

Everytime production for a new HP movie begins, the rumors start flying about whether or not AR is going to be Snape. My question -- why wouldn't he be?? No doubt he's getting sufficient funds for the 15 or 20 minutes screen time and it might even be fun to play Snape. Besides since Snape is a supporting role, filming should be easy enough to work around AR's schedule.
snapes_witch
- Monday, July 04, 2005 at 01:34:37 PM (EDT)

Martha, thank you. I did not see that yet, i only heard Daniel is doing HP5 and didnt hear about Emma or Rupert yet. And i read in during HP2 that Jason signed on for the rest of the time Lucius is in the series so that wasnt a big surprise, same with Gambon and Fiennes. Im glad the three main stars are going to continue. It would not be the same without any of them, i mean from Harry to Snape, from Neville to Draco.
Alfan
Canada - Monday, July 04, 2005 at 09:27:49 AM (EDT)

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY TO ALL THE USA RICKMANIACS!!!!!!!

HAVE FUN BE SAFE AND DONT DRINK AND DRIVE

Cecilia P. president of willcox M.A.D.D.

ok sorry this part is kinda a personal post:

pyewacket (sp?) the one who sent me the STLM tape i need to talk to you about dark harbor. hope u are reading today i lost ur email and need you to email me back so i can tell u something. thanks a bunch and sorry again for personal

with love

ailicec
ailicec <twiggy797@yahoo.comfoo>
blah, blah usa - Monday, July 04, 2005 at 08:49:42 AM (EDT)

Alfan - Actually, imdb.com shows all three kids and Jason Isaacs on the cast list.
martha
maine, - Monday, July 04, 2005 at 05:48:25 AM (EDT)

SORRY: the button for your comment is at the bottom of the article itself - of course...
Hikity
Germany - Monday, July 04, 2005 at 04:09:40 AM (EDT)

Barbara, sorry, I know I am a dunce...I am buying from amazon - cheaper and much more reliable.

Ladies, I am completely furious about that top-ten-British-actor-list and directly sent a comment concerning our Man on it. Please do so, too. Click on the photo gallery- there is another button to click on for comments. Forgive me, Suzanne, if it doesn't work with the link:
top-ten-British actors
I am a bit in a hurry this morning... Nevertheless, have a nice day and don't fume too much :) :) :)
Hikity
Germany - Monday, July 04, 2005 at 04:06:21 AM (EDT)

Judas Kiss
Barbara
NZ - Monday, July 04, 2005 at 03:45:00 AM (EDT)

What is JK?
Hikity
Germany, sunny again - Monday, July 04, 2005 at 03:33:59 AM (EDT)

I received the JK dvd on Saturday, was so busy getting ready for the party we were having today I didn't get a chance to watch it until a few minutes ago.. husband in bed, daughter finally logs off the internet. Amped to finally get to see a film I've been wanting to see since I found out about it about a year ago. Popped it into the player and nothing.. zip, zilch, nada! I purchased it on ebay, a "buy it now" item, from someone in Hong Kong (my only option, every other copy was zone 2). So I'd like to warn any of you to be leary of items like that. I've sent an email to the seller, to find out what's going on.. it's clearly a bootleg rather than the used copy I was expecting it to be.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Monday, July 04, 2005 at 12:33:20 AM (EDT)

Oops...forgot to make that URL into a link. Sorry.
Slope
Canada - Sunday, July 03, 2005 at 10:59:19 PM (EDT)

This article will be archived in a week, so I'm posting the whole thing here now...

4th July 2005 - What's on Stage 20 Questions with ... Megan Dodds

Actress Megan Dodds - now starring in This Is How It Goes, which heads to Bristol & Salford this month after its Donmar Warehouse premiere - discusses small-town America & praises Alan Rickman for his direction of My Name Is Rachel Corrie. ------------------------------------------------------

Born in California and trained at the Julliard School in New York City, American actress Megan Dodds moved to London in 1997 to make her West End debut playing starlet Brook Daniels in Ben Elton’s Popcorn.

Since then, she has played Ophelia opposite Paul Rhys’s Danish prince in the Young Vic’s 1999 production of Hamlet, and back in the West End, shared the Wyndham’s stage with Madonna in 2002’s Up for Grabs.

On screen, Dodds’ credits have included Sword of Honour, Poirot, Love in a Cold Climate, The Rat Pack, Urban Folk Tales and Ever After: A Cinderella Story, as well as the BBC spy drama Spooks, in which she played CIA liaison officer Christine Dale.

This year, Dodds has made a big impact back on stage. First, she starred in the one-woman show My Name Is Rachel Corrie at the Royal Court. Devised and directed by actor Alan Rickman, the play tells the true story of the 23-year-old American woman of the title who died while trying to defend a Palestinian home from a bulldozer. Critically acclaimed when it premiered in April, it returns to the Royal Court, moving from the Upstairs studio to the Downstairs main house, in October (See News, 3 May 2005).

Dodds is now starring in the UK premiere of Neil LaBute’s This Is How It Goes, which is at London’s Donmar Warehouse ahead of a brief regional tour. Set in small-town America, the three-hander puts race and infidelity under the microscope by dissecting an inter-racial love triangle. -------------------------------------------------------

Date & place of birth
I was born on 15 February 1970, in Sacramento, California. I came over to do Popcorn in the West End in 1997, and I’ve been in London pretty much ever since.

First big break
Getting into drama school was a really big deal to me at the time. I went to Julliard and it was great to be meeting so many new people. It was a good training ground. I have stayed friends with many of the people I met there. It was a fantastic experience to be in New York and I see that as the start of my career.

Career highlights to date
My Name Is Rachel Corrie is definitely my career highlight. It was a new thing foe with whatever I do really, so I can’t think of any specific productions because I have enjoyed almost all of them.

Favourite co-stars
This is a difficult one. I always seem to be most in love with and enthusiastic about the production I am working on at the moment! I really do think the guys in This Is How it Goes - Ben Chaplin and Idris Elba - are wonderful. We’re getting along really well and having a fantastic time.

Favourite directors
Alan Rickman is my favourite director for what he has done with Rachel Corrie. He really inspired me and made me think ‘yes, I can do this’. Other than him, the same applies with directors as it does with cast members - I love the people I am working with at the time!

What roles would you most like to play still?
I don’t have anything specifically in mind that I particularly want to do, but my experience with Rachel Corrie has made me decide I definitely want to do more plays (as opposed to film). The reaction you get from a live audience is just incredible. Rachel Corrie was very intimate and being aware of the audience’s reaction was very moving and intense.

How did My Name Is Rachel Corrie initially come about?
Alan Rickman approached me with the idea a couple of years ago and, being a true story, the material wasn’t made available to us until the family was ready to release it. But then we spent a lot of time looking at all the information we could lay our hands on to build up a picture of the life of this amazing woman.

How would you describe My Name Is Rachel Corrie?
It’s all about growing up and the things that happen to this young American woman during her everyday life as well as in the more extraordinary part of her life. I think that is why it works so well, because it is so human and so personal. It shows that, during all sorts of conflicts and major events, people’s lives still go on. They still have their own little dramas, as well as the big ones, to contend with.

Why do you think it was such a hit with audiences?
It is just so moving and it really affects people. It is about one girl’s really human story, and there are a lot of issues in there that make it really vibrant and also heartbreaking.

What's the best thing you've seen on stage recently?
Primo with Antony Sher at the NT Cottesloe. When I saw it, I was worrying about whether or not I could do Rachel Corrie and it was a great boost. It was so reassuring to see that a much wider issue (in Primo, the Holocaust) could be adapted into a very moving story of one person’s life, which is what we were trying to do with Rachel Corrie.

Favourite books
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is my favourite. It’s so well written and it’s a classic.

Favourite holiday destinations
Tuscany is very hard to beat, I really love it there. I also enjoy it when I go home, back to the States. Last summer a group of us friends went to Connecticut. We all brought our babies with us and it was such a relaxed, fun holiday.

Favourite after-show haunts
We normally seem to end up just closing the theatre bar because we have friends coming to see us every so often and they stay to chat. It’s a great way to get to know the theatre you’re in even better!

What made you want to accept your part in This Is How It Goes?
I really like the play. I thought it was provocative and interesting for a woman to be doing the kinds of things my character (Woman) does. I just thought the script was great, and I’m enjoying doing theatre at the moment so I was glad to accept the part.

How did you research the role of Woman?
I just thought really hard about the play and the type of situations she gets into. She could turn out to be a big victim and I didn’t want to play her like that.

Do you identify with the role in any way?
I had that same kind of small town experience when I grew up so I know how it feels to live in that kind of community.

What do you like the most about This Is How It Goes?
It gets you to question your own ideas about life, about issues the play deals with, and everything really. The characters are engaging and the audience really gets drawn into their stories.

What are your future plans?
I am going to be in a film called The Contract starring Morgan Freeman, so that is my next project straight after This Is How It Goes, and then after that I am doing Rachel Corrie again, which will be absolutely wonderful.

Are you looking forward to reprising your role as Rachel?
Yes, definitely! It is the most fantastically written play and I enjoyed it so much the first time round.
http://www.whatsonstage.com/dl/page.php?page=greenroom&story=E8821120239566
Slope
Canada - Sunday, July 03, 2005 at 10:58:09 PM (EDT)

Sorry AR Fan, i did not mean to say that Alan is not doing HP5. I just meant that i hope he does, no news on any signings for the fifth Harry Potter movie except Daniel Radcliffe.
Alfan
Canada - Sunday, July 03, 2005 at 10:36:32 PM (EDT)

hello I think the films with Alan Rickman in them are really good. Alan Rickman is a very good actor.
jessica pryce <jessica@lpryce45.fsnet.co.ukfoo>
(Village) Beggearnhuish, England - Sunday, July 03, 2005 at 01:24:06 PM (EDT)

IS there talk that AR may not do HP5? That's is what I'm gathering from a couple of recent entries. God, how horrible if that were to be true.
AR Fan
- Sunday, July 03, 2005 at 01:07:26 PM (EDT)

i agree, they shouldnt appear at the same time. Baldini in the beginning and Riches in the end of the movie if it goes by book. But then again, no movie is like the book and i think there will be changes from movie to book. I completly understand that the author is German but when i first read that Alan will be doing a German police thriller i went out and bought the book and realized that it takes place in France and there is no police involved really,. So who knows, but i for one would like to see Alan and Dustin share the same screen for a minute or two.
Alfan
Canada - Saturday, July 02, 2005 at 10:59:05 PM (EDT)

Unless a biiiig change is made in the movie script, Alan and Dustin will be not be appearing together in Perfume. To explain further would be a spoiler.

I FINALLY saw Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy today. I'm cheap, it was at the $.50 theater!! Cute movie, Marvin was special. I mean, he was REALLY special!!
snapes_witch
- Saturday, July 02, 2005 at 10:36:48 PM (EDT)

Ahh,Pink Floyd, what a music...Alfan, I am quite sure that Tom Tykwer thought about his cast beforehand (and he wanted these 3 actors to work together), so we shouldn't be too nervous (it's the draught, isn't it). The Parfume has a lot of subtle qualities to offer. Now, isn't that something for our Man? If He should decide not to play HP5 we all write letters to him...this is just not possible after 4 times Severus Snape. I am going to bed now - nighty nighty to everybody
Hikity
Germany - Saturday, July 02, 2005 at 06:34:51 PM (EDT)

i dey here i like very much
mugu <ulisa@caramail.comfoo>
po south africa - Saturday, July 02, 2005 at 04:55:04 PM (EDT)

Great find Mel, thanks.

When I think of Umbridge I always picture exactly the women who was in AABA, when AR first returns to the theatre.
fir
- Saturday, July 02, 2005 at 11:09:07 AM (EDT)

I totally like Dustin Hoffman and i meant it when i said that i think that him and Alan will/should get along. They are both serious actors who take thier roles to heart. They kind of remind me of each other sometimes. I listen to alote of commentary on both thier movies and directors or whoever do the commentary make similar comments about each actor. ( they say nothing personal, just that they both seem, like you said, method actors). I remeber reading a story where Alan likes to have the cast as one, both on and off the set....when he was shooting Rasputin and Ian Mclellan arrived Alan phoned up the hotel he was staying at, welcomed him to wherever they were shooting and invited him for drinks, in S&S--Alan and the rest of the cast constantly were gathering outside of shots for drinks or eats rather it be in a hotel bar or their trailers. Well, i hope they get along. Its either that or totally but heads about everything. Lets hope its not the later of the two.
Alfan
Canada - Saturday, July 02, 2005 at 11:06:39 AM (EDT)

Alfan, regarding Hoffman, I remember reading somewhere that he's a method actor, and does apply those techniques to get into character. He's quite good at it I believe. When filming American Buffalo (filmed in Pawtucket, RI) in the various locations, local restaurants, storefronts, etc.. it was reported that he would prepare for example, by using a pay telephone to pretend to have a confrontational conversation with the character he was supposed to perform a scene with to get himself into the moment (this purportedly caused a stir among the other diners believing that there was going to be some kind of disturbance). The local papers were filled with similar stories.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Saturday, July 02, 2005 at 10:18:52 AM (EDT)

Thats what i was wondering, if there was some pre-Perfume shooting in a studio somewhere. Maybe he is chillin with Dustin, hee hee.I remember reading somewhere that Dustin Hoffman is a hard person to work with, he is somewhat of a perfectionist. Him and Alan should get along just fine.I read the book and i will leave my opinion to myself as not to offend anyone but i do look forward to the movie,not because of the book/story line but because it has Alan and any time there is more screen time for the guy, its a good thing. I just hope he does HP5.
Alfan
Canada - Saturday, July 02, 2005 at 09:42:08 AM (EDT)

Alfan, Tom has already started to film - due to the lavender abloom - in the Provence and he is going to film the indoor shoots from 12 July in Munich
Hikity
Germany - Saturday, July 02, 2005 at 04:45:45 AM (EDT)

As those pictures are dated June 27, maybe he has ended his trip across the left pond and will be back in London for the Live8 events. Wouldn't it be great to catch a flight from LA and find yourself on his plane?
lola
- Friday, July 01, 2005 at 08:27:56 PM (EDT)

I was just saying over on Claudia's that i was wondering what " US filming commitments" he had/has that enabled him to attend both the John Donne thing and the Chelsea thing in London that were both cancelled and postponed. I know Perfume doesnt start filming in Europe till July 16th ( date sound familiar HP fans) so although im sure he has friends in LA, i wonder if he is sneaking in a quick cameo of some sort somewhere sometime? Although i am greatfull for the new pictures, it makes me mad that the guy cant go to have lunch without his photo being taken. What do these paparazzi do, hang out infront of celbrity hot spots waiting for someone famous. ( probably. Anyways, we will take the new Alan spotting becuse i think we have been in a AR drought.I cant say he looks happy but he looks healthy,,,,,,i wonder if he brought an iron with him on his holidays/US trip?
Alfan
Canada - Friday, July 01, 2005 at 04:21:48 PM (EDT)

Great Mel - Thanks!! LA, huh? Wonder what he's up to...
martha
maine, - Friday, July 01, 2005 at 03:40:23 PM (EDT)

Thank you for the url, Mel! He looks fantastic!

Claudia
GA - Friday, July 01, 2005 at 02:58:04 PM (EDT)

Hallo,
here are new pics from Alan in Beverly Hills !!
Best reagards
Mel

AR in Beverly Hills
Mel <Bkamla@gmx.defoo>
Hannover, - Friday, July 01, 2005 at 01:15:09 PM (EDT)

Oh Glowbox, what a nice article about our hero :o) Ricky
Ricky
Austria - Friday, July 01, 2005 at 11:46:16 AM (EDT)

Martha, I always pictured Ruby Wax as Rita Skeeter but there you go.

Here's a lovely article in praise of our Man: Good Baddie
Glowbox
France - Friday, July 01, 2005 at 11:23:30 AM (EDT)

Martha, that sounds better!
Hikity
Germany - Friday, July 01, 2005 at 08:35:04 AM (EDT)

How about Ruby Wax?
martha
maine, - Friday, July 01, 2005 at 05:40:39 AM (EDT)

Well, Simone, that's a bit bold, isn't it? A lovely weekend to all of you - won't have time to post anything the next 2 days (in-laws and The Merry Wives of Windsor: Wilde Thyme Productions London here in Neuss). Love Hikity
Hikity
Germany - Friday, July 01, 2005 at 03:39:07 AM (EDT)

:: Umbridge :: I don't know why but everytime i picture Umbridge ... I see Rima Horton... I know she is not an actress... but would she not be a good Umbridge ?? ;-)
Simone <simone@aol.comfoo>
Switzerland - Friday, July 01, 2005 at 02:34:51 AM (EDT)

Félicitations, Alison. You have two beautiful children. Thanks for sharing pics. And congrats in advance to Cat. It was Sunday you posted, so maybe a baby by now. Or we'll wait, if not.

I'm back from summer travels, alas. :) Nephew married, now they're legal, and I'm home again. I'd been thinking, too, about who'd play Umbridge. JDench is an inspired choice. She has to be short. JD would do it with gusto.

But where is Severus? I'm still waiting. I anticipate big discussions on July 17.
Aurora
- Thursday, June 30, 2005 at 06:03:52 PM (EDT)

Alison, you have to try that anyway! One can never start too soon. LOL
Peekabooh
- Thursday, June 30, 2005 at 04:19:17 PM (EDT)

There are some people getting on our nervs... Ladies, have a look on Claudia's - there are sweet photos of the "preacher"
Hikity
Germany - Thursday, June 30, 2005 at 02:37:53 PM (EDT)

Wow, thanks so much for all the lovely comments on the baby! She's still a bit colicky, but I'm hoping it'll pass soon - otherwise I'll have to try reading HBP out loud to her to calm her down ;)
Alison
France - Thursday, June 30, 2005 at 09:14:55 AM (EDT)

I have truely enjoyed Mr. Rickman's work, and hope to see more good works from him.
Melissa Lague <palmlague@aol.comfoo>
Palm Bay, FL United States - Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 09:39:24 PM (EDT)

Oh boy - the Stork has really been working his socks off on this GB of late! Congratulations to all you new and soon-to-be mothers, hope all colicky gripes pass soon!
AFNH
- Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 03:51:32 PM (EDT)

Alison, your baby girl is so precious! Congratulations! My Elyot (no Alan here either, Slope, although unlike Cat I did suggest it to my husband with less-than-amused results) seems to be just hitting that 2-week colicky stage now. This too shall pass, as I recall.
Reedpipe
CT USA - Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 02:33:52 PM (EDT)

Allison, the baby is precious! Congratulations! I have admired Geraldine McEwan in "Magdalene Sisters". She plays a sort of Umbridge kind of character in that film too - an undermining hypocrite. She would be wonderful!
Mark Grossman <spero_contra_spem@yahoo.comfoo>
CA USA - Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 02:17:29 PM (EDT)

Alison, congratulations!! your baby is soooo cute.
Hikity
Germany, humid and hot - Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 01:02:44 PM (EDT)

Susanne, as a second thought - I hope it is o.k. to post Claudia's quotation here??
Hikity
Germany - Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 01:01:12 PM (EDT)

Hi everybody, sorry to post so little at the moment - have a lot to do, but soon are university holis. Please check Claudia' page - she has amazing clips of Alan. Here in short what she posted the other day: new: Television page (all clips thanks to Kim): Conan Interview The View Interview Kuro's Cinema Cha Cha Error correction to the E! Sundance clip blurb Error correction to the BBC4 Chris Hampton Interview blurb Music Video page: Mesmerizing Mesmer by the ever fabulous Danielle C! She does wonders with a song and some pics of The Man! Index page: I've added a link to a cute little site from Clary! Charity Page: Human Rights Watch Sponsored Arts for Education (SAFE) Have fun, ladies - he is so wonderful (and tks to Claudia I have just "discovered" The Preacher - wow!) xxx Hikity
Hikity
Germany - Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 12:58:21 PM (EDT)

What a cutie-pie Alison! I like the name Elise as well. I wanted to name this one Anna-Elise if it was a girl. As for the colic, I sympathize. With my first baby swaddling, gripe water, and dancing with her in front of the running dishwasher seemed to do the trick when she was cranky.

My husband is well aware of my AR fascination. If I had brought up naming the baby Alan, he would have been anything but amused.
Cat
TX - Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 09:45:59 AM (EDT)

Hello Alan-fans ! We are Anca and Niki and we are both Alan-fans. Alan will turn 60 next February and we think he deserves a really nice and special present. Alan does a lot of things for other people, now it's time we do something for him ! And you can help us with that ! We want to make a book for Alan. A book with birthdaywishes and nice letters, specially for him. If you are an Alan-fan and you want to write a letter for his book, please, be our guest ! Write a nice letter or a poem or whatever you want and mail it to: alansbirthday@hotmail.com We'll take care for it and make sure all your letters will be printed in a beautiful book. We will also make sure that Alan receives his book at his 60th birthday on February 26th. Thanks a lot ! We are sure this birthdaygift will be unforgetable to him. xxx Anca and Niki
Anca <alansbirthday@hotmail.comfoo>
- Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 06:26:45 AM (EDT)

Alison, congratulations on the birth of Elisa, she and your older daughter are absolutely adorable! Sorry to read about the colic, I know what that's like. When my Annie was first born, she was pretty much the same. The doctor had me adjust her feeding schedule and the colic virtually disappeared over night.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 01:12:00 AM (EDT)

Congrats to all the mothers with new babies--any of the boys named Alan by any chance? ;-)

Btw, for those interested, here's a link to the new Toronto Film Festival site. It will go live July 11.

Also, a press release on the gala and other films. Snowcake is not mentioned--yet.
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 09:47:09 PM (EDT)

Alison, Your baby is so cute! I checked out her pics on your LJ. Congratulations again--all the best-Pam
Pam
MA - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 08:48:26 PM (EDT)

Wow Alison, this really is a pretty pretty baby! Well done and congratulations to you and your family. Congratulations to all the new mommy´s and for those who are expecting, good luck and have a soft delivery!

Somewhere I have heard that Alan would be in Barcelone next month. Does anyone have information about that (when and where)?.
Peekabooh
the Netherlands - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 05:20:43 PM (EDT)

Wow, congratulations Alison! Beautiful baby - beautiful bigger daughter too!
Glowbox
France - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 04:52:17 PM (EDT)

Sorry, meant to say there are pics of the baby on my LJ if anyone is interested - click on my name. You'll need to scroll back a few posts.
Alison
France - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 01:20:25 PM (EDT)

It was me who had a baby too! She was born on 29th May and is called Elisa. Sorry, I think I completely forgot to post news of her arrival here! My online time is pretty limited at the moment as she's a bit colicky in the evenings, and I tend to be mostly on LJ when I get a few minutes, but tonight I came to catch up here! Congrats Reedpipe and any others who have had babies (I'm a bit behind here!) and wishing you a safe delivery Cat!
Alison
France - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 01:18:09 PM (EDT)

Love the idea of Slitheen woman playing Umbridge. She was beautifully horrible in Dr Who. The actress's name is Annette (sp?) Badland.

Geraldine McEwan would be suitably terrifying too, but the face-in-my-head as I was reading the book was Judi Dench.

Mind you, I had Sirius down as Captain Haddock from Tintin, so whaddoIknow...
KBBJ
- Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 10:50:48 AM (EDT)

GW would be great as Umbridge - not too old at all. If AR can play Snape, GW can certainly be U, especially as age has no relevance to the part.
martha
maine, - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 05:55:10 AM (EDT)

I love Miss Figg, but the part would be just too small, almost a waste of GM's talent. I just had another thought though, how about Imelda Staunton as Umbridge. She is the right age and was great in S&S and Vera Drake.
lola
- Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 12:18:49 AM (EDT)

As to Geraldine McEwan, she certainly could play Umbridge.. look what she did with the role of Sister Bridget in the Magdalene Sisters.. lord have mercy.. she brought back more than a few awful memories of catholic school for me in that film.. Personally though, I think I'd prefer to see her as Arabella Figg..

Anywho, I watched StLM this evening..
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Monday, June 27, 2005 at 11:44:14 PM (EDT)

Sorry Glowbox, must have been a big shock to find yourself "nearly due" with so little notice. Mine are all so big now too, 21, 19, 17 and 12. Life is different with big 'ums, less physical, more emotional (all girls here).
As to GitC, it was brilliant. Loved Nighy, McDonald, Curtis' writing. The pace was slow, but it was in keeping with Laurence's character.
lola
- Monday, June 27, 2005 at 06:47:18 PM (EDT)

I watched "The Girl in the Cafe." I got on to Bill Nighy of course because of the AR connection. I liked it, but I thought it was more of a political statement than a love story. Bill was wonderful, as he always is. Such dry wit and delivery. I love him and AR in "Blow Dry." Nighy is great in "Still Crazy" also. Those 2 together are just superb.
Juliana
USA - Monday, June 27, 2005 at 04:34:33 PM (EDT)

When reading OotP, I totally hated Umbridge, as she reminded me of an ex-boss of mine. Geraldine McEwan would play her with the right level of menace, with a sickly sweet coating on top.

Slope - thanks for that link to the Lindsay Duncan interview, I missed that one. I haven't managed to track Afterlife down yet.

Suzanne - you're right, it is presenter Davina McCall in that pic. She can only be listened to at low volume wearing ear muffs!

Anyone else had a chance to see The Girl in the Cafe yet?
AFNH
- Monday, June 27, 2005 at 03:43:02 PM (EDT)

Lola, oh yes, Geraldine would make a very convincing Umbridge. I personally think she is a great actress (one speaker in Richard III, too). A happy and sunny week to all of you and all the best to you, Cat! xxx Hikity
Hikity
Germany - Monday, June 27, 2005 at 12:43:22 PM (EDT)

No, Lola, it's not me - too old now! I think it's Alison, who also lives in France. I'm just looking forward to school hols and catching up with all thosr AR dvds I still haven't had time to watch.
Glowbox
France - Monday, June 27, 2005 at 10:10:21 AM (EDT)

hi, do you think Alan could be at the live 8 concert in London?Guess...
anonyme
london, - Monday, June 27, 2005 at 08:44:05 AM (EDT)

You know who I think would be a delightful Umbridge? That woman that plays one of the Slytheen on the new Dr Who. She personifies the banality of evil.
Julia
Canada - Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 11:43:51 PM (EDT)

Congratulations to Reedpipe and the other new mom, my thoughts are with you Cat as you anticipate the delivery of your baby... hope I'm not leaving anyone else out. Enjoy those little babies, they grow up too fast. :-)

I'll second the comments about the generosity of our fellow AR fans here.. on more than one occasion they've come through with info and advice when I've been out on one limb or another. :-) It's post and run for me tonight, have a long day tomorrow.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 10:19:33 PM (EDT)

Actually I think that is three new moms. Isn't Glowbox due anytime now as well. I just LOVE babies. Good luck to you all!!!
As we are in the midst of reading OotP, I've started casting parts in my mind. Now I know she is really too old for the part, but wouldn't Geraldine McEwan make a marvelous Umbridge?
lola
- Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 09:10:19 PM (EDT)

Reedpipe, congratulations on the birth of your baby..All the best to you. Cat-all the best goes out to you as well for a speedy delivery. I'll be thinking of you and congratulations again to the our two new moms.
Pam
MA - Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 07:44:48 PM (EDT)

Best of luck, Cat! I was due in July too but Baby Elyot (named after Sir Thomas, not Chase, although the AR connection is a happy one) came last week, June 15, and is already home from the hospital. Sending happy AR thoughts your way . . . .
Reedpipe
CT USA - Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 05:50:53 PM (EDT)

Breathe deeply and think of AR, Cat! Good luck!
Glowbox
France - Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 05:21:59 PM (EDT)

*delurking*

Best wishes for a good delivery, Cat!
ARdent Fan
- Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 04:43:49 PM (EDT)

Well, that obviously didn't work. LOL Will try something else...
Suzanne
TX USA - Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 04:19:02 PM (EDT)

Thanks, Slope, Claudia, Glowbox and everybody, for the great links and info!

Welcome, prynsess, Brandi and angel, to the Rickman Realm!

You are so right, bunks. Rickman fans are definitely the most generous and helpful on the net!

Julia, I'm not positive (so correct me if I'm wrong, somebody!), but I believe the woman in the bottom left-hand corner of the "Make Poverty History" ad is Davina McCall, who is in a reality TV program in the UK.

Now, as you probably have all noticed, we've been getting an unusually large amount of spam on the GB and FOF lately. I am doing my best to delete the stuff and banning has had a limited effect, since a lot of them have changing IPs. So, in an attempt to prevent the automatic spammers from posting in the first place, I'm going to try something. It's a validation form which you must confirm before continuing on to the "add" page. This method may seem silly (and might not even work!), but please bare with me while I experiment. Thanks!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 03:27:46 PM (EDT)

Alan Rickman is the best actor alive!!! HE'S THE KING!!!!!!!
badangel_17 <16_babyface@web.defoo>
Stepfershausen, Thüringen Germany - Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 03:02:47 PM (EDT)

Lola, sorry I haven't replied sooner, the squirrels ate my Roadrunner(internet) line and it took us two weeks to have it replaced.

I don't think baby Jack is going to wait for HBP. I'm 37 weeks and in the throws of prelabor as we speak. I could be on my way to the hospital at any time.

I will just have to read HBP between feedings come July.
Cat
TX - Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 03:01:49 PM (EDT)

Good article slope.
bunks
Whitby, - Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 08:47:43 AM (EDT)

A bit OT but Rickman-related, there's an interesting article on Lindsay Duncan in the Sunday Times: The rose who showed her thorns

Also, ABC's "Empire" is on tv tonight...Fiona Shaw and Michael Maloney show up in it, although it doesn't get a great review from the Orlando Sentinel. ;-)
Slope
Canada - Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 08:21:58 AM (EDT)

Ahhh, moustache memories...

Speaking of old home week, anyone seen Artemis? Has she locked herself, accidentally or otherwise, in her dungeon?
martha
maine, - Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 08:00:52 AM (EDT)

Thanks for the info on the look-a-like discussion. :-) I'll refrain from any comment on The Girl in the Café to avoid spoiling it for anyone.. I'll leave it at I put off watching the Garofalo film because I couldn't have watched anything even slightly fluffy afterwards. It was an incredible movie, mind that you have a box of tissues handy.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Saturday, June 25, 2005 at 11:53:01 PM (EDT)

Hee-hee, sorry Mary - it all goes back to an AR (Jamie) look-a-like that KBBJ once saw and virtually parcelled up to Aurora and Martha. Now it seems I'm next on the list for a reduced-in-size version. My postie's face would be a picture. But then so would mine!
Hope you enjoy The Girl in the Cafe - I found it worked on 2 levels. I will say no more, for spoilers, but will be interested to hear what everyone else thinks tomorrow.
A Fish Needing Help
- Saturday, June 25, 2005 at 06:35:28 PM (EDT)

The conversation below went completely over my head.. so what's being put in the mail.. an article, tape or the look-a-like??? ;-)

The postman hasn't delivered JK as yet, boo hoo... but seeing Bill Nighy in The Girl in the Café (HBO 8pm) followed up by Janeane Garofalo in Nadine in Dateland (Oxygen 10ish pm I think) will console me somewhat) :-)
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Saturday, June 25, 2005 at 06:17:33 PM (EDT)

Dahling, what is money when you bear in mind the end result..... evil grin and Bill Nighy-Snort! (Hope there aren't too many tape burns).
Martha and Aurora - I may be a while.........
AFNH <Hoping all the crates aren't taken....foo>
- Saturday, June 25, 2005 at 06:05:37 PM (EDT)

OK, ladies - he's in the post. (He struggled a bit, but that's what decent tape was invented for, innit?) To Fish's first, because the airmail would cost me a fortune, and I'm fairly certain the price afterwards will be far from Fish's mind. :) She'll send him along to our colonial sistren, but could London please get him back in one piece?

The Jamie-alike's still seeing a counsellor. Chuck him a bit of Bach and he's in heaven. Otherwise the twitches set in. (I don't know whether Martha or Aurora are to blame for that. He can only say that his moustache was appreciated. No idea what that means. Martha?)
KBBJ
- Saturday, June 25, 2005 at 02:31:51 PM (EDT)

Please send any lookey-likey, any height. I'm not fussed. Low is OK, or I can stand on a crate.
Aurora
5'2" - Saturday, June 25, 2005 at 12:09:46 PM (EDT)

He will not lose an obsessed fan...
martha
maine, - Saturday, June 25, 2005 at 05:36:05 AM (EDT)

Ahh, cunning... Rickman is now stalking her... ;-)
Julia
Canada - Saturday, June 25, 2005 at 01:55:44 AM (EDT)

KBBJ - you know you are being followed by The Man for a reason. Give into the power that is AR and come back, come back to the joy that is Alanmania. I had a funny wakeup call awhile back, when the MPH campaign started and I realized my two worlds were suddenly joining. For years I have let Africa be that thing my dad did and not paid much attention to the reasons for it. Then I saw the MPH/One campaign and I thought, what a berk I am. News report...Old Dog Learns New Trick! Not that I asked myself WWARD (what would AR do) just opened my eyes to what was right before me the whole time. So I've been posting less and DOING more, who'da thunk it.
lola
- Friday, June 24, 2005 at 11:35:33 PM (EDT)

Julia, Emma Thompson is in the original "click" ad for Make Poverty History, so she is not "stalking" Alan or "jumping on his bandwagon."
Marquise
- Friday, June 24, 2005 at 10:54:47 PM (EDT)

Julia, trust me the phrase was "suck up to the audience" and they edited out the "suck up". I'm thinking that too many posters used the phrase "well so and so sucks".

KBBJ what I want to know is where were the Alan Rickman poverty posters when Martha, Kate and I went over to London? We seriously debated ripping off the Niva deoderant man poster from the walls of the London tube. I'm sure if we'd seen Alan we would have done it for sure, live subway tracks or no we would have found a way. "Mind The Gap".

AFNH yes home always seems sweeter when you've been away for a while.
bunks
Whitby, - Friday, June 24, 2005 at 09:27:21 PM (EDT)

"blonde wig and Star Trek suit" -- Ouch! I think Teri Hart just got a dose of the dreaded Rickman snark!

And in other news, Emma Thompson has made yet another step toward being the world's biggest Rickman stalker. Saw her on CBC Newsworld today, talking about African debt relief, wearing a Make Poverty History bracelet. How does that woman do it? Does she just read the GB, see what AR is up to these days and decide to jump on that bandwagon? I don't blame her for finding Rickman irresistible, but there's no need to become his adopted Siamese twin!
Julia
Canada - Friday, June 24, 2005 at 09:01:38 PM (EDT)

Sounds perfect, KBBJ - I'll play nice - honest! He might return a little worn around the edges and slightly rumpled, but otherwise in pristine condition!
AFNH
- Friday, June 24, 2005 at 08:24:56 PM (EDT)

*whispers* Fish, new look-alikey ain't that tall at all. I'm only 5' 5", and he wasn't that much higher, so ideal height for you.

*have matchmade, shoots self*
KBBJ
- Friday, June 24, 2005 at 07:18:09 PM (EDT)

Fish, I would, I really would. But I sent the Jamie-Alike, complete with 'tache, and very virtually, along to Martha months ago, and I understand he was due at Aurora's afterwards.

He returned in tatters. I shall send one dodgy whale bath toy with him, if I'm able to assemble the bits.
KBBJ
- Friday, June 24, 2005 at 07:05:25 PM (EDT)

KBBJ - please send the Rather-Shorter-Than-The-Real-Thing-Alike in my direction, at my height I can only stare at the Real Thing's kneecaps! *grin*
bunks - you are so right!
AFNH
- Friday, June 24, 2005 at 06:35:22 PM (EDT)

Claudia, that's *exactly* what he was saying. You, sweetheart, are Psychic Lady. :) (Only back for the Snape duration, actually, but it's utterly lovely to see everyone again!)

Sadly, Martha, the obsession bit has gone. That doesn't mean, however, that an Alan-alike didn't completely stop me in my tracks on the way home the other day. I can now state with some confidence that NW6 is the home of a Jamie-alike AND a Rather-Shorter-Than-The-Real-Thing-Alike.

KBBJ isn't moving house for any money
- Friday, June 24, 2005 at 03:48:51 PM (EDT)

This scan from the July 2005 issue of Feature magazine was posted over at Rickman Daily.

Rickman gazes in wonder
Claudia
GA - Friday, June 24, 2005 at 03:43:58 PM (EDT)

Hi Glowbox, read the article from the Guardian site.. "more valuable than detergents"? lol, definately the understatement of the year.. boo, hiss Leo Benedictus!. It did put me in mind of Eddie Izzard's "British bad guys" monologue from the Dressed to Kill tour (here's a url for anyone who wants to check it out http://www.auntiemomo.com/cakeordeath/d2ktranscription.html#britishbadguys
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Friday, June 24, 2005 at 03:09:59 PM (EDT)

KBBJ - Get over you AR obsession??? Surely, this wasn't intentional? Can we help?
martha
maine, - Friday, June 24, 2005 at 02:51:31 PM (EDT)

KBBJ, and the whole while he's saying "Won't you pulezzzzze come back to the fold?" Glad to see you back.

Claudia
GA - Friday, June 24, 2005 at 02:34:36 PM (EDT)

Alan Rickman accompanied me to work and back.

Wouldn't you know it. I get over my AR obsession only to find his face staring out at me from Make Poverty History posters at Tube stations yesterday. ;>

Anyone seen them elsewhere?
KBBJ *waves* at Aurora and Suzanne
- Friday, June 24, 2005 at 12:35:32 PM (EDT)

Coucou everyone! RL extremely busy here but I keep looking in. A couple of fleeting mentions of AR here but the article is worth a read if you need some light relief. Villains
Glowbox
France - Friday, June 24, 2005 at 10:10:17 AM (EDT)

Dear Mr Rickman I think you are the most thearatical artist of today. Ive have loved every movie you have been in. Whenever anybody asks me who my favourite H arry Potter characht is, it is professor snape. Promotional tours are big in Australia, so please come down under.
prynsess <prynsess@bigpond.net.aufoo>
fan, - Friday, June 24, 2005 at 09:11:48 AM (EDT)

Julia, Sorry about not mailing you last night, by the time Annie got offline yesterday evening, I was too tired to get online.. and goodness knows anything I wrote would have been replete with typos. :) Only got online a few moments ago, my daughter won tickets to an advanced screening of George Romero's latest zombie film, and I couldn't pass that up.. my friend Chris was involved in the sfx (six degrees of separation to anything AR related, Chris was also a sfx production assistant on Dogma), as an aside I've been a fan of Romero since the age of 11. Heading over to email you immediately after sending this, thanks for your patience. :)
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Friday, June 24, 2005 at 02:15:09 AM (EDT)

Argh! Words... scrambled... Letters... misplaced...

And speaking of misplaced, Mary (RI) I haven't received your email yet. Is it server troubles, or just real life interfering?
Julia
Canada - Thursday, June 23, 2005 at 11:09:47 PM (EDT)

Erm, Bunks, are you certain that it really is the word "suck" they're blanking out, not another four letter word beginning with "s", equally as popular among youth?
Julia
Canada - Thursday, June 23, 2005 at 10:56:44 PM (EDT)

Erm, Bunks, are you certain that it really is the word "suck" they're blanking out, not another four letter word beginning with "b", equally as popular among youth?
Julia
Canada - Thursday, June 23, 2005 at 10:56:31 PM (EDT)

u rox.U r awesome in the harry potter movies.Snape is hilarous in the third one
brandi <brandij@peoplepc.comfoo>
moravia, ny usa - Thursday, June 23, 2005 at 08:16:23 PM (EDT)

Realise this is a bit off-topic. I've been visiting the Canadian Idol forum and it's tough. I think most of the posters there are of the younger generation so if you sound old I think you don't exist. I don't know maybe I just suck at posting. Suck by the way is a naughty word there and starred out with astericks. I was almost tempted to put in the word definition just to be naughty but managed to restrain myself :)

Anyway it made me realise how some posters felt a while back when they asked questions here and didn't really get any answers. I guess you could say that I've been taught a valuable lesson in neighbourlyness (hmm I made a new word didn't I).

Really it just makes me appreciate this forum all the more, sniff, love you guys.
bunks
Whitby, - Thursday, June 23, 2005 at 07:59:25 PM (EDT)

KBBJ in Snapesearch mode? A heatseeking missile wouldn't compare..........
There are certainly a lot of questions for JKR to clear up. One of the main ones for me is why Dumbledore trusts Snape so much.
AFNH
- Thursday, June 23, 2005 at 06:00:14 PM (EDT)

Okay, thanks you guys. :)
bunks
Whitby, - Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 09:52:45 PM (EDT)

Whoa! KBBJ in Snapesearch mode! I can hardly wait for July 16 myself. :) the leaky cauldron and mugglenet both featured an interview a few days ago in which the U.S. publisher of HP said "a lot" of questions are answered in HBP 'cos JKR's running out of books to finish things up. I'm on trip2 and with a lousy connection, so I won't linger here.
Aurora
- Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 05:59:33 PM (EDT)

Can't help wondering if JKR has been told to get a move on with the HP books!

LOL! I imagine she's heard that more than once. I'm not sure we shouldn't be greatful that she just doesn't say, "Sorry, I'm bored with writing; deal with it!" (Not that I think she ever would...)
martha
maine, - Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 05:45:19 PM (EDT)

martha - he looks pretty grim in all the MPH ads, but as you say, it is a serious subject.
Can't help wondering if JKR has been told to get a move on with the HP books! As they have now started the filming of OotP, they are now only one book behind. The films will overtake the books at this rate. Maybe there is some hope for our beloved Potions Master (in his current form!) being in all the films yet.......
AFNH
- Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 05:16:30 PM (EDT)

Suzanne, when JK arrives and I watch it, I will most definately post my review. :-)

After watching the clip of AR on the Girl's On Top show, I had to find the dvd, and ended up locating one series at a local music store called Newbury Comics. My daughter watched it with me.. she liked the episodes, said it was like a female version of The Young Ones, any way, AR's performance in the episode Four Play gave her a fit of the giggles.. it was rather funny, because I've always been the one that gets "silly" (her word to describe mom being giggly!) So now I get to tease her about it.

Heather & Julia, I've been off line for a few days due to a pesky computer virus that required manual removal. I've resent Heather's email and Julia, I'll reply to yours this evening.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 04:48:08 PM (EDT)

Oh btw, Bunks, they don't usually have the final list of films on the Toronto site until the end of August (i.e., a few weeks before the film fest starts)...you may be looking at last year's film list. Next month they should start announcing a few programmes and gala films.
Slope
Canada - Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 01:38:37 PM (EDT)

Bunks, I could be wrong in this case but films usually take longer than a few months in post-production before they're ready for release, don't they? I would expect Snowcake to be premiered at the 2006 Toronto film fest or earlier at another festival like Cannes in May or Sundance in January. Of course, they could always hurry a sneak preview rough cut for this year's film fest, I suppose...
Slope
Canada - Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 01:34:59 PM (EDT)

bunks - I would think there would be a Toronto Premiere. We’ll certainly keep our fingers crossed. We gotta catch you up with him sometime!

Fish - thanks for the pic. He looks a bit grim, don’t you think? Of course, it is a serious topic.

KBBJ - You never need a passport for this place. Hope you’ll come back and discuss the book - if it’s not too OT. I think Snape has a very important part yet to play; what worries me is that about the time that happens, AR may decide he’s had enough of the Potion Master and not take the part. Or some demented director will decide he’s too old and not offer it to him.

lola - lovely tango! That’s about how’d it’d look if I tried it...
martha
maine, - Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 10:54:21 AM (EDT)

I don't see SnowCake on the film list for the festival. Does this mean I don't have to worry about getting the house ready for September?

Since it was filmed in Canada does that mean there might be a Toronto premiere?
bunks
Whitby, - Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 10:18:58 AM (EDT)

*wild applause* Aw, bless your heart, lola! Truth is, I have two left feet, so your Lampshade Tango is actually scarily accurate. Poor Alan'd never walk again...
KBBJ, one two three, stamp two three, "Wrong way, Mr Collins!" two three...
- Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 04:07:28 AM (EDT)

Boo hiss, my tango didn't work. So much time went into that dance and my fancy footwork (not to mention formatting) failed me. Sorry Suzanne, feel free to eliminate the silliness. Just so kbbj knows, I tried to hook you up, girl!
lola
- Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 01:33:31 AM (EDT)

Sometimes there are sweet catastrophies. Just after my last post yesterday, my motherboard died. And just like that I got a super fast new 'puter to play on, wheee!!!
Cat - how long until your baby comes? Will you have time to finish HBP? Priorities, girl. Seriously, let us know how you are getting on and if the baby is giving you any interesting AR dreams. Narcissa is supposed to take a more active role in the last two books I've heard. Don't say Bellatrix in my house or you get an ear full, boo hiss.
KBBJ - before you fade back into lurkdom. I have created a little Lampshade Tango in your honor.

< > dip
< > thud Sweet AR dreams kbbj!
__ ^ ^
v v
/ The Tango starts here
^ ^ ^ kbbj
v v v AR
/ /
^ __ ^
v v

lola
- Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 01:28:31 AM (EDT)

Suzanne, the Toronto Film Festival is in September after Labour Day. This year it runs from September 8-17, 2005.
Toronto International Film Festival
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, June 21, 2005 at 09:51:14 PM (EDT)

Who is the woman with the dark hair in the Poverty ad?
Julia
Canada - Tuesday, June 21, 2005 at 08:36:36 PM (EDT)

Thank you, AFNH! I like that pose.
As for the spammers, they must use some sort of program that goes around spamming the guestbooks/forums, for I don't see how it's humanly possible for the same source to submit three or more different posts in the span of one second! Anyway, thanks for all of your support. The battle continues...

Val, he probably is still in Canada, but I haven't heard anything lately.

Mary, would enjoy hearing your review of Judas Kiss after you have a chance to watch it.

Thanks, Slope! When is the Toronto Film Festival, by the way?

KBBJ, it's great to see you again! And you, too, Dusty, Heather, Barbara and Keyser! Still quite a few old-timers here. :-)

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Tuesday, June 21, 2005 at 05:47:05 PM (EDT)

KBBJ - hee-hee - you make it sound like A Passport To Pimlico!!! - You don't get to see any Snape without a pass!
Hope all is well with your good self too!
AFNH
- Tuesday, June 21, 2005 at 05:08:33 PM (EDT)

Martha, I need to know all that and more, but it's the trust element that bothers me the most. At least that one *has* to be explained by JKR. Thing is, will it be this book or the next? And will it mean a scene for AR or will that get PoA-ed on film? Grrrr. That felt good; will do it again. Grrrr.

Lola, darling, I don't know what's more disturbing - the fact that you've committed a lampshade boogie to text, or that I could almost see it thanks to your keyboard literacy. :)

Hi, Fish! I'm only on a temporary GB passport for Snape purposes. Lovely to read you again, and I hope all's well where you are.

KBBJ
- Tuesday, June 21, 2005 at 04:45:03 PM (EDT)

Oh dear, do those spammers ever give up?

Great to see Karina and KBBJ on here in the space of a week. Nice to see you're still around, ladies!

There was a new Make Poverty History ad released last week (I found it in the free newspaper "Metro"), you can find the full ad here, and the featured pic of AR here.
AFNH
- Tuesday, June 21, 2005 at 04:06:00 PM (EDT)

Oh My, such a blast from the past!!!!!!!! HELLO KARINA!! So good to hear from you!

Suzanne is doing such a great job, here on the GB. Take care, and hope to hear from you, again soon. Bye, everyone.
Barbara the Australian <bpac350@hotmail.comfoo>
Gold Coast, Qld. Australia - Tuesday, June 21, 2005 at 01:32:08 AM (EDT)

I suppose great minds think alike. I also just finished rereading OoP. One of the tidbits I forgot from the first read was that there are three Black sisters; Narcissa, Bellatrix, and Andromeda (Tonk's mom).
Cat
TX - Tuesday, June 21, 2005 at 12:09:24 AM (EDT)

lola -- Yeah...right...sure... you're just reading the books to keep your "kids" from getting over excited! Are you sure our delicious Snape doesn't have something to do with it? *smile*
Dee
Indiana - Monday, June 20, 2005 at 10:20:58 PM (EDT)

Hey KBBJ, I'm doing a little lampshade boogie in your honor ^^>>vv<<^^!!!
My youngest and I have finished POA(5th time) and will finished GOF(4th time) tonight. Should give us plenty of time for OotP(5th time) before the 16th. Obsessed, moi. Mostly it is just keeping the excitement in the tolerable range, in the kiddies mind, not me.
lola
- Monday, June 20, 2005 at 08:24:44 PM (EDT)

fir - I stated with PoA. I've read the first two the most times, the later one's the least. At least twice each, but not for awhile.
martha
maine, - Monday, June 20, 2005 at 02:43:31 PM (EDT)

Just re-finished OotP last night. I still have time for rereading more before July 16. I'm guess I'll go for PoA since I haven't read it but once, way before the movie came out.

martha, did you start again at book 1 and now are back to 5?
fir
- Monday, June 20, 2005 at 01:17:17 PM (EDT)

Mary,

I haven't got your email yet - can you re-send please?
Heather <hjd29@cam.ac.ukfoo>
Bury St Edmunds, UK - Monday, June 20, 2005 at 09:27:21 AM (EDT)

I love being read to! I know, I'm working my way through the books again myself. About half way through OotP right now. So many questions! Maybe she'll start answering them. Like, where did Dumbledore send Snape at the end of GoF??? Why does he trust him so?
martha
maine, - Monday, June 20, 2005 at 06:08:07 AM (EDT)

Haven't lurked for ages actually, Martha, but July 16th is coming up so I'm doing a tour of anything Snape-related.

Christ, I hope that's sufficiently on topic. Now, I'll take a nice quiet seat in the corner and just read you all for a while... ;)
KBBJ
- Monday, June 20, 2005 at 05:43:00 AM (EDT)

WooHoo!! Hey ya KBBJ! Good to know you're still with us!
martha
maine, - Monday, June 20, 2005 at 05:38:54 AM (EDT)

*gets the apostrophe wrong for old times' sake*
KBBJ
- Monday, June 20, 2005 at 05:34:42 AM (EDT)

*chucks lampshade at lola for old time's sake*
KBBJ
- Monday, June 20, 2005 at 05:28:34 AM (EDT)

Mary, I got the email and replied. Hopefully, you'll get it unhiccuped.
Julia
Canada - Sunday, June 19, 2005 at 08:34:38 PM (EDT)

Hey everyone! I was just wondering if the Man was still in Canada.. Has anybody heard anything?
Val
- Sunday, June 19, 2005 at 07:05:22 PM (EDT)

Suzanne...pls check your email...thanks.
Slope
Canada - Sunday, June 19, 2005 at 01:35:17 PM (EDT)

I haven't been here for a while, so this might be old news, but if not you might like it. The trailer for HP Goblet of Fire is online to download at a site called Jurassic Punk .com - they specialize in movie trailers. Sadly, no Snape.
Dusty
South Africa - Sunday, June 19, 2005 at 10:29:25 AM (EDT)

Heather and Julia, thank you so much for the information (I've sent emails to both of you, if you don't receive them, make mention on the GB, my college's email server has been suffering from an occasional bout of the hiccups of late) Annie appreciated the urls very much, though as of today she started getting a bit nervous about the prospect of being so far from home.. though that's to be expected.

Good news for me (AR related.. :-) ) I have finally been able to locate a copy of Judas Kiss, and heard yesterday that it's on it's way. Picked up AABA on dvd and watched that this evening while the husband was out fishing down the hill. Visited the Download Haven this afternoon and downloaded a few clips.. (Sundance Festival and the Arsenio Hall ep) thanks to all of you who have put in the time to create and share them.. in fact, as soon as I post this I'm off to snag a few more :-) Oops, before I leave, I wanted to add another word of thanks to all of you great AR fan community members. It can be rare at times on the 'net to find such gracious and good natured company. Though I'm not as active here as I would like to be, I appreciate the lot of you. Night!
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Sunday, June 19, 2005 at 02:06:11 AM (EDT)

^"^(I)_><^(I)^"....MEW!.....Karina, what's new with you?
Zzzzz
- Friday, June 17, 2005 at 07:31:40 PM (EDT)

ok my ricku

alan rickman

he is the one man

would if taken by his hand

make my heart beat fast

as it can

kinda stupid but i was bored love ailicec

ailicec
- Friday, June 17, 2005 at 07:03:07 PM (EDT)

Karina, As Dee stated, thanks so much for starting this GB and also a big thanks to Suzanne for keeping it alive for us all. Good job guys.
Pam
MA - Friday, June 17, 2005 at 05:30:27 PM (EDT)

So, THIS is the woman who started it all! All my thanks for your original idea!
Dee
Indiana - Friday, June 17, 2005 at 11:12:27 AM (EDT)

The legendary Karina! So nice to hear from you. Yes, Suzanne has done a stellar job in maintaining this site. :)

Thank you so much for starting this site! It has been a life-saver for this Alan Rickman fan.
K.
- Friday, June 17, 2005 at 10:19:23 AM (EDT)

Karina, it's so great to hear from you! Glad to see you are still around, too. :-)

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Friday, June 17, 2005 at 09:24:41 AM (EDT)

Hi Karina! Hope you will be sticking around for a while.

Claudia
GA - Friday, June 17, 2005 at 08:05:04 AM (EDT)

I bow to you, Karina, Originator of the ARGB. Welcome back!
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH USA - Friday, June 17, 2005 at 07:19:32 AM (EDT)

OMG! Karina!!! Hugs to our wonderful original webmistress who started it all way back when!!! (as you can see, we still use the same submit template)
Julia
Canada - Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 10:26:54 PM (EDT)

Nice to hear from you, Karina. There are still some old timers here. Please ignore the spammers, they attack periodically but Suzanne does a great job of getting rid of them.
Keyser <keyserfankf@netscape.netfoo>
US - Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 09:40:44 PM (EDT)

Hi Claudia! Hi everybody!!! It's your blast from the past. The old-timers here should remember me. I'm glad to see the page is still here and growing. /karina
Karina Wright <karina@cafekarina.orgfoo>
MD - Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 09:30:45 PM (EDT)

Mary/Julia

Yes, I'm still here! I work at Sidney Sussex College in Cambridge and you'd be very welcome to email me, Mary, for any further info. The general Cambridge University website is www.cam.ac.uk and St Catherine's College is www.caths.cam.ac.uk/. Hi Julia! Glad you remember the Pimms - we're still waiting for the summer to kick off here so that we can get into Pimms-drinking mode again.
Heather <hjd29@cam.ac.ukfoo>
Bury St Edmunds, UK - Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 06:42:24 AM (EDT)

Looking for Rickman (A Ricku)

John Ralston Saul came.
John Ralston Saul did reading.
No Rickman in sight.
Julia
Calgary, Canada - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 10:07:04 PM (EDT)

A Ricku

The Man, one white band,
Make Poverty History,
A silent command.

lola
- Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 09:42:27 PM (EDT)

Claudia, thanks for the correction--I thought it sounded a bit out of the blue--someone on this board always knows about these kind of projects well in advance (I thought to myself as I read it with incredulity). My goodness, the old adage 'Don't believe what you read' certainly is truer today than it ever was, eh? ;-)

So do you folks think that Snowcake will actually be ready for a sneak peek at the Toronto Film Fest this year?? I was only hoping that the tiny independent Canadian-UK film that Juliet did last year would make an appearance at the film fest...how great it would be if Snowcake did an' all!

Julia, any Alan sightings in Calgary? Wonder where that man is these days...
Slope
Canada - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 08:25:51 PM (EDT)

Hikity, I dropped the 'a' in my Haiku. I was typing too fast. You probably recognize the Haiku, a form of Japanese poetry traditionally about nature that consists of three lines. The first line has five syllables, the second seven, and the third five.

You probably wouldn't enjoy my summer school class because you would be sharing the classroom with eleven year olds. LOL! I can at least promise to send you home with the ability to persuade at a twelve to thirteen year old level. As for the Riku, I haven't had inspiration lately. Let me think about it and I'll try to post one soon.
Cat
TX - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 08:02:07 PM (EDT)

Mary, if this is the International Summer school, I went last year, and it was amazing. Email me at j(underscore)petrov at hotmail dot com and I can tell you all about it. I believe there is a fellow Rickmaniac named Heather (I don't know if she still lurks here or not) who works in one of the colleges in Cambridge. She is super-nice, I met up with her last year when I was there and we had a great time (Thanks again for the Pimm's Heather!)
Julia
Calgary, Canada - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 07:48:35 PM (EDT)

Thanks Cat for your explanations. Sorry to bother yu again: What is HIKU? And as soon as you start your courses again let me know - I'll come for a summer course - sounds great - how persuasive will I be afterwards??? All the best to you and your baby.
Hikity
Germany - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 05:08:42 PM (EDT)

No prob, italics fixed. :-)

Thanks, guys, for all the great info and links! And Aurora and Heather for your wonderful reports from the John Donne event! Sounds like it was a very lovely evening. Did any of you get to meet-up?

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 04:43:31 PM (EDT)

Oh cr**, Suzanne! I'm so sorry for italicizing the whole book!
Claudia
GA - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 03:14:17 PM (EDT)

Dee, I'm sorry to hear about your husband's downsizing. I hope things turn out for the better soon. As for "out of the U.S. travel," there's that Snow Cake premiere that's got to be a def cert in the next 6 mos or so. Sounds like your hubby is taking things in stride, with some humor. If I go again soon--hah! fat chance--I promise I'll pack you in my suitcase.

Hikity, you'll have to ask Kathy, but her daughter may be studying British lit, theatre, art history or some such like.
Aurora
- Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 02:00:35 PM (EDT)

Slope, Emily first reported that Google Alert on the ARDLH-GB last night and then almost immediately came back with this:

Ignore earlier post about Yahoo and Google alert tonight on a possible new movie with AR and Ned Beatty. There was bad reporting on the original story from the Minnesota newspaper, and then it got picked up and transmitted all over the Internet. I did a little Googling of my own and discovered that the movie stars Ned Beatty and Alan Cumming. You know, all those British guys named Alan are interchangeable. Alan Rickman, Alan Cumming, what's the difference?
Claudia
GA - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 01:33:04 PM (EDT)

BTW - Dee - behave yourself ****grin****
AFNH
- Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 12:45:07 PM (EDT)

Mary - just had a look for some info for you. If you go to the National Express coach firm website, they do offers for students (16 - 26 or in full time education), a bus pass for £10 (around $20) - lots of students use them. National Express offer bus connections between most British cities, and I noticed they do a run between Heathrow and Cambridge. You'll find the website here 'Fraid I don't come from Cambridge (I'm from much further north!), so I can't tell you much about that area, but I hope you find the site useful.
AFNH
- Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 12:43:07 PM (EDT)

Anyone know what this is about?

The Barnstormer

Will Weaver is a fiction writer who teaches at Bemidji State University. His 1989 collection of short fiction, A Gravestone Made of Wheat & Other Stories, won the Minnesota Book Award and is currently being made into a film starring Ned Beatty and Alan Rickman.
Slope
Canada - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 12:24:09 PM (EDT)

Cat -- You posted while I was typing! We haven't heard a Riku from you in quite awhile...got any to share!

This 'working abroard' thing sounds wonderful! Do they have summer programs or exchange jobs for librarians?!! *fingers crossed* I can be packed in an hour!
Dee
Indiana - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 12:15:46 PM (EDT)

Mary -- Thanks for the prayers! You're sweet to care!

Not sure how many UK folks are regulars here to answer your questions. To spread the word, you also might ask over at Claudias. There are quite a few locals, plus frequent visitors, on her site might have helpful information. (NOT that I'm trying to steer anyone away from Suzanne's WONDERFUL SITE HERE!! Just trying to help you reach more UK locals!)
Dee
Indiana - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 12:12:38 PM (EDT)

Hikity, I can answer your question. I have taught English (Language Arts) in summer school for the past two years. I'm sitting this summer out however, and am due to deliver my bouncing baby boy shortly.

In summer school we teach grammar, poetry, writing (persuasive, informative, and to entertain), vocabulary, and since it's Language Arts, I also include reading comprehension skills. In fact, that is how the Ricu came to be. Last summer my summer school class was learning to write the Hiku. I submitted my Rickman Hiku to the board and our new artform was coined the Riku. I don't remember who named it, maybe Martha?
Cat
TX - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 12:11:05 PM (EDT)

I'm a bit confused. What is an American going to learn in an English summer school?? Forgive me my question. When I was younger I used to attend classes in summer - but these were all classes for ESL acquistion..
Hikity
Germany - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 11:23:03 AM (EDT)

Mary - Kathy from Arkansas who contributes to Claudia's Download Haven Guest Book is going to a summer school this summer in Cambridge. I'm sure she would keep an eye out for a fellow Rickman fan's daughter.
Barbara
NZ - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 01:17:37 AM (EDT)

Dee, I can well understand what it's like to be downsized, my tech job was outsourced several years ago.. and I couldn't find anything afterwards.. my state is so small, most tech jobs that remain are scooped up by students. I'm back in college to finish getting the degree I put off back in my younger days. Keep the faith, I know it's hard at times to believe, but things can and do get better. You and your husband will be in my prayers.

To any of you in the UK, who might live in the area of Cambridge University, I was wondering if any of you could either supply me with info, or point me to a website where I could find any info.. my daughter Annie is takling a course this summer at Cambridge. She's been looking online for info (our budget's tight, if it wasn't for the fact that she works and the grants/student loans she's getting it wouldn't be possible) on for example, getting to Cambridge from Heathrow? Any info on that, or on best bets for getting around, etc.. would be appreciated. One more thing, she'll be lodging at St. Catherines.. (not that that means a thing to me.. I have no frame of reference) any of you who might be familiar with that or the area..? any advice/opinions would be much appreciated (sorry.. nervous mother of an only child.. :-)
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at 11:57:29 PM (EDT)

Dee, we are living near Cologne, but I have got two aunts living in Munich and besides, I love Munich (and you would, too). We need about 7 hours to drive down (or a one-hour-flight). My term finishes around 15 July. The filming starts on 12 July I think and I haven't yet made up my mind. I definitely won't run around the city just in case...that's not me
Hikity
Germany - Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at 03:09:54 AM (EDT)

Hikity -- I think the best I can hope we'll serve to drink at the library is weak fruit punch! Even if the film company doesn't need "extras", is there a chance for you to have an AR sighting? Are you near there -- or are you thinking of traveling? That would be fabulous! I'll cross my fingers (and toes) for you!

Pam - You're so nice -- thank you for the good wishes! I'm sure things on the job front for my husband will eventually work out. I told him to look for employment in London...but he just rolls his eyes! He said he wouldn't be able to afford to constantly bail me out of jail for stalking AR!
Dee
Indiana - Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at 12:08:16 AM (EDT)

Dee, they should serve beer.. let me know how it was going (hopefully some new information and not slides from the 50s...I am joking). If you want to write to me personally use my above-mentioned e-mail address.
I have been trying for weeks to obtain more info concering the Bavaria Film Studios and the Parfume. Tom Tykwer is the director, however, Constantin Film organizes everything. This means they answer all requests and they wouldn't allow anyone to watch and they don't need supernumaries (right word?? or extras??). Well, what a pity.
Hikity <Hikity2001@yahoo.defoo>
Germany - Monday, June 13, 2005 at 04:13:49 AM (EDT)

Dee, Hang in there. Good things will come your way again. I hope you get a chance to travel overseas someday. That would be a wonderful adventure. When I got out of High School, all I wanted to do was travel so I saved up my money and my cousin and I took one of those TWA Tours to Europe. (I was about 21 qwhen I went) We saw England, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Belgium. It was a trip of a lifetime and at the time we only paid $1000.00 each which included all expenses (two meals) airflights.bus etc. I could never do it today either. I want to go back to Italy someday as I fell in love with the country. It was just a special feeling you got after climbing the Spanish Steps and looking down and seeing the coliseeum etc. I was also fortunate enough to start out as Pen friends with a girl in Scotland in High School and eventually visisted her and she has come over here a couple of times too. We have been friends since the 60's. I also know what its like to have an unemployed husband. Just before I had my son, mine was laid off from his job! It was actually a blessing in disguise as he really helped with the "newborn" for 3 months. He then found the job where he is currently employed (now going on 13 years). I love the sound of your community. The small towns are the best. I also grew up in a small town which turned into a mall with stores everywhere!! Not too rural anymore. The town I now live in, has that small town feel and is nice as everyone gets to know everyone through the Library, Church, school. My mother lives out in Idaho in a small town which she loves too as she said it reminds her of being a kid back here before it was overdeveloped. (she is 80) All the best to you Dee. Love all your AR news etc. and hope all your travel dreams come true for you. Have a good one-Pam
Pam
MA - Sunday, June 12, 2005 at 08:30:38 PM (EDT)

Hikity -- You're a peach! Thanks for the encouraging words! At the library where I work, we have a speaker coming in this week talking about "Everyday Life in Germany" -- showing slides and sharing information about the people, food, travel... I'll enjoy the show and think about my trip there someday! Hmmm...wonder if they'll serve beer? Probably not!
Dee
Indiana - Sunday, June 12, 2005 at 06:58:14 PM (EDT)

Tks snapewitch - I have seen only the very first Star Wars...my daughter will laugh at me about this stupid question. Well Dee, I cross my fingers that your husband gets a new job very soon. And then - when things are settled again - we think about a trip which doesn't empty our accounts! There are cheap flights to Europe, but you shouldn't think about "Europe in one week". Choose 2 countries and enjoy them thoroughly. There are incredible cheap flights from Cologne to London (around 35 USD return ticket). So you have the beer here with me and stay with us and then we get to meet our Man, :) :) I love dreaming Nice day to everyone
Hikity
Germany - Sunday, June 12, 2005 at 08:12:25 AM (EDT)

From Star Wars Yoda is and backwards he talks, Hikity.
snapes_witch
- Sunday, June 12, 2005 at 01:24:00 AM (EDT)

Hikity -- Oh, I would LOVE to meet up in London with you and the others! But, I have two confessions:
1) A few months ago, my husband was suddenly downsized from his job of 18 years and is still looking for employment. Until he finds something, my income only covers the necessities - food, shelter, chocolate and internet access!
2) In my 45 years, I've never been outside of the US. That probably sounds weird to a lot of you... It's just that we live in a rural community where people just don't vacation in Europe or...well, frankly, anywhere cultural or exciting! Heck, folks here think a BIG vacation is a Spring Break trip to Disneyworld! A "trip of a lifetime" is a cruise ship -- after you've retired, of course!
But, I've always dreamed of traveling overseas! I'd do anything to see the paintings in The Louvre and the Sistine Chapel...watch the glass blowers in Venice...try to spot Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster...see the lovely, onion-topped buildings in Russia...tour a real castle and enjoy a beer in Germany...and go to the theater in London! Sigh...

Okay...enough of that! Sorry to get all dreamy & weepy. I must need chocolate!
Dee
Indiana - Saturday, June 11, 2005 at 10:55:38 PM (EDT)

Dear Aurora, what does "Yoda-like" mean??? And Dee, yes, the sheriff is great, too, but I just love him like he truly looks. Is there a chance that you come to London in the near future? I am VERY sure he will be at the new HPpremiere. What about arranging a meeting?
Hikity
Germany - Saturday, June 11, 2005 at 06:02:32 PM (EDT)

Sorry, that's "25 Best Bad Movies." The on-line story is here.
martha
maine, - Saturday, June 11, 2005 at 05:12:00 PM (EDT)

Dee - I know JKR has chosen mugglenet as a site to honor for its excellence on her website. I don’t know if you’ve ever spent much time there, but it’s not called “The Mighty Mugglenet” for nothing!
martha
maine, - Saturday, June 11, 2005 at 03:57:24 PM (EDT)

In the breakroom today during lunch, I picked up a May copy of GQ, and in it, found an article, "25 Best Worst Movies," by Kevin Smith (Dogma). I was quite pleased to note how articulate he can be even when (most of) the four letter words are taken from his vocabulary. I don’t remember the movies he talked about as I wasn’t familiar with them, but he had a section of possible future Best Worst classics. Among them was Love Actually, “good taste gone wonderfully awry.” He did not mention the Man, and I was actually surprised at how gentle he was in his reviews. He clearly had affection for most of the films, and didn’t appear interested in being clever or cutting. Rather a nice change from a lot of reviews.
martha
maine, - Saturday, June 11, 2005 at 03:51:53 PM (EDT)

Hikity -- "Yesterday I watched Blow Dry after midnight as I couldn't sleep and I had this yearning. Do you know this feeling??? Dee, you have it, I am sure"

*Blushes* "Yearning" for AR? You bet!! When I yearn for a late night dose of the man, I usually pop in The Sheriff (RHPOT)! Does anyone else want to share their favorite bedtime film?

Pam -- Thanks for sharing the news about the kid in LaPorte. Wonder how Rowlings chose his website above the thousands that are out there? But LaPorte isn't far from me! Wonder if I could hitch a ride to Scotland?
Dee
Indiana - Saturday, June 11, 2005 at 02:52:06 PM (EDT)

Aurora - Welcome back! Glad you had a good time and thanks for the report.
martha
maine, - Saturday, June 11, 2005 at 01:25:01 PM (EDT)

Back home now! I was at the John Donne celebration on Thursday, too. I did not figure out who the mystery reader was, so thanks for the identification as Michael Maloney. People around me were saying, â€œWho is that?â€ I think a lot of people were puzzled. Going by the pictures in the program, I had him figured for Jonathan Holmes, the director of the event. However, mystery reader does match up well with web pictures of MM. I wonder why they didnâ€™t announce who Mark Rylandâ€™s replacement was.

I also found the acoustics not the best. The echo distorted the words, at least at first for me, and the poetry is hard to follow by itself. Donneâ€™s language is complicated, with word order thatâ€™s sometimes Yoda-like and sometimes elliptical. For the end of the sentence you have to wait if the sense of the phrase you want to know. Sometimes you have to fill in missing verbs and such in your head. I actually find it more difficult to follow just from hearing than I do Shakespeare, which was written to be more conversational. The program had the texts of the poems that were set to music, but not those that were spoken. I was glad to have a little book of JDâ€™s complete poetry so that I could read the those latter ones quickly before the start. The sound did get better after a while, and especially the solo songs sung to lute accompaniment were much easier to understand. I donâ€™t know whether someone adjusted the mikes or I got used to the acoustics.

But the setting was gorgeous and itâ€™s always lovely to see live performance up fairly close. Iâ€™d agree MM was the best reader. The choral singing was beautiful. It didnâ€™t matter that you couldnâ€™t understand the words. Pure sound was enough. The size of the crowd also testified to a lot of interest either in arts events or in the charity groups involved. It was what Iâ€™d call a genteel audience. Other notes: Imogen Stubbs looked too young for someone who was Lucy Steele 10 years ago. I was really surprised. And I had no idea she was blond.

Speaking of wonderful live performance, House of Bernada Alba at the National was great! And one of the leads was Deborah Rindlay, who was in TMD.
Aurora
Ohio - Saturday, June 11, 2005 at 10:22:30 AM (EDT)

From Leaky Cauldron:
Work has begun on the fifth film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. British TV veteran David Yates will direct,and screenwriter Michael Goldenberg follows Steven Kloves. Harry is still good to go. "My enthusiasm has absolutely not gone down," says Daniel Radcliffe, 15, who wouldn't rule out doing a non-Potter film before starting part 5 in January. "But it would be a mistake to want to show you can do stuff other than Harry Potter so badly that you just rush into something."
martha
maine, - Saturday, June 11, 2005 at 07:33:17 AM (EDT)

I understand Emerson Spartz is the creator of the Mighty Mugglenet. He deserves the honor, then, for sure.

I confess, I'm only re-reading POA, GOF, and OotP. Just starting OotP... (Must be prepared.)
martha
maine, - Saturday, June 11, 2005 at 07:11:36 AM (EDT)

Heather, thanks so much for your account of the John Donne event. I'm glad you got to see Michael Maloney! What a treat! And St Paul's is too, although, perhaps not the best venue for poetry readings acoustically speaking.
Slope
Canada - Friday, June 10, 2005 at 10:43:21 PM (EDT)

Hi, While reading the newspaper today (The Sun Chronicle), I came upon an article I thought you would enjoy. Here it is: HARRY POTTER FAN TO MEET ROWLING LaPorte, Ind-A huge Harry Potter fan is about to embark on a magical mission of sorts. Emerson Spartz, 18, who created a Web Site devoted to all things Hogwarts, will travel to Scotland next month to meet Potter author J.K. Rowling, Spartz was sound asleep when Rowling called him at home. She invited the homeschool student to come see her, at her expense. Rowling, known for cherishing her privacy, promised Apartz an hour long interview at home July 16, the release date for "Harry Potter and the half Blood Prince." I only had a quick few minutes to browse tonight but wanted to share that with you ladies. Enjoy and keep cool this weekend. We got our A/C put in tonight. Monday I get the car A/C fixed and we should be all set for the summer-Woo WOO Have a good one-Pam
Pam
MA - Friday, June 10, 2005 at 09:45:41 PM (EDT)

In response to a post about AR partying a bit hard at the Snow Cake wrap party, Claudia make a funny lampshade comment the got a couple of us (Martha and me) wondering about KBBJ. So we are calling you out girl - KBBJ, come out, come out where ever you are. All work and no play makes KBBJ a very boring girl.
lola
- Friday, June 10, 2005 at 07:43:02 PM (EDT)

OK, maybe not a wooden leg. But he'd be a great pirate! (Look at the glimpse we got in ABBA - arrrgggghhh) And he is soooo good at comedy.
martha
maine, - Friday, June 10, 2005 at 07:23:13 PM (EDT)

martha, PLEASE behave!!! Wooden leg...It's really terrible but I love this man. Yesterday I watched Blow Dry after midnight as I couldn't sleep and I had this yearning (I am alone for a week, WONDERFUl). Do you know this feeling??? Dee, you have it, I am sure
Hikity
Germany - Friday, June 10, 2005 at 06:23:43 PM (EDT)

So Johnny Depp is 42. Just a pup, still. As for AR and him being in a movie together, I don't think I'd like that. To distracting. Unless maybe it was a comedy. That might be fun. I know Bill Nighy is going to be in the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean films - wouldn't I like to see AR in them as well! With a eye patch and a wooden leg. Arrrggghhh.
martha
maine, - Friday, June 10, 2005 at 03:48:56 PM (EDT)

Thank you so much for your report from The John Donne Celebration, Heather. What a surprise MM must have been. He is such a tremendous actor, I would suspect he would have been an excellent choice for this type of event.
Claudia
GA - Friday, June 10, 2005 at 01:38:06 PM (EDT)

Mortianna, what a pity! I just loved my hairdresser. He was talking endlessly in this special way (you know), telling me about his holidays with his boyfriend in Florida, :) :). It was always fun. Dee, of course, I'll let you know. All my German student fellows I have asked over the last 2 weeks admire the book so much that I have that 'lurking suspicion' that the English translation (as is so often the case with translations - worst expample: Mark Twain) doesn't convey the more subtle topics perhaps. If I have time I'll read both versions. Ladies, yesterday was HGttG premiere here. I went to see it (in English of course)and enjoyed it tremendously. It ended all in tears (of laughter).
Hikity
Germany - Friday, June 10, 2005 at 06:58:19 AM (EDT)

Slope, I went to the John Donne Celebration at St Paul's yesterday. The place looked absolutely wonderful, and I was sitting right under the dome which was bewitching. The acoustics were a bit dodgy - some of the readers' voices reverberated so that it was quite difficult to make out some passages. The readers in the end were: Harriet Walter, Imogen Stubbs, Michael Pennington, Alison Carney, Emma Gersch and - surprise inclusion, unprogrammed - Michael Maloney. Not only had AR ducked out, Juliet Stevenson obviously had too and Mark Rylance was performing Pericles, apparently. Nice they had MM there as a truly madly deeply substitute for JS and AR! In my opinion, he gave the best readings, along with Imogen Stubbs.

Anyone else go?
Heather
Bury St Edmunds, UK - Friday, June 10, 2005 at 05:57:03 AM (EDT)

hikity - I've been thinking and thinking and thinking - and I've come to the conclusion - I've never ever had a male hairdresser.

Pity. Or shame?

mortianna
well, I have hair and not a hair-do, this is extremely off-topic, sorry Suzanne - Friday, June 10, 2005 at 05:56:27 AM (EDT)

I can't wait to see Rickman in the new Goblet of Fire movie. I have admired his work for a long time, since I was about 23 or 24 y.o.a. I guess it wasn't as long as I thought! The webpage is quite good.
Stefanie
Excited about HP, - Friday, June 10, 2005 at 12:21:56 AM (EDT)

Pam -- Thanks for sharing the news about JDs birthday! I'd love to see him and AR in a movie together. They would have great onscreen chemistry...and I'd die of happiness right there in the theater!

Hikity -- When you get a chance to read Perfume, let us know what you think. I'm curious!

I must not be living right...Got my hair cut today and my hairdresser was a grouchy, stocky, sweaty woman who practically knocked me out from BO when she raised her arms. As I held my breath and tried to smile, I kept thinking that she could use a bit of Grenoulle's curse!
Dee
Indiana - Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 11:51:16 PM (EDT)

I know this is off topic, but I thought of Martha today when I read the famous birthdays. Martha, today was Johnny Depps Birthday!!! May he have many more. Are you planning on seeing him as the new Willy Wonka??? Thanks guys for all the information about AR. I am browsing for a while and off to bed. I am exhausted. I have been gardening, working, etc. The A/C also is not working in the car so next week its going in to get fixed..We are also putting in our A/C tomorrow night in the house to get ready for the hot humid weekend coming too..Cant complain though, afer that long cold winter..Have a good one and have a fun weekend. Pam
Pam
MA - Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 10:31:33 PM (EDT)

You're right, Martha. IIRC what Jo might have said was that there would be more deaths in the last two books. Well, duh!!

I do remember that right after OotP came out someone read the quote that was actually about Sirius' death and away went the internet with a full-blown rumor that never died down!
snapes_witch
- Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 06:31:37 PM (EDT)

Cat - The main difference between a hairdresser and a barber in the US is around 85 dollars. lol! How true.

ailicec - Are you sure JKR said that about this book? She said it about OOP, and she has said "more will die" but I didn't think she had specified HBP.
martha
maine, - Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 02:38:08 PM (EDT)

Tks to all of you and your comments! And Martha, you couldn't sum it up better. Your work experience I believe is universal and either so obvious as you describe it or more subtle; but it's always there. An intelligent and straight-forward woman must be a great danger to a lot of men. I quit my job end of last year after 9 years since I was fed up of these subtle quarrels. Tks to my husband (who happens to appreciate intelligent women)I am in the position to focus on my studies without having to work. After the exams I am going to be my own boss for the rest of my working life... A completely different question which sprang up to my mind while reading the last entry here: What do you ladies think about a "Sir Alan"?? I think it's high time for it, isn't it?
Hikity
Germany - Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 05:13:58 AM (EDT)

This is an article about a new theatre, which Alan supports

Unicorn Theatre appeals for final funding

27 May 2005
London SE1 website team

The new £13.2m Unicorn Theatre for Children on Tooley Street took another step closer to opening when its was topped out at a ceremony for contractors this week.

When complete, the theatre will play to over 100,000 children per year and form an international centre of excellence and a major new arts and education resource for London and beyond. The theatre will open this winter and the topping out ceremony signified the completion of major structural building works. However, Unicorn is seeking a final £1.2m to reach its funding targets and is urging local people and businesses to join stars such as Alan Rickman and Dame Judi Dench to help raise funds for the new theatre.

Artistic director Tony Graham said: "We are edging ever closer to opening a fantastic new building that will touch the lives of families, children and schools in Southwark and London. We need one final push to reach our funding targets and hope everyone will want to get involved."

Donors will have their name (or company name) displayed in the new building along side Unicorn's celebrity backers such as Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman. Magic Roundabout characters Zebedee, Florence, Brian, Dougal, Dylan, Ermintrude, Mr Rusty and Train all have individual seats following a donation by filmmakers Pathé.

To have their names displayed, donors can 'name a seat' for £1,000 or buy gold or silver bricks, for £500 or £100 respectively. Contact the Unicorn on 020 7697 1150 between 10am and 6pm Monday to Friday or visit its website to make a donation.
Stephanie <Stephanie_Neeb@yahoo.defoo>
Wetzlar, Germany - Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 01:37:28 AM (EDT)

Hikity,

The main difference between a hairdresser and a barber in the US is around 85 dollars. A barber traditionally cuts men's hair primarily, and maintains a "no frills" atmosphere in their shop. They are a dying breed. If you have every seen the old Andy Griffin Show, the character Floyde was a good example of a barber.
Cat
TX - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 09:54:54 PM (EDT)

ailicec - In too many cases, you’re right about the feelings of one gender working in the “other gender’s job.” Most of my life, I have worked in jobs that were traditionally considered men’s. Most of the time, I wasn’t hassled, too badly, but the latest job, the one I left a few years ago after 14 years, was where it was the worst. There were few woman there then, and fewer now. The men did not make it pleasant. If a woman was friendly, and maybe dated one or two of the guys, she was a whore. If she wasn’t interested in them, she was a lesbian. One woman was referred to as both on a regular basis by the same men!

I made a few mistakes early on that I was never forgiven for - not that I tried very hard. I was smart and learned fast. I was good at the job. I worked hard. All of that would have been OK, if I hadn’t been smarter, better and worked harder than they did. I also didn’t make coffee. Nor did I defer my opinion to them unless they could convince me they were right. Heaven forbid - I argued with them. Worst of all, I was usually right, and if we were both right, I could usually out articulate them. I refused to look at them as a rarified species who were more able than I, nor did I have any interest in them as objects of desire. I didn’t hunt, didn’t ice fish, didn’t snowmobile, didn’t build my own house, wasn’t related to anyone there, didn’t go to school with anyone there, was at least 10 years older than most of them, had a different cultural background, different education, different values. I was outspoken. I voted, and I didn’t vote republican. I was doomed from the start and why I lasted 14 years, I’ll never know. (And no, I'm not gay.)

If there was a male hairdresser in that town, there is no way those guys would have believed he wasn’t gay.

martha
maine, - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 08:36:33 PM (EDT)

ack i cant seem to type meant to say that i dated one of *his* sons sorry byeeeeee

ailicec
ailicec <cpwillcox@aol.comfoo>
- Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 06:43:38 PM (EDT)

ok i cant keep my mouth shut on this one. i have a male hairdresser and he is happily married with 3kids (i dated one of is sons once but thats another story) and i think that its easier for people (especialy men) to say that a man in a job that is normaly reserved for women is gay rather then to accept the fact that he is just a normal guy who loves what he does. kinda the same to the reverse think female truck drivers and gym teachers. its funny how in this society we are all closet homophobics and yet we jump to that generilization (boy spelled that wrong) so quickly.

have a nice day :o)

back to my corner now

ps i cant wait for the new hp book im like dying to know who dies in it who do yall think she is gonna kill off. she made an official announcement that a main character is going to bite it. i think its ron because of the way she kinda laughs when people ask about him and hermione.

with love ailicec
ailicec <cpwillcox@aol.comfoo>
this one, that one the other - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 06:41:11 PM (EDT)

(Barbers also used to do minor surgery.) That's the significance of the red and white pole outside a barbershop. When I was a very little girl, Mom took me to a barber for my haircuts.
snapes_witch
- Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 05:27:58 PM (EDT)

Hikity - I took the weekend off for when HBP comes out so I can do nothing but read!
martha
maine, - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 03:01:36 PM (EDT)

Going out on a limb here with some generalizations. I think gay men are (generally) easier (for some of us) to relate to for a couple of reasons. One, they are more in touch with their feminine side (usually) but I think the real issue is how they relate to us. They are not constantly assessing women as possible partners, either for sex, as wives, or surrogate mothers. They aren’t trying to impress us, or win our admiration. They have no need to relate to us as anything other than people.

I had a supervisor once whom a lot of the guys thought was gay. He wasn’t (to the best of my knowledge), and was very happily married. But he liked women, liked their company, and treated them as equals. An unusual man. I have other male friends like that. They are so nice to be around...

So, bunks. If I come to Toronto for the film festival, can you get me an appointment with this guy?

(Barbers also used to do minor surgery.)
martha
maine, - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 02:59:25 PM (EDT)

Barber generally means someone who cuts hair. They can be male or female these days, and cut hair for either sex. There's not usually any shampoo involved or any of the fine styling we go to a hairdresser for; barbers also shave men. In and out real fast, just like Phil says! (they also used to pull teeth, but that's a different story and time)
kit
pa usa - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 01:52:01 PM (EDT)

Does anyone know where the premier of GOF is going to be held, in London or NYC? If in both which one AR will be attending?
chevelle
NY - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 01:50:09 PM (EDT)

Is it possible, that "barber" is the US-expression for a "hairdresser"? And sorry, ladies, I always ment "gay" of course. I appreciate your correcting my spelling...I can't await the new HP-book. Are you all also looking forward to it??.
Hikity
Germany - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 12:42:40 PM (EDT)

Anyone going to the John Donne charity event tomorrow in London? Would love to hear your comments. Thanks!
Slope
Canada - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 11:37:25 AM (EDT)

I know this is off topic but I have a new hairdresser whom I adore and I can't tell whether or not he's gay. He works out of his house and is up on all the latest fashions and trends and has very definite ideas on what looks good and stylish not only in hair but clothing but does this make him gay? I can't tell from his manner but he's single, good looking and although I've only seen him twice I love (not lust) him already for who he is.

I've met a few guys who are gay and have to admit that I find them much easier to relate to maybe because they are more in touch with their feminine side.

To get back to Phil and Raymond. Phil strikes me as being straight as they come. I think if he were leaning slightly to one side then he'd have more sympathy for his wife leaving him for another woman but he clearly states "well at least you could have left me for another bloke" (or something to the effect). Ray and his friend seem to go everywhere together. I think if Ray were straight he'd have a girl in tow along with his buddy. If he had a girlfriend I'd think he'd use her instead of his daughter for a model. Ray walks off with his boyfriend at the end of the movie which to me is another indication.
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 11:35:33 AM (EDT)

bunks - I had forgotten that was you I was having the discussion with!

Hikity - I don't remember too much about Shampoo, it was a long time ago, just that Warren Beatty was definitely NOT gay! A few other things, as I recall, but not gay.

Juliet - lol! To be honest, I don’t know any male hairdressers. Barbers we got. “I’m a barber, 'e's a barber; short back and sides and you’re out on your arse,” type.
martha
maine, - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 09:07:16 AM (EDT)

I think it is only hairdressers who live somewhere other than Yorkshire who are gay! LOL. The one in our village is a lot of things (e.g. bald, chubby) but definitely straight, that would explain Phil's orientation!!
Juliet
UK - Tuesday, June 07, 2005 at 04:04:09 PM (EDT)

Dear Martha, I haven't seen Shampoo. Shall I ??
Hikity
- Tuesday, June 07, 2005 at 03:06:18 PM (EDT)

No Martha, I meant it as I have tried quite some hairdressers over the last 20 years and they were all incredibly guy - but NOT Phil, dear me (hope so)
Hikity
Germany - Tuesday, June 07, 2005 at 03:04:54 PM (EDT)

Forgotten I'd mentioned that on our trip. Once again I vote for Ray being gay. (ooue I rhymed)
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Tuesday, June 07, 2005 at 12:30:51 PM (EDT)

Hickity - Other than Phil, you mean? I think that might be a stereotype. Ever see "Shampoo?"
martha
maine, - Tuesday, June 07, 2005 at 11:56:09 AM (EDT)

From the Gerry Butler newsboard, no idea how recent:

Alan Rickman was seated a few rows over from us at yesterday’s performance of “Spamalot” in NY. I didn’t approach him but one of my friends said hello. She admires him greatly and doesn’t have a shy bone in her body.

Claire
- Tuesday, June 07, 2005 at 10:13:21 AM (EDT)

Martha and Mortianna, do you know any (male) hairdresser who is NOT guy?? I don't....and R. could have been bisexual or his coming out was late, Concerning Richi I found an English review stating him as the real counterpart of Grenouille and a villain, but as I mentioned before, I am going to read it again and very consciously. In any case our dear AR will show up quite late - I really hate that bit.
Hikity
Germany - Tuesday, June 07, 2005 at 10:04:20 AM (EDT)

Personally I wouldn't call Antoine Richis a villian but he's not a one-dimensional good guy either. And it is clearly said in the novel that he lusts after his daughter but manages to restrain himself.
Vera
Germany - Tuesday, June 07, 2005 at 09:38:33 AM (EDT)

Hmmm. I figured Louis was gay, but I didn't take it for granted that Ray was. Odd, certainly, but not necessarily gay. I don't know, maybe it just seemed it would be too much if you had two gay women on one side, and two gay men on the other, Phil flying solo and the kids being the only, (please pardon the expression), "normal" ones.
martha
maine, - Tuesday, June 07, 2005 at 05:57:25 AM (EDT)

martha, that's not dumb at all - in my opinion:-)

my two cents:

1. He has a daughter

2. The "relationship" with the assistant what's his name - yes, I do think they have more than just scissors going on.

Come to think of it - and I never did before, just took it for granted - the situation of Raymond mirrors the one of Phil's ex-wife. Was married once, has a child he loves (well, and her hair, but still...), now turned to the other side of the river.

Of course, he goes more to show what could have become of Phil if his wife hadn't run away (not such bad luck, after all, one should think, Phil has much better hair, hasn't he?!)

Artful little film, and such nice music. Have to watch it again, once I can find the VCR in all the other stuff. Once I found it, I'll try and watch Love Actually again, too, or at least the parts with Bill Nighy in them *No, I'm not ashamed to say so, I really love him in it*
mortianna
she of the many many words, land of deep thinkers:-) - Tuesday, June 07, 2005 at 04:33:18 AM (EDT)

Susanne and Dee, from all what I found about characterizations, plot, interpretation and analysis of The Parfume, Antoine Richi is certainly not the good guy. I am going to read the book after I have finished my university-stuff (going after Cacchiato). The a-m analyses are ALL in German and from school students who had to read it during class. Have to rush now, bye
Hikity
Germany - Tuesday, June 07, 2005 at 03:11:16 AM (EDT)

Martha, yes i think Raymond and Louis were more than associates,,,,specially when Louis is told by Raymond to get the rooms in the hotel and he say back" pleasure treasure".
Alfan
Canada - Tuesday, June 07, 2005 at 12:34:36 AM (EDT)

I received some wonderful news from Connie (thank you!). MNiRC may be Broadway bound!

The Telegraph, London
June 4, 2005

Almost Famous: Megan Dodds, actress

Who is she?
Celestial good looks and an enthralling, understated talent make Megan Dodds - now appearing in Neil LaBute's critically acclaimed play This is How It Goes - one of the most enticing actresses currently on the West End stage. TV fans may also recognise the graceful American blonde as CIA agent Christine Dale from BBC spy-drama Spooks.

Where does she come from?
Born in rural North Carolina, Dodds took up acting at night school in San Francisco before winning a place at Juilliard, New York's prestigious performing arts college. "I still remember going through the door at Lincoln Centre for the first time," she says. "I saw this red carpet winding up a marble staircase and realised I had a lot to live up to. It was never going to be a cosy, comfortable experience." A role in Ben Elton's Popcorn brought Dodds to England in 1997 and she has remained here ever since.

What's next?
Earlier this year, Dodds wowed the critics with an astonishing solo performance in My Name Is Rachel Corrie, a monologue based on the journals of the American protester killed in Palestine. She will reprise the role in the Royal Court this October, after which there are tentative plans for a Broadway transfer. "I don't know how American audiences will take to the politics of it," says Dodds, "but I'm really curious to find out."
****------------***------------***------------***------------***------------****

I have no idea what you're talking about, Martha! LOL Which means it's time for me to watch Blow Dry again.

Good luck with your "plan," Julia! *hehe*

Wow, lots of newbies here lately! Welcome, Stephanie, Amanda, Maria, Nitty, Cathy, Chevelle and Frauen! And good to see you again, Deb!

Thanks to Julia (Germany), Daydreamer, Claudia, Glowbox and everybody for all the great links, info and photos!

And thanks for the Perfume info, Hikity! I'm really looking forward to seeing it, too. Mostly because I love period films. Not to mention, AR looks incredibly gorgeous in period clothing (i.e. S&S, Mesmer). I just finished reading the book last week and must admit, found it very strange, but fascinating. ***POSSIBLE SPOILER***: AR's character, Antoine, doesn't come into the picture until almost the very end, so I'm not expecting a very big part. But you can't fit an entire book into a film, of course, so if they cut out (or considerably shorten) the parts where Grenoulle spends over a decade living in a cave and then getting his act cleaned up with the doctor/inventor, maybe, just maybe, AR will appear around half way through the film... like AABA. *crossing fingers* Where did you read about AR's character, Hikity? I love his bad guys, but I didn't see Antoine as a villain either, just a man with the usual ambitions of a privileged aristocrat, like trying to get himself and his daughter married into royalty/money, etc. And I contribute his shocking fatherly feelings towards the murderer of his daughter a huge manipulation on Grenoulle's part. I'm still scratching my head, however, about how on earth they're going to film the orgy scene near the end. :-)

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Monday, June 06, 2005 at 11:54:26 PM (EDT)

You're remembering correctly, Dee. I thought Richi was a good guy, certainly compared to Grenoille (sp?). (And to repeat my mantra, AR doesn't do villians anymore.)
snapes_witch
- Monday, June 06, 2005 at 11:52:18 PM (EDT)

Question. I’m watching Blow Dry and someone said something the other day about Raymond Robertson being gay. Now, maybe I’m dumb, but I didn’t think he was. What say you? Is Louis more than his assistant?
martha
maine, - Monday, June 06, 2005 at 09:14:37 PM (EDT)

Hikity -- Wait a minute! I'm confused. It's been awhile since I read the book (and I didn't really like it), but I don't recall Antoine Richi was a villian. And he didn't actually "lust" after his own daughter -- his wife was gone, he loved his daughter, and her beauty made him uncomfortable. Did you read that description somewhere?
Dee
Indiana - Monday, June 06, 2005 at 07:36:01 PM (EDT)

Hi there guys, I just read about the character of Antoine Richi in "The Parfume" and wow, our Man will play a real nice scheming villain again, being in love with his beautiful daughter, suppressing his lust etc etc etc!! I am really looking forward to seeing this film. Nighty night, Hikity
Hikity
Germany - Monday, June 06, 2005 at 03:46:20 PM (EDT)

Chevelle, thanks for the info. The Metropolitan, eh? I did scout around there one night, even went inside, but no sign of the man. I have a friend who leaves just around the corner from that hotel...I told him to keep his eyes peeled for AR, but I guess he's just not that into him...

Lynn, thanks for checking. Now I'm curious as to what that other Ottawa Citizen article says...I found it by searching Rickman on the site. Oh well, another of life's tantalizing mysteries, I guess.
Slope
Canada - Saturday, June 04, 2005 at 10:45:58 PM (EDT)

I Just have to say allan rickman is never used to his full for example he would make a fantastic Sherlock homes, or master jedi. Its not fair
Frauen Brauen <Frauenbrauen@herzeleid.netfoo>
chelmsford, essex uk - Saturday, June 04, 2005 at 07:16:35 PM (EDT)

Here you go, Cat. This was in my local paper yesterday. Of course, you would have to live in Flint, MI. But, hey, Michael Moore (the part of this post related to AR *LOL*) lives in the area, too. ;)

FLINT - A $3.6-million project that would bring loft-style condominiums for artists is in the works.

The location has not yet been revealed, but planners say the project involves renovating and restructuring an existing building.

The project was announced at Wednesday's meeting of the Greater Flint Arts Council, where the Community Cultural Plan was unveiled as an effort to revitalize Flint and surrounding communities by putting a stronger emphasis on arts and culture.

"I'm very excited," said Pam Hawkins, coordinator of the Community Cultural Plan. "If you go to any city that's revitalized, they make sure there's a place for artists to live and work."

Funding for the plan - designed by more than 300 people from Genesee County - came from the Ruth Mott Foundation.

The condos would have 24 units, priced $80,000 to $135,000, said Michael Freeman of the Local Initiatives Support Corp., which facilitated the project. LISC is a national community development intermediary that bridges the gap between governments, nonprofit corporations and lenders, he said.

"It's a creatively financed deal," Freeman said. "I'm working with nonprofit developers to develop the property."

There would be two buildings - one residential and the other with studio space and a gallery.

The project is expected to begin in October and be completed by June 2006, Freeman said.

He noted that younger artists and empty nesters would be the target market.

"I have a visual of a person who wakes up in the morning, goes to (his or her) studio across the street (to create art), shows their work in the gallery and potentially sells what they're making to make their monthly mortgage," Freeman said.

K
Suburbia, MI - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 11:39:53 PM (EDT)

"just in cases"--gosh i loved that movie.
Alfan
Canada - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 08:20:29 PM (EDT)

Gasp!!! John Ralston Saul is coming to do a reading of his book here in Calgary on the 8th!!! Does this mean he and AR are travelling together? How many times can Rickman hear about the collapse of globalisation? I thought it was "too much reading" for him? Anyhoo, I will keep my eyes and ears open next week, 'just in cases'. (But I am not shelling out $10 for the dubious proviledge of seeing Saul -- no matter how good-looking John W MacDonald hinks he is!! LOL)

PS, what do you guys think, are the media aware of this? How did the Ottawa Citizen wrangle that interview? Could the Calgary Herald do so, too? (And could i be the mysterious yet utterly charming 'intern' also present? It would sure beat tying myself to railroad tracks!)
Julia
Canada - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 07:49:57 PM (EDT)

I love my husband to pieces. We have 1 and a half (just a few more weeks)requisite children. If I had the money to afford a separate flat for my privacy, sure I would purchase one. I would fill it up with my interests, art, books, a studio, and a shelf full of movies my hubby would never watch. I would make sure it was in a suitably artsy neighborhood that my husband probably wouldn't appreciate. My in-laws did this in their retirement and they were happily married for 50+ years. Not that it's any of my business where or with whom the man lives, I can surely appreciate the lure of two separate personal areas.
Cat
TX - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 05:50:49 PM (EDT)

The woman is definitely Ms Horton.
Claudia
GA - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 05:43:42 PM (EDT)

Since Rima is here in Canada with Alan, i would say yes.
alfan
Canada - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 05:40:15 PM (EDT)

As to those new pics in John MacDonald's site... is that Rima?
Kelly C
CA - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 05:14:26 PM (EDT)

Daydreamer just posted on the Download Haven Guestbook that John W MacDonald has updated his blog with a couple more piccies of AR.

Thanks, Daydreamer!
Claudia
GA - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 04:02:48 PM (EDT)

Slope, yes, you're right, but...do you count that as a love scene we all would appreciate?? Chevelle, I think Rima and AR once lived together and then found out that separated flats were better for their "friendship". I personally do not agree to such an arrangement as I couldn't be faithful - I don't see the point. It's a completely different story when you are married - and I have been for 24 years (rights and duties for everybody)and we have a wonderful daughter. I think it's the greatest experience in my life to live and overcome any stupid problem in this world together...have a lovely day, good night, Hikity
Hikity
Germany - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 03:44:41 PM (EDT)

Hi Slope, AR stayed at the Metropolitan Hotel in downtown Toronto.

Curious does anyone know if AR is currently living with Rima? I think I read some where that they live in seperate houses??
Chevelle
New York - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 10:00:14 AM (EDT)

Hi Slope, that is the only article that i know of from the Ottawa Citizan, i made sure i took it out. I love the pic of The Man, wow what a nice look, but thanks for mentioning it. Now is there another article for another time I don't knmow about, As I don't get the paper really, the only reason i got that idition was because he was on the front page and i saw it as i was going by the newspaper box on the street.
lynn
ottawa, canada - Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 08:28:30 PM (EDT)

I, too, think it's just normal state accentuated by fatigue. Now I'm really waiting for the next sightings along the Canadian rail lines!
Aurora
- Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 05:58:02 PM (EDT)

bunks - I think that's just the way he is. I noticed that long ago, even in early pics. He seems to squint a bit with his left eye. My sister does the same thing - maybe that's why I never thought much about it.
martha
maine, - Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 05:47:58 PM (EDT)

Lynn in Ottawa, I found this blurb of another article about Alan Rickman in the May 28/05 edition of The Ottawa Citizen, and was wondering if you saw this too? This is accessible on the Internet only by paying money, btw.

Known for sinister characters, Rickman melts for Governor General

CanWest News Service - May 28, 2005

OTTAWA - Canada's Governor General is so charming she can soften the heart of a villain _ even one of Hollywood's most evil tyrants.
Slope
Canada - Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 04:44:21 PM (EDT)

Hikity, Alan had a love scene in Close My Eyes also...

Hi Chevelle, just out of curiosity, what hotel was Alan staying at in Toronto?? ;-)
Slope
Canada - Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 04:36:51 PM (EDT)

Yes Sara, that clears everything up...and isn't it a shame that this is the only real love scene available (afaik)?? And Bunks, we would know about a stroke. I am quite sure he was just tired. We all have two different halves of our faces. And to calm you down (:) :) :)): on Keith's most recent and wonderful photos (I bought 2 and I have forgotten the event; you have to scroll down a long way in the GB)you have to look very very carefully to notice a slight difference. He just looks incredibly sexy on these (Keith) photos.
Hikity
- Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 01:37:31 PM (EDT)

Hi Everyone! Great Page! Absolutely Love The Pictures! Thanks Julia. I Just Love AR & Think He's Brilliant In All His Films. "Truly, Madly, Deeply" & "Something The Lord Made" Are My Most Favorite Films. But I'd Have To Say That "Dogma" & "Harry Potter" Are A Close Second. I Think He's Extremely Sexy As Proffessor Severus Snape. And I Can't Wait To See Him In "Snow Cake" & "Perfume".

My Girlfriend And I Recently Took A Trip Up To Toronto In Hopes Of Running Into AR. We Had No Idea Where He'd Be But We Took The Chance Anyhow. Unfortunately We Wern't Successfull In Finding Him. However, We Did Manage To End Up Staying In The Same Exact Hotel He Was Staying In While He Was There Finishing Filming "Snow Cake". We Also Found Out Where They Were Filming. It Was The Best Experience Of My Life. Even If We Didn't Actually See Him. I Was Able To Get The Bell Boy To Deliver A Letter Up To His Room Though. =) So I Knew I Was Extremely Close.

Oh Well Maybe Next Time!!
Chevelle <Chevelle24882957@yahoo.comfoo>
Central Square, NY USA - Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 01:14:42 PM (EDT)

Those pictures really bring out the discrepancy between the two eyes. No disrespect intended just an observation. Have they always been like that or just since he's gotten older? I've noticed this before in some of his later photos and wondered if it was stroke related or something.
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 12:19:42 PM (EDT)

wonderfull, absoleutly wonderfull
Jules
leeds, united kingdom - Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 12:16:28 PM (EDT)

Oh, you lucky Canadians! Great photos Julia, Germany - thanks. And here's another article about : Perfume Filming in the South of France... that's nearer to home for me!
Glowbox
France - Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 09:15:14 AM (EDT)

Hikity- I guess i ment to say that i have never really seen AR in a love seen. i guess it just kind of threw me to the point were new emotions for the Man were brought out in me. Kind of like after i saw him in Dogma, the lake scene. He seemed so sincere in that scene, and now in AABA it is kind of the same thing. Hope that clears things up :)
sara
USA - Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 04:34:54 AM (EDT)

Dee, sorry I meant AFAIK
Hikity
- Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 02:59:26 AM (EDT)

Sara, may I ask what you meant with x-rated scene in AABA and why it is the first time??? It's not Basic Instinct, is it?? Dee, isn't it typical for AR to not make his entrance but after half of the film?? ASAIK he plays the father of that girl. I am going to read it again.
Hikity
- Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 02:58:33 AM (EDT)

I just watched AABA for the first time!! For the first half hour or so i was like what the hell is this, then i got into it. And now i will blush profusly but, the first "x-rated" scene sent a chill down my spine. I know that sounds stupid but that is the first time a movie has ever done that. Plus i had no idea what a jackass hugh grant plays in this movie, wow what a jerk. Anyway good flick all around.
Sara
USA - Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 11:14:13 PM (EDT)

Oh My God. I have those sunglasses. How wierd is that?

Martha, I like the train track idea. It's very Rocky and Bullwinkle! Although I'm afraid the CPR tracks in Calgary downtown aren't terribly picturesque. At least I have a fair idea as to where he will be staying if he does go by train -- The Fairmont Palliser, one of Calgary's oldest buildings (not saying much, it was built in the 20s or 30s...).
Julia
Calgary, Canada - Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 07:19:53 PM (EDT)

Hello, very nice page, keep on. Greetings from C.A..
Cathy <cathy975@hotmail.comfoo>
Kalifornia, NY United States - Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 07:08:54 PM (EDT)

i for one want to know how he got what looks like a little abrasion on the left side of his forhead. Boy! Canada can be rough fighting off all the Alan fans, wheww!!
Alfan
Canada - Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 05:48:32 PM (EDT)

Hi everyone! Love the pictures! What kind of sunglasses does he have? If you look at his ear lobe in the last pictures, it looks like it's pierced!!!
Jennifer
Calgary, - Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 05:17:11 PM (EDT)

Julia, Germany just posted this over at the Download Haven Guest Book!

Alan Rickman Takes In Some Culture

The pictures are positively gorgeous!!! Thanks Julia, Germany!
Claudia
GA - Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 01:43:23 PM (EDT)

Julia I like your RCMP idea. That was cute.
Still giggling...
Deb <daalbers@telus.netfoo>
Rosedale, BC Canada - Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 01:23:23 PM (EDT)

Julia - Now, if you could find out what train he's on, you could tie yourself to the tracks... Or hold it up, Butch Cassidy style... Or tie up the person in charge of the sleeper car, steal his uniform, then...
martha
maine, - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 11:00:44 PM (EDT)

Julia -- I'm sorry sweetie, but I think you'll have better luck if you just take your sleeping bag to the train station and camp out until AR shows up! Stock up on buttertarts and maybe you can lure the cute panda to you! Wish I could join you!

zzzzz -- I just bought chocolate-scented geraniums to plant in my garden! When my diet gets overwhelming, I plan to throw myself between the rows and "sniffffffff". But, with my luck, I'll probably snuff a bee up my nose.

Hikity -- Have you read the book (Perfume)? I didn't care for it at all. But, the premise sounds interesting so who knows...it may come across better on film. Is AR playing the detective/father? In the book, he doesn't show up until it more than half over. I was hoping for lots of AR in period costume!
Dee
Indiana - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 09:36:43 PM (EDT)

Julia - Brilliant! Good luck.
martha
maine, - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 09:31:41 PM (EDT)

So Rickman is on a cross-country trek... I've been thinking a great deal about how to find out his itinerary, especially since there is a good chance he'll roll through Calgary, but probably won't stay long, and I therefore need to know Exactly when and where he is going to be. I have carefully weighed the options. Asking Melanie Parker would take too long, asking the GG is not an option (for all her image as a people-person, i think Adrienne Clarkson is pretty snobby), so I think there is one last option. I think someone should report Rickman missing to the RCMP. The conversation should mention that you've been missing him terribly, and that you and he are like *that* and that you must must MUST know where he is, and when they find him, could they please detain him and notify you so that you could go down there and give him a "piece of your mind"? Anyone? Please? ;-)
Julia
Calgary, Canada - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 08:43:29 PM (EDT)

Found an article about AR in Saturday's "Ottawa Citizen" that mentions he, and presumably Rima, are enjoying a cross-country tour of Canada this spring. Canadian Rickmaniacs keep your eyes peeled! (Hey, you never know.... He might just show up at a Timmy's or Starbucks near you!) ;-)
http://www.canada.com/dawsoncreek/story.html?id=7afa5d5b-d02f-4b12-8676-b731243fb420
Deb <daalbers@telus.netfoo>
Rosedale, BC Canada - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 05:31:45 PM (EDT)

ailicec, AR does not smoke. During the PL run, one of our more respected members here talked with Adam Godley about the smoking in the play and he said that none of the cast smoked and the cigarettes used in the play were the herbal kind often used in plays, films, and television. I believe you will find this story in later archives.
Claudia
GA - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 08:32:27 AM (EDT)

ok reallly off topic and i am sorry but i gotta know. i have been reading the archives and i believe its in jan of 1999 or 2000 but there was a discussion as to whether or not alan rickman smoked and as far as i can see the question was never difinitively answered. so um does he, i mean other than in a few movies like in real life cuz i may go insane not knowing. and also somewhere in the archives is supposed to be a lengthy disscussion on the rubber undies he had to wear in dogma. it is supposed to be worth a read. if anybody knows where it is could you tell me i have looked and looked

yes i know i really need a life

ok back to your reagulary scheduled program

with love ailicec
ailicec <woozoomoodoopoo.coofoo>
small, sad big ole pile o dirt - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 03:47:44 AM (EDT)

I very nearly didn't list 'Michael Collins' for that reason, and why I left 'Rasputin' off the list. It probably depends on your definition of 'villian'. I can think of several American politicians that I could put in that category, but for the sake of the guestbook let's not go there!!!
snapes_witch
- Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 01:29:51 AM (EDT)

Aurora, one day I walked into the livingroom not knowing my husband bought a different deodorant and asked him if one of his buddies had visited us; later I realized it was him and I said, "get out, you're not my husband!" I was acutally joking, butlooks like there's some basis to reacting to others' smell.
Zzzzz
- Monday, May 30, 2005 at 09:47:41 PM (EDT)

AR has golden brown (amber) eyes and I found one rose that fits that description! thanks for bringing the topic up: Honey Dijon TM.

For an excellent picture of this intense color, try "Wayside Gardens New Roses". (other pictures show the rose rather pale and so have a different effect.)

http://www.tv-now.com/stars/tickman.html This is a TV schedule for AR movies.
Zzzzz
- Monday, May 30, 2005 at 09:35:59 PM (EDT)

Juliet, i was just going to type that. It isnt said or pointed to in the movie but some say Eamon may of knew of the untimely death of Collins. Me, well i will stay out of Irish politics and history as i dont know enough about my own history never mind Irish or even English.
Alfan
Canada - Monday, May 30, 2005 at 05:45:26 PM (EDT)

Hmm, you might think he's the bad guy in Michael Collins, it would depend on your politics!
Juliet
UK - Monday, May 30, 2005 at 04:06:12 PM (EDT)

martha, good question. I think from reading the book that it makes him abnormal. It's normal to have an odor as a sort of signature. We recognize and react emotionally to the smells of those we love (and hate). Being odorless makes him a sort of monster. At the same time, he is also able to manipulate the odors that other people perceive and thereby to manipulate their emotions. I think that scientists say that we all react unconcsiously to pheromones and that the author is making this point.
Aurora
- Monday, May 30, 2005 at 01:59:20 PM (EDT)

I can't help but wonder why the lack of oder would make someone a social outsider. In fact, in an era of limited personal hygiene, one might think it would increase his popularity.
martha
maine, - Monday, May 30, 2005 at 01:34:00 PM (EDT)

Hi Everyone, I realise this is fairly late notice, but BBC1 are showing Robin Hood today at 5.45 PM British Time, So anyone who has n't seen it or just wants to drool over Alan can do I think Alan is hilarious in this movie and does steal the movie ! ! ROBIN HOOD BBC 1 5.45 PM TODAY 30.05/05
bluebeatbabe
- Monday, May 30, 2005 at 12:40:49 PM (EDT)

Good grief. I'm really happy he turned down Hannibal Lector - eeeeeeeeeee, :) :)
Hikity
- Monday, May 30, 2005 at 11:33:46 AM (EDT)

If someone is interested in the plot of our MAN's next project: Das Parfum Hideous, heartless and yet strangely fascinating might be a good description of the antihero of "Das Parfüm". Born on a Paris fish market and left to die by his mother, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, whose name is just as unattractive as the rest of him (Grenouille means "frog"), grows up to be a monster. What marks him (and indeed the whole book) out is the pursuit of smell. Although Grenouille himself is odourless, and therefore an outsider in society, his sense of smell is extraordinary and he becomes the most accomplished perfumer of his age. But his real ambition is not to be a great perfumer - that would be relatively mundane. His real ambition is much more evil, perverse or tragic, depending how the reader cares to interpret it. In the book we follow Grenouille from his ignominious birth, through his wretched childhood to the climax of his macabre machinations. The author enables us to enter his mind and to understand his feelings and desires and we are surprised at how much sympathy we feel for a cold-blooded murderer who commits his crimes with meticulous precision rather than homicidal frenzy. This is a book, which can be read on many levels. There is no denying that it is a murder story, and an unusual one at that. But it is by no means a whodunit; it is more a whydunit as we know that Grenouille is going to murder before he does so. There is no Norman Bates suspense and terror here, no rolling of drums or quivering with fear, just pure fascination. On another level the story provides us with a gripping description of the life and times of Grenouille, an age of filth, insecurity and violence, and a unique exploration of the world as it smells and not as it looks or sounds. For those who want to dig deep Süskind has provided us with an extremely detailed description of the development and downfall of a narcissistic personality who is as much an outsider as Kafka's Gregor Samsa and as tragic a genius as Robert Schneider's Johannes Elias Alder.
Hikity
Germany - Monday, May 30, 2005 at 11:31:38 AM (EDT)

Amanda: movies in which Alan ISN'T the bad guy --

Truly, Madly, Deeply

An Awfully Big Adventure

Sense and Sensibility

Blow Dry

Galaxy Quest

Dogma

Michael Collins

Close My Eyes

January Man

Judas Kiss

Mesmer

Something the Lord Made

and the jury is still out on Severus Snape!

I think his villians make such a strong impression on us that we tend to overlook his other roles! I've read that he turned down Scar in The Lion King and Hannibal Lecter because he didn't want to be typecast as a villian.
snapes_witches
- Monday, May 30, 2005 at 06:06:04 AM (EDT)

One more thing: pls check the details carefully, however, although the title might be the German translation (such as Sinn und Sinnlichkeit = S&S)the dvds are normally in English and German (plus French) and offer subtitles. The quality has always been remarkably good. Nice day, R, Hikity
Hikity
- Monday, May 30, 2005 at 04:46:20 AM (EDT)

Hi there, just looked in amazon.de and found lots of his films for very very little money. Just enter Alan Rickman and "alle Produkte". Example: DH €4.80; SS €9.97; GQ €6.66; LA € 5.95; JK €4.88 etc etc etc. With your account details of amazon.com or uk. you have immediate access to all other amazons. So, go ahead.
Hikity
- Monday, May 30, 2005 at 04:41:57 AM (EDT)

Martha, thanks for the information on the tapes over at amazon.com. Ill have to check it out! A big thanks also to the lurker that mentioned how a Rose named the Nottingham Rose should be made in a blck color! Imagine that in our gardens??
Pam
- Monday, May 30, 2005 at 12:09:41 AM (EDT)

Just read about the AR rose again and noticed the *scent* angle. Isn't it funny how the most delicious flavor in the world is not so much valued for it's fragrance? of course I'm talking about *chocolate*. How about a coffee-scented rose? ah, heavenly!

I saw a movie, (but can't remember the title because I was just 5 or so), and it was about a guy searching for The Blue Rose and by the time he...well, no spoilers here. Anyway, a *sky* blue rose is still unknown. Blue as this background. An amber rose would be remarkable! like AR's eyes.

Newbies, there's a long discussion about AABA in the archives. Will post the date when I find it (and more time).
Zzzzz
- Monday, May 30, 2005 at 12:00:55 AM (EDT)

I think Alan Rick man is a great actor his effort is unbelievable.My friend did the visual effects for Harry Poter and the Chamber of Secrets and he said that Alan wasa very nice guy.
Nitty <unknown_fart@hotmail.comfoo>
Lismore, NSW Australia - Sunday, May 29, 2005 at 07:54:23 PM (EDT)

CLOSET LAND:
For those interested, amazon.com has 20 used (VHS) copies for sale, starting at $11.59. Four of them are under $20.
martha
maine, - Sunday, May 29, 2005 at 09:32:34 AM (EDT)

HI! I had a vast collection of Alan's movies and I even had an autographed photo of him,but unfortunately,it was all destroyed in a fire.It would be way to expensive for me to get them all over again,but I will say that at least I had his movies for a few months before they were destroyed.I believe that he is a very good actor!
MARIA SCHATZ <DHPRULES1959@YAHOO.COMfoo>
WATERTOWN, NY USA - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 06:58:38 PM (EDT)

if anyone is interested, I have a few vhs copies of alan rickman movies, that i'm selling. I know not everyone has a dvd yet, but now that i do, i'm getting his movies on dvd, so i have these copies to sell. they are:

Dark Harbor, Blow Dry, Dogma, and Something the Lord Made (which I will pass that one on to someone,as someone here in this forum did for me. I'm so sorry but you never put your name on it so i can't remember who sent me the copy.

Please contact me is theres anyone interested.
lynn <Pyewacket003@aol.comfoo>
ottawa, canada - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 06:08:11 PM (EDT)

hello all, i was sitting on the bus today, and as i went by a newspaper box, i was Alan Rickman's face on the front page of the Ottawa Citizan. I did a double take and gasped. I think the passanger behind me heard me but i didn't care. As soon as i got off , i quickly bought the paper. I normally don't buy the newspaper,but today i sure did.

I can't believe it. Mr. Rickman in my home city and i wasn't there to see this. I just wonder if he's still here. and where is he now. My dream is to meet this wonderful actor, and i missed it. i"m so very sad about this. hope others here were lucky to see him. :-(
lynn
ottawa, canada - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 05:53:31 PM (EDT)

I like Alan Rickman as an actor. In every movie I see him in he'se always the bad guy. I wonder why? Amanda
Amanda <dabear88@aol.comfoo>
Winthrop Harbor, IL United States - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 03:01:02 PM (EDT)

I was just going to say, now haven't some of our Canadian members said recently, "He'll never come here." And here he is on a trans-Canada train. Maybe this means a continuous trail of sightings.

And he's standing us up at St. Paul's to go on vacation, visit all his friends, and spend some quality time with his sweetie. I guess a man's gotta have a life.

AABA, I like it. I guess I see it as a moral tale about a man who isn't very careful about where he sticks his...well, never mind. AR stole the film from the girl, who was supposed to be the center.
Aurora
- Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 02:48:34 PM (EDT)

Across Canada?!?!?!?! (puts head between knees to stop hyperventilating) Does that mean... he could potentially, if I am very, very lucky, come *here*? SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
Julia
Canada - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 02:28:09 PM (EDT)

After having read your and Claudia's great guest books for a while I would like to join now and thank everbody for the pictures and articles of Alan and his work. Thanks for fitting the picture to the aricle from Canada, Suzanne, Alan seems to have a good time there !
Stephanie <Stephanie_Neeb@yahoo.defoo>
Wetzlar, Germany - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 02:21:13 PM (EDT)

Oh, yes! Now, what does this T-shirt say?
martha
maine, - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 11:20:07 AM (EDT)

Suzanne - thank you! Ain't he gorgeous?
martha
maine, - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 11:19:03 AM (EDT)

I love AABA, especially the scene where he rehearses. And S&S of course
Hikity
- Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 10:56:27 AM (EDT)

Thank you so much, Martha and Stephanie for the wonderful article! I was just visiting The Ottawa Citizen website and noticed this very nice photo accompanies that article.

And thanks, Susan, for the British Film magazine info!

ailicec, Sara and Ricky, there's always a first time for everything. :-) Although AABA is not to everyone's taste, because of the subject matter, it is an excellent film and one of my favorites.

Welcome, Lita, Mark and Charlotte! My favorite AR movie changes a lot, but it's usually Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, since that is the one I discovered him in.

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 10:08:36 AM (EDT)

Martha, thanks--nice article. I hope Alan is travelling by train through the Rockies! I've done the Ontario to Alberta part by train, but it's all Canadian shield and prairies. So is this why he can't make the John Donne thing--cos he's on vacation with Rima? I guess that's a good excuse (hope Juliet and Harriet understand). ;-)
Slope
Canada - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 09:42:20 AM (EDT)

From Stephanie, over at Claudia's:

Canadians 'lucky' to have Clarkson, actor Alan Rickman declares

Governor General befriended 'villain' after play in New York

Greg McArthur

The Ottawa Citizen

Saturday, May 28, 2005

Canada's Governor General is so charming she can soften the heart of a villain -- even one of Hollywood's most evil tyrants.

Alan Rickman, the British actor best known for his dark, sinister characters in blockbuster movies such as Die Hard, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and the Harry Potter series, rolled into Ottawa by rail yesterday to dine with Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson at Rideau Hall.

It's a friendship that was forged in New York in 2002, when Mr. Rickman was starring in the Broadway play Private Lives and Madame Clarkson was a fan in the crowd. She asked to meet the actor after the performance and they've been pals ever since.

"She's a smart, intelligent, attractive woman," Mr. Rickman said yesterday with his distinct, English inflection, after he stepped off the escalator at the Ottawa train station. "She knows what she's talking about and you guys should be grateful she's in the job. If the rest of the world had an Adrienne Clarkson, they'd be lucky."

He's also friends with Madame Clarkson's husband, John Ralston Saul -- considered one of Canada's most revered minds -- though not so close that he's felt obligated to comb through one of his notoriously dense books: "They take a lot of reading," he said.

Ottawa is one of many Canadian stops for Mr. Rickman, who is touring the country, going from east to west, half of it by train, this spring. And though he's only filmed two movies in Canada, he has enough links that the country feels like a second home, he says.

Two of his best friends, whom he met as a student at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, are Canadian and he just had dinner with them a few nights ago: Richard Greenblatt, one of the creators of the critically acclaimed live musical, 2 Pianos 4 Hands, and Nicky Guadagni, a stage actress who won a Gemini Award for her guest role on the drama Blue Murder. Mr. Rickman's god-daughter is also currently in theatre school in Montreal.

He's already had a candid, extensive glimpse at a Northern Ontario town, one that many Canadians have probably never been to.

For more than two weeks in April, Mr. Rickman was holed up in Wawa, a place with 3,600 people that's 1,008 kilometres northwest -- about a 13-hour drive -- from Ottawa. The town, which is known for its giant, steel Canada Goose statue and its strange name -- "the town's so nice they named it twice, Wawa" -- was hand-picked by a director to be the setting for the drama, Snow Cake.

Mr. Rickman plays an English drifter who befriends an autistic woman, played by Sigourney Weaver. Carrie-Anne Moss also stars.

More than 100 members of the cast and crew slept in the Wawa Motor Inn, a set of 50 hotel rooms and 18 log chalets that usually host snowmobilers. The chalets, which were reserved for the film's stars, sit next to a cliff that overlooks a municipal sewage lagoon -- which looks quite scenic, unlike how it sounds, said the inn's general manager, Donna Harris.

Mr. Rickman became a common sight on the streets of Wawa, whether he was shopping or raving about the general store's butter tarts. He was courteous with the staff and became a regular in the inn's diner, often ordering the club house sandwich with a Diet Coke after a long day of filming. "He has a dry sense of humour," said Ms. Harris. "He didn't smile very much, but when he does it's precious."

Unlike the characters he often portrays in films, Mr. Rickman didn't look at all dastardly yesterday, with his sandy blond hair, taupe jacket and beige shirt, and offered a wide grin to a grey-haired woman at the train station who asked him about Die Hard.

This is the same guy who, while playing the Sheriff of Nottingham, told a henchman that he'd use a spoon to cut out Robin Hood's heart, "because it's dull you twit, it'll hurt more!" He was also selected as the 46th best villain in film history by the American Film Institute for his portrayal of Hans Gruber, the terrorist mastermind in Die Hard who takes over an office building only to be killed by a renegade police officer, played by Bruce Willis.

Despite his long career, he's probably best known by millions of schoolchildren as the scary Professor Severus Snape, the master of potions who always seems to have it out for Harry Potter. Mr. Rickman will reprise the creepy role in November when the fourth instalment of the Harry Potter movies, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, is released in theatres.

Mr. Rickman was accompanied to Ottawa yesterday by Canadian producer Niv Fichman, one of the producers behind Snow Cake, but best known for his film, The Red Violin, starring Samuel L. Jackson. Mr. Rickman's longtime girlfriend, Rima Horton, a teacher and former British politician, was also with them, though her boyfriend didn't want to delve into politics. He reportedly used to raise money for British Prime Minister Tony Blair's Labour Party, but on this trip he's acting just like his non-partisan host and is reluctant to discuss world affairs. He sums up his opinions with: "I'm with Michael Moore on most things."

(Hope I didn't miss any paragraph marks...)
martha
maine, - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 06:00:37 AM (EDT)

I have to suggest - I don't know An Awfully Big Advanture. :o( *sigh* RIcky
Ricky
Austria - Friday, May 27, 2005 at 05:44:04 PM (EDT)

Oh my gosh Ailicec you are not the only one who has not seen AABA. I feel so ashamed admitting that i have not seen it either. but That was the next movie i was going to buy. :). then i was going to get close my eyes. Havent seen that one yet either. I know I know things should be thrown at me from every direction for calling my self a super, duper, crazy, insane Alan fan when i have not seen those two movies yet. But I'm working on it.
Sara
USA - Friday, May 27, 2005 at 03:43:31 PM (EDT)

ok im gonna get annoying and i dont care

been reading the archives and lemme tell ya very educational. actualy i just wanted to comment that well its been said dozens of times but it is impressive how yall dont just fawn over him. yall not only are interested in him and his works but i have read MANY analitical discussions about what they might mean. polite people who respect others and have made friendships and bonds that will hopefully last forever.

i only wish there was a chat all the time.

i just wish i had enough money to just get a jet and pick all of us up and head to say i dont know mabey london ;) have a blast visitin and meetin. someday mabey. i have spent many hours (too many probably) sittin here and readin the archives thinkin what a wounderful group of people. and i dont know if alan rickman is, was, or ever will be posting on this site, but i can garuntee that if he ever did a search on himself (why not i would) he knows we are here.

and in closing i just wanna say AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS NOT SEEN AABA????? :(

ill shut up now with love ailicec the girl who can only dream.
ailicec <cpwillcox@aol.comfoo>
boring little town HE will never come too, really sad cuz ill never see him in person that big pile of dirt in the middle of the puddle - Friday, May 27, 2005 at 09:08:37 AM (EDT)

ok gotta share somethin funny. didnt realize how un AR my hubby was untill i asked him if we still had the die hard movie ( apparently the theif who broke in our house was an alan rickman fan cuz most of my collection was stolen when it was broken into ) and he was like why? i said i wanna watch it cuz alan rickman is in it. he was like and i quote "oh yeah THATS who that is yippie kay yay " well he said the whole thing but we all know it already. i couldnt stop laughing cuz he had just seen the calendar that suzanne sent me and was trying to place the face aside from harry potter. ok yall im gonna watch harry potter now cuz that is one of the 3 i still have left. seee yaaaaaaaaaa have a nice day. with love ailicec
ailicec <cpwillox@aol.comfoo>
- Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 10:16:42 PM (EDT)

Hi, I have been Alan's fan for over 4 years. But it is the first time that I leave a message here. I just want to say hi to everybody. I am from China. Is there anybody who are from Asia, too. Alan is not well-known in China, however, some fans I knew on web have a huge crush on him. He is a fantanstic actor and incrediblely sexy man. My favoriate movie is Sense and Sensibility, directed by my favoriate director An Lee. Would you tell me what is your favoriate Alan's movie?
Charlotte <manoeliu@yahoo.com.cnfoo>
Chicago, - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 10:05:22 PM (EDT)

He is my favourite villian
Lita Thronder <littybit@hotmail.comfoo>
hay, nsw australia - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 09:37:24 PM (EDT)

AOL has a blurb about Tom Cruise and his latest squeez. what caught my eye was the title: TRUELY, MADDLY, DEEPELY! The nerve of them!
Susan
TX - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 08:21:40 PM (EDT)

sorry magda i just checked the GB and saw ur post. i dont remember your addy unless u mean the yahoo one. verysorry for personal note guys. try again magda. i even turned off the spam blocker for a few days for ya. dont forget to leave off the foo lol. mabey alan just made the shirt like she said to drive us alll crazy and is now watching the GB and laughing his butt off. with love ailicec
Ailicec <cpwillcox@aol.comfoo>
- Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 07:43:54 PM (EDT)

The first issue of a new magazine called British Film has a sensational full-page black and white portrait of AR. (Not new, but sensational.) The editor will sell single copies within the UK, and those of us in other places can buy from Amazon.UK within a day or two.

Terence Doyle, Editor

Britishfilm-magazine

69 Charlotte Street

London W1T 4PJ

www.britishfilm-magazine.com

Tel : +44 (O)2O7 636 7455 Mob : +44 (O)788 431O 146

"The only magazine in the world ... celebrating British films & stars"
Susan
CA - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 04:03:52 PM (EDT)

Dee, you are wonderful! Most probably your last suggestion...could we look for something like F and W or FIW or FIB or F and B. I personally think the word goes on. Well, sorry for any confusion
Hikity
- Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 07:09:58 AM (EDT)

So, what do we think? Is H2s04 a band, a production company, a film festival, a magazine, a potion master joke...? Anyone have an opinion? The man doesn't seem to wear a lot of printed t-shirts, so I figure either:
he is showing support for some worthy cause;
something has REALLY inspired him or caught his fancy;
it was a birthday gift from his nieces;
all of his laundry was dirty and he thought, "Well, this odd shirt will drive my fans crazy with curiousity"!!
Dee
Indiana - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 11:09:47 PM (EDT)

Found this about the British band H2s04 on Yahoo! Music:

Songwriting is the secret ingredient that H2SO4 used to create its version of blending pop, rock, and technology into a sound that wails with raw energy. The band formed 30 miles outside of London in Kent when Graham Cupples (lead keyboardist and programmer), Darren Till (another keyboardist and programmer), and James Butler (vocals and bass) were experimenting with some remixes. At that time Cupples was leading Mortal and Code, both techno in style. Till played with Code and Butler was doing the vocals and bass for Lobster, which was previously known as Sulpher and expressed a more traditional style of rock. Mixing the three talents together created a reaction like H2SO4, the chemical symbol for originality, the chemical compound that burns you so smoothly you may not be aware its happening. The trio found they had created an area between electronica/techno and rock that was powerful and fluid. H2SO4 flowed with the new sound and brought out "Little Soul" in spring 1998. The song's thick and foreboding sound became a favorite in England, and due to the limited number released, a collector's item. "Little Soul" and the group's next two singles, "I Need Feel" and "The Way I Want," were the basis for H2SO4's first album, Machine-Turned Blues, which was released on the Recon label in June 1999. The biggest hit on the new album was "Imitation Leather Jacket" (when she left she even took his imitation leather jacket). While a favorite of the DJs in England, the song also had over a thousand U.S. radio plays. It was the number one choice on the Gavin Alternative Juke Box Jury.

H2SO4 became a solid performer at various British festivals, and also Glastonbury, in addition to playing live in Chicago and Canada. During 2000, the group recorded its second album, Glamtronica, once again combining rock, dance, punk, and indie with large dashes of humor. ~ Eleanor Ditzel, All Music Guide

K.
- Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 05:24:51 PM (EDT)

I am surfacing to say that "FI..." on the H2SO4 t-shirt probably stands for "FILMS" in Russian... It might be a production company or a film festival promo.
Mark Grossman
Los Angeles, CA USA - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 04:36:05 PM (EDT)

Julia, we agree with you (my husband helped). i means "and". I am looking in google
Hikity
- Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 01:14:19 PM (EDT)

Hi all- I did some searches on google. There is a liberal magazine named h2so4. They do have a t-shirt but it doesn't look like AR's. The link to the magazine is below. I also found a musical group called h2s04 but can't find a web page for them. Maybe they have a t-shirt? I'll keep looking but have to go for the day. I've not written in a while....so busy! But, I've been reading! Hope you all are great! www.h2so4.net/ - 10k mtnchk/L
mtnchk
Co USA - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 09:11:57 AM (EDT)

Sorry to interupt with a personal note: Ailicec, I tried to email you last night but it bounced back; can you email me (you've got my addy) and I can respond? Thanks.
Magda
Canada - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 08:15:19 AM (EDT)

If the writing on the T-shirt is Russian, I can't even begin to guess what it says. In the "horsey" photo, I can see what looks like an "f" and an "i", and then in the little Argentina photo, there's another letter after that, which could be a "b" or a "v" but I don't know what that would spell. I'm just not that up on my contemporary Russian T-Shirt design. I'm sure one of the Russian ladies on the various and sundry Rickmaniac boards has figured it out and can tell us where we can get a black market version! ;-) (I am so down with that!)
Julia
Canada - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 11:29:36 PM (EDT)

Battle, indeed. *sigh* Anyway, link fixed. Don't think I've seen that photo before, thanks! And thanks so much, Gail and Bunks, for the Toronto Star news and scan! Lucky horse. :-)

Glad to hear you had a wonderful trip, Hikity. And welcome, to the newbies!

Hey there, Georgiana! I didn't get to see her husband, but I remember Sigourney smiling at me right before I met AR in NY. Great memories... Thanks for the sighting, Mel!

Suz (D.o.C.)
- Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 11:07:47 PM (EDT)

Well, the photo didn't work. Shoot! Maybe if Suzanne isn't too exhausted from her never-ending battle with those nasty spammers she can fix it!
Dee
Indiana - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 08:52:30 PM (EDT)

LOVE the horsey photo! Doesn't AR look relaxed and happy? A little two-tone panda seems to have snuck back into his hair, but he appears to be winning the battle of teh pudge! He looks very trim and gorgeous!

Another site I visit has been furiously discussing the t-shirt issue (sigh...sometimes I wonder if I should get out of the house and socialize with live people more often!) They have it narrowed down to: there's a band by that name, or it's a potion master joke.

Anyway, here he is in the same shirt last year in Argentina. Hope this works:

Dee
Indiana - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 08:49:10 PM (EDT)

H2SO4-sulfuric acid, what else whould a potions master have on his shirt? hee hee
Alfan
Canada - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 08:20:04 PM (EDT)

martha, I see you're a fellow poet, about h2s04, that is. Then what about the Cyrillic script below the chemistry? That's part of something, but I can't read Russian. Maybe it's just that his tux was at the cleaner's.

pome:
Mary had a little drink, but she shall drink no more.
For what she thought was h20 was h2s04.

I do like the friendliness with the friendly beast. Headline: sexy beast with friendly beast.
Aurora
- Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 06:22:37 PM (EDT)

i think alan rickman is the best actor ever.
patti welch <redrose72001@yahoo.comfoo>
elkton, md usa - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 03:22:20 PM (EDT)

H2SO4? Sulfuric acid???

I knew you'd come through for us bunks!
martha
maine, - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 02:35:54 PM (EDT)

Thanks, Bunks, I missed that edition of The Star. :(
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 12:39:09 PM (EDT)

Bunks! Our heroine for the day. Your husband is truly a wonderful person. For this, you can let him go off on a golf vacation. AR looks cute in this pic. He seems to be getting along well with the horse. But what is the t-shirt? H2SO4 is a strange message.
Aurora
- Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 11:51:59 AM (EDT)

Thank you very much for the scan Bunks, that is a great picture!

Sheena <dragon@amberdragon.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
Berkshire UK - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 11:34:41 AM (EDT)

If you hover your mouse around the bottom right corner you will see a symbol that you can click to get the larger size of the print. The picture looks better this way.
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 10:59:58 AM (EDT)

At last here it is Toronto Star picture May 22/05

Sorry the quality is not that great but newsprint doesn't scan very well on my machine.
bunks
Whitby, - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 10:57:36 AM (EDT)

Isn't that sweet, husband set it aside for me, I noticed it on the couch. Give me a moment and I'll scan it.
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 10:31:53 AM (EDT)

I just got back from the weekend away and I've gone through all of the newspapers including the Sunday Toronto Star and I don't see Alan in it. I'll go look again but I'm pretty sure it's not there.
bunks
Whitby, - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 10:29:27 AM (EDT)

i love this site guyssssssssssssssssss
omo <omo@omo.comfoo>
new york, new usa - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 10:04:28 AM (EDT)

Hi everybody,just back from my holidays and London. Yesterday, Bruce Willis was in town, at L.Square to be precise (Sin City premiere)... However, I preferred to see the really great play "Home Place" at the Comedy Theatre. Tom Courtenay and Nick Dunning and Hugh O'Conor and all the other actors and actresses were wonderful- go and see it, if you can.
Hikity
Germany - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 09:01:36 AM (EDT)

Oh come on, you Ontarians. Nobody's got the pic from the Toronto Star? Are you are Globe and Mail readers?
Aurora
- Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 08:48:05 AM (EDT)

hi i think u made the spam bots mad. they seem to have brought their friends this time. LOL thanks suzanne for the callendar its wounderful. my husband even had to admit it was nice. thanks yall keep chattin now back to my corner to continue the reading

with love ailicec
ailicec <cpwillcox@aol.comfoo>
- Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 01:31:03 AM (EDT)

you are one sexy beast!!! oh yeah... (screams) allan you are the 1
Ashley <summer_flame05@hotmail.comfoo>
Geelong, vic Australia - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 10:27:05 PM (EDT)

alan rickman takes my breath away...
Taylor
melbourne, australia - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 10:24:53 PM (EDT)

The "It's S-S-Snape" article contains this:

The guy who had been sitting with Ms. Weaver turned around and smiled at her and said, "He's a really nice guy in person."

I would guess that is Sigourney's husband, Jim Simpson, who seemed uncommonly gracious, even when I bothered him twice in getting into my seats at "Private Lives."
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle, - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 08:18:24 PM (EDT)

I never pictured him a Roots kind of person. I have a feeling that maybe Roots bags were for his neice and nephews. I doubt he bought a Roots touque,he already has one. I know because after i saw that awful grey monstrosity he wore on his head at the war demonstration rally in London a few years ago, i sent him a nice black Roots touque. And a plain black scarf with lots of little tassles and i swear i saw the same scarf on him this year.Doubt it though.
Alfan
Canada - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 12:15:35 PM (EDT)

The concept of a Sheriff of Nottingham rose sounds divine.. a friend tried growing Black Beauty roses, but despite the photographs she had seen, they were at best only slightly dark red. Since Martha brought up fragrance, how about a Musk rose, perhaps something close to flesh tones.. ? ;-)lol!

I'm up late as I have been trying to finish work on a web site for my high school class reunion organization.. tonight I had to retype the entire database.. glad I stopped by here before calling it a night, thinking about the rose idea made me smile and feel the stiff neck I've had for the past hour feel almost better. Have a good week people! :-)
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 03:50:13 AM (EDT)

Darn! I was in the area of Holt Renfrew last Saturday, but in the morning (before it rained)! Oh well, didn't have a camera with me anyway... Wonder what he bought and who for?? Just lots of designer fasions? Chocolate? Will we see him wearing a Roots toque and leather jacket in the future?? lol! ;-)

Thanks for the news. Too bad I didn't get a copy...
Slope
Canada - Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 10:16:30 PM (EDT)

Martha,

I would expect nothing less in Maine! We have had very changable weather here--83degreesF one week and down to 39degreesF the next week. I'm a lot further south than you are, nearly at the Maryland border. My one-time blooming roses will bloom at the end of May or beginning of June depending on how warm it stays.

I'd love a black Nottingham rose, (what a delicious concept,) but just can't get into that body odor thing! I'd opt for strong old-rose scent or tea rose over fruity or nearly none. Something a little spicy for George, I think...

Whoops! Miles away! What were we talking about?
Sheffe <shethra77@yahoo.comfoo>
Wrightsville on the river, PA - Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 10:08:06 PM (EDT)

I just love Alan. He is soooo funny and many faceted. I just saw "hitchhiker" and, of course, he stole the show....again! As he usually does once he joins a project. I just love him in my 'Harry Potters'! He's wonderfully suspicious! :D
Judi LeHuquet <flashingreeneyes@yahoo.comfoo>
New Lisbon, NJ USA - Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 04:46:44 PM (EDT)

Mel - thanks! That's great:
"That's S-S-S-Snape!"
martha
maine, - Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 02:49:04 PM (EDT)

Sorry, I have some problems with the link !! You can find it here !! http://ms-m.diaryland.com/
Mel
- Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 02:39:39 PM (EDT)

Here a link about this !! Best reagards !! Mel
Mel <lfoo>
germany - Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 02:30:22 PM (EDT)

Gail - Thank you! Scans, anyone?
martha
martha, - Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 01:33:54 PM (EDT)

Today's Toronto Sunday Star has a Rickman mention - he was seen last Saturday at 6.10 p.m. outside Holt Renfrew(about the swankiest store in town) in the pouring rain, laden with shopping bags. He was also seen at the Roots store on Friday. Fancy, our AR a shopoholic!

There is also a photo of him, Sigourney, and a couple of cast members of 'Cavalia', which he apparently saw during the past week. Oh yes, and the handsomest thing in the photo a snow-white stallion called Bandolero peering over AR's shoulder and probably wondering where the promised apple is! I don't know if any of you have seen the show as it toured the US over the past year. It takes place in a sort of circus ring and is an amazing mix of horses, gymnasts, music and dance. One of the cast members featured in the photo is the 'horse-whispering' trainer and his empathy with the horses is incredible. Now that the show has the AR seal of approval catch it if you can.
Gail
Cobourg, Ont Canada - Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 01:03:05 PM (EDT)

At this time, there are no black roses. Very dark red, that turn a bit blackish in strong sunlight, is the closest now. Wouldn’t it be fun if the first true black rose was called Sheriff of Nottingham? Now don't hit me, but the first scent I thought of for it was... body odor.
*runs off to hide from thrown vegetables*
martha
maine, - Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 12:23:21 PM (EDT)

I just watched Robin hood (on TV). I have not watched the whole thing in many years, I forgot how many times AR tells people to "shut up". ;) And that part were he kills his cousin and remarks "good steal" talking about the sword. good stuff.
Sara
USA - Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 04:31:56 AM (EDT)

and the Black Rose of Nottingham should smell of sandalwood.
fir
- Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 02:30:01 AM (EDT)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the suggestion of the Black Nottingham Rose. How loverly that would be.
fir
- Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 02:13:53 AM (EDT)

sheffe - Bloom? Already?? Mine are just leafing out. One of the problems with ordering bare-root is that they seem to think you can plant here in April, and send them along. Heck, the ground's still frozen in places in April. The nice thing about the place that closed was that he had dozens planted for display. You could go and look, and SMELL, and choose just the right rose for the right spot.

lablanche - wanna borrow my knife?
martha
maine, - Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 11:22:54 PM (EDT)

You are so right--flaying sounds good. What a jerk! What a moron and snargblatt!

It seems to me that you could search for sellers of old roses online. If I were in my righjt mind I'd be able to remember where my Lancaster rose came from; but, I know they are online as well as catalog and sell apothecary rose, rosa mundi, rosa alba, David Austin roses and a load more old and new. It's probably too late in the year for them to ship anymore, but you could find it awhile for next year. My apothecary rose should bloom in a week or two here.
sheffe <shethra77@yahoo.comfoo>
Wrightsville on the river, PA - Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 08:51:12 PM (EDT)

YIKES!!!!!!!!!

What a nuisance!

The twit should be flayed.
lablanche
- Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 06:06:31 PM (EDT)

Spam deleted.

Suzanne, thanks for that, but I'm always here! In fact I've had nearly perfect attendance since I first started visiting about 2 years ago. LOL. I'm never more than a day behind clicking on all the links provided here.. I need my daily AR fix no matter what's happening in my life. Recently noticed more casual chit chat on other GBs but alas, I haven't much to say. :)
fir
- Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 03:04:49 PM (EDT)

Thanks, Lurker, for the IMDB message board report! Here's a copy of the Snow Cake post:

"We own the house that Sigourney Weaver's character Linda Freeman lives in. Our family was fortunate enough to meet all the actors. We didn't get to meet Sigourney until we were in their Studio in Toronto May 9th. She is incredible! We had lunch with Alan Rickman (he spent the whole hour talking with us!). He then commented that we should be passengers in the bus scene that was to shoot later in the afternoon - and guess what - they put us in! All six of us - my hubby, moi and our 4 children! Alan said that chances are we will appear in that scene as it is one that won't be cut. It just doesn't get any better. Family picture with Alan, one with Carrie Anne and one with Sigourney, and autographs to go with it! What an experience for all!"

And thank you, Slope and Claire, for the articles and DVD news!
Zzzzz, I'm sorry, but if you really want help with this problem (or any problem), then you must use e-mail.

Happy Birthday, Dee!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 12:38:52 PM (EDT)

Yikes! Spam (all from the same person) deleted and banned. Dee, no, your computer will not be harmed by visiting/posting to the GB. Just don't click on any of the links in spam posts, because then they will know their spam is working.
Suz (D.o.C.)

Suzanne -- I hate to ask this, but can these attacks of spam (or whatever it is) hurt our computers when we visit or post on the GB? My husband just spent $75 getting trojans, hijackware and various maulware removed from his computer and now I'm a little worried about my laptop. So sorry to ask -- you've got enough problems!

And thanks so much for the birthday card! I needed it! I'm one of those weird people who get depressed on birthdays and holidays -- so your cheerful card was uplifting! Thanks!
Dee
Indiana - Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 11:41:14 AM (EDT)

Good God! Have some marketers targeted us as overweight, depressed women secretly looking for viagra to spice up our lives? Too bad we can't spam 'em back...as a teacher, I guess I need to uphold a better standard of behavior.
Diana <dianaglass@rcn.comfoo>
Boston, MA USA - Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 10:01:11 AM (EDT)

BECKETT on Film is out on Region 2 DVD May 23rd. The UK Times theatre critic votes Play with Alan Rickman as the best track.

Claire
- Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 09:27:37 AM (EDT)

"whose posting what." Lordy! Hard to believe English is my first (only) language.

Spam, spam, spam, spam. Green eggs and spam, spam sandwiches...
martha
maine, - Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 07:44:10 AM (EDT)

Now that's what I call a spam attack!! Good Lord!
snapes_witch
- Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 06:51:26 AM (EDT)

spam deleted

Lurker - thanks for pointing that story out. If it were me, I'm sure I would have dribbled food all down the front of me!

Zzzzz - that was there and this is here. There is no reason for trouble to follow you if you don't bring it with you. Suzanne can tell whose posting what; trust her.
martha
maine, - Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 05:51:23 AM (EDT)

Just over at the IMDH Message boards concerning Snow Cake. Someone has written of their experiences and explains how the producers used her house for Sigourneys character Linda to live in for the movie! The woman goes on to say how she and her family met Alan Rickman and had lunch with him. He also told them they would most likely be seen in some of the shots they were in as extras. That is one lucky family!!! How could anyone possibly eat lunch gazing across the table at AR (LOL)
Lurker
- Friday, May 20, 2005 at 11:56:45 PM (EDT)

Zzzz, Not to sound insensitive, but what does that have to do with AR over here? It's too bad if thats the case and it happened to you. Did you ask the webmistress to delete what you thought wasnt yours? Sometimes we post things and forget that we did. I am not saying you did, just that at times if we dont visit too often, we may have a memory lapse. At any rate, good luck. Try to put it behind you but let the webmistress know if this sort of thing keeps happening.
Lurker
- Friday, May 20, 2005 at 10:57:43 PM (EDT)

martha, *help*! you're the only one who would care. Thanks!
Zzzzz
- Friday, May 20, 2005 at 10:45:57 PM (EDT)

Suzanne, thanks for keeping my message here; I've been to Alan Rickman Addict's Survivor Kit and because people have put fake posts and forged my name with lies etc.(after Mar 6 2005), I am now banned from that GB. See the trouble people can cause others? What can I do?
Zzzzz
- Friday, May 20, 2005 at 10:44:55 PM (EDT)

Thanks, Slope! Interesting that the only thing the review says about Sigourney Weaver's character is "Linda is no ordinary Mom." Language issue: October 05, in the UK, is probably October 2005, as opposed to October the fifth, which it would be on the left side of the pond. No? (Not that I could afford to go anyway...)
martha
maine, - Friday, May 20, 2005 at 06:03:23 PM (EDT)

And here's another article from britfilms.com:

TCM Classic Shorts Competition

GURINDER CHADHA, ALAN RICKMAN AND KATE WINSLET JOIN TCM IN SEARCH FOR BEST BRITISH SHORT FILM FOR 2005

TCM (Turner Classic Movies) launches its sixth annual TCM Classic Shorts competition on 16th May. For the first time the launch takes place as part of the prestigious Quinzaine des Realisateurs (Directors’ Fortnight) during Cannes Film Festival. As with previous years, the awards ceremony is held during The Times bfi 49th London Film Festival in the autumn (20th Oct - 3rd Nov) at the National Film Theatre. The shortlisted titles will be screened at the awards and within the Short Cuts and Animation strand as part of TCM's continued sponsorship of the LFF.

Each year, the competition grows in stature and exposure, which is reflected by the film industry luminaries who are giving their valuable time to participate as judges in TCM’s search to find the best short film of 2005. TCM is delighted to welcome its first female director, Gurinder Chadha, on to the panel this year.

TCM Classic Shorts is now established as one of the most prestigious and valuable short film competitions in Europe with £10,000 of prize money. Having discovered some of the best new film making talent in the UK in recent years, this year looks to be as popular as ever. Since the competition began, many of the short-listed films have gone on to receive further acclaim. Last year’s winning film, Nits directed by Harry Wootliff received a BAFTA nomination, whilst 2002 entry Brown Paper Bag directed by Michael Baig Clifford and 2001 winner About A Girl directed by Brian Percival, both went on to win BAFTAs for Best Short Film. Nits will be screened on 20th May at Quinzaine des Realisateurs (Directors’ Fortnight) during Cannes Film Festival.

TCM Classic Shorts is open to all UK made short films. The opening date is 1st May 2005 and all films must be received by 1st September 2005 at the very latest. The short-listed nominations are aired during a special weekend of programming on TCM and also screened at The Times bfi 49th London Film Festival during the awards ceremony.

Further information and entry forms are available at: www.tcmonline.co.uk/classicshorts and for further information about The Times bfi London Film Festival, please log on to: www.lff.org.uk
Published on www.britfilms.com 2005-05-16

Slope
Canada - Friday, May 20, 2005 at 05:00:29 PM (EDT)

Don't know if this has been posted before... From britfilms.com: Snow Cake

Snow Cake

Brief synopsis:
Snow Cake is a film about friendship, snow, acceptance, obsessive cleaning and a dog called Marilyn. Tight-lipped Englishman Alan (Alan Rickman) arrives in snowy Canada and is bullied by 19-year-old hitchhiker Vivienne into giving her a ride. Despite her attitude, Vivienne turns out to be a funny, lovable character who succeeds in melting Alan's frosty exterior. When the car is hit by a truck on the outskirts of her home town, Vivienne dies instantly. Alan finds himself, for the second time in his life, grieving for someone he never knew. Shocked and stranded in a snowbound town, he is drawn to seek out Vivienne's mother and comes face to face with Linda (Sigourney Weaver). Linda is no ordinary Mom. When Alan agrees to stay until the funeral he finds himself caught up in a world that is at the same time wonderful and a pain in the arse. Alan becomes increasingly involved in Linda's life and the community she is indifferent to. He forms a relationship with her sassy independent neighbour Maggie, the ineffectual local law enforcement officer Clyde and bitchy do-gooder Diane Wootten. When Alan finally gets back on the road he has exorcised his inner demons and the town he leaves behind has also been transformed. As the snow melts the characters' memories remain in tact. Ultimately it is a film about embracing the unusual and finding joy in places you may well have overlooked. About finding the warmest of friendships in the coldest of places.

Format: Super 16
Year of Production: 2005
Running Time: 100 mins
Director: Marc Evans
Producer: Gina Carter Andrew Eaton
Editor: Mags Arnold
Screenwriter: Angela Pell
Director of Photography: Steve Cosens
Leading Players: Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Ann Moss

Production Company:
Revolution Films
9a Dallington Street
London EC1V OBQ, England
Tel +44 (0)20 7566 0700
Fax +44 (0)20 7566 0701
gina@revolution-films.com

Sales Agent:
Fortissimo
Slope
Canada - Friday, May 20, 2005 at 04:54:37 PM (EDT)

Too bad about the June events being called off or postponed. October 5? Gee, I've put in for that week off...
martha
maine, - Friday, May 20, 2005 at 05:55:36 AM (EDT)

Suzanne: Thanks for the information! This has been a heart-breaking week for Rickman fans (all those missed photos and reports :/) and especially for those who had tickets to these events.

However, I, too, hope everyone is still able to get together and have a wonderful time! Afterall, London is a BIG town and there is much to see and do there! :)

K.
- Friday, May 20, 2005 at 01:00:36 AM (EDT)

If you frequent ARASK GB, please note that there are fake posts using my name, Sue, ACC, maybe more.
Zzzzz
- Friday, May 20, 2005 at 12:13:44 AM (EDT)

I received an e-mail today from Cathy (thank you!) with more bad news. I'm afraid the Andrew Marr interview has been postponed. Here is the Info from the Chelsea website:

IN CONVERSATION: Andrew Marr talks with Alan Rickman

DATE: Tuesday 21 June, 6.30pm (POSTPONED)
DUE TO ALAN RICKMAN'S FILMING COMMITTMENTS IN THE USA THIS TALK HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL OCTOBER 05 - WILL WE BE CONFIRMING THE NEW DATE SHORTLY
Andrew Marr, broadcaster (BBC Political Editor) talks with Chelsea graduate Alan Rickman, one of the UK's leading actors.
Venue: Lecture Theatre, Chelsea College of Art & Design
Tickets: £7 (£4 concessions), to book tickets phone 020 7269 1606 or email info@cochranetheatre.co.uk
That, along with him pulling out of the John Donne event (thanks for the info, Heather!) has made for a very disappointing week. But it does make me wonder, what kind of film commitment does he have in the U.S.?!
Anyway, so sorry to all you guys going to these events in June! I know it's a real letdown, but all his not lost. Slope is right, it should be an excellent show, at any rate. And as I said before, more than half the fun is meeting up with each other, so I hope you will still be able to get together and have a great time. And we'll have something to look forward to in October. :-)
And thanks for the update, Esther! Congratulations, ailicec! Hope you're having fun on your trip, Hikity!
Welcome, Margaret! Click the FAQ link to see an address where you can write AR to ask for an autograph. But please also see the note from his assistant. Good luck! And it's great to see you again, Mary and fir.

And thanks for the review, Glowbox, and for all your reviews of H2G2! I still haven't seen it yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this weekend.

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 11:35:34 PM (EDT)

Perhaps there will be a Rose named after AR such as the Nottingham Rose and will be Black in color!
Lurker
- Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 11:34:43 PM (EDT)

semi-O/T...martha, couldn't resist a discussion about roses, but I'm quite sure AR hasn't had a rose named after him, although other celebs have...like Paul McCartney, whose rose is bright pink and is supposed to smell like bubblegum. Sounds tempting!
Zzzzz
- Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 11:04:29 PM (EDT)

Hi everybody, just wanted to say hello from mz "time out" here in St Lucia / wonderful weather, a lot of sports. What a shame if AR does not appear at the John Donne Celebration. I wanted to go.
Hikity
St. Lucia for the time being - Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 08:34:11 AM (EDT)

Esther, if it's not too forward, and since you did tell us that you wrote a story... now, some of us are dying of curiosity--what kind of story did you write? A play? A screenplay, or a novel? A short story? May be this will become a future project that we will all wonder about? Obnoxsiously curious.
Tropical
- Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 10:35:49 PM (EDT)

Alan should be returning from Canada sometime next week. If all goes well he should be wrapping up filming "Snow Cake" with Sigourney Weaver this week.

I know this because his assistant, Melanie Parker, wrote me and told me that she would give him a story I had written for him when he returned from Canada.
Esther Smith <em_smith1@juno.comfoo>
Norfolk, VA USA - Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 04:02:42 PM (EDT)

Heather, that is a bummer! If you're going, it would still be nice to read a brief review--the other performers are all top-rate, and the venue wonderful. I wonder if Alan will be filming somewhere and can't make it? :(
Slope
Canada - Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 09:00:06 AM (EDT)

Ref: John Donne Celebration, St Paul's Cathedral

I hate to spoll people's day, but I just received the following message:-

John Donne Celebration - Saint Paul's Cathedral

Dear Ticketmaster Customer,

Our records show you have purchased tickets for the John Donne Celebration at Saint Paul Cathedral on the 9th June 2005.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Alan Rickman can no longer take part in this event.

Your tickets remain valid and all other details are unaffected.

If you require any further assistance please contact us via the helpdesk at www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Please accept our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Kind Regards
Customer Service Department

Heather <hjd29@cam.ac.ukfoo>
Bury St Edmunds, UK - Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at 11:40:56 AM (EDT)

How to get autograph from Alan Rickman?
Margaret <marg@mail.ru,marg12@narod.rufoo>
Moscow, Russia - Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at 08:33:37 AM (EDT)

Oh, congratulations! My second is due in 10 days time :)
Alison
France - Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at 06:49:36 AM (EDT)

ok sorry totaly off topic but lots of u are my friends so IM PREGNANT :):):):):):):)

ok done sorry

ps christmas baby i hope
ailicec <cpwillcox@aol.comfoo>
willcox, az 85643 - Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at 12:58:07 AM (EDT)

Susan, for the TMD music look here.
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH USA - Monday, May 16, 2005 at 07:50:59 PM (EDT)

I know someone on the GB knows the answer to this question: What is the name of the cello music that AR (as Jamie) plays in TMD?
Susan
TX - Monday, May 16, 2005 at 07:39:06 PM (EDT)

Hi guys! I've updated my Alan Rickman Site with DVD pics of Closet Land! Enjoy Alan!
Stezi <stezi@wxs.nlfoo>
The Netherlands - Monday, May 16, 2005 at 09:44:38 AM (EDT)

Hes soo dreamy
Kaili Boarman &Erin
Rocky River, OK Europe - Monday, May 16, 2005 at 09:18:10 AM (EDT)

Zoe was Madame Hooch. Pity she got too big for her Quidditch britches and wanted more money for CoS.
snapes_witch
- Monday, May 16, 2005 at 02:12:33 AM (EDT)

I love Geraldine McEwan's characterization of Ms. Marple. While I enjoyed the old Ms. Marple series from the '80s, the actress who portrayed the character never seemed like the Miss Marple I'd always pictured when I'd read Christies novels as a girl. I will admit though, like Aurora, I wasn't too sure that I would take to the new series.. but after the first episode, I was hooked ( recognized Zoe Wannamaker too Aurora, and btw, I have always lacked a green thumb when it came to house plants... so it took me ages to actually try an outdoor garden... and only started that with great trepidation. :-) Don't sell yourself short girl, give it a try! It's one of my favorite destressers after a long and trying week.)

Hey FIR! Glad to see you posting here again. :) I always try and reread at least the last book before the next in the series is released or reread the one the forthcoming movie is based on.

I love old roses so much Martha, so many of the newer varieties don't have much of a fragrance. You are a walking encyclopedia of rose knowlege.. now I know who to turn to when I have a question on the subject.

Pam, thanks for the info! I tried calling the local Home Depot with no luck.. I don't know what it is.. but no local nurseries or stores sell Bayberry bushes. They have been disappearing for the past twenty years and are "protected".. which is good, but I think it's gone to an extreme when you can't purchase new ones to plant.. however will they make a comeback if people are unable to grow them? I'll give the store in Mansfield a call tomorrow and try to scoot up there if they have any left. Thanks a bunch for letting me know.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 11:49:01 PM (EDT)

And Zoe Wannamaker (Professor Gooch) was divine in the last episode.
Aurora
- Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 06:30:50 PM (EDT)

Ohhh I love GM's Miss Marple, Aurora! I had never been a fan of Miss Marple until I saw the PBS previews and I haven't missed an episode yet. Ms McEwan is a wonderful actress in every part I've has the good fortune to ever see her in. Listen to her BBC Radio 4 interview about playing Miss Marple HERE
Claudia
GA We need some new AR stuff!!!! - Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 06:06:56 PM (EDT)

Thanks for the link, Glowbox. I really enjoyed the film, too.

martha, Eleanor of Aquitaine did that? As for you and Mary and Pam, I admire people who tend their roses and other greenery. I who have never met a plant I couldnâ€™t kill. * hangs head in shame *

Speaking of the price of movies, I am blessed to have a great $1 cinema nearby. When I saw LA there, it was still the â€œfirst runâ€ cineplex, but now thereâ€™s a bigger and grander one 1 mile down the road. (Hmm, cinema monopolies and conglomerations?) Now itâ€™s the $1 dollar 4-6 month old movie house and always includes 1 art house selection. I saw Being Julia for $1 and Hotel Rwanda is there now.

On another tack, in the n degrees of separation from AR dept, how do you feel about G. McEwan as the new Miss Marple? (Sun nights on PBS) I didnâ€™t like her at first. Soooo different from the old one from the 80s. And the films themselves are so different, too. A completely new take. After 1 or 2, Iâ€™m starting to warm to her.
Aurora
- Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 03:42:42 PM (EDT)

Martha that picture was taken in Cannes and you´re right, he was there with the Dogma crew.

I know what you mean by re-read the books. I was a little disappointed to see that the third movie was not entirely like the book while the first two movies were. So I´m not going to read book 4 again but skip that one and go right to number 5 to get ready for 6! Two more months to go ....
Peekabooh
the Netherlands - Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 12:16:15 PM (EDT)

fir - I know exactly what you mean about the books/movies! However, I "need" to re-read the books to be ready for #6!
martha
maine, - Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 11:46:46 AM (EDT)

Hi Mary, good to see you and congrats on your studies! martha that is quite an impressive bunch of knowledge you have about roses.

I was wondering whether or not to reread book 4 before the movie comes out. I reread book 3 just before the movie and noticed every deviation from the book. Almost too much so. I wanted the movie to be just like the book. I figured if I forgot all the details in book 4 I would enjoy the movie more. Any thoughts anyone?

I thought I would read book 5 again before July so I'll be all ready for book 6. Can't wait!!
fir
- Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 11:42:15 AM (EDT)

Check out the Faces Mr. Rickam daily (Sunday) page. I think it's from Dogma days, but I'm not sure I've seen it before. Either way, it's certainly worth a look...
martha
maine, - Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 11:18:41 AM (EDT)

MaryRI - Not much is known about the Apothecary Rose before the 7th century. It came to England about the 12th or 14th century. It was used medicinally and the petals of were dried and rolled into beads, then strung into what became the rosary and from which the rosary received its name. The oil of this rose, combined with oil of Rosa Alba was used to disguise the poison given to the mistress of Henry II by the wife of Henry II. One legend states that the next spring a new rose sprouted outside the castle that had red and white variegated petals. It was called Rosa Mundi, after the mistress who had been known as Fair Rosamond. The Apothecary rose was also adopted by the House of Lancaster while the Rosa Alba was adopted by the House of York. Thus, the name for the War of the Roses. After Henry VII came to power in 1485, he chose to symbolize the “marriage” of the warring factions by creating a new symbol - the Apothecary’s Rose laid atop R. Alba - and labeled it the Tudor Rose.

Sorry for being so OT. I love roses with history. Bayberry grows all over the place up here. If you want to take a drive North, I think I can find you a truckload.

Martin Freeman in LA- of course! I’m so bad with names and faces. I’m rereading the HPs and I must say, book Snape really is different from AR’s Snape. (Not to mention the Snape of fanfiction!) I hope this doesn’t mean a truly unexpected (by those of us who have our own rose colored view of the Potion’s Master) and unpleasant twist. Of course, the worst twist would be if AR chose not to finish the series...

It’s raining today. Think I’ll settle in with the Sheriff for awhile.
martha
maine, - Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 11:12:39 AM (EDT)

Mary RI-Before I head for church, just wanted to let you know I have found 4 bayberry bushes and they are growing quite nicely in my yard. I have found them even at the local supermarket (stop and shop) and saw them the other day at a Home Depot near me. Hope you can find some there-they had a lot at the Mansfield MA home Depot-good luck-arent they a beautiful bush? see you later-have to run-Pam
Pam
MA - Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 09:24:36 AM (EDT)

oops, had forgotten my AR content.. minimal as it is.. :) Watched LA, again, this evening. I hadn't realised that Martin Freeman was in that as well. One question as well. Since the first night I was back, I've tried the link for the Alan Rickman Gallery, but all I get are "server not found" messages in IE. Is that site down?
Mary
- Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 01:57:52 AM (EDT)

Hi Martha! I was wondering what had happened to you, as I'd seen that you had been posting recently, but no sign of you for the past few days. So you love old rose varieties as well, isn't the Apothecary also called the Tudor Rose? What I lost were two Rosa Rugosa (they're called Dog Roses around here.. they used to be abundant here along the shoreline. They produce rosehips in August - September), and a Kent Rose, which I had hoped would spread along a patch I had that only had partial sun. No luck finding exact replacements as yet. I picked up a variety called Martha's Vineyard, and a white rose that like the Kent is low growing (can't recall the variety).. don't know how well that will work out as yet. What I'm really looking for is a place to purchase a Bayberry bush.. then I'd be estatic. Haven't seen one since I was a child. I spent a good afternoon ripping up mint shoots (next time I plant mint, it'll be in a container) so I could put in new herb plants.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 01:52:20 AM (EDT)

Pam, I think your comment about "imperfect hearts" is a good metaphor for things beyond the physical. (But that's what you probably meant!)
Julia Petrov
Canada - Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 12:19:42 AM (EDT)

Hi everyone, I just finished watching the very emotionally charged STLM for the first time. It was an excellent production and the actors did an awesome job. Thank goodness we have come a lot further in this country when it comes to race and equal job opportunity. I especially liked the ending where they showed the kennedy era, bob dylan song and civil rights march. ( I was probably around 12-13 during this Kennedy time) I think Ill watch it again before I have to return it to the video store. Thank goodness we had pioneers in the medical field such as Dr. Blalock and Dr. Thomas to help so many people with imperfect hearts. As you can see, I am still very much moved by this film. Thank you all for recommending it months ago. It was worth the wait. Pam
Pam
MA - Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 10:08:00 PM (EDT)

Alan Rickman is a phenomenal actor, and this page fully does justice to his illustrious career. ---Dieter.
Dieter <Senormantis@yahoo.comfoo>
Gainesville, GA United States - Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 07:10:17 PM (EDT)

Here's trying for the link again, Aurora... HHGTTG review
Glowbox
France - Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 05:45:48 PM (EDT)

MaryRI - Nice to see you again! The winter didn't seem too cold here, but some of my roses are struggling. Hope they make it as the grower of old roses form whom I got them has gone out of business, and Apothecary, Rosa Mundi and Martin Frobisher are not varieties you see at Wall Mart.
martha
maine, - Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 08:52:10 AM (EDT)

Thanks for the welcome back Aurora!

Pam, I've been at work in my garden as well.. got a late start this year, though. Had to replace some rose bushes that were done to death by the guy who mows the lawns.. he was a bit too ferocious last August with the weed wacker (the plants were fairly new and the blooms had blown off during a storm or two.. hurricane season!) and about half my herb garden didn't survive last winter.

I'd encourage everyone to check out H2G2. Alan was so believable as the voice of Marvin, and Martin Freeman (still think of him as Tim since my daughter got me hooked on The Office) was perfect casting for Arthur Dent.. can't forget to say the same for Bill Nighy as Slartibartfast.. up way too late this evening.. had a few drinks with classmates to celebrate being done with finals.. (something called Blue Lou's, cognac, vodka, blue curacao and some kind of citrusy fruit juice.. they go down smooth, but hit you like a Mack truck) thank goodness I didn't have to drive. :)
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 03:21:25 AM (EDT)

05,May 13.....I just saw Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. the movie was stunningly superb. The robot made the movie. Alan is just perfect for the role. I've just become an Alan Rickman fan. Thanx for some great laughs Alan.....CJ
CJ Hardesty <osucharlie@juno.comfoo>
Claremore, OK USA - Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 01:44:31 AM (EDT)

Oops! Forgot to thank Claire for the RC link. It's good to see the followup.
Aurora
- Friday, May 13, 2005 at 07:44:53 PM (EDT)

Glowbox, the description "AR's magnificently crabby tone" sounds lovely, but I can't follow your link. Since I saw the film myself, I'll agree with the obviously very astute critic.

Mary, good to see you back!

For H2G2 lovers, I've discovered that the Science Museum in London is opening an H2G2 exhibit on May 28. For my own part, this is part of planning some time in London around the June 9 St Paul's date. Hooray for summer! slinks back to work end of June.....
Aurora
- Friday, May 13, 2005 at 07:35:39 PM (EDT)

I rather liked the description: "AR's magnificently crabby tone..." HHGTTG review
Glowbox
France - Friday, May 13, 2005 at 05:24:27 AM (EDT)

Rachel Corrie follow up, may be of interest to those who went to the After Show talk where Cindy Corrie talked about their Caterpillar action War on Want page

Claire
- Friday, May 13, 2005 at 05:07:12 AM (EDT)

Yes, we seem to have been invaded, sorry about that. Spam removed.
Suz (D.o.C.)

Suzanne, I cant believe someone keeps spamming your GB..Maybe its a disgruntled person or ex gb-r (I find that hard to believe though, as everyone is so nice here) with a grudge against the GB and its users?? I wish we could make them disappear!!! Keep up the good work everyone with the postings etc. I just had a chance to get in here tonight as I have been gardening all day planting bushes etc. in the yard, along with the gusty winds trying to defeat me! Never!! Anyway, have a good one all-am enjoying catching up with you. Pam
Pam
- Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 08:33:13 PM (EDT)

Dee, just wonderful, tks! And Clint, OF COURSE we know... By the way guys, I am in good old England, the weather is fantastic and I just love it.
Hikity
Chartam Park, - Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 07:21:11 AM (EDT)

Hello to all of you, I've missed the gb, but finally finished the spring semester.. and am once again free to spend time online. Man, reading up on what I've missed is going to be killer.. it took me nearly a half hour to make it through what's on the current page. :) BTW, thanks to Suzanne for moving the GB, and for her continued work in maintaining this site and forum.

BTW, butter tarts are comparable to what's called pecan pie here in the US, only the tarts are tiny, individual servings. My daughter had some on a trip to Canada, and brought me the recipe.

Loved Alan as the voice of Marvin, it was sensational to finally see the film.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 01:57:38 AM (EDT)

Yay, Red Tango - brilliant!
Glowbox
France - Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at 04:24:54 PM (EDT)

Did you know that his portrayal of Hans Gruber in Die Hard earned him a spot on the American Film Institute's list of the "100 Best Heroes/Villains" as the 46th best villain in film history?
Clint Waddell <futureman@hotmail.comfoo>
- Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at 10:18:29 AM (EDT)

Sorry for not getting back to you Dee, Spring has sprung and I'm only hitting the computer once a day now as I try to get things done around the house and yard.

Slope was right about the Die Hard comment. Bruce Willis was in town that week also.
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at 09:41:17 AM (EDT)

Happy Mothers day for all. I went and saw Hitchicker's G ttG and I had a little A.R. fix.

As a matter of trust I agree with Martha and I always think of the old addage if you have to tell someone to trust you you obviously cannot trust them as if they were trustworthy they wouldn't havfe to ask for it..not that I know what the trust comment is about as I have only read the last few lines, here. Life has been too busy and I thought I would look in and say, - hi
Janine (another library worker)
- Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at 10:02:54 PM (EDT)

Suzanne -- Thanks for fixing that up! Believe it or not, I made bookmarks for our library reference desk with that Batgirl photo and text (minus the little addition of Snape, of course:). I think everyone needs an occassional reminder that librarians are powerful women! *grin*
Dee
Indiana - Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at 09:54:35 PM (EDT)

Attention all Snape Lovers: FANTASTIC HUGE NEW SNAPE CAPTURES....for all those in a slump cuz there ain't no Snape in the Goblet O' Fire trailer..get on down to the gallery and feast your needy orbs on my all new, revised collection of caps from Chamber o' Secrets...I really dug deep to being you the best. So go. :) alanrickmangallery.com Thanks! Enjoy.
RedTango
Burbank, Ca - Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at 01:03:53 AM (EDT)

Link fixed. To post a link using a thumbnail, type the following, using your photo as the example (the second URL is the thumbnail):

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/ARDLHGB/batgirlwasalinrarian.jpg"><img href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/ARDLHGB/th_batgirlwasalinrarian.jpg"></a>

Though, it's a heck of a lot easier just posting a link to the main photo, like I did for the McLean's photos (instructions on "add to GB" page).

Now, what part of the library did you find this photo? ;-)

Thanks, K. and bunks for the John Donne article and Toronto Star scan!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at 12:29:44 AM (EDT)

Augh! What am I doing wrong when I try to post a photo?
Dee
Indiana - Monday, May 09, 2005 at 10:05:20 PM (EDT)

Technically, I just "work" in a library -- and not everyone who works in a library is a real librarian. Not sure if this pix will turn out (I have trouble posting photos here for some reason), but I'll give it a try!

Dee
Indiana - Monday, May 09, 2005 at 10:04:19 PM (EDT)

WOW, that sneakpeak at GOF is fantastic. Cant wait to see the film, oohhhhhhhhh. I didnt see Snape, but then Ive only seen it one's. The next time I will look more carefully to see if he is there. BYEEEE Saskia
Saskia <saskiapanter@hotmail.comfoo>
Tilburg, Netherlands - Monday, May 09, 2005 at 06:57:40 PM (EDT)

Hiii everyone, Autch, that report from the jerusalem post. I mean?????? Honestly? I didnt read the whole part, because I got so upset with what that man was saying. Was I dreaming or was he twisting all the facts???? She was helping the terrorists get there weapons?????? My god, this is how you get what you have in Israel. Telling big lies to people, making her look bad. At least that was the message I got from the Jerusalem Post. And Lurker? I do think your message was nobel, but Forget?? No, Never Forget. Forgive....yes, but never forget. If we would forget, we would never learn from our mistakes, at least that is how I see it? Ok that is enough from me. What a cool trailer of GOF. SIGHHHHHH, do I really have to wait untill november???? Byeeeeeee from a COLD Netherlands, I wish the spring would finally start, or even better....summer.
Saskia <saskiapanter@hotmail.comfoo>
Tilburg, The Netherlands - Monday, May 09, 2005 at 06:00:06 PM (EDT)

Thanks, Suz!
martha
maine, - Monday, May 09, 2005 at 04:40:52 PM (EDT)

i just love alan, he is very sexy and misterious, i guess that is what makes him so sexy. but i will tell you one thing if i were to be in the harry potter films with him i would make sure and see if the author could make sure and write me in as a love interest for professor snape.
amanda hill <abonannohill@yahoo.comfoo>
coeur d alene, id usa - Monday, May 09, 2005 at 03:34:07 PM (EDT)

Heartfelt thanks to Slope for the photos and the MPEG-1.
And thanks to K. for the Donne info--interesting stuff I hadn't heard!
Also, good points lablanche and martha. I always learn from fellow AR fans!

For those of us who were disappointed with the lack of Snape in the GOF trailer, RedTango has some COS memories.
A Shy Librarian
FL USA - Monday, May 09, 2005 at 09:59:56 AM (EDT)

Paragraph added.
Suz (D.o.C.)

I hate it when I forget the paragraph marks....
martha
maine, - Monday, May 09, 2005 at 07:16:09 AM (EDT)

lablanche - I'm sure he knew exactly what he was doing. I'd really be interested to know what his and KViner's arguments were about... I'd also really like to know what is wrong with reporters/editors that they can't get Megan Dodds name right?

Zzzzz - nice to see you again. As for trust, I see it as a choice. You can give it, or not. But how can someone prove to be trustworthy if they are not trusted to begin with? If someone trusts me, I do my best to live up to that trust. If someone tells me I have to "earn" their trust before they give it, well, maybe I'm perverse, but I really don't care that much about it.
martha
maine, - Monday, May 09, 2005 at 07:15:09 AM (EDT)

I wonder if Alan had any idea MNiRC might be this controversial? And the dubious hohour of a nomination by someone as misguided as David Irving would irk me more than a bit. Either that or make me laugh at the absurdity.

From the Jerusalem Post:

May. 9, 2005 11:18 News of the Muse By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

Corrie compared to Anne Frank

As Israelis remembered the Holocaust last week, theater critics in Britain compared Alan Rickman and Katherine Viner's new controversial play My Name is Rachel Corrie to Primo Levi and Anne Frank, and notorious Holocaust denier David Irving even nominated the Royal Court Theater play for a Nobel Peace Prize, according to a mass mailing sent out from his Web site.

Writing in The British Theater Guide, Philip Fisher compared the Corrie play to Anthony Share's dramatization of the life of Holocaust survivor Levi, who was deported to Auschwitz in 1944.

He wrote: "Like Sir Antony Sher's Primo, My Name Is Rachel Corrie is a remarkably moving 90-minute solo piece about human dignity and suffering. Corrie was little more than a girl and while she could be naive, she also had a saintly aspect, meeting death with the beatific happiness of a martyr."

And Britain's BA Magazine has likened the play to the diary of Anne Frank: "Like The Diary of Anne Frank, this piece has problems as the text was not written to engage or entertain an audience, but was a private correspondence." The magazine summed up its review by saying: "This play tells an amazing story about a modern day martyr that is all the more astonishing because it is true."

The Corrie play recreates the last few days of the ISM activist's life through excerpts from her diary and e-mails. Corrie, who is played by Megan Woods in the London production, died in 2003 while attempting to prevent a bulldozer from destroying a home being used to supply Palestinian terror networks with weapons.

An IDF investigation ruled her death accidental, the play and her family and friends dispute this. - Yaakov Lappin

I take that back. I bet he knew exactly what he was doing and just wish to stir things up a bit and make us THINK.
lablanche
- Monday, May 09, 2005 at 07:00:35 AM (EDT)

Ted must have picked up this site after all of the talk about Butter Tarts and Pies! ;) Yes, following Alan Rickman may be bad for your cholesteral....:))
K.
- Monday, May 09, 2005 at 02:48:49 AM (EDT)

Spam removed.
Suz (D.o.C.)

(From the May 9, 2005 UK Times)

John Donne, 17th-century poet of pop
By Dalya Alberge, Arts Correspondent

JOHN DONNE was the Cole Porter of his day, a writer of subtle popular songs rather than just the author of cerebral poetry, according to new research.

The discovery of four musical scores by various composers of the day reveal that Donne intended some of his words to be sung rather than read.

Jonathan Holmes, a Donne scholar who is working on a play about the poet for The Globe theatre in London, found the material among piles of unidentified manuscripts in the British Library in London and the Bodleian in Oxford. He said: “This now alters how we think of Donne. His reputation is as a poet of metaphysical, intricate poetry that you have to spend hours to get to know - but, when performed, the music is an immediate aid to understanding it.”

The first performance in 400 years of text and music together will take place on June 9 at St Paul’s Cathedral, where Donne was Dean from 1621 until his death in 1631, frequently preaching before Charles I. The performers are Emma Kirkby and Carolyn Sampson, who are early music specialists, accompanied by The Sixteen with Harry Christophers and the lutenist Matthew Wadsworth. The recital will be interspersed with performances of Donne’s sermons, letters and poetry read by the actors Mark Rylance, Alan Rickman, Juliet Stevenson and Harriet Walter.

Donne (1573-1631) is the foremost English poet of the metaphysical school, noted both for his secular poetry, written largely before his ordination in 1615, and his religious verse and sermons, which rank among the best of the 17th century. His most famous poems are his love lyrics in various moods.

Dr Holmes said of the scores: “The material was never lost. It was just in a place where people weren’t looking for it.” He unearthed it by sifting through collections of music scores from the period. He recognised Donne’s lyrics immediately, either in a line beneath the stave of music or at the foot of the sheet, in a stanza. They included the love poems The Bait and The Message.

Although a couple of Donne’s poems were known to have been set to music, the extent to which his work inspired composers had not been realised. Dr Holmes has identified at least seven contemporary composers who set Donne’s words to music: “No other playwright, poet or prose writer had received such attention from musicians and composers.”

Another love poem, Break of Day, was set and printed simultaneously by three composers - John Dowland, Orlando Gibbons and William Corkine. “That would only have been possible if the songs themselves were popular enough to sell well,” Dr Holmes said.

BREAK OF DAY

’Tis true, ’tis day; what though it be?
O, wilt thou therefore rise from me?
Why should we rise because ‘tis light?
Did we lie down because ‘twas night?
Love, which in spite of darkness brought us hither,
Should in despite of light keep us together.

Light hath no tongue, but is all eye;
If it could speak as well as spy,
This were the worst that it could say,
That being well I fain would stay,
And that I loved my heart and honour so
That I would not from him, that had them, go.

Must business thee from hence remove?
O! that’s the worst disease of love,
The poor, the foul, the false, love can
Admit, but not the busied man.
He which hath business, and makes love, doth do
Such wrong, as when a married man doth woo.

K.
- Monday, May 09, 2005 at 02:22:14 AM (EDT)

Zzzzz, though it may be hard, we should all learn to forgive and forget and move on. If we dont, it will just eat at us. Have faith in people and try your best, thats about all you can do. Hope this helped. Good luck
Lurker
- Monday, May 09, 2005 at 12:16:16 AM (EDT)

martha, on your advice, dropping in from time to time and saw you on what you called your "soapbox":

It's easy to stop fighting, to forgive enemies, to stop violence. But.....

Can anyone really ever trust an enemy, past or present??? how do you regain trust? I'd really like to know.
Zzzzz
- Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 11:49:59 PM (EDT)

Bunks, don't forget another of Al's chums, Mos Def, is also in Toronto. Dee, I would guess that 'kicking over Die Hard with Bruce Willis' just refers to the fact that Willis is also in Toronto right now.

Re: Kim Cattrall, there was a big interview with her in the Globe & Mail a month ago, but no mention was made of Snowcake, so I would assume she's not in it.
Slope
Canada - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 11:12:04 PM (EDT)

Corrie-Ann Moss was recently mentioned as Alan's love interest at the Wawa shooting, so I think the Kim Cattrell item is an indication of just how unreliable Liz Smith is! She was the original source and all the other items were based on her column. Of course, it may turn out that Alan's character is very fickle and Kim has shown up in Toronto!
snapes_witch
- Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 08:28:18 PM (EDT)

Dee, Snape is in the GoF trailer, at least the one at Apple and downloadable from Veritaserum. Look behind Dumbledore when he has the teachers sat behind him during his speech about the Tournament. It is a very brief scene but Severus is sat there.

Sheena <dragon@amberdragon.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
Berkshire UK - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 07:06:10 PM (EDT)

bunks -- Thanks for the scan. But, I didn't "get" the "kicking over Die Hard with Bruce Willis" remark. What's that all about?

Suzanne -- Lovely scans of the photos! For those of us who don't have access to the magazine, thank you! Alfan -- no, I didn't notice the wet knees until you mentioned it. Curious...

No appearance by Snape in the HP preview? I'm getting worried... I realise the book introduces several new characters and Snape's role isn't huge. BUT, I was hoping the director/producers/whomever would realise that utilizing the sexy AR (and his sexy character) would boost ticket sales for adult women! You don't suppose they will cut the scene of him in his nightshirt, do you?!! They wouldn't!! They couldn't!! Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!
Dee
Indiana - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 04:38:20 PM (EDT)

Anyone else notice in those Mcleans scans that Alan's pants are wet around the knee's so at one point he was in the snow with her. ok, i notice stange things.
Alfan
Canada - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 02:14:52 PM (EDT)

Thank you Slope for the scans and Suzanne for hosting the pictures.
Thank you also to Bunks for that scan.

Sheena <dragon@amberdragon.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
Berkshire UK - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 02:14:03 PM (EDT)

Hi all, Just wanted to pop in and wish you all a Happy Mothers Day. The extra footage they showed last night on TV from chamber of secrets really added to the movie, plus the footage from the GOF looks fantastic too. Again, Happy Mothers Day to all-off until later-have fun-Pam
Pam
MA - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 01:41:44 PM (EDT)

Looks like Toronto is the place for star watching...
martha
maine, - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 01:09:56 PM (EDT)

Sorry, just saw your post Slope. There was an article but nothing mentioned about AR just talked about how filming is really hot this month in Toronto and then a whole pageful of pictures of celebrities currently filming in Toronto. Quite a few big names here such as: Tim Allen, 50 Cent, Steve Martin, Whoopi Goldberg, Stephen Dorff, Diane Lane, Ben Affleck, Alan Rickman, Kim Cattrall, Carrie-Anne Moss, Bob Hoskins, Adrien Brody, Sigourney Weaver, Antonio Banderas, Eva Longoria, Milla Jovovich, Michael Douglas, Kim Basinger, Kiefer Sutherland and Bruce Willis to name a few.
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 01:08:30 PM (EDT)

bunks, Suzanne - Thanks for the pics! Wouldn't it be great to have Marvin's voice on your voice mail? I've been thinking about AR's voice on my answering machine for a long time... (Course, I think about AR's voice a lot anyway.)
martha
maine, - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 01:08:17 PM (EDT)

It's the POA shirt so I'm wondering if it's a stock photo rather than one they shot in T.O. but then again he does seem to like that shirt.

The paper lists Kim Cattrall as starring in the movie along with Carrie-Anne Moss and Sigourney Weaver. The press didn't mention her when the movie was being filmed up north in Wawa did they?
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 01:02:28 PM (EDT)

The chances of any territorial dispute, whether it be the Gaza Strip, Northern Ireland, or the sandbox in the back yard, coming to an end seem pretty slim if people keep clinging to, “I’m right,” or “I have a right,” or “I’m owed,” or justice, or fairness, or what “should be.” The only way I can see these things ending is if we just STOP. Stop killing, stop bombing, stop acting like we can change/make up for the past. Just DROP IT, already. Haven’t we told kids that? “Just stop! Drop it and move on!” We don’t tolerate children acting that way, but we’re doing the same thing - only on a much larger, more destructive scale. You can’t change what’s past. You and I can’t rectify what our grandfathers did, we can’t make amends, but we can stop the injustices and atrocities from continuing. Just stop. Chief Joseph said it well when he said, “I will fight no more forever.”
martha
on her soapbox, - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 01:01:00 PM (EDT)

Bunks, no I did not check the Toronto Star. Please feel free to scan. Thanks! Is there an article too? Was it from Saturday?
Slope
Canada - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 12:59:13 PM (EDT)

Your post was yesterday so I'll assume you didn't send that one on to Suzanne. Toronto Star 2005
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 12:58:26 PM (EDT)

Slope did you scan the picture if Alan in the Toronto Star? If so I won't bother.
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 12:42:24 PM (EDT)

We have some fantastic scans of the McLean's photos, thanks to Slope (thank you!)! I believe we've seen one of them before, but any AR pic is worth another look. :-)

AR signing autographs
AR & SW in snow

Hi, Lisa! And thanks for the article from the Jerusalem Post. While it does seem to have a few obvious mistakes, as Martha pointed out, it's always good to see different points of view. As for the political side of the play, I thought it was Alan's intention to bring one girl's story into the limelight to get people aware of this entire needless battle. But I think both sides are to blame when it comes to killing each other. Call me naive, but I don't understand why people of different religions can't live together peacefully. *okay, climbing off of soapbox*

How disappointing that there was no Snape in yesterday evening's HP-GoF preview. :-( Is he in the new trailer? Haven't had a chance to check the Leaky Cauldron.

Ricky, just double click the files and they should start playing (unless you're using a Macintosh, sorry!)

Welcome, Rhonda! I agree totally. :-)

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 12:38:30 PM (EDT)

Lisa - thanks for posting the article. I’m sorry to say, however, that I didn’t read it as closely as I might have. The fact that the writer got Megan Dodds name wrong was a starter. The fact that he confused the actress and RC was another. “Woods (what he called Dodds) gains entry to Gaza...” It also says she climbed on top of a moving bulldozer. This type of sloppy reporting (where was the editor??) causes me to dismiss much of what the article has to say. After all, what else are they distorting or just plain getting wrong? I saw, and listened, to the play without a political agenda. Maybe that’s why I didn’t hear one...
martha
maine, - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 09:51:11 AM (EDT)

@Suzanne - Thank you so much for setting the Links, I have just downloaded it and have to check it out tomorrow how I can play it on my computer.

@martha - I think, this interview has been a lot of fun for the present women and also the watching publick *lol*

@SeverinaSnape (Lisa) - thank you for posting the article from Jerusalem Newspaper!

A lovely and sunny Mother's day to all of you. Mine will soon arrive, my husband is just picking her up at her home. RIcky
Ricky
Austria - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 05:57:34 AM (EDT)

I just saw THGTTG-as to the little robot, Eeyore in space comes to mind-lovely voice, though
ACC
- Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 05:26:44 AM (EDT)

Hi all - I have lurked here for a LONG time. Coming out of the shadows with this first post. I have an online membership with the Jerusalem Post. They have yet another 'review' of My Name Is Rachel Corrie. Here is the article in full.

Rachel Corrie brought back to life
-----------------------------------------------------------
YAAKOV LAPPIN, THE JERUSALEM POST May. 8, 2005
-----------------------------------------------------------

London's small Royal Court Theatre, situated in the elegant Sloane Square, is permeated by Arabic music as actress Megan Woods delivers a 90-minute soliloquy about the Palestinian struggle against Israel to a packed audience.

Oscillating between light-hearted reflections on life and toxic rationalizations of Palestinian terror, the blonde-haired and blue-eyed Woods is the star and only performer in a play which rivals Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ in its antipathy toward the people of Israel.

Woods plays 23-year-old Rachel Corrie, an International Solidarity Movement (ISM) activist who died in 2003 while attempting to prevent the bulldozing of a home being used to supply Palestinian terror networks with weapons.

According to the play, Corrie was killed after climbing on top of a moving bulldozer. Corrie's family alleges that she was killed deliberately, but an IDF investigation concluded that her death was accidental.

My Name Is Rachel Corrie, written by Guardian Weekend magazine editor Katharine Viner (who herself is Jewish) and actor/editor Alan Rickman, is based on Corrie's diary and e-mail messages, and begins with the reflections of a young American woman who leads a dull and unfulfilled life. Then the entries suddenly shift in tone to sarcastic, rhetorical, and highly politicized statements.

Speaking to The Jerusalem Post, however, Viner denies that the play is in any way political.

"My Name Is Rachel Corrie is not a vehicle for a political message, but a portrait of one woman and her experiences - and how she's changed by them, both in the US and in Gaza," she says.

Yet Viner and Rickman have produced a manipulative play that attempts to delegitimize Israel under the pretense of exposure to "accessible writing." And the audience at the Royal Court Theatre is bombarded with descriptions of alleged IDF actions devoid of context.

"The soldiers bombed a market in Gaza city!" yells Woods/Corrie.

"Water was stolen in the night by bulldozers they are shooting anonymously into homes what we are paying for here is truly evil."

Throughout the play, Palestinian terror is described only as "resistance" and is either defended, justified or downplayed, usually in high-pitched tones.

"I look forward to seeing people resist," says Woods/Corrie in an email, after approvingly reading out her mother's description of suicide bombings: "They are trying to feebly defend themselves!"

Viner portrays Corrie's words as simply the curiosity of a young American trying to understand her government, and cites the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington as the point of transition.

"After September 11th, she [Corrie] became increasingly interested in US foreign policy," claims Viner, who was asked by the Royal Court Theatre last year to edit Corrie's writings into a drama.

"Corrie said she was 'missing a connection to the people who are impacted by US foreign policy.' An obvious place to travel to make such a connection would be Israel, Gaza and the West Bank."

After lying to an Israeli customs official about "visiting an Israeli friend," (a tactic recommended by the ISM Web site), Woods gains entry to Gaza and sets to work "trying to prevent demolitions of civilian homes."

But even here, in such a harsh criticism of Israel, Woods/Corrie shows her ignorance and naivete: "I'm really new to talking about Israel and Palestine."

Woods goes on to deliver a two-minute lecture to Jewish Americans about "the differences between Israeli government policies and all the Jewish people." Viner also suggests that the majority of Israelis would be sympathetic to the play: "The implications of what Rachel Corrie said and did are clearly critical of the occupation and its impact on the Palestinians in Gaza. But isn't opposition to the Gaza occupation increasingly reflective of mainstream Israeli opinion, given that a majority supports the planned pullout?"

Watching My Name Is Rachel Corrie, however, it is somehow difficult to believe that an Israeli audience would identify with a play that so successfully ignores their plight.

"Everyone must feel safe. That is the most important rule I know," says Woods, reading out one of Corrie's diary entries.

"What is left for people here?" she asks, referring to the question of organized terror. "What about the right of people to defend their land? Can 50-year-old Russian guns and homemade explosives really damage the fourth-largest military power?"

Woods/Corrie then demands of the audience: "Do you not think most people in similar situations would do the same?"

Apparently none of this extends to the people of Israel, however, for not a single reference is made to the traumas suffered throughout the four-and-a-half-year terror campaign against the Israeli population.

The play concludes with a short video in which a fellow ISM activist describes Corrie's death, and images of Corrie as a child addressing her school.

British audience members left the hall sobbing and comforting one another.

"It's so sad," said a middle-aged man with tears in his eyes.

Robin Stamler, who has recently completed a PhD at Birckbeck College and is a member of the Academic Friends of Israel group, told The Jerusalem Post that the play is being used by leaders of Britain's media who are hostile to Israel as a vehicle to delegitimize the country.

"The play openly serves to promote an anti-Israel narrative that is already entrenched in important parts of British society," said Stamler, adding: "This is a play written by a Guardian editor, heavily promoted by that newspaper, produced by one of the top British actors, and staged at the leading venue for political theater. Pro-Israel Jews won't find a comfortable home in this section of British society, and it is a section with great influence and power."

In a letter to colleagues, Stamler said he was "distressed that the deaths of other Rachels, together with the deaths of so many other Israelis, have been dismissed within the anti-Israel narrative promoted by the theatrical establishment and sections of the media that are focusing on this play. Somehow I doubt that the Royal Court will be staging a play to commemorate them."

In a recent Guardian article, however, Viner wrote: "She [Rachel Corrie] became a martyr to the Palestinians, a victim of their intifada who had stood up to the mighty Israeli army."

Corrie play is not alone My Name Is Rachel Corrie is only one of a host of plays that have emerged in Britain focussing on or referring to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Talking To Terrorists, written by Robin Soans, also produced by the Royal Court Theater, deals with terrorism in Africa, Israel, Turkey and Iraq, and seeks to "understand what makes ordinary people do extreme things."

The play appears to be guided by the notion that terrorism has negotiable demands, and that dialogue with terror groups is "the answer."

Another Soans play, The Arab Israeli Cookbook, which opens for a second run in July, is an ambitious production with 42 characters who are supposed to represent an amalgamation of the Jewish and Arab Middle East, where Israeli and Palestinian culture, food and suffering are expressed.

Theater critic Alen Sierz said of the play that "the show has a lot of humanity and charm, but it also overstays its welcome."

While European and western playwrights attempt to understand the Middle East, the realities of the region seem to elude their intellectual and political grasp. As Egyptian playwright Ali Salem, shunned in Egypt for his cultural contacts with Israel, once wrote: "I'm not ready to deny reality as I see it."
SeverinaSnape (Lisa) <www.mitsawokett_uk@yahoo.co.ukfoo>
London, UK - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 04:05:56 AM (EDT)

Just watched the special presentation of Chamber of Secrets. Lot’s of extra footage and new scenes, including one with the luscious Lucius. But no Snape! GoF looks as though it will be great; the kids look as though they’ve aged 5 years. Well, RG does - when he first came on, I thought he was one of the twins! DR and EW look terrific in formal dress, but again, NO SNAPE! Wah!
martha
maine, - Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 12:13:14 AM (EDT)

Julia, thanks for the heads up on TWG. I'm embarrassed to admit that I taped it before, did not label the tape, forgot all about it, and erased it by mistake! And still haven't seen it yet! :p

Suzanne, check your email tomorrow for Alan scans. ;-)
Slope
Canada - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 10:06:18 PM (EDT)

I will love Alan Rickman for as long as I live. I am his little magical writer come to save his Severus Snape character from a horrible fate. I will keep this lovely story to myself to prevent plaigarism, and only hope that J.K.Rowling would want to have it. I adore all of his many and varied characters and deeply respect his acting talents. He is one of the most romantic men on screen...Brad Pitt types eat your heart out!
Rhonda J. Wentzell <williamswood@psphalifax.ns.cafoo>
Halifax, N.S. Canada - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 05:38:38 PM (EDT)

Ricky - Sorry, yes, I meant it was done around the same time as Winter Guest. He, Phyllida Law and Emma Thompson were on a "woman's" show, and they were checking him out right down to his socks. So, being the kind, helpful gentleman that he is, he also informed them that his genitals were in place - complete with gesture! (As if they hadn't noticed...)
martha
maine, - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 02:55:47 PM (EDT)

Speaking of TWG, CBC will broadcast it on late night this week for you Canadian fans. (I guess it's true what they say about us, we really are winter-obsessed -- it's MAY for goodnesssakes and yet CBC is broadcasting a film about the coldest day of the year!)

And very OT, I was watching Sleepy Hollow on TV last night, and I had a thought: why hasn't anyone asked Tim Burton to direct an HP movie? He would be awesome! And he's already worked with many of the actors in the adult cast... Sllepy Hollow alone has Uncle Vernon and the new Dumbledore in it.
Julia
Canada - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 02:47:44 PM (EDT)

Here are the Videograms I made of The View (and I'm sure Claudia has it on her site also):

The View: part 1 (view-1.exe, 10.7MB)
The View: part 2 (view-2.exe, 6.5MB)

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 02:05:32 PM (EDT)

Ricky: I don't know how to post a link, but the website is: www.nd.edu/tchapman/alanrickman.html. There is a little squiggly line before the tchapman, but I don't know how to make it on my computer. If you search Alan Rickman, velvet voice, it will come up.
Laurie
VT - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 01:57:16 PM (EDT)

@martha - what do you mean with WG time, I suppose Winterguest? Maybe we mean the same interview, but I have just read the texture, at Claudia's side, in the Guestbook. One of the ladies was so kind to post it. If I remember right she had found it on a french side and kindly translated it. @Laurie - Tammy's side? What www.....? Please. :o) @Dee - the picture is just beautiful. The girl doesn't look like a honky tonky woman - what I suppose is a wench. (woman to buy/rent *g*), in this picture she looks like an angel, so innocent and lovely. Ricky
Ricky
- Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 01:14:25 PM (EDT)

Gee...*blushes)*I'm so glad everyone enjoyed the RHPOT wallpaper! He does seem exceptionally virile in the movie, doesn't he?! You've peeked my interest with the whole "cod piece" discussion...I'll have to see if I can make a screen cap of it! I'll share if it turns out!

I love the scene where he is snarling in frustration, and then sees the wenches in the hall. He tells one of them to meet him in his room at 10:30, the other at 10:45 -- and to bring a friend! Granted, I don't think they told time in such specific increments in the middle ages...but it is a hoot! Sigh...makes you wish you were a wench!
Dee
Indiana - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 12:39:56 PM (EDT)

Martha, I think it was at Tammy's site. I don't even know if it is still up.
Laurie
VT - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 12:30:56 PM (EDT)

Ricky - There is a clip of an interview (The View) from WG time that is... interesting. I thought it was at Claudia's but I can't find it. Maybe someone else knows?
martha
maine, - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 12:17:46 PM (EDT)

You're welcome Suzanne, I wish I could go as I love the Globe but I can't get transport that day :-(

Just had this notification from The Leaky Cauldron, I couldn't spot any glimpses of Alan Rickman, but I thought you may be interested anyway. The main bit will be on ABC tonight and there are several places which will have it after that including Apple.
Summary: Andy, from Harry Potter Fan Zone , let us know about some brand new behind the scenes footage from Goblet of Fire. This footage, while it includes much of what we have seen before, has some brand new footage which...

View the Entire Entry: Leaky Cauldron Entry

New Goblet Video on TV Guide. com
Andy, from Harry Potter Fan Zone , let us know about some brand new behind the scenes footage from Goblet of Fire. This footage, while it includes much of what we have seen before, includes a new scene which you can see on TVGuide.com. There is an extended version of Harry and the Underwater Task, as well as the entrance of the Capoeira Dancers and some students into the Great Hall. Click Here to view. Enjoy!
Update: Andy just let us know he made screencaps from the video which you can see here.
Thanks to Andy from Harry Potter Fan Zone!

Sheena <dragon@amberdragon.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
Berkshire UK - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 10:42:48 AM (EDT)

Here's the MPEG1 version of the eTalk Daily clip (sorry for the delay). Thanks again, Slope!

AR sighting in Wawa (ARClipMPEG1.mpg, 6 sec, 1.3B)

Sheena, thanks for the Cries from the Heart notification!

As for the cancel Christmas scene, yes, I think they did cut the beginning of that scene. Which, according to the script (or was it the novel?), basically conveys that he had been cavorting with some wenches. I'll see if I can find the actual text.

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 10:23:18 AM (EDT)

@Slope - thank you, now I am able to understand what they have meant. But I don't know what you meant with "The View" ? I just remember one time of mentioning genitals - have read an interview about "Winterguest" abd trying to enlargen it with creams and so on, what the boy did in this film (if I remember correct) and he said he never did so. *g* Did you mean this? RIcky
Ricky
- Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 10:12:32 AM (EDT)

Ricky, here's the Oxford English dictionary definition of CODPIECE: noun, a pouch to cover the genitals on a pair of man’s breeches, worn in the 15th and 16th centuries. ORIGIN from earlier cod scrotum, from Old English, bag.

Alan adding a bit of 'business' involving the codpiece would not surprise me. It reminds me of a comment he made when he appeared on The View as he sat down on the couch...remember? ;-)
Slope
Canada - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 08:29:42 AM (EDT)

I'v just read through a lot of commentary and that nice sandwich ;o) - Interview and so on. And now I'm wondering about the "codpiece". I think it is a part of his clothes, but what is meant? Recently I looked at this scene in slowmove because it is that fast with all the girls and so on, but I didn't realize something special?! So please, could anybody tell me, what a codpiece is? Have looked it up in dictionaries, but couldn't be found, what a pity. Thanks in advance Ricky
Ricky
Linz, Austria - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 08:12:29 AM (EDT)

Not "adjusting himself" to the extent he did in Raz, but still... interesting.
martha
maine, - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 05:36:04 AM (EDT)

If you 'slo-mo' that scene, you'll see that he's re-lacing his codpiece! Yikes!! It goes so fast that Costner must have missed it, otherwise I'm sure he would have cut that scene too!
snapes_witch
- Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 04:51:22 AM (EDT)

I remember someone saying that the "adjusting himself" scene was edited from a larger scene where he was supposedly carousing with a few of the girls {think it was suggestion rather than visualized} and exited the room adjusting his clothing-someone else thought he rather looked like he had gone to the loo-LOL-probably not the intended effect
ACC
- Friday, May 06, 2005 at 11:52:23 PM (EDT)

Guess I'll have to go check that out... now...
martha
maine, - Friday, May 06, 2005 at 08:17:03 PM (EDT)

Well, in the scene where he cancels Christmas, it starts out with him "adjusting" himself. Surely not just me. I think someone was having a bit of fun with us. And I do not object;......
Aurora
- Friday, May 06, 2005 at 05:52:09 PM (EDT)

My remarks about people only thinking of certain of Alan's roles were meant to be general and not specific to the recent article.

Dee, thanks for the terrific wallpaper, I'm using it NOW!
snapes_witch
- Friday, May 06, 2005 at 04:56:44 PM (EDT)

Aurora - are you sure it was the design that made you notice? *bats eyes innocently*
martha
maine, - Friday, May 06, 2005 at 04:48:58 PM (EDT)

Dee, that wallpaper is fabulous. wow And pardon me for being indelicate, but I watched RHPoT recently, and am I the only one who thinks someone designed teh costume to make the codpiece very noticeable?

Drat! I cannot be in England on June 13. Thanks for the tantalizing possibility, Sheena.
Aurora
OH - Friday, May 06, 2005 at 02:39:01 PM (EDT)

Just had this notification from Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, not sure if any of you will be able to attend. I thought you may like to know as Alan Rickman has attended this function before.
Cries from the Heart Join us on Monday 13 June for a special gala performance in aid of Human Rights Watch, the Globe’s nominated charity this year.
For one-night only, a star-studded cast will come together at Shakespeare’s Globe to perform drama, music and poetry. Artists including Judi Dench, Andrew Motion, George Alagiah and Thandie Newton will be performing on the globe stage.
Tickets range from £10-£100 (£100 tickets include a reception with the performers) and are available from the box office (020 7401 9919).

Sheena <dragon@amberdragon.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
Berkshire UK - Friday, May 06, 2005 at 02:29:29 PM (EDT)

Well said, Martha. I too prefer the candid bits--it seems as if Canada allows Alan to let his guard down a little and share with us his passion for desserts! ;-)
Slope
Canada - Friday, May 06, 2005 at 02:06:55 PM (EDT)

He DOES look very aristocratic there, doesn't he? Drop dead gorgeous! The book did say that he didn't keep any of his costumes. For shame... (Costner was the only one who kept something - the costume he wore for the wedding scene)
Dee
Indiana - Friday, May 06, 2005 at 01:35:16 PM (EDT)

Link fixed. Love those boots!
Suz (D.o.C)

Hmmm...I was trying to share a wallpaper I made of RHPOT, but it didn't turn out right. Let's try again. If it doesn't work, Suzanne, can you fix it?

Dee
Indiana - Friday, May 06, 2005 at 11:45:44 AM (EDT)

Thanks for sharing that interview by Brian Johnson! As a photojournalist, I thought it was a wonderful, well written human interest story. He combined the serious and the fun, giving us a small slice of AR's life. Can't you just picture "an unruly BLT" in AR's hands...his intelligent, amber-green eyes watching you...licking his lips...THUD!!!

*cough* Whew! Well done, Brian!

ANYWAY...I agree that AR is probably skilled at steering an interview anyway he wants. I was thrilled to find a donated copy of RHPOT Official Movie Book on the library used book cart (There's not much about him in it. Must have cut him from the book too!) The interviewer said that AR "doesn't suffer fools" and "doesn't like to talk about himself". Frankly, I think THAT interviewer was probably a fool...but there was one comment that I found interesting.
AR said he took riding lessons during the filming of Quigly Down Under and got pretty good. But, he was very disappointed that all of his riding scenes in Quigly were cut. Cutting in Quigly too? MORE CUTTING?! What's wrong with these people? Do you suppose that was another case of "hmmm...this guy is upstaging the star" again? Grumble... [URL=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/ARDLHGB/robinhood.jpg][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/ARDLHGB/th_robinhood.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Dee
Indiana - Friday, May 06, 2005 at 11:41:20 AM (EDT)

Thanks for the article - I really liked it. I liked the way Johnson gave SW the benefit of the doubt about her inaccessibility. And it seems, for the most part that he was justified. It must be an extremely difficult part to get into, and not easy to switch on and off. I liked his stories about how the crew tried to get him what he needed while still meeting SW’s needs. And I liked his presentation of AR. As a generous, intelligent, caring person. I think his few short comments told us as much about AR as a person, as some of the “in depth” interviews AR’s given. His ability to be enthusiastic. His delight in sharing. His consciousness and concern for others. The quote, “We've invaded their life pretending to be real people, and the real people stare at us pretending to be them." shows a lot of awareness of the “locals” as individuals, rather than inconveniences to be worked around. While I am very much interested to hear what AR thinks about things, I enjoy the candid bits even more.

I agree that AR would probably rather talk about the local pie than himself, but in doing so, he shows us who he really is, and while AR’s movies made me a fan of his work, it was articles like this that made me a fan of the Man.
martha
maine, - Friday, May 06, 2005 at 11:03:28 AM (EDT)

Thanks for the interview, Leslie and Suzanne. I also think that AR tends to "fill" interviews with rather banal stuff as a way of saying something without actually revealing anything. A question of fulfilling his obligation to the publicity machine.But what class--complimenting the local people on something they're proud of, buying some local product, and sharing it with the movie crew.

I finally saw H2G2 last night. I thought it was (mostly) hilarious, but I agree that it's most appreciated if you know the books, radio series, etc. I really liked the presentation of the Hitchhikers' Guide. It reminded me of the old Pink Panther cartoons from the day when you got a cartoon before the movie.
Aurora
- Friday, May 06, 2005 at 09:08:21 AM (EDT)

Ah yes, Brian Johnson...he mentioned TMD because he interviewed Alan at the time of TMD and CME when Alan was promoting the latter. I thought it a good article (I was expecting a tiny info-less blurb)!
Slope
Canada - Friday, May 06, 2005 at 08:00:17 AM (EDT)

Aw, come on - lighten up (big smiley face). The interview with Alan, while not extensive, still has its insights (and is kinda cute from my POV).

Keep in mind, it's a GUY interviewing Alan, so I take his comment about sharing fries as a guy's way of saying "Look how cool and down-to-earth Alan Rickman is - he shared his spuds with me, man."

Guys generally are just not as weight-obsessed as women...so the idea of having to be discreet about deserts is just ludicrous to them.

I'm sure the interviewer never once thought anything derogatory about Alan having a sweet-tooth, or his complimenting the local pastries. He probably thought Alan very generous to treat the crew to the sweet delights (and locals are always proud to have visitors, especially famous ones, compliement their local cuisines and other attractions).

As for the Alan films he chose to highlight, a guy is more likely to have seen films like "Die Hard" and "Robin Hood" as opposed to, say, "Sense and Sensibility"...but he DID mention "Truly Madly Deeply" and "My Name is Rachel Corrie."

I also thought this a very flattering compliment:

"With his downturned mouth and amber-green eyes full of intrigue, this is an actor who seems to work from a deep reserve of intelligence."

How often do guys make such an observation about another man's eyes...and he certainly hit the nail on the head about Alan's "...deep reserve of intelligence." That compliment is a keeper.

Also keep in mind that he interviewed all three of the main cast members and he had to work especially hard to nail down the elusive and un-predictable Weaver. So, I can't blame him for trying try to milk that for all it was worth.

This interview also provided us with quite a few more small details about the film and its characters that we've not heard about before.

Lastly, keep in mind that an editor most likely trimmed the piece down before it went to press...so we have no idea how much was left out.

Yes, I wish it a bit more of substance with Alan, but it's not bad.

BM
BM
- Friday, May 06, 2005 at 03:15:12 AM (EDT)

Y'know, Alfan, I'll bet we'd find out that Alan directed the way the interview went and that he'd much rather talk about the BLT samich and fries or the delish rhubarb pie than talk about his personal life.

Anyway I get more annoyed with interviewers that act like he's only played three roles in his entire career: Hans Gruber, the Sheriff of Nottingham, and Severus Snape (reptilian indeed)!!
snapes_witch
- Friday, May 06, 2005 at 01:57:28 AM (EDT)

You know, i was in a small town the other day (Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan) and we stopped in a little diner ( wich i find always has the best home cooked meals) and had myself a BLT and fries. Up here in Canada, its just the thing that goes with any sandwich,,,,,,its the Canadian way. I hope he had Canadian Back Bacon on his samich. Good for you Alan, but its just to bad that people will critique him for what he ate, what he wore, Gods, let him be. ( oh and i dont mean us here at the guestbook,i love the ribbing he gets here {red tango}) but i meant media etc. I mean honestly did the reportee have to mention that he was eating while being interviewed, and that he eat pies and buttertarts,( which i do have to say my grandma makes the best) who really cares, interview the man. Find out what his interests are, what his beliefs are and not what he ate for supper and dessert.
Alfan
Canada, - Friday, May 06, 2005 at 12:13:07 AM (EDT)

hnjj
pamela <pamela1252001@yahoo.co.ukfoo>
kuala lumpur, kl malaysia - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 11:59:21 PM (EDT)

Suzanne, expect another large attachment (not as large this time).

Red Tango will have a field day with the Macleans article -- french fries, BLT, pies, and "this incredible thing called a butter tart that's so good I don't even want to know what's in it." LOL!!! Love this guy more and more every day!
Slope
Canada - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 09:09:41 PM (EDT)

From Brain Johnson's interview
" Weaver has decided she doesn't want a journalist watching her act. But half the town is on the sidewalk, doing just that, so I see nothing wrong with joining the crowd. But one of the producers tells me I'm too "distinctive looking," and if Sigourney spots me, she could get spooked and cancel my interview."

does this sound like the Seinfeld episode where Jerry gets spooked by the pilot? LOL
fir
- Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 08:58:28 PM (EDT)

WOW!!! I just checked the RADA Birthday page and saw that someone donated £500 almost a month ago. That brings the total to 2,011.85 (around $4,000)! Thank you, Anon!

And Welcome back, Artemis!

Thanks, Claudia and Slope! I can play the MPG clip fine with WIN DVD player, but I know some people have a harder time playing them, so an WMV file would be nice. Thanks, a shy librarian, for explaining the difference between an MPEG1 and MPEG2 file. I'd be happy to host them both.

Gail sent me the link to the online version of the Maclean's article (thank you!) that Leslie informed us about yesterday. No pictures, unfortunately, but it's a great article/interview. Though if anybody happens to get their hands on this magazine, we'd still love to have scans of those photos! :-)

When stars fall on Wawa

May 6, 2005

Ripley, Trinity and Professor Snape invade a northern Ontario town

BRIAN D. JOHNSON

Sigourney Weaver is in Wawa, northern Ontario, shooting a movie called Snow Cake. She plays an autistic woman who has a thing for snow. She likes to roll in it, eat it and make snow men out of it. There's just one problem: Wawa had an early spring. "I've lived here 37 years and can't remember an April this nice," says Micheline Hatfield, taking time out from her drilling and blasting operation to join a crowd on a residential street waiting to get a glimpse of Weaver. "I came back from a week in Vegas, and the snowbank on my front yard had dropped six feet." Now it's melted to nothing. But unlike the rest of Wawa, this street of '50s bungalows where Weaver's character lives actually has snow: piles of it have been trucked in, dumped on lawns and arranged in slushy mounds over beds of white Dacron.

There's a woman on the sidewalk hoping "Sigourney" will autograph all four of her Alien DVDs. One for each of the kids. She comes to the set each day. And she's invited a bunch of the crew to her house for a venison supper. Myself, I spend three days waiting for Weaver to make good on a promised interview, while trying to keep out of her "eye-line." She's a method actress trying to stay in character -- which means avoiding people. Everyone on the crew treats her with kid gloves. And by the time we meet, I'm beginning to wonder if celebrity -- with its hypersensitivity and childlike sense of entitlement -- isn't so far removed from autism. Everything has to be just so.

This is the story of what happens when a small town is turned into a set, and when three stars -- an American, a Canadian and a Brit -- become local attractions. They're all famous for a major fantasy franchise. Weaver is the alien-wrangling Ripley; Carrie-Anne Moss is Trinity, The Matrix dominatrix ; Alan Rickman is Harry Potter's reptilian Professor Snape. And in Wawa, a town of 3,700 north of Lake Superior -- known for its giant goose and for stranding hitchhikers on the Trans-Canada Highway -- they're the biggest news since the gold rush of 1897.

But Snow Cake is not a Hollywood movie. Directed by British filmmaker Marc Evans, it's a $6.5-million indie project based on a script from a novice screenwriter, England's Angela Pell, who has an autistic son. Although she'd never been to Canada, Pell dreamt up a dark comedy, imagining Rickman as a sardonic Englishman on a road trip in the Canadian north. He is cajoled into giving a ride to a local girl, who's killed when a truck slams into his car. He then gets stuck with the girl's autistic mother (Weaver), and seduced by her free-spirited neighbour (Moss). When the British producers came looking for a location, Toronto producer Niv Fichman of Rhombus Media (The Red Violin) suggested Wawa. With most of the crew and some cast from Canada, Snow Cake became a majority Canadian co-production. And Wawa is proudly playing itself.

For two weeks in April, crowds gather to watch the cameras roll. Folks from across the street, and from half an hour out of town. Mothers with strollers. Children playing hooky. And a journalist who's come to interview the stars and see what happens when a movie crew consumes a town. Which is how I end up sharing fries with Rickman in the dining room of the Wawa Motor Inn beside "the largest fireplace in the North." With his downturned mouth and amber-green eyes full of intrigue, this is an actor who seems to work from a deep reserve of intelligence. He was the droll ghost in Truly Madly Deeply and the caustic sheriff who acted rings around Kevin Costner's Robin Hood, and now he's the director of a controversial play that has London's West End abuzz -- My Name is Rachel Corrie, about the American activist killed by an Israeli bulldozer.

It's incongruous to find him in Wawa. But as Rickman points out, there's something unreal about shooting in any real location. "A film comes in and colonizes it," he says, between bites of an unruly BLT. "You start thinking, 'Oh, could we just move that pile of trees?' And sometimes you can. It's like you own it. We're filming on a real street and it already feels like a set. You have to keep reminding yourself that the people coming out of their houses are not extras. They're real people. We've invaded their life pretending to be real people, and the real people stare at us pretending to be them."

Of Snow Cake's stars, Rickman has been the most accessible. Between takes outside JDD's Diner in Hawk Junction, a hamlet of 300 people near Wawa, he goes in to sign autographs and sample the pies. He was so knocked out by the rhubarb and wild blueberry, he started ordering five pies a day for the crew, urging the baker to set up a franchise. He also raves about "this incredible thing called a butter tart that's so good I don't even want to know what's in it." Rickman is even sanguine about the lack of snow: "The director expected a Fargo landscape. But the film is about a thaw. With a bit of slush around, it makes for an edgier landscape."

As the actor heads off to work, I spend the afternoon in my motel room, waiting for permission to visit the set. Weaver has decided she doesn't want a journalist watching her act. But half the town is on the sidewalk, doing just that, so I see nothing wrong with joining the crowd. But one of the producers tells me I'm too "distinctive looking," and if Sigourney spots me, she could get spooked and cancel my interview. Crew members propose various ruses. They could park me in a van with tinted windows. Or put me through "honeyland" -- hair, makeup and wardrobe -- to disguise me as a local. Instead, they decide to hustle me onto the set right away, before Sigourney arrives.

It's a warm day. Onlookers in shirt sleeves soak up the sun, watching nothing happen. I'm ushered into a bungalow, where a camera shoots out the back window as Carrie-Anne Moss walks across the snowy yard. In the background, kids play basketball. I ask if they're extras. No, they're "real." After a couple of takes, I'm suddenly whisked out the door, like a hostage. Sigourney is in the bungalow. Whew! She hasn't seen me.

Later I visit Moss in her trailer. She's in costume -- a white parka, a black slip dress over blue jeans, and deerskin boots with pompoms. She's a bit rattled, having just been besieged by some kids who wanted her autograph without knowing who she was. At least one mistook her for Sigourney. "I got a little irritated," she admits. "It's not such a big deal. It just feels rude. I'm in the middle of a conversation and a mother with her children comes up to me, not even teaching them how to behave. Would she treat another adult that way?" The Vancouver-born actress, who lives in Los Angeles, is away from her 18-month-old son for the first time. While she misses him, she's enjoying her log chalet at the Wawa Motor Inn. "I've just been staying in my room," she says. "Watching TV, sleeping and reading. I have fires."

Weaver, meanwhile, has been housed in a chalet next to the one where Wawa's mayor, Rod Morrison, a former CEO of Via Rail, lives with Donna Harris, the motel manager. Like the mayor in State and Main, the David Mamet farce about a small-town film shoot, Morrison has tried to invite the stars for dinner, without success. But he did land a role as an extra in a restaurant scene. The word on the street in Wawa is that Weaver is standoffish, yet the mayor wants to give her the benefit of the doubt. "If she's cold," he says, "it's because her character requires such concentration."

Weaver has been studying autism for her role since July. So who could blame her for not wanting to socialize or do press in her first two days of shooting? But I do get summoned to her trailer for a quick hello. After some small talk about the sewage plant beside our motel, I propose that she do the interview in character. She laughs. Her character, she says, would just tell me to "piss off."

That night Weaver finishes shooting at 4 a.m. I've given up on the interview. But a few hours later, as I'm about to leave for the airport, I get a call saying she's changed her mind, and now wants to talk to me over breakfast. It's her day off. She shows up in sloppy blue jeans and a soft-checked shirt, unbuttoned to show some cleavage and a glimpse of gold bra. Wearing no makeup, she looks in fine shape for 55, and has a girlish smile that makes the years melt away. She orders one scrambled egg -- "Is it a real egg?" -- with multi-grain toast, then cancels the toast.

The way she orders makes me wonder if she's acting slightly autistic, or just being fussy. Weaver, who has spent a lot of time with autistic adults, explains that they have no mental filter, no membrane shielding them from outside stimulus. "Without underestimating the pain of autism," she says, "they have extraordinary access into a world that we no longer open the door to -- this world of play, of being in the moment and just seeing the way light glimmers off a photograph." When I suggest it sounds like being on a permanent acid trip, she says, "I haven't done acid. I tried some grass once and hallucinated the Virgin Mary. I get drunk on a glass of wine. I'm very, very sensitive."

Many with autism are so sensitive that they avoid eye contact and feel the need to calibrate any input with a lot of precise rituals. "Our world throws so much at them, they want to retreat to a world where they can be in charge," says Weaver. "And I can relate to that. I find change very difficult. Every time I start a film...here I am in Wawa! It's very unreal to be in this place doing this."

The crew was instructed "to act as if there is someone with autism on the set -- you have to be quiet, you have to give her space." Weaver laughs. "That is an actor's dream. I do feel like the film is a little nest. In my chalet, I can bounce around and be autistic as much as I want. I'm not as comfortable taking it out on the street. Once you get in that frame, people coming up to you is very jarring. I find people coming up to me jarring anyway." As for all the children who want her autograph, Weaver has asked for their names to be put on a list. "I'm happy to do it at the end. It sounds very Spoiled Movie Star. You want to say, 'Thank you, yes I'm glad I was in Ghostbusters. Who you gonna call, love Sigourney.' But it's hard for me to play the character and shift into that."

Weaver stresses that she's just playing a character, and not trying to represent autism. Yet whether he likes it or not, she may become autism's new poster child, inheriting the role from the star of Rain Man. "Dustin Hoffman has been representing autism for a long, long time," she acknowledges, "and I'm sure he never meant to do that." Meanwhile, she's enjoying the "great gift" of learning to live in the moment. "I've always been so impatient," says Weaver, as she methodically folds a paper napkin holder. "Now I see it would be much more satisfying if, instead of thinking what I'm going to do in an hour, I just think about folding this...perfectly."

So how will she spend her day off? "I haven't made any plans. As my character says, 'I don't know what I'll feel like in half an hour. I only know how I feel now.' "

Copyright by Rogers Media Inc.

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 07:39:48 PM (EDT)

Hi Slope. Your video won't play for me either, and I don't think the Media Player version matters: "Because Microsoft Windows operating systems provide only an MPEG-1 video decoder, Windows Media Player cannot play MPEG-2 program streams without an additional MPEG-2 video decoder" [which you have to purchase if your computer didn't come with one] http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316992&FR=1

So, if you could re-send and Suzanne could re-host, that would be great. (If not, thanks in advance to Claudia for the email offer!)
A Shy Librarian
FL USA - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 07:21:45 PM (EDT)

Hi folks, yup the video clip was saved as an MPEG2. I can resave as an MPEG1 and send it to Suzanne, if she doesn't mind hosting it again. (Although, there's really not much to the clip actually!) Let me know.
Slope
Canada - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 06:34:02 PM (EDT)

hi, I could not play the file either. It said it was a Mpeg-2 file and I needed a decoder.

thanks for RealPlayer update link, it tells me the update will take 56 minutes to go from version 9 to 10....on my slow dial-up connection.Think I'll wait till later.
Hi Artemis, glad you surfaced again!
fir
- Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 06:25:44 PM (EDT)

If updating your player doesn't work, I've converted the file to a .wmv and it is small enough to mail. Email me if you want it.
Claudia <flipper828@aol.comfoo>
GA - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 01:29:26 PM (EDT)

Thought my computer was good--try updating your Windows Media player and see if that will help.
Claudia
GA - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 10:56:18 AM (EDT)

Am I the only one who couldn't open Slope's eTalk Daily mpeg? I used Windows Media Player 10, but it says one or more codecs required to play the file could not be found, or the file could be corrupted.
Thought my computer was good
- Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 10:48:08 AM (EDT)

Artrmis!! Good to see you, Girl!

Dee - Rhubarb already? My Fiddleheads are barely up.
martha
maine, - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 05:51:15 AM (EDT)

Dee, be careful how those rhubarb pie fumes waft...

I love rhubarb ~ and while the winds would seem to be against me, it's not a long drive.

And I think there's enough to share. *wink*
kate in the warming midwest
- Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 12:59:17 AM (EDT)

OMG, there are still people posting here that I know.....squeeeeeee!!!!! How the heck is everybody?????? And No Martha, Snape hasn't had me chained in the dungeon all this time (I could only wish!!) Anyways, I haven't been able to do anything on the net since some time last year. The computer finally gave up the ghost I guess you could say LOL But I got a Dell notebook the other day, so I am officially BACK!!! WOOT!!!
Artemis315 <alasworld2003@yahoo.comfoo>
Darlington, SC US - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 12:13:39 AM (EDT)

I picked a bunch of rhubarb today, so I'm making a pie tomorrow. You know what THAT means... I'm gonna be standing on my rooftop wafting the aroma towards Canada. Maybe AR will get a wiff and head for Indiana! But, you're all invited to follow your noses and come to my house to share!

The PIE! NOT AR!! He's mine! :)
Dee
Indiana - Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 07:24:57 PM (EDT)

TV ALERT! In addition to the sneak peek at HP-GoF on ABC this Saturday, E! News Daily will be showing exclusive on-the-set footage on Monday (May 9th) 7 PM ET.
Suzanne again
USA - Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 07:16:24 PM (EDT)

Spam deleted (all 30, yikes!).

Leslie, thanks for the mag info! Can you (or anyone) get ahold of it to scan for us?

Suzanne <webmistress@alanrickman.netfoo>
TX USA - Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 04:57:45 PM (EDT)

Hmmm, you take diet pills so he takes Viagra, so you take birth control, and you both fly away to a cheap hotel that has gambling. (and Spam sandwiches for lunch) I think there’s a story here.
martha
maine, - Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 03:49:28 PM (EDT)

Suzanne, maybe you'd better buy this guy's spyware and use it on him. Or send him the Viagra and hope it keeps him very busy.How obnoxious!
kit
usa, pa - Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 03:12:23 PM (EDT)

This week's issue of MacLean's magazine (a Canadian news magazine) has a short article on "Snow Cake" and a couple of pictures of AR.
Leslie <lcalvert@rogers.comfoo>
Newmarket , ON Canada - Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 11:49:53 AM (EDT)

Make that 21 June.
Vera
- Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 10:17:57 AM (EDT)

Do those of you who have a ticket for the Chelsea talk on 9 June have any information on what the interview will actually be about? The college's website doesn't give a hint at all.
Vera
Germany - Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 10:16:58 AM (EDT)

I haven't seen anything either.
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 08:36:34 AM (EDT)

Toronto is being inundated with stars much bigger than AR unfortunately, thus the gossip mongerers are more interested in sighting Bruce Willis, Mos Def (yup, all of Al's friends), etc., etc.
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 10:07:28 PM (EDT)

Thanks for the video Slope and Suzanne!

Now if we can only get some Toronto news and pics!
Claudia
GA - Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 08:21:01 PM (EDT)

Indeed it does, Slope. :-) Thanks!

Hey, guys, remember those wonderful AR dog walking caps Slope made for us? Well, here's a nice little clip of the segment the caps were taken from. I mean, he doesn't move, the camera just zooms in, as shown in the caps, but there's also a voice over from the host:

eTalk Daily AR sighting (Wawa-ARsighting.mpg, 6 secs, 3.8MB)
Thanks again, Slope!

And thanks, Martha, for the AR sighting. I was beginning to wonder if we'd hear anything from Toronto.

Long time no see, mortianna, welcome back!

And here's another article about RC moving in October, from today's What's on Stage:
Rickman’s Rachel Corrie Moves Downstairs in Oct

Suzanne <webmistress@alanrickman.netfoo>
TX USA - Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 08:01:03 PM (EDT)

Suzanne, hope your mailbox has room for large messages. ;)
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 02:25:05 PM (EDT)

Oops! Sorry, Claudia - over enthusiastic. But I have faith in you persuasive powers.
martha
maine, - Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 10:38:20 AM (EDT)

Martha...I hope they divulge the name of the restaurant! Thanks for the info. Haven't seen him anywhere (although I haven't been looking that hard either).
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 08:17:12 AM (EDT)

mortianna!!!! Welcome back, girl! Its so good to see you back in the AR online world!

Suzanne, you have outdone yourself my dear! Thanks so much for the new videogram and the Marvin sound file.

martha, please don't be so quick to promise pictures. I've only asked Lisa if she would share them. Let's cross our fingers that she will.

Claudia
GA - Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 08:04:31 AM (EDT)

well, hello again as that old saying goes. real life has had taken compete control over me, in the form of a now nearly one-year-old, but as you can see, I'm back (and have completely forgotten the little I knew about formatting. I also had nearly completely forgotten about AR, only seen HP3 ONCE, although I bought it, but came back to the GB lurking since I came back to work. I love the tone, it really is a bit like coming home. Thank you all!!! And foremost I want to thank for the link to the Hitchhiker site. I LOVE MARVIN - well looks like a one year old with the voice of AR - who could ask for more? (and he won't fall off the couch while you look/don't look.LOL)
mortianna <mortianna02@yahoo.defoo>
- Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 07:54:32 AM (EDT)

Pinched this from Claudia's:

Hello all.

It's been along time since I have been to this website, but I thought I would come back and take a look around. I also wanted to let everyone know (in case you didn't know)that Alan is currently in Toronto shooting his new film "Snow Cake". My room mate had the pleasure of cooking for him tonight at her restaurant after a day of shooting. What a surprise it was for me when she called to tell me that he was sitting in her restaurant at that moment. I had no idea that he was shooting a new movie, let alone in my own city. I of course did not believe her, but she let me listen on the phone and sure enough I could hear his voice. Also thank goodness for camera phones. That's all for now. Hope everyone is doing fine, I just wanted to share my Alan news of the day with some people who would appreciate it.

Cheers!
Lisa

There will be pics to follow...
martha
maine, - Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 05:39:45 AM (EDT)

It's pronounced like 'high'.
snapes_witch
- Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 01:36:41 AM (EDT)

Okay, here it is, the H2G2 Videogram. After downloading, double click file to play (best played in restored mode). I also made a separate sound file of Marvin's segment:

Starz H2G2 behind-the-scenes special (H2G2-bts-4-05.exe, 14 min, 55 secs, 27.3MB)
M arvin sound file (Starz-Marvin.wav, 1 min, 3 secs, 680kb)

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 10:09:21 PM (EDT)

Speaking of Bill Nighy, how do you pronounce his last name? Is it NYE, or NI-I (as in--the knights who say) or what? I have never heard anyone pronounce it, so I keep wondering...
Julia
Canada - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 10:07:19 PM (EDT)

I too was underwhelmed by Hitchhiker. I have not read the books and knew nothing about it so I am sure tons of inside jokes went right over my head. Thought the film meandered all over the place without much of a central plot. I only really enjoyed the Bill Nighy part. I agree with another poster, the voice of Marvin didn;t seem to match his movements at all.Thank goodness I see all my films for free, this one wasn't worth 7.00.
Troy08
Me - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 05:28:50 PM (EDT)

Saskia, yes, I'll be making a Videogram of the HP-GoF sneak peek. And I'm sure Claudia will be making a Windows Media version. And I wouldn't doubt they'll be another version up at the various HP sites like the Leaky Cauldron, etc. So don't worry, I'm sure you'll have lots to pick from. :-) Thanks Pam, BTW, for the HP-GoF Info.

Speaking of Videograms, I finally got my video program working correctly and am uploading the H2G2 behind-the-scenes special as we speak. Will post it as soon as it's done.

Thanks, martissima, Martha, Dee and Fiona for the H2G2 reviews! Lola, did you make it to the movies yesterday? I'm hoping to go see it this week. *crossing my fingers* #1 at the Box Office this weekend, woo-hoo!

Welcome, Juliet and Fiona (Will be looking for you and the kids in the movie!) to the Realm! :-)

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 05:26:44 PM (EDT)

Hii all, I was wondering, next week there going to show a small sneakpeek about the new Harry Potter film on ABC. But I live in the Netherlands and I think along with me, many of us are not able to see this sneakpeek. I was wondering if someone is going to put this sneakpeek somewhere for us to see. Maybe I've missed the message that someone will. I just saw the anouncement of the sneakpeek, nice scene's allready, pretty spectacular (wich is the book as well). Hopefully we will be able to see the entire sneakpeek. Byeee Saskia
saskia <saskiapanter@hotmail.comfoo>
tilburg, the netherlands - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 04:56:36 PM (EDT)

Dee, I know what you mean. I have noticed that in some (US)films they do not concentrate very well on details!! Which in fact only becomes obvious when watching the original version (i.e. in English). Concerning our man's voice and its admirable impact it's a shame, isn't it. I let you know my impression as soon as I've seen the film. Now, Fiona, thanks so much to express what we all love to hear (and anyway always believed): handsome - very much so!I dare say - and magnetic, oh yes, I think that's exactly the right word. My, are you a lucky woman! Just another topic: I am going to see "The Home Place" (Brian Frier) on 23 May in London's Comedy Theatre - is anyone coming??? (starring Tom Courtenay)
Hikity
- Monday, May 02, 2005 at 01:43:26 PM (EDT)

Took my hubby and 13-yr-old son to the HHG2G bargain matinee yesterday (only $15 total -- although the stale popcorn and sodas cost $21!) I enjoyed the film (not loved, but enjoyed), but since neither of my fellas had read the book they didn't understand a lot of the little details. They kept asking, "What's with the towel?" My son loved the silliness of it but my hubby just shook his head and said, "This Douglass guy must have done a lot of dope." :)

Of course, AR has the best lines, although -- did anyone else notice this? -- his voice didn't even sound like it was coming out of mARvin. It just floated above the other dialogue. They didn't even make an effort to give his voice a sense of direction with the robot's movements or distance. They just plugged it in. Oh well...I'm nit-picking. It's still AR!
Dee
Indiana - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 11:11:27 AM (EDT)

Yes, tickets to the show aren't cheap at my favorite theatre. I could probably pay a couple of dollars less if I went to the matinee but then it's a mad scramble for the husband to get home on time. I guess there's cheap night on Tuesdays but it's still up there for a ticket and by the time you buy the popcorn and soda (tack on another $10 at least) you're looking at anywhere between $30 - $40 for the night. A movie has to be either something I really want to see or have a good review for me to shell out that kind of money because in the long run it's cheaper to buy the DVD and then I have the movie for good. Cheaper yet is to rent it out at the video store.
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 11:00:48 AM (EDT)

Just watched T4's 'A Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy Review this morning. Whilst walking alongside MARVIN, the presenter said;- 'You have got a lovely head and nice buns'!!! A rather fitting description of Alan Rickman. Certainly, a 'lovely head' and a 'beautiful derriere'. Do we think Alan is being typecast here ? Ah, well, it certainly brought the colour to my cheeks!
Bluebeatbabe < foo>
Sheffield, UK - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 10:49:29 AM (EDT)

Hi All! Thanks for the welcome. I don't really have much more to add about my RL sighting *g* except to say that AR is very handsome and sort of magnetic (if that's the right word). I think people would look twice at him walking down the street even if they didn't recognize him. Just my two cents about HGTTG...I saw it this weekend and really enjoyed it. I have read the books but a long time ago so I didn't really notice when or if they deviated from the story line. I thought it was fun, bizarre and silly and Marvin was lovely...poor sad little guy.
Fiona
On Canada - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 09:31:33 AM (EDT)

I JUST LOVE SUZANNE SHAW
Anne-Marie Karatzenis
- Monday, May 02, 2005 at 07:44:41 AM (EDT)

Ha! The reviewer obviously can't tell the difference between 'lackluster' and depressed. What a dunderhead!
snapes_witch
- Monday, May 02, 2005 at 06:20:41 AM (EDT)

Or even $11.50 a ticket...
I think 'underwhelmed' would be a good word for my feelings on H2G2, but that's not to say others won't love it.
martha
maine, - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 06:19:05 AM (EDT)

all guy man keeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep offffffffffffffffffff
kunta <mugu@yahoo.comfoo>
benin, cotonou benin - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 05:51:47 AM (EDT)

Sorry, when you have entered the link pls click on cinema and film (under "what's on")
Hikity
- Monday, May 02, 2005 at 04:08:53 AM (EDT)

Here is a not so nice review and the exact opposite of what you guys wrote: London Cinema
Hikity
Germany - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 04:06:40 AM (EDT)

OK, I hate to admit it, folks, but H2G2 was a big flop. Rent it. This is not to say it wasn't funny, and that AR and Bill Nighy and others weren't delightful. It's just that they had no material to work with, really. I was bored, and I've read the books! In the words of Marvin, "This will all end in tears."

In other news, AR got an unexpected mention in an article about the return of the animated series Family Guy: "And then there's one-year-old Stewie (MacFarlane again), a malevolent, matricidal baby, who thinks -- and speaks -- like Alan Rickman's Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies." [Near-death doesn't soften Family Guy, Alex Strachan, CanWest News Service, Vancouver] That little snippet is oddly used as a segue into a discussion of how the show is popular with kidss and whether that's good or bad...
Julia
Canada - Sunday, May 01, 2005 at 11:44:43 PM (EDT)

Maybe you have to be a fan of the books to fully appreciate H2G2. I liked it OK, but it’s not a favorite. Bizarre story. You just wanted to give Marvin a big hug. Bill Nighy was great, and worth the price of admission alone. Mind you, I’m not paying $12.50 a ticket...
martha
maine, - Sunday, May 01, 2005 at 07:08:42 PM (EDT)

Hi Fiona, how great you joined this wonderful GB! Please just tell us your impressions of our man - we can't wait to hear..
Hikity
Germany - Sunday, May 01, 2005 at 01:28:57 PM (EDT)

Pam, Thanks for the update on the showing of Goblet of Fire! Was that next Saturday night?? I hope our man has a lot of scenes when they show it on TV-
Lurker
- Sunday, May 01, 2005 at 12:09:07 PM (EDT)

Fiona! Welcome! As you can tell, we welcome any and all AR news and sightings here. Lucky you to have been there - we're jealous...
martha
maine, - Sunday, May 01, 2005 at 10:56:46 AM (EDT)

$23.00 for two tickets???

Ummm, wanna come to the $5 matinee with me? (It's raining again - still - so no yard work for me!)
martha
maine, - Sunday, May 01, 2005 at 10:53:42 AM (EDT)

Hi guys, Well I've been a bit shy about posting, although lurking nonstop since you guys have been such a great source of info about AR and Wawa, but I guess I've been outted *g*. It's actually Fiona and it was my kids and I in the shot in Wawa. We're going to be seen sitting in the Chinese restaurant while AR walks by with the dog on the fluffy blue leash. Hope we don't end up on the cutting room floor.
Fiona
On Canada - Sunday, May 01, 2005 at 10:52:45 AM (EDT)

Yes, I'd read about the poor reviews also. It seems you have to have read the books or listened to the radio shows to understand the movie and get the inside jokes so now I have to ask myself do I want to spend the $23.00 for two tickets or wait until it comes out on DVD and spend the money then.
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Sunday, May 01, 2005 at 08:47:08 AM (EDT)

I've been reading so many 'so so' reviews of H2G2 that I'm not positive that I'll go see it till it gets to the second run theatre. Even Ebert and Roeper gave it two big thumbs down! Boo hoo!!
snapes_witch
- Sunday, May 01, 2005 at 01:36:54 AM (EDT)

The Guestbook Archives are in the process of being updated. Thank you for your patience.
In the meantime, click here for March 13 through April 30, 2005 entries..

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bunks
Whitby, Canada - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 11:00:48 AM (EDT)