Alan Rickman Guestbook
(May 1 - - May 31, 1998)
Start reading at bottom of page.
Ruby Wax will begin a 6 week series of her talk show (from London, at least the article in People mag. implies from London,) beginning june 9 at 8:30 PM on the Fox netwotk. Hmm, wonder if AR will be a guest. First guests include Goldie Hawn, but no mention of AR. Well, maybe in the 6 weeks he will turn up once. On another subject, I have received a nice letter and brochure from Breda Daly at the Almeida Theatre some time ago, but no charge has turned up yet on my credit card. Wonder if there is a problem? Well, time will tell. I hope everything is okay and the delay in charging is some minor thing. When is the party in their wine bar and courtyard going to be held? I am going to England in October and will take photas for you all for Karina to post if that's OK with her and you all. Who knows, someone we all recognize may be there. (With my luck though, he'll be in the US promoting 'WG' when I'm in London.) Anne
Anne Harding <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alex., VA USA - 05/31/97 at 21:29:05
I first saw Alan Rickman in "January Man" and thought, "My, isn't he handsome." but it wasn't until I saw "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" that I was hooked on him!!
I adored him in "Sense and Sensibility" and cannot read the book with out seeing his face whenever Colonel Brandon speaks.
Long live Alan Rickman!
Amy D. <Sunny1618@juno.comfoo>
Brick Township, NJ USA - 05/31/97 at 21:27:55
Ruby Wax is scheduled to be on the Tonight Show with Jay
Leno on Thursday June 5.
Chris <ckwible@ptd.netfoo>
NJ USA - 05/31/97 at 19:05:48
It's been awhile since I have posted, so if this information has already been shared, forgive me. The latest mailing I received from Chivers Audio Books has an offer of Maugham's "The Moon and Sixpence", read by Robert Hardy, (Sir John Middleton in Sense & Sensibility) available at 50% off the list price of $54.95. It may be something you want to purchase for two-tentacled reasons. I missed the party. Could someone please serve some succinct? Just kidding. I loved it. Jannsue
Jannsue <Jannsue@aol.comfoo>
OK USA - 05/31/97 at 01:20:11
I really enjoy reading all of the comments on the pages of the guestbook! Everyone seems to know SO MUCH about Alan Rickman -- it really makes me feel clueless! If there is anyone out there who'd care to drop me a line, please feel free to do so! I'd LOVE chatting with someone about AR and his movies!
Michelle <MBushmire@aol.comfoo>
Pittsburgh, PA USA - 05/30/97 at 23:56:21
Eva thanks for the Drool Pond alert. Thanks also to Linda
for the url. I found it earlier today via a link on the
"Ostentatious Jane" site from Yahoo. It is a fun site, all
drooling aside and there is a new photo from TMD along with
some old favorites. Karina's site is still my favorite and
no one could ask for better (or more entertaining--Mary Anne!)
guests on the guest book. Thanks to Debbye et al for the
encouragement to view CL again. Even though it was difficult
to watch it was oddly touching in a way. With a different
actor it would have been revolting but AR adds so many nuances
and levels that the betrayal and menace are that much more
real. I agree that it is a tour-de-force performance. I
can only imagine the intensity of seeing AR on the stage.
Someday... Alan would be good as Torvald I think. I've
heard this latest production is excellent. Well I'm off to
La la land before I drone on too much longer. Sweet dreams
all! Noel
Noel
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/30/97 at 23:48:15
After reading your comments about Ruby Wax's show, within the past few days whether it was Entertainment Tonight or some entertainment show, it said that the Ruby Wax show was going to be on within the next two weeks... on a Monday or a Friday... I should have written that down. All I can say is, just keep checking your TV guides. They didn't say what time it would be... just keep watching and see if we can notify everyone in time.
Maxine <mrose@pawneenet.comfoo>
Greeley, CO USA - 05/30/97 at 23:30:00
Yes, it's Wax, I know! Sorry! But, it's late, and my fingers are tired!
Pam
NJ USA - 05/30/97 at 22:42:00
To Kate Jones, Re: Ruby Way. I've read several things in various papers that she's to have a half our show on the Fox Network starting this Fall. As to the content, set up, or details, I know nothing. We can only hope for a guest appearence by a "friend" giving his support?!? As for roles, I recently saw Ibsen's "A Doll's House" on Broadway, which was phenomenal. I've always loved the show, and it was not until the last scene of the performance that it occurred to me how wondrous AR might be as Torvald. He is the real "villain" if you'd call it, but only because he's so blind and a slave to society. The climatic ending scene was the only time the thought entered my head (b/c the show was so captivating). What a marvelous role it would be for him. And looking at the beginning, I can see him walking around petting his "little skylark and squirrel" and then being completely oblivious to the harsh realities in the end. I think it would be fantastic. Comments? Incidentally, on to tentacles, one of the understudies had a bit part in Bob Roberts,(can't remember his name, would have to check play bill) which gave me a chuckle. And I recently saw the PBS version of "A Doll's House" with Juliet Stevenson in the role of Nora. They'd make a great couple in the show!
One final note, has a date been set for the next party? I must make sure that I'm around! All the best!
Pam <Bagdzinski@worldnet.att.netfoo>
NJ USA - 05/30/97 at 22:40:09
Dana and Eva--here is the URL for the Republic of Pemberley, a website dedicated to Jane Austen enthusiasts:
http://www.pemberley.com/
I hope this works; last time I posted a URL here, it was incorrect. After you arrive at Pemberley, you will find the S&S sequel in the Derbyshire Writers Guild. There is also some chat rooms (I prefer Austen Chat) and of course, The Drooling Pond:
http://www.pemberley.com/pemb/actors/pond/index.html
So the Pond is back, but with new rules, of which you should acquaint yourself before posting anything. We could use some AR fans over there, especially if they love JA too---but all kinds of things are discussed--good books, movies, history, culture--especially as pertains to Regency England and JA. Also, numerous British Actors besides our favorite are discussed. However, Karina's site is still the best place to find out all the latest--and has the best photo collection, too!
Linda
St. Louis, MO USA - 05/30/97 at 22:11:22
Maxine K.: My 'puter has been down. I tried to send you an e-mail but it came back to me. Please e-mail me again if you see this!
Katina R. <70003.7015@compuserve.comfoo>
Columbus, OH USA - 05/30/97 at 20:14:59
Good summer reading: Brian O'Doherty's 1992 novel, THE
STRANGE CASE OF MADEMOISELLE P., is the Mesmer-Maria
Theresa story with historical, biographical and literary
depth lacking (alas!) in the film. The book may be out of
print; try libraries or used bookstores.
R.Faey
USA - 05/30/97 at 16:42:40
RE: GRASS WIDOW, recently cited here. Did anyone actually
see AR's stage performance as Dennis, sunbathing caretaker
of a California pot plantation? Comments or revelations?
R.Faey
USA - 05/30/97 at 16:39:20
Another bright spot from JM: Kline asks for dining table back. AR (slow, sweet smile) "Schuuurrr."
Eva: I thought the Drooling Pond to be closed. Pity for I'd only visited once, briefly. The link from 5/6/97 here in the GB doesn't work. Do you have an address to access either the pond or R of P sites to share? Thank you!
Hope you ladies back east can get together! Too bad our wide open spaces out here in the West make gathering a more daunting prospect.
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/30/97 at 15:55:27
Perhaps in Mary Ann's absence from the law library, the acquisitions staff would consider buying this set of audiotapes for collection? Chivers Audio Books (at 800-621-0182)is selling off for $54.95 its inventory of Robert Hardy's reading of The Moon and Sixpence.
Melissa <masmith@law.harvard.edufoo>
Cambridge, MA USA - 05/30/97 at 14:54:05
Good morning, dear Maniacs. To Lady Katherine of Alexandria: We are flattered. We don't often get someone drinking oaths of fealty to us these days. We shall send our knights to your home to protect you if those blasted Celts show their blue faces again.
It seems the DC/VA/MD contingency is anxious to meet. Perhaps we should get something together one of these lazy summer evenings? If we can't get anything planned, I think "Winter Guest" would be a good reason for an opening night tea. Keep me posted!
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Joan Baird (Hi, Joan!) last weekend. We had a splendid time talking about everything, with a touch of AR thrown in just to be respectful. It just reinforced my theory that intelligent topics draw intelligent people. No offense, but I shudder to think about the conversations in some of the other, lesser, actor's forums (fora?)!
Sandra <SYJackso@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/30/97 at 12:08:20
In regard to Emma's comment of her favorite line in January Man, I must say my favorite scene is where Kevin Kline says, "Hey, Ed. Wanna job?" and Alan retorts, with a paintbrush in hand, "What's a job?" I hope one day to be able to say that with the same sincerity and flip attitude as Ed. Classic! And I also agree, the rest of the movie is a terrible waste of time (except for the Alan parts). Noel, try to get around to seeing CL again. There's so much more I pick up every time I see it. I was uncomfortable at first, but it slowly opened my eyes to a lot of stuff. It's also, IMHO, one of the best performances Alan's ever done, even if he can't stand the movie. Even one of my dear co-workers, who is not an Alan fan, was just floored at his work in that film.
Gilda <GildaC@aol.comfoo>
CT USA - 05/30/97 at 10:23:07
Mary Anne, "Edifice Lex??!!!" You slay me... (Are your captors' proclivities rubbing off on you? It's a common phenomenon - brainwashing and all that) Don't be gone long. I survived your recent "indisposition," but if this one lasts too long, I shall run mad.
Kate
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/30/97 at 10:11:54
Good to be back among you, dear people. During my recent, er, illness,
Col. Brandon took care of me beautifully--hardly ever left
my side, sat by my chaise longue reading Spenser to me [sigh].
On a grimmer note, I must tell you all that the case of Mary Anne
v. Gruber et al never even made it to trial. At the preliminary
hearing, one of the bailiffs made the mistake of getting a little
too close to Hans, who saw his chance, grabbed the bailiff's gun,
and . . . well, be on the lookout: The Terrible Trio is at large,
all member to be regarded as armed and EXTREMELY dangerous.
Especially the Sheriff, who is discovering the deee-lightful
possibilities of twentieth century weapons.Well, I must go. A bearded
gentleman in a turtleneck (mmm...nice trenchcoat, too) just came
into the library to browse the code of regulations of safety
and security of multistory buildings (the "Edifice Lex," no doubt)
and looks like he can use some help. Excuse me, Mister . . .
oh, it's "Herr," is it? Herr . . . OH NO! NOT AGAIN!!! NO! Put down
that---! [Assorted SFX of screaming, flying objects, and general
mayhem in progress] Well, at least we know where ONE of them
is . . . be back (gulp) as soon as I can . . . [sounds of shelves
toppling, heavy legal tomes flying about] Good to be back!
Mary Anne
USA - 05/30/97 at 09:40:39
Noel, I felt the same way about Mr. I. He couldn't be the molestor. For one thing, that would change the whole Amnesty International focus into something truly bizarre. (Sort of a S&M theme with the political aspect thrown in as a smoke screen.) I was leery of watching CL, but I didn't find it that disturbing. It has the atmosphere of a play and, thankfully, they don't get into graphic depictions. Your imagination is enough! I collect old movies and many of them--especially George Sanders' films--dealt with incest and other vices, but in a very tasteful manner. AR's style usually doesn't include him actually doing graphic distasteful scenes and wasting The Voice on deplorable foul language, ("Yippy Ky Yay, Mudda..." notwithstanding!). But some of his co-stars and directors...whew! Rasputin is about as much as I can take. I haven't seen them yet, but I hope AABA, CME and Mesmer are in that vein. Emma--you are so right about black showing off his hands! (They are beautiful aren't they--so sensitive--true artist's hands.) The Winter Guest outing is a great idea! Let's make it happen. TMD
Debbye - Washington, DC
USA - 05/30/97 at 08:41:29
Hello dears - thought I'd drop by again for about the first time in six months and Here you all are still - as creatively mad as ever! Hello to my old friend Andrea of bookstore fame, and all of you others (enjoyed the fanciful posts of Mary-Anne's very much!).
And the sound files!! Good work! Terrific fun. Fabulous. Wish I could have joined in that party. By the way, when's the big directorial debut debuting? And what happened with that donation you were all making to the Almeida?
Cheers all,
Liza
Liza <100245.3351@compuserve.comfoo>
Melbourne, Australia - 05/30/97 at 07:34:00
The psycho who directed AABA is Mike Nevell, the director of Four Weddings and A Funeral. My only advice is to see AABA more than once and you will get to love the movie. Newell has also directed Enchanted April and In to the West. These are also worth seeing. A review of AABA led to one critic writing about Hugh Grant to paint a very glim picture of the career patterns of the English nice buy type, Ian Ogilvie, Anthony Andrews,Hugh Grant etc. The critic pointed out that the repertoire for these kind of actors tended to dry out whenthey reached midthirties, no more Importance of Being Earnest. The critic then said that people who could play more sinister carecters was much better served by the British repetoire, what AR and other caracters actors is proven. Check out on the drooling pond on the Pemberley page, there is a beautifull letter to Col. Brandon and AR. Also on the Republic of Pemberley page someone is writting a sequal to S&S
Eva
Copenhagen, Denmark - 05/30/97 at 02:44:05
Just passing through--but what a fascinating place.
Mari <marigold@iName.comfoo>
Los Angeles, CA USA - 05/30/97 at 02:14:42
Emma: I agree with you regarding AABA. It was a terrible
twist to discover. Although AR's performance was wonderful,
the whole film was a grim piece of work. CME was only worth
watching for AR. The only defense it has involving the
incest issue is that it was between two consenting adult
siblings not a parent-child situation. In CL, I had the
impression that the Interrogator was using her childhood ex-
perience against her and was not the actual boyfriend. I
may be wrong, I"ve only seen it once and havn't had the
stamina to go through it again. It had some very good points
to make but it is difficult to watch. Good news about the
Fall release of "The Winter Guest"--perhaps an outing to the
film by the D.C./N. VA contingent? Sweet dreams all. Noel
Noel
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/29/97 at 22:09:32
I have just been catching up on all of the posts in the guestbook. I really enjoy reading it. I watched An Awfully Big Adventure for the second time last night. I really like that movie.
I have been renting AR movies like crazy lately. He is so fabulous.
All of you in th VA, DC area write me sometime. Thanks.
Siobhain <sdandy@fls.infi.netfoo>
VA USA - 05/29/97 at 19:27:25
I agree with Debbye. The only thing I liked about January Man
was hearing Ed say "I love this" at the Planetarium. The rest
was a waste of Kline & AR's talents.
I hated AABA, and wondered it if was directed by a psychotic
or a committee. Its theme and that of CME (which I will not
see)I find abhorent. I don't have the guts to see CL.
I loved The Barchester Chronicles, where Rickman is very funny,
and the black clothes set off his hands beatifully. This is
also a very good adaptation of two excelent books. QDU, DH
I also liked, since he's playing a classy bad guy.
Now that I probably antagonized everybody, I'll close shop
for the evening!
Emma
USA - 05/29/97 at 18:22:41
Mary Anne - We could hear you yelling, "Wait for me!" So we didn't say "anything important" while you were gone. WELCOME BACK -- MISSED YOU! Got January Man. That is a bad movie--even if AR is in it! (He really doesn't do his stuff in it anyway...anyone could have played ED. Why did they cast him? Hope he was just gettin' paid. I can understand that.) Still waiting to see AABA. Hope its not trashy like January Man.
Debbye - Washington, DC
USA - 05/29/97 at 16:58:26
Nicole,Are you mulkru??
Kate Jones
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/29/97 at 16:49:05
I loved Peter Wier's "The Last Wave"! I love everything I've seen Wier direct. I agree, AR would be very good in the Chamberlain part, and he could go back to Australia and wear tennis shorts, not black leather. The character was a very loving family man, very complex emotions, and wonderful story. Loved the information on the dreamworld of the aborigines, and did some research on it after seeing the movie. Wonderful. AND WELCOME BACK MARY ANNE
Nicole <bacot@wenet.netfoo>
CA USA - 05/29/97 at 15:20:23
Just downloaded tmd2.jpg and am using it as my wallpaper.
Very nice. Thank you Karina, Nancy and Jean.
Andrea
LI, NY USA - 05/29/97 at 13:57:33
Hi Kate! The effrontery of some people wanting to use the
computer to work! Here is my e-mail address. I work in the
main library at EHS. Please feel free to write. Here is
a little tidbit for everyone. At the public library I found
a book called Film Chronicle or Chronicle of Film. It is an
oversized book with a silver cover (in the reference section)
I have seen it in book stores as well. Long story short, there
is a picture of AR and Juliet in it. It is of the scene
where she is napping and he startles her. In the photo, she
is screaming and he is behind her laughing. It is very cute
and I would be happy to send any and all a photo copy. Just
e-mail me with your postal address. Gilda, I have one on
the way to you. Cheers all! Noel
Noel Moyer <nmm@episcopalhighschool.orgfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/29/97 at 11:41:39
Hello everyone. I haven't posted recently -- too busy at work. But thats over now, and to celebrate, I watched TMD again last night. I do love that film. I think my favorite scene is when they are singing together. They're both having such a great time. I also rented Die Hard over the weekend -- I'm just not an action movie kind of person. After the first 20 minutes, I started fast-forwarding through to the AR scenes. It was fun to finally hear the WAV files in context, though! Especially the line "Your're amazing . . . -- the expression on Han's face was worth all the blood and stupidity. Also -- I was disappointed that Laurie's posting regarding the Barchester Chronicles on the Vision cable channel did not materialize here in the DC area. Now that I think about it, the Vision channel here did become the Odyssey Channel, but I had thought it was just a name change. Perhaps the schedule is just different for Canada. I do have CME to look forward to -- I ordered it from Best Video, thanks to recommendations from several of you! I'm a little concerned about the incest theme, as that is a sensitive issue for me. I haven't been able to like AABA because of that, but I did persevere through CL. The things I do for my hero. Bye.
BC
Washington, DC USA - 05/29/97 at 10:18:54
Good Morrow, good people!
I'm a bit muzzy this morning as I stayed up half the night to get up to date with my Guestbook reading. I am soooooo sorry that I missed the first party; it sounds like a blast! I must say after reading about it, I MUST conclude that you lot are truly (madly, deeply) warped. I LOVE THAT ABOUT YOU!!!!If I responded to all the tentacles that caught my fancy, I'd be typing until Christmas (my typing tends to be in the realm of "search and destroy...). ;-} I'll try to show a little restraint, but having found "home," it won't be easy.
As for projects that I'd like to see the object of our idolatry do, starring in a film directed by Peter Weir is at the tp of the list. I highly recommend The Last Wave (c. 1978 - starring Richard Chamberlain) to anyone who hasn't seen it. It deals with the dream world of Australian aboriginal religion and is an extremely powerful film. I think that you lot are the literate and sophisticated audience for which the movie was made.
When discussing the AR fix that this page provides to my mother, she suggested a play for AR (you writers among us, heads up). She says that Charles Dickens toured the US performing readings of his works. I've never been a fan of Mr. Paid-By-The-Word, but AR might change that!!!
Liz Anne, you're the first person I know of that hasn't said "Ian WHO???" He was in a bit part in Death Becomes Her, and had put on a bit of weight, but this past season played a millionnaire on Murphy Brown and looked WONDERFUL!!!
Noel, I was in plays at EHS in the late 70s (ouch); is your e-mail address the same as it was last spring?
Mary Anne, I'm so glad that I had only about 6 hours in which to miss you. I don't know that I could have survived long.
Last, but decidedly not least, Sandra: I would deem it the greatest honor if you would deign to allow this humble petitioner to drink her oath of fealty to you in your presence, you would witness my undying loyalty to your majesty.
Geez - some here actually want to use the office for WORK! The bloomin' cheek of some people!!! I guess that I've rambled on enough for the nonce. I bid you all a fond "adieu" (for now).
Kate Jones
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/29/97 at 10:16:30
How felicitous that Mary Anne is back among us!! Thanks for
all the AR links Gilda and I'm glad our boy was able to pick
up your spirits. TMD, Noel
Noel
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/29/97 at 08:26:56
Update on the availability of AR audio tapes. Following a call to the BBC World Wide Service I received a catalogue from an outfit called Talking Tapes Direct. It includes a lot of BBC programmes but the drama section was disappointingly short and listed tapes of many TV programmes such as Star Trek and Inspector Morse. There was nothing I could associate with AR. I think Emma's suggestion back on the 19th to contact the BBC direct with specific requests is the only way forward. To continue with depressing news Blind Corner has now been withdrawn by Chivers Audio and no stock is left. Melissa has already checked out the stock situation with their US distributor but no luck.
Kate of Alexandria, glad to hear of another Ian Ogilivie fan though I haven't seen him in anything for years. I wonder if he is ageing as well as AR?
Great to know the party is on, I'm sure Islington will never be quite the same again when it's all over.
Liz Anne
St Albans, USA - 05/29/97 at 04:58:56
Maxine: My letters keep getting bounced back. I'll eagerly await the fix. Mary Anne: WELCOME BAAAACK! I've missed giggling with you!
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, Wa USA - 05/28/97 at 20:55:02
I'm BAACCKKK! "Just when you thought it was safe to read the
guestbook . . ." Mary Anne returns! Can't talk long now, but
I have been reading some recent entries (geez, the stuff that
happens when I stay away for a couple of weeks) and I am finally
able to take a few moments to respond. First of all, thank you to
all you darling people for missing me--you obviously didn't aim
carefully enough! (grin) Or did you just do the chivalrous
thing and fire into the air? Anyway, since I have to go so quickly,
a tidbit to give you something to look forward to. First, Dr.
Mesmer has prounounced me fit and well after my recent ordeal,
with the exception of occasional flashbacks to Nottingham calling
me "Maid Mary Anne" and leering atrociously. And Emma, I think it was,
wondered whether I'd have time to press charges against Gruber et al
now that I'm busy with a new job. Well, the job is as a librarian
in a law firm--XXL grin--so pressing charges wasn't necessarily a
problem! But there were many . . . unusual . . . developments in
the progress of the case. And now, I must hang out the TO BE
CONTINUED sign. Glad to be back, and hugs to you all.
Mary Anne
USA - 05/28/97 at 18:09:08
Back in the realm of tentacles, here's something that cycles back to a question I raised here last fall after seeing Michael Collins, i.e., where were the women that Neil Jordan chose to leave out of the Easter Rising and subsequent events? The Independent of Monday, May 26 (p. 3) ran a piece on an exhibit spotlighting Irish women's contributions to the republican movement. The exhibit, "Guns and Chiffon, 1916-1923," is at the Kilmainham Jail Museum in Dublin--for how long the reviewer fails to say. Eamon de Valera said of these women that they were "at once the boldest and most unmanageable revolutionaries."
Melissa <masmith@law.harvard.edufoo>
Cambridge, MA USA - 05/28/97 at 11:46:38
Nice site!
Beverly Allen <bevallen@bigfoot.comfoo>
Montgomery, AL USA - 05/28/97 at 10:20:48
I ALMOST FORGOT!!! For the many of us in the DC area, I was watching something totallly inane on FOX last night and saw a very brief ad for the Ruby Wax show. I didn't get the details, but keep your eyes peeled. If I see the ad again, I'll post the info...TTFN
Kate Jones
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/28/97 at 10:00:33
I spent as much of the memorial day weekend as possible, without being too impossibly rude to my host (my uncle Lee) reading the guestbook entries from previous guestbooks. I'm up to February of this year and feel as though I have found an entire group of new friends whom I've never met! I particularly enjoy the discussions about the meanings of films, the philosophical discussions, and the "casting calls." As for the latter, a few occurred to me this morning: AR as Bill Sykes in Oliver Twist (one would certainly understand Nancy's willingness to stay with him through everything), he would do equally well as Fagin; we'd probably all turn into pickpockets...
Another role that I can see him in is Mr. Kodaly, the seducer in "Little Shop Around the Corner and its musical version "She Loves Me."
I would also love to see him paired with Josie Lawrence of "Enchanted April" and/or Ian Ogilvie(another of my underfamous favorites.) Well, the company can't receive faxes while I'm on the net, so I'd better go, but thank you ALL for letting me join the family. I'll be here often.
Kate Jones <none yet; but I'm working on it!!foo>
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/28/97 at 09:26:37
Just thought I'd pass along some Alan Web sites to you all that I found during a terrible funk that I was in last week. Alan has this wonderful way of alleviating funks. Happy surfing! BTW, there's one site (Premiere mag) whose trailer won't download sometimes. Don't know why, but keep trying.
Here they are:
For Sense and Sensibility:
http://cinenet.ch/previews/s/SenseAndSensibility/
(This has a trailer that is 14 MB. Huge but worth the download.)
http://www.premieremag.com/backlot/filmvault/filmvaultNZ.html
(This has a 5 MB trailer. A little different. There's another part to this film vault for A-M too.)
Then there is another site on Pathfinder that has a trailer for S&S that is 3.5 MB, but it's the same as the 14 MB one, but it's postage-stamp size and is hard to watch. If you want me to post that one here, I will.
http://www.hants.gov.uk/austen/sands.html
(This is a page on S&S by the Hampshire County Council, where S&S was shot. All kinds of background info but just text.)
For Bob Roberts:
http://www.miramax.com/dlpages/bobrobdl.html
(This has a trailer, but no AR. Just something you might want to see.)
Then my BEST find--Die Hard:
http://www.tcfhe.com/diehard/media.html
(This site has quicktime movies from all three of the films. In the first section, there are a few good ones with AR in them.
Download "Behind the Scenes," which is the scene where MacLane is laughing at Gruber's pronunciation of "Mudda-Fu---," and then yells, "Holly!" and pulls the gun stuck from his back. The camera pans to where AR is, and you see him in the shadows getting up.
Then download "Looking & Listening", an INTERVIEW with our man!!! It's great!!
The last three I downloaded that have AR in them are scenes from the movie: "Please Don't Let Me Die", "Die Hard Trailer," "Yippie Kay Yay."
There are some others that are quicktime movies of the new DH video game that you may want to see and interviews with Bonnie Bedelia, Bruce Willis and Gudonov, God rest his soul. According to the news article I have for the video game, the villain is not AR nor is the story line the same as the movie. If anyone wants me to post clips from the article, let me know. I'll also have to check out the other Die Hard clips from the Web site, like DH with a Vengeance, to see if they put in the famous Gruber falling scene, the only AR scene in that movie.
The last site is another Die Hard one, a great opening shot, but is mostly text. There is one good downloadable photo of AR, though:
http://www.info2000.net/~rocket/diehard.htm
The last one: It's the Italian site for Michael Collins!
http://www.warnerbros.it/f13/main.htm
Obviously, go to Foto, then go to Cast. There are pictures of Alan there. I also downloaded the text for the cast, which gives credits for all the actors. My Italian is not the best, but I can translate it pretty well. I love the way other countries rename our movies. If I find some doosies, I'll post them. Hope this is going to keep some of you busy, and apologies for the U2 plea from a couple of weeks ago; maybe this makes up for it?
Gilda <GildaC@aol.com or PrisAB234@aol.comfoo>
CT USA - 05/27/97 at 23:56:58
Fine Line Features shows "The Winter's Guest" scheduled for a fall release. TMD, Dana
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/27/97 at 23:25:25
Hello all....I had my own mini Alan Rickman film festival
this past weekend. I saw RH:POT, AABA, and Michael Collins
all for the first time. He was wonderful in RH but I found
both Michael Collins and AABA disturbing. TMD and S&S remain my favorites.
It's really amazing how he can manage to be convincing in such varied roles.
Its no wonder people are always trying to label him...he is
one of those rare actors who doesn't give himslef away thru his
characters. Makes you wonder what he's really like....
Rebecca
MI USA - 05/27/97 at 18:41:19
TMD vcr alert, channel 12 from Philadelphia, on Friday at
midnight.
Channel 12 also broadcasts on Tuesdays at 7:30PM a 1/2 hr.
series, As Time Goes By, with Judy Dench and Jeffrey Palmer, two
wonderful actors.
And now there's a web site for Alan Bates,
www.tiac.net/users/claret/home.html, for those of us who
like him.
Emma
USA - 05/27/97 at 08:48:55
Danny Aillio and AR are in a film together The January Man. One of the best scenes is when Aillio police chiefs discovers that Kevin Kline have assignent the artist Ed, AR as part of the police team.
Eva
Denmark, - 05/27/97 at 02:39:35
For anyone in the Colorado area or who may get KRMA, the local PBS station, Truly Madly Deeply will be on tonight (Monday) at midnight Denver time.
Maxine <mrose@pawneenet.comfoo>
Greeley, CO USA - 05/26/97 at 20:45:13
Danny Aeillo was so nice, and sent Archie a signed picture from his home in New Jersey. Wouldn't it be lovely to see Alan and Danny in a film together. Maybe it could be filmed in North or South Carolina so the Carolina Rickmaniacs could meet "him".
Julia Fallon
Rock Hill , SC USA - 05/26/97 at 15:29:12
To Ellen Sherman, my son had a small in the Danny Aeillo film Once Around filmed in Raleigh/Durham.
Julia Fallon
Rock Hill, SC USA - 05/26/97 at 15:26:05
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed chatting with everyone online last night! I can't wait the two weeks until our next get-together! Thanks for the great time!
Michelle <MBushmire@aol.comfoo>
Pittsburgh, PA USA - 05/26/97 at 10:12:22
AOL ALAN CHAT - Bi-monthly. Tonite is the night for the Alan Rickman Forum chat on AOL. We alternate with the Ralph Fiennes Forum group. Time and place: 10 p.m. EDT, 7 pm PDT, in the Hollywood Backlot chat room on AOL, in the Hollywood section. Keyword: Hollywood. Then click on "Chat", then go to the Hollywood Backlot chat room. If you experience problems finding us, please send an Instant Message to: RobynR22, AbFabBrits, or GildaC. Or you can e-mail us @aol.com. Also e-mail KelClancy@worldnet.att.com. Hope to see you there!
And Karina: thanks so much for this page.
Marie <AbFabBritsfoo>
CA USA - 05/25/97 at 14:58:48
Truly Madly Deeply Soundtrack
Hello...do any of you who are putting together a
TMD soundtrack (or anyone else) have the song names and artists? I
have the piece by Bach that Jamie and his friends
play in Nina's living room but that's it. ANY info would be greatly
appreciated! TMD,
Rebecca <rheltunen@up.netfoo>
MMI USA - 05/25/97 at 12:00:39
This is my first entry here. I just love this place and I enjoy reading all about how everyone else adores AR as much as I!
Michelle <MBushmire@aol.comfoo>
USA - 05/25/97 at 01:25:04
I finally got a copy of RETURN OF THE NATIVE. I can hardly stay with the story because I am so busy listening to enunciation and pronunciation. SIGH! Can you imagine that voice talking just to you. There is a picture of AR on the box and he looks sooo young that it makes it hard to believe that that voice could come out of anyone so young looking. Maybe because I was born the same year he was I think that he's one of those men who gets better looking as they age, and that his looks are growing into his voice. BTW, I did get a thank you note from the Almeida but have not been charged yet either. Perhaps it just takes longer with the currency conversion. Love the party. I tend to sit in corners and watch but there's so much to see that I hardly know which way to look first.
Penny <Penny@pitnet.netfoo>
Milwaukee, WI USA - 05/25/97 at 00:01:22
Okay, thank you for all your kind words. Closetland is gone, as is the poster and TMD, (one copy of that still available) Close My Eyes is gone, as is Murder Obliquely, Quigley is still available, S&S, Die Hard, what else is there? My collection is still in storage and won't be in my hands till 5/30.. I was going to keep ABA but thought better of it, it too is available now. So lets set a party date! How about Thursday night June 12th? Say 7 p.m. est. and what about the Brits? Maybe we'll have two sessions, since some of you are at work in the afterneen or morning when the Brits are not busy sleeping, and neigther is AR..
I'm sorry about the you know what comment, but, at risk here, I played alan for years off and on for myself and the writing of The Village Green, my screen play where he plays a arms merchant posing as a botanist living in the Brazil rain forest and bad men from Rio and Alabama were deforesting too near his compound and he decides to "Blow them up" and he meets a 26 year old woman from a rain forest protection organization and she's kidnapped and he gets her back only to kidnap him herself when she learns what he does for a living. Then they fall in love and run away together. Charles Norton is the charactor's name and he's a mixture of Hans, George, Jamie, and the interagator. I felt that he was that.. Then I'd see something like Close My Eyes and never think it at all. I'm sorry. it never affected how I felt at all. Now I have a crush on Danny Aiello, and I said never again a movie star crush.. so this is just a diversion. It will go away. Thank you again for your kind words. I like y'all and will still pop in. That $9.95 conversion person for tapes into PAL and vis-versa, or is that versa-visa, my vices..etc, could whoever has that info post that again for a English Lady who wants CL, ???
Ellen
Ellen Sherman
USA - 05/23/97 at 20:23:49
The imaginary party has been amusing but for those of you who would like some real info (not about Rickman) check out: http://www.britannia.com. This is an on-line magazine about the UK and currently has articles on Wales, Castles, a searchable biographical index, a guide to the kings and queens of Britain, etc.
NEJ
USA - 05/23/97 at 16:45:30
I have been looking at this web page for a long time but I have never added anything to the guest book. You are doing a great job Karina. I see that you think that AR knows that this web page exists. I hope he takes a look at it and the guest book so he will see just how many devoted fans he has.
Anita Simpson <spynr@erols.comfoo>
Mt. Airy, MD USA - 05/23/97 at 16:04:39
Oh, the party! What to wear?! My post-war frock from the rep theatre is TOO dowdy and I haven't a proper coat. I can't bear to borrow O'Hara's again even if he takes off the epaulettes. My chic London things were all bought to Sinclair's taste and they just don't feel like me. I'm afraid George would spill something on my sweeping Maid Marion gown. Ed told me not to put on anything and just languish but it will be too cold in the courtyard.
Hans has recommended a tailor but it's frightfully expensive. I seem to have put on weight and the corset for my Austen gown won't lace anymore. It was too uncomfortable anyway. The last time I wore the Imperial gown, Rasputin put his head in my lap and left a big greasy stain. The gowns from my Australia trip look like something an 18th century streetwalker would wear. I'm tired of the nightgown and it brings back unpleasant memories.
Dwight bought me a gorgeous deco evening gown. I think I'll wear that. And the mink and definately the pearls.
Laurie <lreid@cga.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - 05/23/97 at 13:14:13
Ellen, I thank you for your offer. It sounds like you've had a rough year so
far, recovering from pneumonia, and from a natural diaster that
took place on a marked date close to the heart. My best wishes, and definitely
you MUST be here for the party! Kindest regards,
Emma
USA - 05/23/97 at 12:26:59
Breda Daly has begged to be excused from helping us hose down the Almeida courtyard (All that broken glass! All those gold coins! Ye gods...are those RATS in the Wine Bar?). She's rather preoccupied (see her accountant's eyeshade and the pencil behind her ear), with hand-held calculator and currency converter, processing an inexplicable flood of contributions to the Almeida Theatre fund.
Melissa <masmith@law.harvard.edufoo>
Cambridge, MA USA - 05/23/97 at 12:19:54
What a party! There are dishes. clothes, videotapes and weapons everywhere! Practically everyone is gone, although I still hear some off-key singing coming up from the basement. We try to clear up the mess. Someone has tried to run the "washing-up machine" but made a real mess of it. We'll have to mop. I keep finding cream cakes under the sofa cushions and broken wine glasses in the fireplace. There are a couple of barbecue skewers under a table ( I don't want to know!) and a bottle of something that doesn't exactly smell like wine. Make a note: Never put Mr. I. in charge of the drinks again!
There's a frock coat in the closet with a walkie-talkie in the pocket! We switch it on, but only hear faint ticking.
We'll have to replace that window-- the "Elliot-tossing" contest got WAY out of hand. I guess we'll leave the birds that Ed painted around the walls. They brighten up the place and they go well with the housewarming gift of the cloud mural that Jamie brought.
At least the police didn't take anyone away, although they could have had their choice: Nottingham leering at them through the stair railings, muttering something about how we should have closed the gate. Hans picking everyone's pockets. Tybalt lurking around corners, trying to pick a fight with Valmont. Dwight flicking pearls at everyone. And all that noise! Luckily, Brandon and O'Hara managed to placate the police, Brandon giving his word that everyone would eventually behave. I think Mesmer may have had something to do with the way the cops left so quickly, too.
Despite the rather frightening eating contest between Sinclair and Rasputin, where all sense and sensibility was lost, I was mesmerized by the whole thing and just have to close my eyes to relive it. All those die-hard partymakers and their friends--Michael Collins, Bob Roberts, even that nice downstairs neighbor, you know--Quigley from down under this apartment! I think the entire affair was an awfully big adventure, and I truly, madly, deeply hope that we do it again next year, maybe around January, man!
Sorry for the length--I've been away and couldn't miss out on the party, even if I had to clean!
Sandra <SYJackson@aol.comfoofoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/23/97 at 09:59:40
What a kind offer Ellen! I do hope you will drop in from
time to time still--the guestbook wouldn't be the same with-
out you! In regard to heliotrope...I bought a plant for my
Grandmother last week (she always has some in her garden)
but I would have forgotten to look for it if it weren't for
the "virtual bouquet" reminder. I agree with Siobhan, us
Virginians and DC folk should get together. A great weekend
to all! TMD, Noel
Noel <nmm@episcopalhighschool.orgfoofoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/23/97 at 09:09:02
Hey Delia,
I noticed that we live very close by to each other. Maybe we can email each other and do some chatting about AR.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Siobhain <sdandy@fls.infi.netfoo>
VA USA - 05/22/97 at 22:36:36
E-Mail from Guestbook
In order to discourage spam-mail to users of this guestbook, I have tacked a phrase onto
the end of the e-mail addresses. Before you actually send off your
message, you will have to remove the phrase or it WILL
bounce back to you. I realize that this makes it a little more inconvenient for
you, but I think it will help cut down on junkmail.
Karina <karina@fred.netfoo>
USA - 05/22/97 at 21:07:12
Okay, I won't ever bring it up again. You're right I never should have mentioned it in the first place. When is the party? I have to buy a dress! If we go as gypsies the others might think we are favoring Rasputin. I think that we should have it in June so that everyone wll have enough time to shop. And then some of us have to get passports.. By the way, after six years, my obsession is waning, does anyone want a copy of TMD? I have two. Or closetland? Or any of them except RHPOT, and January Man, and ABA. The rest are available for free, first come first serve. For some reason the e mail link is bouncing the e mails we click-send off the guestbook back to us. I have also have a poster from TMD available. Its not that I don't love alan anymore, its just that I can't do this anymore. I really did love him, not a crush. And it hurts. When the tornado hit my house on Feb 21 this year I thought it hit my house on leslie Braverman's birthday. (lover for 4 years 1976-80) deceased. (love of my life) but when I found this web page and found that it was alan's birthday as well, and found out that there are hundreds of women that, nay, probably thousands of woman that adore AR.. I realized that it was clearly past time to go on. e mail me with requests for my collection, one or all, or one to a customer? that's more fair probably.
But I'm going to the party! I think I'll wear black.
Ellen Sherman <writersherman@mindspring.comfoo>
USA - 05/22/97 at 19:35:46
An afterthought: now that Mary Anne is at her new job, would she have time to
press charges against Hans? If she does, I hope he can post
bail on time for the party.
Emma
USA - 05/22/97 at 17:18:45
Now that the party will take place in more enclosed quarters,
must we provide bathrobes? After all, O'Hara after his final dip
has to be drenched (hope he doesn't start with that Stella
holler again), and the character Rickman played in The
Grass Widow (see Rickman's worth), showed ALL of Rickman...
hmm.
Thank you Melissa for the lovely heliotrope! I'll bring some
for the prop department for the Almeida.
Emma
USA - 05/22/97 at 17:08:36
Melissa, I think the Almeida wine bar is an inspired venue. Let's see, Sinclair, would like it (as long as there was food,)he's not a snob after all, Jamie would like the acoustics of the courtyard, Ed would be happy as long as there was dessert and they let him into the theatre to play with the sets, Father Grigori would be happy as long as girls dressed as gypsies served the madeira, Obadiah wiould spend part of the time trying to convert Rasputin and the rest, trying to get Sinclair to invest some of his stipend and following Lukas around, hoping for a entree into politics. The Interrogator will go anywhere there is a barbecue grill, so we have to be careful we don't let him cook. George, the good sheriff will want to run the whole thing of course, so we should keep him away from Hans or there'll be trouble. Colonel Brandon will probably sit and listen to Jamie play, but we should encourage him to mingle more. DeValera and Roux will undoubtedly get into a long, intense conversation about revolutions, Monsieur le Vicomte de Valmont, will probably find it all rather boring, although he may be amused, briefly, by the girls dressed as gypsies, Franz Anton can try to heal Sei and Nijinsky before they spiral gracefully down into madness, Hamlet will tend to sit in a corner and brood, so we must get him talking to O'Hara about acting, that should divert for a while, but we must make sure they don't start up a conversation on the subject of incest. That wouldn't be healthy for either of them. We should also keep O'Hara away from Sinclair, he's still a little touchy on the same subject too. Tybalt always enjoys a party, as long as there are no Montagues about, so we'd better not invite Romeo. Achilles will come, but he has a tendency to sit and sulk a lot, so we'd better not let him get too close Hamlet. Sherlock Holmes might consider it beneath him, but could probably be convinced to attend, if we let him wear a disguise. Speaking of disguises, we should find a costume for Dennis, he has a tendency to run around without his clothes. There, that should get the next party off to a fairly good start, I assume the female company will all be from the guestbook? well then, when do we send invitations?
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alex., VA USA - 05/22/97 at 14:13:25
Lisa, just watch it *again*. Maybe with a cuppa this time.
Renie
(who is shallow, shallow, shallow, Lynn)
renie <renie@hotmail.comfoo>
CA, USA - 05/22/97 at 13:51:01
I've been meaning to mention, last Sunday I got my husband to watch TMD with me for the first time. You know, my husband, Mr, "I Ain't Watching No Tea and Crumpet Movie". HE CRIED. He not only enjoyed the film, he has been walking around the house singing "Sun ain't gonna shine any more..."
Hmmm...Which film should I pick next?
Lisa
Riverside, CA USA - 05/22/97 at 10:58:08
Lynn: when people say Alan who? I alway reply, after listing a few of his better known roles, "he's only about the sexiest man on the planet!" (the" about " is in deference to Sean Connery)
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/22/97 at 10:29:40
Jeez, did I start all that Gay palaver? All I said was I'd like to see AR in that kind of role - push the acting envelope & like that. Boy do I regret pushing that hot-button! Now, if I put forth another role fantasy - say, Gen. Beauregard in a Civil War epic (I sure would like to hear The Voice draped over an Alabama drawl) - will we have to endure a dozen postings on whether or not AR is a racist? Mea Culpa, OK? :-}
Loved the cocktail party thread. Truly love this website, Madly addicted to AR movies, Deeply sorry if I offended........
Laura Sparer <lsparer@ucit.comfoo>
Nashville , TN USA - 05/22/97 at 10:26:06
I want to thank whoever it was who suggested we all take a look at that interview called "Rickman's Worth." The author cracked in it (and I'm paraphrasing here), "Sorry, Mr. Rickman, but you're sex on legs." I laughed out loud at that choice of phraseology. The poor man! He works at his craft diligently for 25 years, devotes his whole soul to perfecting i,t and pretty much succeeds in making himself the best actor in the world today (IMHO)--and we somehow, while recognizing his art, still can't help thinking of him as "sex on legs." Sorry, Mr. Rickman, I'm a female; I can't help it. Please do forgive me for my shallowness. But I'm not alone, am I.
Lynn
Gaithersburg,, MD USA - 05/21/97 at 23:28:25
Re Almeida: I received a thank you, but also have yet to be charged. Hope there are no problems.
Nicole <NBacotG@aol.comfoo>
USA - 05/21/97 at 20:31:03
Kate in Alexandria VA -- My sentiments exactly!!!!!!!!!!
Debbie A. <maalbers@uniserve.comfoo>
Sardis, BC Canada - 05/21/97 at 20:20:11
The information concerning horses and the customs surrounding them is a treat. I recall reading one of the reviews of S&S refer to Willoughby's curricle as the modern day equivelant of a very fancy and expensive sports car. No wonder he was in debt! No wonder Marianne perked up when he helped her onto the seat beside him! These tidbits give insight into a time and culture long gone--thanks for sharing!
Linda <lynne@cheerful.comfoo>
st. louis, mo USA - 05/21/97 at 18:16:34
Thanks for the work, Karina!!! I've been a HUGE fan of Alan Rickman's for years, but have not been able to locate any print information about him. "In my humble, but totally correct, opinion," Mr. Rickman is the best actor of our time and quite possibly of any time (not to mention his being the sexiest man on the planet!). Finding such a treasure trove of information has been an indescribable treat.
Kate Jones
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/21/97 at 15:28:43
Thanks so much to all who recommended 1-800-rarevid to purchase a copy of the Barchester Chronicles. I bought a copy ($30) as a birthday gift for myself! And what a gift. (You lucky Canadians, seeing it again on TV) I remember loving it when it first aired in the early 80's. And now there is so much more to savor. AR looks wonderful - by turns handsome, sincere, cruel and cunning as the role requires (and so-o-o thin) . The incredibly expressive voice and eyes are all there. The intelligence wit and irony, too. It's small wonder that he became so sought after after this production. However, praise must also be given to Donald Pleasance, Nigel Hawthorne and Geraldine McEwan for towering performances. The entore production has so much intelligence humor and heart. However, AR doesn't appear until almost 3 hrs. in. It's worth the wait; his first scene is terrific. Thanks also for all the horse commentary; a subject I know little about.
christine <wierzba@ljextra.comfoo>
NYC, USA - 05/21/97 at 13:53:49
Chris in New Jersey, thanks for the information about the horses. I confess to a little disappointment: having them appear in the movie is surely an historical inauthenticity. The hackneys were appropriate choices, however. (I fuss about stuff like that since I was trained at a famous coaching stable.) And Willoughby's poor hunter was delightful: that daisy-cutting action could keep you in the hunt field all day. BTW, for those of you who are non-horsepeople and are interested, the way Willoughby was driving his phaeton with Marianne was truly dangerous, and Elinor and Sir John were right to censure it. No seatbelts in those babies, and there were lots of accidents and fatalities in them. At that time, etiquette dictated that the ladies would only have ridden or driven black or brown or very dark bay horses; chestnuts like Elinor had were reserved for gentlemen as they were considered flashy. Willoughby would have driven chestnuts with white points. Enough on the horses, fascinating as they are to me; back to discussion of The Beloved, infinitely more fascinating!
Lynn
Gaithersburg, MD USA - 05/21/97 at 01:49:27
Have so enjoyed reading this guestbook... but sometimes the new news is upsetting to me! For instance, Elliott Marston is possibly my favorite of AR's characters, after Franz Anton Mesmer, and to find out that they cut more out of the film than what TBS does is really upsetting! He actually road a horse??!!! I am not a horsewoman, but noticed that he didn't ride much (and looked a little unsure, to me at least) in RH:POT, but I enjoyed watching him ride those several times in S&S. I'll just go into a corner for a while and mourn the missing Quigley scenes!!! Thanks for all the info, all you special Rickmaniacs.
Maxine <mrose@pawneenet.comfoo>
Greeley, CO USA - 05/20/97 at 21:12:42
Hello all,
I didn't realize there were so many horse people on here.
No one spoke up when I mentioned his Fresian last month.
I wondered how much riding he'd done...his posting is a bit forced
...and the dismount.
I love the part racing off across the lawn...very considerate of him!
Did you know that Willoughby's horse, Big George
(to distinguish him from Elinor's horse 'Little George')
died while they were filming
S&S?
TMD,
Rebecca =)
Rebecca
MI USA - 05/20/97 at 20:43:15
Hi - I read the article in The Independent about
the Almeida's production of Ivanov in Moscow. There was
no mention of A.R. in the article. Does anyone know if he
did in fact perform in this production?
Thanks
Marian
La USA - 05/20/97 at 18:31:44
Laurie -- thanks for pointing out the correct time. I got a little overexcited. As to the Almeida donation questions -- I did get a thank you note, but it wasn't on my last Amex bill. My current Amex is sitting unopened at home. I'll check to see if it posted this month.
BC
Washington, DC USA - 05/20/97 at 16:47:26
Hello Lynn, I too am a horse person. You really a paying attention
if you can recognize the same horse in two different movies.
I had not noticed AR's seat (other than the usual) but I did
notice the seen in S&S when AR rides away from his estate and guests
to rescue his ward. AR takes off across the edge of the
lawn rather than have the horse pound away on the rocky "pavement".
I also notice too that they don't show AR mounting the hoss.
Not that he wouldn't be graceful as always but it is noticably.
Cheers.
Dee Korbel <deek@garnet.berkeley.edufoo>
Berkeley, CA USA - 05/20/97 at 16:01:45
B.C. in D.C.: 9 PM Saturday! Set your VCR for the evening. Re: Almeida. I have also not gotten charged but then again, I didn't get a thank you letter either.
Laurie <lreid@cga.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - 05/20/97 at 15:35:04
Hello all.
This past Saturday I viewed TMD for the first time.
There is so much about this film that I love,
but allow me to focus on one particular moment for now.
When Nina asks Jamie if she may kiss him, he says "Yes"
and then does not move. She brings her lips to his ...
ever ... so ... slowly.
I found myself directing the scene in my head. "Now
Jamie. Let her come to you. Don't move. Nina. Take your
time. Savor every millisecond. A little closer. A little
closer. Gently. Gently. Perfect!"
Twenty years ago, one of my high school English teachers
described Heaven as "An eternity spent anticipating a kiss."
I didn't understand at the time, but I do now.
Thank you Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Rickman, and Mr Minghella
for showing me a glimpse of Heaven.
Cheers.
Andrea
LI, NY USA - 05/20/97 at 13:31:36
Hi...Just a quick question for those who made a donation
to the Almeida...I sent my donation in February(?), received
a thank you note/receipt in March, but haven't had a charge
show up on my credit card statement yet. Has this been the case
with anyone else? I haven't heard from them indicating they
had a problem processing the charge (which may be their policy)
but I would hate to think I transposed a number or something
on the donation form! Just curious...
Lisa <lmk7u@virginia.edufoo>
USA - 05/20/97 at 12:41:20
Laurie, you are wonderful! I have no directory for the Vision Channel so I would have missed it all. I'm rarely up voluntarily at that hour on a Saturday morning and certainly not watching that channel. Thanks -- I'll have the VCR programmed and ready.
BC
Washington, DC USA - 05/20/97 at 11:43:35
ALERT: Canadian cable subscribers (and maybe some NE americans!
The Vision channel (that religious one you programmed out of your clicker) is showing the Barchester Chronicles on Saturdays at 9:00pm. We've missed the first two of 7 episodes but they were The Warden so Obadiah Slope wasn't in them. That means that Saturday, May 25 is the first Rickman episode.
I just happened to notice the listing. I have been so eager to see it.
Laurie <lreid@cga.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - 05/20/97 at 10:35:49
To Lynn in Gaithersburg, MD: Rickman said in an interview that
he learned to ride for "Quigley Down Under" but all the scenes
of him on horseback were cut. He was disappointed until he
rode again in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" because he
felt the riding lessons finally got put to some use.
Keyser
USA - 05/20/97 at 07:25:48
Lynn, The horse in question is a Fresian, ancestor of the
American Breed, the Morgan. For more information see:
http://gossamer.wheatonma.edu/users/98lhe/Pebbles/barn3.html
http://www.dread.net/~steele/fresian.html
Chris <ckwible@ptd.netfoo>
NJ USA - 05/20/97 at 02:36:37
Hello, ladies (and a few gentlemen, I guess). I've been lurking for awhile and have very much enjoyed your discussions. I'm completely fixated on AR, too, but I haven't quite had the nerve to post. This is a bit off-topic, but I just got done watching "Emma"--the version with Gwyneth Paltrow--and I recognized the horse AR rode in S&S. At first I thought I was imagining it, but I've seen S&S at least 5347 times, and I'm a horsewoman, so it struck me. My suspicions were confirmed when I saw that the horsemaster for Emma was the same lady who held that job in S&S and is referred to in the Diaries; she must simply have gotten another job for the charming horse. Are there any other horsewomen at this site? I ask because I've been going nuts trying to figure out what kind of a horse it is--looks rather Andalusian but has lots of bone and the size t o carry a big man like AR. Any opinions or certain knowledge? Speaking as a professional, AR has a very nice seat on a horse, BTW. But you all knew that! Wonder where a poor council-flat boy like him learned. A man of many talents, surely! Thanks for letting me participate.
Lynn
Gaithersburg, MD USA - 05/20/97 at 01:46:31
Amazingly my husband did not drag me to see "Die Hard 3" so I didn't know that Hans' brother was in it until I read Ellen's comment. Too bad they didn't use the old soap opera trick of having the same actor play the long lost twin of the original character. I guess Bruce couldn't stand to be upstaged & out-acted again. It makes me wonder what Robin Hood would say to the sheriff's brother!
Jennifer <qmkr21b@prodigy.comfoo>
Houston, TX USA - 05/19/97 at 19:55:44
I suggest that we next situate the cast of characters in the Almeida Wine Bar and adjacent courtyard. Marston would miss the wide open spaces, and Hans would find Islington pretty downmarket, but would everyone else cope well?
Melissa <masmith@law.harvard.edufoo>
Cambridge, MA USA - 05/19/97 at 18:23:41
BRAVA Karina! My sentiments exactly. Mr. Rickman shares his magnificent gift of acting with all of us. He should not be expected to share his private life as well. It's his own, not for publication or speculation on the part of anyone. May he continue to gift us with his talents and may we continue to admire him enough to respect his privacy. (I shall now put my soapbox away.) Anne. PS The party WAS fun. We must do it again. There is a host of characters that didn't get in and we must invite them too, the next time.
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/19/97 at 17:22:05
Prolonged applause for Karina. I agree 100%.
Thank you to the kind person who recommended an article called Rickmans Worth. (There
is a town in SE England called Rickmansworth.) I checked in Kel Clancy's list, as my
recollection of the article was quite different. We are both right as there are two articles with
the same name!
The 1992 Elle piece is a real find - the only one I have read where Alan talks about life with
Rima, and about his days out with his sister's kids.
I wrote to ICM/ Duncan Heath about AR in Feb 95 just after I discovered him. I asked if there
was a fan club or similar organisation giving info about (roughly) where he would be and
when - having just missed a talk session at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. This was the
reply:-
Thank you for your letter about Alan Rickman.
I enclose a biography detailing much of Mr Rickman's work to date, which you may find
interesting. [not a patch on Karina's ditto] There is no official fan club for him, however, as
this is not an idea he feels terribly comfortable with.
I can also tell you that Mr Rickman has another film, called "An Awfully Big Adventure" which
is due for release in April.
Yours sincerely
Claudia Cruttwell
(Secretary to Alan Rickman)
The notepaper is a yellowy cream colour with ALAN RICKMAN in plain black centred at the
top. Sigh!!!!!!!
Jean <geoff.cram@virgin.netfoo>
Leeds, UK - 05/19/97 at 16:21:38
Opps, never skip reading on a Sunday afternoon. To bring up a previous point.
The S&S diaries in trade size paperback (large paperback) does indeed have all the
pictures that the original hardback release had. It also has a copy of Ms. Thompson's
acceptance speech from the Golden Globes, written in the style of Jane Austen...quite
amusing and all that! I've not seen any non-US versions of the book, since I've
only been to Mexico recently and they weren't selling it at the Puerto Vallarta airport!
Best of luck in finding the beatiful pictures. Let me know if I can help.
ciao
Andrea
Andrea Chavez <achavez@moscow.comfoo>
Moscpw, ID USA - 05/19/97 at 12:44:28
By coincidence I rang the BBC World Wide Service today and asked them to send a catalogue of their tapes - if there's anything of interest you'll be the first to know. Re Barchester Chronicles - I spotted a new cover last week. Although the old one had two pictures of AR on the back he was not included in the credits. However, it appears his profile is now higher (at last) and the new cover has a picture of hom on the spine and a proper credit on the back! Annette, thanks for your news of Mesmer. I tried to e-mail you today but the message was bounced. Perhaps you could e-mail and I'll get back to you using the reply facility.
Liz Anne <w.moorhen@uk22p.bull.co.ukfoo>
St Albans, England - 05/19/97 at 11:58:30
An actor acts, regardless of his or her sexual orientation. There are
many gay actors who convincingly play straights onstage and off. There are an equal number
of straights who do a fine job of portraying gays. Acting is realistically (ideally, anyway) conveying
the essence of someone you are not (although, inevitably, bits of you
will become part of the performance). Robert Englund is a very nice man, he just portrays
a deranged dream-marauder really well. It's called acting and that is their job. What actors do
in their private lives is private. If they choose to share some of that privacy with their fans,
that's fine. It should not be ripped from them, however.
There is no such thing as a "symptom" of gayness.
Running "funny" does not make one gay, nor does a love of show tunes nor white wine spritzers. Likewise,
football and beer do not a hetero make (a jock, maybe, but not a hetero).
Circumstantial evidence points to Mr. Rickman being heterosexual, but again, it makes
no never mind to his performances. It may affect someone's privatefantasies, but that is
something that neither Mr. Rickman nor this group needs to worry about.
I think I will have to add his flat-footedness to the FAQ, since that seems to be what always brings this thread up.
Karina <karina@fred.netfoo>
USA - 05/19/97 at 11:35:01
Bravo Emma! I remember this particular discussion as well.
It is a rather silly area to dwell on. I think AR is that
rare bird among actors (particularly leading men)--a gentleman!!
The same rumours persist about Tom Cruise who is obviously a
devoted family man. I checked with Rarevid re. The Barches
ter Chronicles. It is indeed a mere $29.99 so I must order.
My appetite for it has certainly been whetted after all the
discussion "amongst ourselves" and in the Paton book. Re.
the dinner party--who among the characters offered to help
with the washing up?
Noel
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/19/97 at 11:18:05
Debbie: thank you for your efforts. I did get one copy sent to me via email and it's in my attachment file. I cant open it because my machine tells me I don't have the application to open it. Anyone know what I might need? Thank you all for helping. I love the support here!
I aggree that the only thing personally concerning me re AR's sexual preferences is a concern for his health. I'm sure that public speculation could only hurt his leading man offers. I don't think it's a subject we should dwell on. Much like Rima, it's his personal life and what he's offering to US is his professional genius. Let's not mess up our ha ha dreams with this discussion.
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/19/97 at 10:51:57
Emma, Yes, yes yes on the audio hunt. Well done! Sending you a virtual bouquet of heliotrope.
Melissa
Cambridge, MA USA - 05/19/97 at 10:40:31
Sorry, Dana. This morning even though the Kate Winslet site says there is only one day left, I can't make a connection even through an Infoseek Kate Winslet search for the photos. It's possible that Karina picked up some of them, or they may pop up again at another location. I'm willing to bet that many of our friends out there have a copy as I do. I don't think I have a way to send it. I would try if someone could help me eliminate the ignorance factor. Con mucho gusto.
Debbie
Lakeland, TN USA - 05/19/97 at 09:34:12
I thought people were finished discussing Rickman's real-life
proclivities months ago! In my particular case, I'm already
committed, anyway...but the thought of a walk to the ha-ha...
Meanwhile, I inquired (without listing any titles) with
the BBC World Service if they sell audios of their plays and
readings, and here's their reply "If there's a particular
drama in which you are interested, please contact the World
Service Drama Department with details and your request will
be considered". Their address is Worldservice.Letters@bbc.co.uk.
Bush House in London apparently has a gift shop, maybe someone
could drop by and see if they carry any of the Rickman audios.
Any takers?
Emma
USA - 05/19/97 at 09:13:18
To Delia, AR runs "funny" because he's flat-footed! All flat-footed folks run "funny." I know this does not answer your main question, but it does provide an explanation of whar you see as one "sympton." Just watch his feet as he walks up the palace stairs for the first time in 'Rasputin.' Or in the garden in the beginning of 'Mesmer.' Whatever his sexual preference, the way he walks is no clue it.
Anne <AHARD73977@AOL.COMfoo>
ALEX., VA USA - 05/19/97 at 00:46:35
Ellen Sherman, unlike you I do care whether or not AR is gay. If he were gay I'd worry about his health. Also, since sexuality is a big part of anyone's identity, it adds to our understanding of him as a man and as an artist. Imagine the conflicts he must feel, knowing that his career is partially dependent upon the sexual fascination millions of women feel for him--and perhaps being concerned that if they knew he was gay, he'd no longer get leading-man roles. In these times, when coming out is considered the thing for a gay person to do, he might also feel some stress. Anyway, if he's gay that would certainly explain why he declines to discuss his private life and why in AABA he runs in a very effeminate manner during the soccer game and on the dock. My view: he's probably bi. I adore him no matter which way he goes. Let's go on admiring him as an artist and a person, no matter what. I know that the ladies on this site are full of tolerance and enlightenment (as well as being awfully funny and creative!)
Delia
Fredericksburg, VA USA - 05/18/97 at 23:55:11
I e mailed her and told her its exceptional. I also told her not to seek permission, cause he'd say no. See ya later, hey next time there is going to be a party I think we should pick a time and a day so we can all go! Meanwhile I'll go buy an outfit. (Actually, secretly, I'm going to try and find a childhood pal who is now the president of Bergen County Players.. ) yes, this means in all likely hood I'll be leaving you all soon. I was becomming too aloof and cynical anyway you know.. too self protective.. too judgemental.. I need to expand from a personality POV.
BEE GOOD
Ellen Sherman
USA - 05/18/97 at 19:46:29
I haven't been here for awhile, so am wayyy behind-I've
been doing some volunteer work at a theatre in Des MOINes.
So humour me if I ask a few stupid questions:
1. Did he win a BAFTA for Micheal collins- was he there??
2. to Abbie in LOndon - What's your e-mail address,darling?
or your snail mail address for that matter.I'd like to
ask you a few questions- like "Do you have the program
from "As YOU LIke it?" What else to do you have?
Which leads me to #3
3. I have been writing to someone in England( who doesn't
have internet access. She and I have been exchanging
materials on HIM. the last time I wrote to her she
was thinking of starting a fan club or an exchange
network. Now for the fan club she obviously needs his
permission, but if anyone on this site is interested
I would be more than happy to pass the word on to her.
I am planning on writing back to her in the next few
weeks. I would think between the websites and collectors
not on the information highway, people would be able to
get more material and meet more people.
Thank you for letting me ramble.
P>S> I found the soundtrack to AABA in LONdon. I haven't
listened to it yet. There is no soundtrack for TMD-
I tried to find it the first time I was in LOndon in
1993.
P.P.S. Bob Roberts is a wonderful political satire that
is hilarious and (being a Democrat) downright
scary.
one of my favorite lines:
I am an excellent thief...and
since I'm moving up to kidnapping
you should be more polite!
I'm leaving now.....REally
KIM <k.heffernan@worldnet.att.netfoo>
W. Des MOInes, Ia USA - 05/18/97 at 17:55:30
Sorry I missed the party guys! I had pnumonia, now I realize that I should have gone anyway and sat in the corner sharing tissues with Jamie. (yuck huh?) While I was ill I rented videos. (big shock) and I found a clue. When I saw Die hard III, last summer in the packed, opening night theater, and John Mclaine tells the darling brother of Hans Gruber..."Your brother was a real ass-hole." I had the gut reaction that Bruno meant that. But yesterday I was watching a film that escaped wide acclaim, but I like it.. Hudson Hawke and there was a sceen where Bruno's charactor is talking to Frank Stallone (real life brother of Sly) and Bruno says.."Directions so simple that even your brother could understand them." Well, there it is. Case solved. Makes me ashamed to be from New Jersey and left handed.
I noticed the comment about.. how can all these people say that AR is gay? I think either one of two things is true. 1. Its true and this explains a whole bunch of stuff. or 2. Making all kinds of decisions for the charactors he portrays.. their sexuality is one of those decisions.. this means that the reason that Elliot wasn't having sex with the prostitutes wasn't that he was playing with the sheep. And George was a closet case, who didn't really know it himself. That Hans was hetero, as was Rasputin, Jamie, Sinclair, like that.
Anyway, people believe what they want to believe, regardless of truth. And truth is highly subjective and seriously over rated. And we know that reality really needs help. I say, who cares? Gotta go return some videos, by the way, how come Danny Aiello doesn't have a web page?
Ellen Sherman <writersherman@mindspring.comfoo>
GA USA - 05/18/97 at 14:54:16
For American purchasers....the US version of the S&S Diaries
in large format has all the photos that are in the hardcover.
Chris <ckwible@ptd.netfoo>
NJ USA - 05/18/97 at 10:59:45
Hi, everyone, and a couple of quick comments. First regarding the S&S Diaries: I ordered the book in paperback hoping to save costs but when it arrived it had no photos, so I quickly sent it back and paid the hardback price. Andrea (of bookstore fame) can you confirm to our American friends that the paperback does or doesn't have photos? My book orders have to be imported so maybe the UK and US paperbacks are different editions. Second - amazingly we have Mesmer on video in our shops here in Darkest Africa (are we're on the PAL system) so I can fill the gap that Karina can't supply. Contact me with details of whom to mail it to in England and maybe we can swap something in return. Or you can send a donation to the Almeida. Why did the party have to end so soon? Annette.
Annette <carson@global.co.zafoo>
Johannesburg, S. Africa - 05/18/97 at 10:31:38
Nicole: Thank you! I don't know what the problem is. I was able to find the right place thanks to the shorter address and looked at other photos but that particular one began loading then shut off, several times in a row, just like it did when I went there directly. I'm going over to my neighbor's tomorrow to see if the same thing happens to her. I WANT to see that picture!! Ta all.
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/18/97 at 01:02:05
Dana: That wedding photo is very much worth seeing. I found it by going first to ftp://hitchcock.dorm.umd.edu/ Once there, I selected the winslet file, then from the winslet page I went to the ss page and then selected the sensbtyf.jpg file and lo and behold our beloved in all his glory. Hope this helps.
Nicole <NBacotG@aol.comfoo>
CA USA - 05/17/97 at 22:46:52
Off-topic
An appeal to (probably)the Brits among us. Do any of you know anything about the current
state of the Young Vic? I ran across my 23 year old Young Vic/Jim Dale scrap book which has all kinds of articles
and photos and program books, etc. So, I am probably going to put together yet
another web page. It would be nice to have something about what's up with them now.
Thanx/Karina
Karina <karina@fred.netfoo>
USA - 05/17/97 at 13:22:17
I have been away and therefore unable to participate in the
dinner party, which was obviously a gas - and I am amazed by
Rickmaniacs' creativity - although I shouldn't be. One final thought -
Vidal (Therese Raquin) would be looking around for subjects
to paint - and he prefers nudes - any volunteers?!
Gail <grayment@istar.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - 05/17/97 at 12:26:39
Dear Eva:
I'm just catching up on the postings after a week's absence.
Thanks for the notice about "The Moon and Sixpence". I have
dreamed that someone would make a movie with both Alan
Rickman and Jeremy Notham--the two best, sexiest actors in
world. I just hope the project is completed.
If there are Rickman fans who are not familiar with Jeremy
Northam, catch his performances as Jack Devlin in "The Net"
with Sandra Bullock, and as the delicious Mr. Knightley in
"Emma", the 2nd Jane Austen film in as many years. Also, there
is a Jeremy Northam web page at:
//http://www.worldrch.com/northam/index.html
Tricia <pvaluik@bellatlantic.netfoo>
Natrona Heights, PA USA - 05/17/97 at 01:16:29
Help!! I tried to go to the photo address (I'm getting desparate to see that wedding photo) but I don't get the image. It just says "image". anyone know what might be the problem?
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/17/97 at 00:34:23
Mary Anne, Godspeed! May your absense from us be brief! We'll miss you wit and insight.
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/17/97 at 00:31:18
Just when I thought this site couldn't get any better, I have discovered the sound files! As a "net novice" I need some tips on downloading .wav files. P.S. Thanks to those of you who responded to my Mesmer and RTN queries.
Barb <BarrMorr@aol.comfoo>
FL USA - 05/16/97 at 21:30:45
I really admire the talents of AR. I see I am not alone.
I just recently found this page. It is great!
I noticed there are a few AR fans living in my area.
I would like to hear from you through email sometime.
I have alot to catch up on if any of you want to help me out.
Hope to hear from you and I will be checking this page ALOT..
Siobhain <sdandy@fls.infi.netfoo>
VA USA - 05/16/97 at 20:31:46
Mary Anne, it's rainng...raining in my heart. Speaking of going away- - - one of the Kate Winslet sites we've enjoyed will only be around until about May 20th according to its "Keeper." So, if you haven't picked up on the Col. Brandon wedding photo, the new address is ftp://hitchcock.dorm.umd.edu/winslet/ss/sensbtyf.jpg !
Debbie
Lakeland, TN USA - 05/16/97 at 20:09:49
Mary Anne, You must away? The cruelty, the impolitic cruelty. You won't be gone long? (Mary Anne slowly shakes her head with a slight knowing smile). Remember that the back fence is only a few clicks away.
And yes, there's yet another scene where AR fingers and grips a chair back - in a cabinet meeting with the big fella. AR also does some nice table leaning after he shouts at MC for publishing the terms of the treaty without his approval. And way back when I remember a discussion of AR's agility (or lack thereof) - check out AR's bounding over the wall when escaping with MC and Henry Boland.
Renie <renie@hotmail.comfoo>
CA, USA - 05/16/97 at 16:36:44
Even when traveling, I never fail to find a library with
public Internet access, that I may continue to indulge
my long-running Mania on a near-daily basis. I am
enchanted with the storytelling. I missed Sei at the party,
but Jamie told me he's watching old movies with the rest
of the guys, at that great cinema in the sky....
R.Faey
On the Road, USA - 05/16/97 at 15:30:32
Valmost must have been practicing the line, "quiero hacer
contigo lo que la primavera hace con los cerezos", which
would be fully in keeping with his character!
Emma
Princeton, NJ USA - 05/16/97 at 14:14:09
Whew! Now that Mary Anne is safe from the machinations of the
Sherrif and Hans (That lovely German boy with the terribly wicked brother!) The party seems to need
a bit of a breather. All are sitting around listening to Edward Farris try to read poetry when Valmont
snatches the Fairie Queen from his hands and gives it over to Brandon saying. (In French, of course)
"Oh for God's sake, spare us. Here Brandon, you're such an affiable fellow, you read it...only you seen
to have the ability in this motley crew."
Jamie sighs, thinking he too could quote a good line of poetry and wonders if Valmont can speak Spanish too
as he's been practicing. Turning up for some Bach on his Cello, Jamie notices Rev. Slope discussing
varies avenues of redemption with Mr.I...I think Slope may be winning!
Meanwhile, Ed is looking about for something to paint....Karina arrives at the party...Ed has found his subject...a goddess and a
computer genuis...what a combination!
Andrea Chavez <achavez@moscow.comfoo>
Moscow, ID USA - 05/16/97 at 12:37:27
Mary Anne, you'll be missed! Good luck with the new job, and come back soon.
Nancy R.
CA USA - 05/16/97 at 11:50:19
Debbye--your plans for watching CL sound eminently sensible,
i.e. NOT watching it at night, especially if you're alone. Heck,
I watched it in the morning and got the class-A crawls! But
then, I wasn't bolstered by wonderful ice cream, either. In other news,
it is with great regret that I say I will have to be absent
from this wonderful guestbook for a while. I'm starting a new
job next week (I've found an occupation so I won't run mad, or
not more so than I already am) and the upheaval/adjustment period
of that might keep me away for a bit. Be assured that I will
return ASAP (no, that's NOT one of AR's films). I just wanted
to tell you, fair ladies and noble gentlemen all, that taking
part in these discussions has been extremely enjoyable. Some
fan forums are all "gush and sigh" ; well, there's a bit of that
here, too, but I have also found intelligence, wit, and kindness
in the participants (let's face it--those qualities don't always
live peacefully together). Thank you, Karina, for your hard
work and for providing a great public service--a place where
AR's fans can talk about him to their hearts' content without
driving their friends and families insane! (grin) And now, I
really must go. You see, I'm still recuperating from my ordeal
at the party. Physically I'm almost fully recovered, but I'm
still a bit weak from what Dr. Mesmer diagnoses as "extreme
emotional overstimulation" and he prescribes rest and quiet.
Well, must dash. I can see Colonel Brandon heading up the front
walk, bearing a lovely bouquet of flowers, so I must go and
arrange myself fetchingly on the sofa. Until I return to the
guestbook, my warmest regards to you all.
Mary Anne
USA - 05/16/97 at 11:08:23
Rickman has actually gone on record as hating Barbie dolls (can it get any better?). See the uncharacteristically chatty interview in the KelClancy links, Rickman's Worth with Ann McFerran that ran in Elle magazine in 1992.
Melissa <masmith@law.harvard.edufoo>
Cambridge, MA USA - 05/16/97 at 10:45:06
Picked up the S&S Diary and read the whole book last night. What fun!!! I like the English approach to filmmaking. It's work, not glamour and they are "workers" not stars. So if your teeth are not pissy perfect -- so what! "Can you realize the character?" is the point. Also found Closet Land in the Under $10 section at Borders Bookstore. Didn't have the nerve to view it last night. I don't think this is cozy late night viewing -- shouldn't be dark and still and you shouldn't be alone and comfortless -- so I plan to watch it Saturday afternoon while eating a pint of Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk!! (Loved the parts in the diary when Em would comfort herself with something good to eat! Cracked up when I read after a particularly trying episode with the weather, acting and illness, she ate three breakfasts to make up for it!!)
Debbye - Washington, DC
USA - 05/16/97 at 07:55:28
S&S Diaries
Tuesday 16 May:This was the day a very sodden Greg bounded
up to Alan and asked, with all his usual ebullience, how
he was. Long pause as Alan surveyed him through half-closed
eyes from beneath a huge golfing umbrella. Then -'I'm dry.'
Sometimes Alan reminds me of the owl in Beatrix Potter's
Squirrel Nutkin. If you took too many liberties
with him I'm sure he'd have your tail off in a trice.
.....10:20 pm. in bed with a herbal cushion from kate. She
fainted at 6 pm - so cold, so wet for so long. Alan found
Ang [Lee] sitting on a box, his head low, his fists clenched.
'I tortured her,' he moaned. 'Don't worry,' said Alan. 'You'll have the
opportunity to do it to me soon.' Kate was sent flowers by
the production and four bottles of Newcastle brown Ale from
the ADs. We warmed her up slowly in her caravan, her feet
thrust into Greg's armpits. According to Paul (our paramedic)
this is teh best way of warming feet and she made a very good recovery.
Rebecca
MI USA - 05/15/97 at 22:00:25
...More S&S Diaries...
Saturday 13 May
Alan had a trying morning - trotting up, dismounting, tying
up the bloody horse, dealing with his crop, taking his hat
off and reverencing on the side of a hill. Horse kept moving
so its great black arse overwhelmed the shot. Deb Kaye lay on
the grass, hissing at it, 'Get back, you bastard' etc. Not
Alan's happiest moment but he was splendid, charming and
virile. (this is when he comes to invite them to the picnic)
Sunday 14 May
..The party on Saturday was wild. Everyone fell on the opportunity to let
go and was drunk before having drunk anything. Alan nearly
killed me, whirling me about the place. Everyone was under
the table by midnight except Greg, who was on the ceiling...
Rebecca
MI USA - 05/15/97 at 21:48:50
Melissa, love you last comment! It just occurred to me a little while ago that this party is just like playing with virtual Barbies (for big girls of course).
Lisa
Riverside, CA USA - 05/15/97 at 18:55:07
An aside: as I see it, the trouble with this group (Dr. Ruth got it wrong) is that everyone is so listless, inexpressive, and imagination-impaired. (The next week will have me dropping into as many conversations as possible the phrase, admiring the heliotrope by the ha-ha). Now back to Sherwood Forest (or was it the Home Counties...or the Outback?)
Melissa <masmith@law.harvard.edufoo>
Cambridge, MA USA - 05/15/97 at 17:43:47
Is anyone scheduled for an appointment with the Sheriff after 10:45?
Debbie
Lakeland, TN USA - 05/15/97 at 17:24:30
My dear Mary Anne, what an EXPERIENCE you've been through. It's obvious that these characters need some good women to keep them out of trouble...Volunteers??
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/15/97 at 16:42:35
Well, the hostage crisis has ended. I have been rescued--but
not without enduring a session with the Interrogator. Hans got
impatient with me and he and the Sheriff tied me to a chair and
called in the sociopath, who pulled up another chair within about
two feet of me and simply started reciting beautiful poetry.
And there I was . . . within two feet of THAT VOICE--and unable
to move!!! My shrieks of torment summoned the whole party up
the stairs to the outer hall. Over my own screams, I could dimly
hear Dev trying to negotiate for me and the Rev. Slope (and Hart,
too, I believe) praying for my safety. But all of this was a
diversionary tactic that gave Col. Brandon the opportunity to
slip around back, climb to the window (he got a boost by standing
on O'Hara's motorcycle), and come crashing in to my rescue at
about the same time that Tybalt broke down the hallway door.
(He's a dear boy, but such a hothead.) Brandon rushed to my side,
obviously agitated, but all he said was "Mary Anne . . . ?"
At which point I nearly fainted, so he picked me up in his arms
and carried me downstairs. I'm recovering nicely, assisted by
some strengthening tidbits concocted by Sinclair and soothing cello from Jamie,
and I've scheduled some sessions with Mesmer to help me through
the inevitable post-traumatic stress syndrome. As for Hans, George,
and "Mr. I," they've been scheduled to appear in court before
Judge Angelo of Vienna--who isn't exactly known for his compassion.
Geez, what a party. Maybe the next one will be more exciting
(grin). Yippee ki yay . . .
Mary Anne
USA - 05/15/97 at 16:20:16
Mary Anne, I tried to get you some help. But the only person I could find was Father Grigori, but he was somewhat the worse from too much Madeira. I found him in the public convenience getting sick to his tummy with Jamie mopping up and fussing over the mess he was making. (Quite frankly, I don't think he'd be of much help anyway. Not to you, anyway!!! Did find a queue out on the parking lot of unselfish, self-sacrificing, bleeding-heart types...all volunteering to take your place!! There was nothing I could do and The Colonel offered to see me to safety, so I left with him. Sorry, girlfriend.
Debbye - Washington, DC
USA - 05/15/97 at 16:02:32
Has anyone noticed that Internet Movie Data Base now lists AR's appearances in "Girls on Top" by episode name? The first episode was called "Four Play" with AR in the part of Dimitri. The second was an episode called "Cancel Toast" in which AR was The Voice of RADA.
Lisa
Riverside, CA USA - 05/15/97 at 13:48:27
To Jennifer in Villa Park, Illinois. BOB ROBERTS is not a good film. If you rent it you will spend your time fast forwarding to see darling Alan. His part is small and limited, but of course he does a wonderful job. Hope all you fans are well. Julia Swann
Julia Fallon
Rock Hill, SC USA - 05/15/97 at 13:14:21
So that's the reason Hans was in such a rush! We had been
(ehem!) admiring the heliotrope near the ha-ha, when he surprised me
with this lovely watch, but when he saw the time, he rushed
back, muttering under his breath.
Emma
Princeton, NJ USA - 05/15/97 at 12:41:36
Well, OK, Mary Anne, I'll make the sacrafice...I volunteer to be the hostage until the rescue teams can be assembled (take your time).
Oh Haaaans... I've got these papers called bearer bonds, are they good for anything? Georgie-Porgie Naughtyngham...Wanna see how I can heal facial scars just by sitting on 'em?
Sinclair: You're sick, sick, sick!
Lisa
Riverside, CA USA - 05/15/97 at 12:32:53
To all Rickmaniacs at the party, this is an urgent request
for HELP! We suspected that Hans and the Sheriff were up to
something . . . well, it's only too true. Imagine my shock
when, as Col. Brandon was escorting me to my car, we were
swooped down upon by Hans and George. The Colonel fought valiantly
to defend me, but to no avail. Hans had found that the upstairs
master bedroom/sitting room is filled with art treasures (Pre-
Columbian statuary, gold figurines, Van Goghs, etc.) and had
planned a major heist, but decided he needed a hostage. That's
me--help! They smuggled me up the back stairs and we're barricaded
up here! Hans has been insisting that I give him his detonators
and I can't convince him that I don't have them ; he says if
I don't hand them over he'll give me to the Interrogator, so
he must be in on it too. Of course, he'd have to improvise, but
when I think what he could do with some of the stuff in the
kitchen--shriek! Please, get some rescue teams together and send
them up here. And send someone to the parking lot to check
on the Colonel (hope he's not hurt, poor darling). I've got
to sign off ; Hans and George are deep in conversation and
they think I'm just killing time here at the computer by playing
Doom or Mortal Kombat. But I don't like the way the Sheriff keeps
glancing over at me and then eyeing the door to the connecting
master bedroom. Help! Please hurry! And be sure to give Colonel
Brandon an occupation (if he returns unwounded) or he shall
run mad . . . !
Mary Anne
USA - 05/15/97 at 11:38:32
Overheard at the soiree:
Valmont (to O'Hara): "Your own daughter! Fascinating!"
Sinclair: "You're all sick, sick, sick."
The Sheriff: "Shut up, you twit! Let's cancel innocence."
Rasputin: "Let's all just relax.."
Interrogator: "But she loved another. You were unable to break her will completely?"
DeValera: "The individual will must be sacrificed to the common good. The republic must be preserved, at the cost of any single human life."
Hans: "What's in it for me?"
Jamie: "Don't be absurd, there's nothing you can do about it now. Once you're up here you know there's no going back."
Brandon: "Let me avenge her honor, Mr. O'Hara, or I shall run mad."
Ed: "Knock yourself out, Brandon. But don't molest anything!"
susan
USA - 05/15/97 at 11:28:35
I think the Marston ranch is a little too bleak for such a lively party. Jamie would be stiff as a board at Nottingham Castle. (I'd say frozen to death but then he's already dead.) Brandon's estate is really only perfect for picnics and surely Rasputin would have trouble inviting that many people to the Winter Palace. They've congregated at Sinclair's river house where the swordplay can flourish undisturbed on the lawn and Hans and Lucas can plot world domination in the conservatory.
Laurie <lreid@cga.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - 05/15/97 at 11:07:56
Don't mind all that grunting and clanging noise coming from the fencing show-offs, who just wouldn't leave their swords at home--it's Valmont vs. O'Hara and Nottingham vs. Tybalt (all in annoying wrinkly tights). In case of injury, Rasputin and Mesmer are on hand to perform miraculous cures (although Jamie is unimpressed with their reputations as healers, since his throat's still sore. Col. Brandon--he of the impeccable manners--has courteously brought a drink to a mysterious rustic figure in a very odd mummer's costume, with hidden face and a muffled (could it possibly be...female?) voice. And WHO invited the tall, skinny fella in the full-length fur and awful hat?
Melissa <masmith@law.harvard.edufoo>
Cambridge, MA USA - 05/15/97 at 10:05:33
Latecomer to the party, the young Tybalt who swaggers into the room brandishing his sword. When he sees the assembled guests, however, he politely enquires if anyone could give him lessons? Nottingham smiles mischieviously and swiftly moves towards the young Italian, elbowing Valmont out of his way. The amount of alcohol Nottingham has already consumed is beginning to take its toll so they just chat about the problems of wrinkly tights instead. Re our UK tape problem thanks for the offers of help and advice, I'm currently checking out what can be done in the way of conversions in London so it may be a case of buying US tapes and converting here. In the meantime I'll wait and see what Karina comes up with so thanks for the support ladies.
Liz Anne
St Albans, England - 05/15/97 at 09:39:00
Yeah, yeah, Mary Anne...I know. After the Colonel unfolded from bending over your hand, he straightened up, fastened those lasers on you, dropped The Voice a step, and growled, "A great pleasure indeed." (O o o o oh....I'm dying!!) "Father Grigori...Save me!!!" (Get off that table and wash your hands first though, you lil' debbil).
Debbye - Washington, DC
USA - 05/15/97 at 07:52:47
Jean, LizAnne and other Brits, when Closetland was
screened at the NFT, there was an acknowledgment for
the print on loan from the Beeb, which means that
they must have the rights to screen it. Let's put
pressure on them to do so and perhaps for them to
buy Mesmer and Rapsutin as well.
Mandy
London, U.K - 05/15/97 at 06:10:01
I ADORE ALAN. HE IS BRILLIANT.
PAULA ASSEIN
WEST RICHLAND, Wwa USA - 05/15/97 at 03:09:55
I just stumbled out of the party, tripping over Sinclair's left leg, as I went, (we have got to get that man loafers!)when I noticed a cry for help from our hostess. Seizing O'Hara's motorcycle, I quickly rode over here to get the phone number of a firm that does tape conversions. (I have only used them to transfer UK tape to US format, but they may do US tape into UK format.) They are called High-Tech Productions, 'Phone, 1-800-662-8336, And they transfer tape, regardless of length, for $9.95 + shipping & handling. There I've done my good deed for the day, now back to the party I go. I promised O'Hara I would return his motorcycle before the party broke up. Mind you, Nottingham and Rasputin were pretty drunk when I left, and I didn't like the way Elliot was practicing his quick draw in the kitchen. It may get a bit rowdy and the neighbours may have problems sleeping. Of course, we could send the Interrogator over if anyone complains. He'd fix 'em right up. I think we should keep an eye on Jamie, he's looking pretty shivery and he's sneezing on everyone. Those colds are awful, especially when their for eternity! Anyway, got to run, I'm probably missing the healing Demo Franz Anton promised to put on. (Maybe he can stop Jamie's sneezing fit.) See Ya. Anne
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/15/97 at 01:12:11
PART TWO: As I was saying-hans is my favorite. ("Put down the gun and gif me my detonators-s-s-s-s.") He stared at my watch and I assured him it never left my wrist. I must go now--rasputin just leaped up on a table (again!) and I'll have to find Mesmer as he is the only one who can calm him down. Fascinating party! Debby
Debby <debbyg@hotmail.comfoo>
NE USA - 05/15/97 at 00:06:28
I was hired by the caterer to work this party-lucky me! The Sheriff was in the kitchen hoarding table scraps and muttering about "hired thugs." He is attractive in a demented sort of way but then I've always been attracted to men with scars. As I was leaving the kitchen I tripped over Sinclair who was sitting on the floor tying his shoelace. I gave him my tray of sandwiches and he perked right up. I could hear someone across the room reciting a poem in Spanish (terrible accent!), punctuated with loud sneezes and knew right away it was Jaimie. Poor dear was freezing and positively blue all over! Someone really should warm his lips-any volunteers? O'Hara walked into the party like he owned the place, grabbed me and we danced and danced and danced...sigh. Then who should show up but Dwight "Billy" Billingsly looking like every one of his million bucks. He is the jealous type so I excused myself from O'Hara and took a tray of drinks over to Hans who, I must admit, is my favorite.
Debby <debbyg@hotmail.comfoo>
NE USA - 05/15/97 at 00:03:12
Yes, they are all in black and don't they look dashing?!! Well, most of them anyway, Rasputin refuses to comb his hair and Ed insists on wearing the plaid pants. Nottingham and Rasputin are drunk and beginning to grab at anything that looks vaguely female. Jamie feels this gathering to be a bit showy, given the political situation, and is glowering at Sinclair muttering something about capitalists and conspicuous consumption while playing his good cello. PT seems a bit remote and when questioned replies he has a terrible headache...
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/14/97 at 20:34:34
This is a great site! Keep up the good work.
Is "Mesmer" available on video anywhere? Does anyone know if the audio version of "Return of the Native" narrated by AR is available? Keep up the good work!!
Barb <BarrMorr@aol.comfoo>
FL USA - 05/14/97 at 20:32:14
Well, the party seems to be slowing down. How 'bout we break out some games?
OK, MENSCH or SUPERSPIELE for Hans and Mesmer. Bocci for Brandon and George. Ed's fine with his computer games, Jamie just wants his videos. P.L. wants Post Office (I'm not falling for that P.L.) Valmont wants to play something called UNCLE WIGGLY whatever that is...Darts for everybody else. Not you Interrogator, stay where you are. Give Mary Anne back her fondue fork, GENTLY! A nice game of 20 questions for you.
Lisa
Riverside, CA USA - 05/14/97 at 18:19:22
Terrific observation, Jean! And Sinclair make a great M.C., doesn't he? After this gig, we're going out with the band!
Debbie
Lakeland, TN USA - 05/14/97 at 18:01:36
Re: films not available in UK
I don't have/haven't seen Mesmer either. However, I will see what I can do about
getting the other three on one tape and take it to a converter to get
put into your format. There must be somewhere. Then I'll send it off to one of you and the
batch of you can figure out what to do from there...maybe make more dupes (although the quality from a
third gen tape will be less), or maybe mail it around between you. It'll be in
your court. I'll let you know more details as I find them out.
Karina Wright <karina@fred.netfoo>
USA - 05/14/97 at 16:52:34
Just a note on another of those tentacles ... Harriet Walter did indeed play Harriet Vane to Edward Petherbridge's Lord Peter Wimsey. They starred in 3 Wimsey tales--Strong Poison, Have His Carcasse, and Gaudy Night. The next part of the tentacle is that Edward Petherbridge also appears in AABA as the actor who breaks his leg and therefore can't play Capt. Hook, thus necessitating the call to P.J. O'Hara.
Elizabeth <simonses@mindspring.comfoo>
Fairfax, VA USA - 05/14/97 at 16:33:15
Stop the madness!!! Mary Anne, you go girl!!!!
Debbye - Washington, DC
USA - 05/14/97 at 15:47:27
Love the party!! You guys are wonderful. 'Cept I see the Sheriff playing musical spoons and talking to Hans about Men's fashions. Are all the characters dressed in black?? You UK fans are breaking my heart. Anything we can do??
Debbye - Washington, DC
USA - 05/14/97 at 15:40:49
And once more, live from the party. I stopped in a little while
ago and I must say it's been interesting. Jamie wanted to know
a good bit about me (but did not insist on the hopping) and
introduced me to Col. Brandon, who bowed very politely over my
hand (sigh)--but stared at me as if riveted when he found out
my name is Mary Anne. Of course, I did not enlighten him as to
the spelling. Later, Rasputin and the Sheriff made some rather
crude attempts on my virtue ; oddly enough, my rescuer was Hans
Gruber, whose superiority complex motivated him to try and win
me with his oh-so-cultured European charm. I made the mistake,
though, of calling him a common seducer, to which he very huffily
replied that he is an exceptional seducer, and that I should
be more polite. This exchange caught the attention of Valmont,
who then considered it a challenge to win me himself. He was
interrupted, though, when P.L. O'Hara rode his motorcycle right
up the steps and into the dining room! O'Hara complimented the
cooking, with special kudos for the filet of crocodile (provided
by a wealthy Australian of our acquaintance). I then noticed
poor Dev was weeping in a corner--must have heard some very
bad news or something. But now I really must leave, because
the Interrogator is headed this way, and he looks like he's
contemplating something truly dreadful with the chafing dish
and the fondue forks. Colonel Brandon, would you be so kind
as to escort me to my car . . . ?
Mary Anne
USA - 05/14/97 at 15:37:27
LizAnne, you have voiced my feelings. I am extremely disgruntled that we in Britain can't
see 3 of HIS films. Apparently Rasputin may arrive here eventually on video, but it is sooo
frustrating reading all your comments and the critiques and not to be able to see the
originals!
In the January Man AR comes over quite differently from all his other characters -
not a hint of danger, sweet and funny and surely 6" shorter!
That well-known band, Jamie and the Guys, would play the 3rd Brandenburg and other hits
for the party - what instruments would all the incarnations play? Jamie on cello, the Sheriff
on Damascus blades, Col. Brandon the pianoforte, Hans Gruber baritone sax, Lukas Hart III
on the fiddle!
Jean <geoff.cram@virgin.netfoo>
Leeds, UK - 05/14/97 at 15:22:29
To all interested in a copy of the S&S diaries, here is the ISBN for the paperback
trade size (large) edition 1-55704-292-6 However, if your local bookstore is
not good about ordering, just give me a jingle and I'd be happy to get it for anyone
email me at achavez@moscow.com or at the store bkworld2@moscow.com...(that stands for
Book World II where I work. It is not a problem whatsoever and for any Rickman fan or
S&S fan it is a must!! Now, I really must get back to the party, I've a few questions
for the Sheriff, who keeps giving signals to Hans...they are definitely up to something!!
Andrea Chavez <achavez@moscow.comfoo>
Moscow, ID USA - 05/14/97 at 12:47:48
Emma Thompson's S&S book is available via Amazon Books (www.amazon.com). The hard cover costs $22.46 ISBN 1557042608) and the paperback (ISBN 1557042926) costs $14.35. The paperback is the better buy, as it includes Emma Thompson's screamingly funny (I think) Golden Globe Awards acceptance speech, written in the acerbic voice of Austen herself.
Melissa <masmith@law.harvard.edufoo>
Cambridge, MA USA - 05/14/97 at 12:42:30
Darren in London, could you please email me? Thank you.
Brigde <Brigde1405@aol.comfoo>
USA - 05/14/97 at 12:34:40
Rebecca, thanks so much for posting those excerpts from the Diaries. I haven't been able to find a copy of it anywhere, either. And it was a revelation to me that the ceremony at the end of S&S was not in fact a double wedding. I'd assumed it was, and that the differences in dress between the two couples reflected only the differences in their financial situation. (Though of course I was aware that in the book there were separate ceremonies, not described.) Thanks again for clarifying that.
Amalie
Laytonsville, MD USA - 05/14/97 at 12:30:53
After having the computer crash and 30 pages of text disappear,
I'm ready to attend the party, even if it means being in the
company of the Interrogator. Perhaps Ed will say something
sympathetic, Hans something sharp, or maybe Jamie will play
Marais's Spanish Variations on his good cello.
Emma
Princeton, NJ USA - 05/14/97 at 11:51:10
Meanwhile, back at the garden party...Valmont is strutting around like a tall peacock, oblivious to the fact that his sexy long white coat is now splattered with barbecue sauce, thanks to that slob Rasputin. The gloomy Jaques has sequestered himself with Colonel Brandon, the only guest who can tolerate him, and they're having a good brood together. Jacques Roux and Devalera are enjoying a competitive discussion over whose revolutionary politics are the more pure, and things get really heated when Mad Jacques brings up the subject of religion.
Melissa <masmith@law.harvard.edufoo>
Cambridge, MA USA - 05/14/97 at 11:25:52
Whoa! If I'd known what I was starting with the party thread . . .
I've created a monster! Ladies, if any of you are thinking of
crashing this party--and who among us would be able to resist?--
stay well clear of the Vicomte de Valmont unless you want to
be brokenhearted and driven mad. Might almost be worth it,though.
However, if Hans and the Sheriff start any trouble, Sherlock
Holmes and the Colonel should be able to handle it.
In response to the person in the S&S discussion who wondered
if Willoughby knew it was Col. Brandon's ward he was mistreating,
I give you the words of the Colonel himself: "Little did Mr.
Willoughby imagine, I suppose, when his looks censured me for
breaking up the party, that I was called away to the relief
of one whom he had made poor and miserable ; but had he known
it, what would it have availed? . . . No, he had already done
that which no man who can feel for another would do. . ." This
might indicate that W didn't know who the girl was, but then
again, it may simply indicate that he didn't think Col. Brandon
would ever find out. Either way, it puts Mr. W in an extremely bad
light. Consider: if he knew who the girl was, he either had
nerves of steel (unlikely) or he underestimated what Brandon
might do if the truth came out. If he didn't know this was Brandon's
ward . . . well, I could almost pity him. Almost. What a terrible
moment it would have been when Col. Brandon's second in the duel
came to call on him--and even worse, having to face those eyes,
whether they were behind a pistol or a sword. Saints preserve
us, that glower alone could strike a man dead.
For more on the subject, consult chap. 44 of S&S, in which
Willoughby tries to explain himself to Elinor. It puts him
in a slightly better light, but only slightly. He's a blackguard
and a scoundrel, but not entirely heartless. Naturally, all of
this would cut no ice whatsoever with the Colonel. It gives me
chills to read this section, since Brandon comes back with
the girls' mother within half an hour after Willoughby leaves.
If the Colonel had found him there . . . !
Re: Closet Land. Yes, that line about "Are you in good health?"
is extremely frightening, but more in its implications than
in AR's delivery of it. The line about "When I'm going to hurt
you, you'll know it--it's the suspense, not the pain, that
will drive you mad . . ." I'm getting the shivers right now
just thinking of it. That was one of his more deliberate
attempts to scare the inside ribbons out of the viewers, and oh how
he succeeded.
Mary Anne
USA - 05/14/97 at 11:01:34
Thanks for the info. Chris. That's why Harriet looks so
familiar! I loved the comment about keeping the Interrogator
away from the bar-be-que (brrr!)
Noel
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/14/97 at 10:40:21
Alright, so much for early morning postings, its Harriet
Walter not Walker. I tried the links page. Amazing...it
linked AR and Ronan Vibert in just two links.
Chris <ckwible@ptd.netfoo>
NJ USA - 05/14/97 at 09:02:54
Hi guys. Those of you who enjoy the six degrees of Kevin Bacon might like this game - Links to Alan Rickman. The site is www.cs.virginia.edu/~bct7m/star_links.html You match up any two stars two find their link. I tried what I thought was a hard one, AR and Sir Paul McCartney, and there was 2 degrees of separation. AR was in Robin Hood with Danny Peacock, who was in Eat the Rich with Paul McCartney. P.M. was apparently in a small role in a banquet scene. Hope you enjoy this little time-waster.
Anne
Sydney, NSW Australia - 05/14/97 at 08:10:33
Oh my, I forgot all about poor Mr. Slope!! He is a wonderful character and would be there toading up to whomever had the fattest purse. BTW, "Barchester Chronicles" is well worth the purchase. You can get it from Rare Videos at 1-800-RAEVID or access their web site at htt://www.bestvideo.com I think it cost me appox. $30 for two cassettes. I'd forgotten how funny it is. Alan and Gealdine McEwan together are hysterical. Anyone who can hold their own in a scene with him is a wonder!
Joan
L.I., NY USA - 05/14/97 at 07:35:14
I am getting really jealous of those of you in the US who have access to such films as Mesmer, Rasputin, Closetland and January Man none of which appear to be available in the UK and of course we can't buy direct from the States as you're on a different video format/standard to us. It is so frustrating reading all your in depth analysis of Closetland and not being able to view the film..... On the dinner party scene don't forget Obadiah Slope. I guess he would be toadying to either Nottingham, Brandon or more probably Dev. Regards to you all.
Liz Anne
St Albans, England - 05/14/97 at 04:47:05
Alan Rickman is the greatest actor since John Barrymore.
Darren
London, - 05/14/97 at 04:05:12
As I write this, I'm watching Rasputin for the first time, so I'm sure you'll all forgive me if there are a few typos in this post. Thank God I saw it in Blockbuster today. What a magnificent performance. Oh, those eyes! Those beautiful hands! I can't think of a superlative sufficient to describe his voice--that voice you could pour over ice cream. And, my word, does that man know how to kiss! To see his hand trailing up the back of the countess's leg nearly drove me mad. All those people who say he is gay must be out of their minds. Either that, or he's the greatest actor since John Barrymore (which is true anyway). All I know is, this is a glorious, gifted, brilliant man. I'm not sure I can bring myself to watch the end of this movie, since we all know how it's going to end. I can't stand to see him suffer and die, even if it's just a film. You ladies are all great. Thank you for letting me be a lurker on this site for so long. I have learned so much from you all. It's wonderful to share a fascination of this extraordinary actor with such an intelligent bunch of women.
Amalie
Laytonsville, MD USA - 05/14/97 at 00:18:42
Noel: Harriet Walker has already played Harriet Vane in
Gaudy Nights with Edward Petherbridge as Sir Peter Whimsey.
Chris <ckwible@ptd.netfoo>
NJ USA - 05/13/97 at 22:56:01
...and MORE S&S diaries:
Saturday 13, May:
Alan R., who has clepped himself Colonel Weathercover
('weathercover' means interior scenes that are slated to be shot
if the weather is not right for the scheduled exterior scenes)
and spent days on end trying to amuse himself in the hotel, is
in to work finally and looking a tad bewildered. 'I'm not as well
as I would like to be,' he responded to my enquiry....
Overheard later:
Kate: 'Oh God, my knickers have gone up my arse.'
Alan: 'Ah. Feminine mystique strikes again.'
..... that's it for me (for now) unless you want to hear more....
TMD
Rebecca
MI USA - 05/13/97 at 22:48:57
More S&S Diaries...
Thursday 4 May
Had lunch with Alan in his trailer
and talked about the theater. He was as much put off by
two years in Les Liasons Dangereuses as I was by
fifteen months in Me and My Girl. I like evenings
too much. i'm not sure all that repetition is good for you...
Ang's note to Alan: 'More subtle: do more.' Alan flummoxed
but only momentarily.
Rebecca
MI USA - 05/13/97 at 22:37:40
From the S&S diaries:
Wednesday 3 May:
Greg [Wise] on for his first day. It's like having a colt in the
make-up caravan. Alan Rickman splendid in uniform. He and
Kate look wonderful together.
Finished wedding. Happiness. Two cameras to cover the
procession of Marianne and Brandon out of the church, followed
by Mrs. Dashwood, Elinor and Edward (who are supposed to be already
married but I can't help feeling that it will look like a
double wedding. Depressing thought - too neat)...Mrs Jennings,
Sir John, and the Palmers, John and Fanny. its Alan's first day
and his last appearance in the movie. Rather confusing.
'You try it' he said darkly. 'I haven't played a scene yet and I'm
already married and being followed by you lot...'
He's suspicious about what everyone's getting up to behind his
back but I assure him we're all behaving very well and trying
not to go over the top.
Rebecca
MI USA - 05/13/97 at 22:29:24
One question: will it be just Jamie or is he bringing along his friends? I think lamb with Elliot's famous mint jelly as the entree. What an array of silverware we'd need, Nottingham just a knife, Raspitin just his hands, Brandon could manage the entire eight piece setting...What would be the beverage of choice? What fun!
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/13/97 at 21:31:47
Love the dinner party thread! Here is how I picture them. The sheriff would be seated at the head of the table, naturally he would insist on being given a place of honor, and it's esier to give him his own way. He would sit with one leg thrown over the arm rest of the chair and have a very bored expression on his face. Jamie would cook, something gourmet, perhaps Spanish. Sinclair would do most of the talking, since he's hard to shut up once he starts. Col. Brandon and Eamon DeValera should be seated as far apart from each other as possible, since one fought FOR the King and the other AGAINST him. Ed would be there with his sketch pad to record the event. I don't think he would say too much. And last, but far from least, Rasputin...he'd be under the table. In one hand a bottle of Mediera [sp?] and in the other...a gypsy whore!
Joan <jmvogelle@aol.comfoo>
NY USA - 05/13/97 at 20:45:25
Actually, Ed's using the dinner table again, paint's everywhere...so if you could (ooompff...) all pitch in and help move this stuff (red-faced from exertion) out of the way....
Renie <renie@hotmail.comfoo>
CA, USA - 05/13/97 at 18:46:14
And in Lisa's barbecue setting, the overworldly music will be provided by Franz Anton Mesmer on the glass harmonica and Jamie on his Very Good cello, performing Bach. Eamon de Valera will visibly disapprove of everyone, though he might warm to Ed (a mathematician and a computer expert could find common ground, amongst all these extroverts?). Could the owner of a certain Australian sheep station be the gracious (?) host of this event?
Melissa <masmith@law.harvard.edufoo>
Cambridge, MA USA - 05/13/97 at 18:35:30
Thank you, Renie, Dana, Mary Anne, Nicole and Ellen for responding to my concerns about Closet and Mesmer. I will of course trust your judgment and rush out and get them ASAP (Shades of Charlotte when Dr. Harris recommended the hasty removal of little Thomas!). Just wanted to add--my concern doesn't stem from being squeamish or self-protective. (I'm a 45-year-old, black American who was born and reared in Washington, DC. I'm 5'11", weigh 145 lbs and worked as a model for many years. (Believe me...there's lots about modeling that will knock the "squeam" out of the best of us!!) I just maintain that much of art still has to do with the way a thing is presented. (Is a steak dinner the same meal whether you serve it on china and crystal or a garbage can lid? And which would you prefer??) I'll tell you what I prefer...Our Boy as Rasputin! When you entertain the thought of Creations by Alan all at a dinner party, please don't leave out the Mad Monk ala Rickman. Sensuous, intelligent, warm, crude, seductive, mysterious....wonderful!! One thing I found interesting is the seduction scene is totally devoid of lust!! This man is on a mission. He sees it that way, and he makes the Countess see it that way also. (Not slimy like Elmer Gantry. But when he tells her, "You are so full of pride. Humble yourself, kiss me!" His freeing her! Deep. You all won't believe the hours of conversation that broke out while we watched this film. Then again, yes you would. Thank you Jean for the S&S Diary excerpt. Haven't been able to find a copy of it yet. Sounds like an absolute joy. Love the duel debate and the Brandon characterizations. They are on the money. It is a true testimony to AR's talent and intrigue that so much can be gleaned from his slightest gesture. He imbues his characters with such a realism. I know you all know that, but look at the way he kept Brandon from becoming a cut-out--twarted in love, down in the mouth, hang-dog cartoon. I've been trying to analyze his craft. (It ain't easy..he's so subtle and consummate.) But he does rely on contrasts and doing the unexpected. Even when it is inevitable what he must do, he adds an interesting twist that makes the character live. For example, when he bursts out of the door to go find Marianne, he is fervent and anxious in his actions but The Voice is low and calm and he simply says, "Marianne." It must be a chore (or an absolute delight) to direct him...his instincts are admirable! Is The Winter Guest out yet? I can't wait to see a film from his perspective...behind the camera. All my love.
Debbye - Washington, DC
USA - 05/13/97 at 17:06:32
Hi all!
I noticed some people talk of a cocktail party, others say dinner party. A dinner party would be more fun, but keep the interrogator away from the barbecue . Either way, don't let him serve the drinks.
I think Brandon and Sinclair would find they have a lot in common. Lukas could offer the mealtime prayer. Ed will bring dessert.
Keep Hans and the Sheriff apart. They look like they're up to something...
Lisa <pubdefrv.lwagner@co.riverside.ca.usfoo>
Riverside, CA USA - 05/13/97 at 17:03:22
Anne: Another moment in CL that relates to the one you
mentioned is when she asks him if he was always this way.
The film cuts to the Interrogator driving a car in the rain
and looking completely different. A very quiet moment and
revealing of the personality difference between one is has
been corrupted by power. Although I got the sense the
character was worn down more--had he undergone a similar
brainwashing experience as she? I've only seen the film
once. The mention of Sherlock Holmes brought to mind
another English sleuth: Sir Peter Wimsey. Juliet Stevenson
or Harriet Walker could play Harriet Vane! It would be a
great movie or Masterpiece Theatre serial. I got the Paton
biography the other day. I thought it gave a good overview
of his professional work. I wish he would authorize a bio.
of himself and his insight into works past and present but
he may prefer to do that later. I feel he has a long
career (THANK GOD!) ahead of him with some of his best work
yet to come. Cheers all! Noel
Noel
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/13/97 at 16:12:55
To Mary Ann, you caught the one moment in CL where the Interrogator lets you see HE is the brainwashed one. He has also gone through this and has been completely broken. When AB234 kicks him and he's clinging to the edge of the table, she repeats, almost like a mantra, 'there is NO justification for physical abuse' over and over. He's got a different mantra, 'we must break your body to win your mind', and he keeps repeating it over and over ,until he begins to add her words. And then realizes what he's said, and stands up and asks the scariest question in the whole movie. "Are you in good health?" This movie is one of the most difficult and disturbing I have ever watched, but, just as I was thinking, 'this movie is unbearable, I can't stand this any more', AR lets you look into the secret heart of this awful man and see the brainwashed victim the interrogator really is. It's an astonishing moment, in a frightening film. The movie was made to benefit Amnesty International. (If you sent in your rental receipt to the address on the screen, AI got part of the cost of the rental, as a donation. So, terrible as it is to watch, frightening as it is to think about, the film was made to support a great cause and shows the awful type of things Governments have, and still do perpetrate against their citizens. I say BRAVO to both actors, for lending their considerable talents to such a good cause. Anne
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alex., VA USA - 05/13/97 at 15:05:36
Renie--re: "being too crazy." You ought to take a stroll in
my brogans sometime. I get some odd looks because I'm very
sensitive to people's vocal qualities, unnaturally so;
I don't know if the hearing center in my brain is wired funny
or if music lessons at a very early age sensitized my hearing,
but a harsh voice or certain types of music come near to
causing me physical pain. A beautiful voice, on the other hand,
especially in the baritone range . . . well, let's just say
people look at me funny at AR's films. Or Mr. Patrick Stewart's.
Re: the tastefulness of AR's performances. Yes, a distinguishing
characteristic, and I think it indicates that he never takes
an easy approach to a character. Even Nottingham, in which he
was plainly having a romp, had some twists to make him more
than the conventional villain. I still chuckle over that line,
"It's amazing I'm sane . . ." Re: Nottingham and Brandon at the
cocktail party. I think Brandon would do his best to be civil
until it was no longer possible--and then my money would be
on the Colonel to mop the floor with the Sheriff, except for
one thing: Brandon would fight fair, and Nottingham would cheat!
And at this party, no one would dare speak to the Interrogator ;
at least I'd leave him severely alone. It's a tribute to AR's
good taste that this character is not totally unbearable to
watch--after all, Gruber and Nottingham had their lighter
moments, but the Interrogator is a genuine sociopath and no
humor need apply. To see him play serious villainy is a scary
experience ; I could only be "touched" by the humanity he still
managed to give the part, as in the scene where her strong
will and responses to him caused them to switch roles for a
few seconds and HE became the victim. It only lasts a few seconds--
blink and you'll miss it--but it's a spot of relief in what
is otherwise a painful, though brilliant, performance. It's also
a tribute to Madeleine Stowe that she held her own with him.
I find it strange and interesting that the critics are so fond
of talking about his penchant for villainy, playing "psychos,"
etc. when this is the only performance of his (at least, that
I've seen) that is intended to provoke genuine fear, and does.
There are some aspects of his interpretation of Col. Brandon
that provoke fear as well, but I'm not sure they were intended
to. That's more speculative, the "what if he lost his control?"
question we've been discussing. No need to speculate about
the Interrogator. Magnificent but highly disturbing work.
Mary Anne
USA - 05/13/97 at 14:39:07
Hi everyone. Just reading through the guestbook filled with such interesting tidbits. Thanks for
the ISBN of THE Return of the native...Had to comment on another Andrea's comment (Andrea in NY..I believe)
With the two women who sighed at the "Air is full of spices" line. When I saw it for the four time. I was
watching the audience in the first Willoughby scene (uh, ok, second scene, when he comes in with the flowers)
When he pulls his own pocket sonnets out, the entire female population of the audience sighed and all the
men got nervous. I nearly laughed wondering how many men were trying to decide if they should start
carrying pocket sonnets about with them...not a bad idea, thought I.
Interesting comment about Willoughby and Brandon when W only mocks him when he can't hear him and the nervousness around him.
I always wondered, does Willoughby KNOW that Brandon's ward is the lady whom he has been "the worst of libertines" with? even then
or does he only figure that out later when Brandon fights the duel with him (in the book) ummm. I'll have to research that
Comments???
Andrea
Andrea Chavez <achavez@moscow.comfoo>
moscow, iID USA - 05/13/97 at 12:47:12
Congrats on the paper Sarah! One comment about AR concern-
ing CL and Mary Anne and Renie's points. One thing I enjoy
about AR's performances are how tasteful they are even when
the subject matter would suggest otherwise. I dreaded see-
ing both films because of the subject matter and seeing AR
in a grim light. I was not to be disappointed however. In
fact CL was in a way quite moving...obviously the victim's
role would be but the interrogator's part was as well. CME
was only interesting when AR was on. The scenes between the
brother and sister were boring quite frankly. I think what
AR does is to capture our imaginations with his subtlety
(sp?) Even as the Sheriff, one wonders at other aspects of
the character! AR's integrity is always there in his
films. And when I hear items such as his refusing to throw
Bonnie Bedelia's character down in DH and refusing some
lurid actions in Mesmer, I have even more respect for him.
As for the dinner party idea...I will have to give it some
thought. It would be interesting to see how Col. Brandon
would deal with the Sheriff. Now that would be a sword-
fight to remember!
Noel
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/13/97 at 10:29:22
I went to the Bush Theatre (London) yesterday to see the play 'Love and Understanding' (brilliant by the way). In the pub attached to the theatre I saw a beautiful picture of Alan Rickman in 'Commitments', which he performed there in 1980. I'd never seen it before. When you're in London, check it out !
Lisbeth <michiee@westminster.ac.ukfoo>
London, UK - 05/13/97 at 05:09:12
Actually, why does anyone need "swear and screw" or "grope and grunt" when we can watch AR move his fingers on the back of a chair, or slide his hands along a wall. Or maybe I'm just too crazy.
Renie <renie@hotmail.comfoo>
CA, USA - 05/13/97 at 02:17:16
MA: A slightly late hip hooray for your comments on the general dreck to be found in so much of what is loosely called the entertainment industry. For instance, Sinclair was far more moving pushing a grocery cart and talking to himself than all the nude groping and grunting going on between this couple supposedly caught up in so much emotion. There's so much to be said for the anticipation, that incredible tension that AR can fill an entire theatre with by the angle of eyebrow and chin. We've lost sight of civility and with it who we are and how we ought to treat one another. Austen's characters often know it all too well, it is their restriction but also their freedom.. Hmmm...Holmes or Moriarty...part of me wants to be greedy and see more of him as Holmes but he could be deliciously dangerous...Have to work on the cocktail party scenario. Love the concept, a bit like Steve Allen's historical round tables on PBS some time back. ttfn
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/12/97 at 23:29:10
Sarah--congrats on finishing your paper! Maybe you'd consider
arranging with Karina to post a copy to this site ; I know I'd
love to read it, since CL shook me up so bad. Brave woman, to
sit through multiple viewings. In other news, I've seen something
fun on a Ralph Fiennes site--Claudia's, I think--and wanted
to road test it here. It was a hilarious bit of business about
what would happen if the characters Mr. Fiennes had played all
found themselves together in a cocktail party scenario. How would
they respond to each other, etc. Well . . . within seconds I
was speculating about AR's famous portrayals on stage and screen
and came to a few conclusions. For instance, Valmont, Nottingham,
and Hans Gruber would probably take to each other immediately.
That's just to get the ball rolling . . . any other speculations,
ladies and gentlemen? Have a good time!
Mary Anne
USA - 05/12/97 at 15:10:09
Gee, I wouldn't have thought that Tony Blair was prim. To learn more about the "circle of young, high-flying achievers who are ambitious to be heard,", take a look at the Independent on Sunday first cited here by Jean in Leeds. The article entitled "`Now it starts', and courtiers crowd into the New Camelot" ran on page 16 of the Sunday, 4 May, 1997 edition. A wonderful piece ran in the same paper's Sunday magazine section that would be of interest to anyone who feels at all attached to the Almeida Theatre. Actor Oliver Ford Davies kept a diary for the Independent of the Almeidans' trip to Moscow with their very successful production of Ivanov. Harriet Walter and Ralph Fiennes are pictured in Red Square, smiling from ear to ear. It starts on page 13 of the magazine, 4 May. I've TRIED to find the Independent online to cite here, but so far haven't been able to track them down.
Melissa <masmith@law.harvard.edufoo>
Cambridge, MA USA - 05/12/97 at 14:54:15
Liz Anne in St. Albans: Do you have an e-mail address? (Sorry to braodcast to all earthlings this way).
Melissa <masmith@law.harvard.edufoo>
Cambridge, USA - 05/12/97 at 14:33:58
Thanks to everyone who commented on "Closet Land" a while back.
I enjoyed reading the comments and interpretations. Finished
my paper over the weekend. Added lots of delicious quotes
from the movie. Pretty awful movie but after many viewings,
it grew on me and I found new understanding at the ending.
Again, thanks to everyone. Sarah.
Sarah Ewald <ssr166@clc.cc.il.usfoo>
Spring Grove, IL USA - 05/12/97 at 14:09:26
FYI: The Unoffical Alan Rickman Page is now linked to my website. Nothing fancy
but seemed appropriate to make the connection as I'm quite fond of Mr.
Rickman's tremendous talent and compelling appearence.
Nancy Yanchus <nyanchus@wwnorton.comfoo>
New York, NY USA - 05/12/97 at 12:50:31
My, my, that duel thread seems to be taking its toll!
I'll eagerly look forward to *Onegin*, though the Internet
Movie Database lists it as a 1996 film. I've also looked
under Martha Fiennes and found very little. All in good time
I suppose. Eva, the more I hear of your Streunsee idea, the
better I like it, especially since AR is one of the few actors
I know who can carry off heavy period costumes as if he'd
been wearing them his whole life. While we're back to the discussion
of dream roles for AR again, a couple of suggestions. So many
critics delight in calling his evil characters "Machiavellian"--
why not Machiavelli? Then they'd have to find another term! I suppose
they could always fall back on "reptilian." And another idea:
but first, I must warn all readers who are prone to fainting spells
or heart problems to stop reading NOW, for your life's sake.
Okay? All you strong, healthy specimens still with me? Here goes.
I note on the resume that AR has already played Sherlock Holmes.
So how about . . . Professor Moriarty?! Any of you who are dedicated
Sherlockians, as I am, will instantly recall the confrontation
at 221B in "The Final Problem" and the Professor's soft-spoken,
ever-so-genteel threats. "You must drop it, Mr. Holmes . . .
you really must, you know." Excuse me while I go dial 911 and
summon the paramedics . . . !
Mary Anne
USA - 05/12/97 at 12:34:42
And Alexander Sergheievich Pushkin, Eugene Onegin's author, died at age 38 - two days after being wounded in a duel - I kid you not.But Eva, you probably knew that already. :-)
Renie <renieptfoo>
CA, USA - 05/12/97 at 12:18:39
To Mary Anne- - - Rah!
debbie
Lakeland, TN USA - 05/12/97 at 09:37:44
Accorting to Reuter, one of the films in production or pre-production is The moon in Sixpense starring Irene Jacob, Alan Rickman and Jeremy Northam. Also according to Reuter production of the Fiennes/Fiennes Onegin film will start in February in Sct. Peterbourg co.starring Liv Tyler (not my choice for the part)
Eva
Copenhagen, Denmark - 05/12/97 at 09:24:31
Thank you Linda for the tip! For Caroline mathilde we would need someone who is young, fair, slightly plump, courageous and a box office draw. Do I hear Kate Winslet name mentionned+ The king could be James Frain or the ever appearing Evan McGregor. For those of you who like duels and romantic stories check out Puskjins Onegin, which is available as a verse novel, an opera and a ballet. I have read that Martha Fiennes Sister of ... is planning a movie based on the novel, starring her brother. You may not beleive this but there is a person very similar to Col Brandon in the story, who ends up married to the wildly romantic young heroine. In the opera he has the best aria.
Eva
Copenhagen, Denmark - 05/12/97 at 07:25:49
Hello...I just wanted to say this is a great site for Rickman info!!! :) I was wondering...does anyone know of the movie "Bob Roberts" made in 1992 with Tim Robbins? AR was supposed to have been in it and I can't find any info on it....can someone please help?!?! :) Thanks!!
Jennifer <starbuck4@hotmail.comfoo>
Villa Park, IL USA - 05/11/97 at 19:42:11
Couple of threads to follow up here. First, about the duel--
it remains my conviction that Brandon did not miss deliberately.
I have discussed this with a friend who is a historian and is
interested in various types of weaponry, and he assures me that
firearms then were not to be depended on. In certain circumstances
it would be very much like Brandon to spare an enemy ; he is
a generous, noble man--but no angel. And these events in particular
would have sent him--to use some current slang that will sound
rather odd in this discussion--"intercontinental ballistic!"
I could only imagine him firing into the air as a gesture of
contempt.
Re: "Give me an occupation . . . etc." That drew a gasp from me
on first viewing--that dangerously understated anguish--but
let me say that the last time I heard a tone of voice like that
in real life . . . well, it doesn't do to repeat. As I've said
before, people like that are much too adept in "holding it in."
When that control snaps, it's a dreadful thing, which is why
I find it only too plausible that Brandon might make his best
effort to kill Willoughby in the duel. Notice W's body language
around Brandon (nice bits of acting from Greg Wise, here): the
nervousness is evident, and he only mocks the Colonel from a safe
distance . . . and behind his back.
Why Jane Austen's work is so popular right now: a tribute to
William of Occam here, that the simplest theory to fit all the
facts is probably correct. I think one explanation is the good
manners. So much of Western society right now seems to follow
the let-it-all-hang-out school of behavior, as evidenced by
the codswallop on talk shows, the scandals, etc. "Today on
(fill in show of your choice)--cross-dressing ex-Mafia dons
who have been abducted by aliens and slept with their pet
Rottweilers!" Arrrgghhhhhh. After being bombarded with that
kind of trash, I find a bit of Austen is like a cool drink
in a desert wasteland. I'm wholeheartedly with the person who
wrote in to say she was tired of the "F" word, etc. SO AM I!
(Forgive me for shouting.) And I'm fed up to my nosebone--when
you're tall as I am, that's pretty high--with films in which
people play musical beds and don't even know their partners'
names. Jane Austen, you go girl! And from the tone of some of
the entries here, there's no doubt that good actors don't need
that sort of thing. We're all fans of a particular gentleman
who can practically induce cardiac arrest by raising an eyebrow.
(Grin) Much more interesting than the "swear and screw" school,
don't you think?
Mary Anne
USA - 05/11/97 at 16:11:19
According to the INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY, Alan has remained within the Labour party and is considered a supporter of the new Prim Minister, Tony Blair. There was some doubt about his allegiance because Juliet Stevenson quit the party (when Blair took control) and he himself later stated that things were "not clear."
"Prime Minister Blair's ... court musters the actors Brian Cox, Sinead Cusack, Alan Rickman, David Swift, Neil Pearson and Harry Enfield - most of them long-standing Labour campaigners - and at least four internationally known directors: Mike Leigh, Anthony Minghella, Stephen Frears and Trevor Nunn."
Robyn <Robynr@2@aol.comfoo>
Miami, FL USA - 05/11/97 at 11:32:00
Eva: quite some time ago you commented about AR playing Struensee, physician-lover to Queen Caroline Mathilde, consort of the mentally ill King Christian of Denmark. Have you ever read the book, "The Lost Queen, " by Norah Lofts? It is a fictionalized account of just that relationship between Struensee and the Queen of Denmark--and a very good book it is, too. I believe Ms. Lofts is deceased (she is British and wrote a number of very good historical novels--at least in my opinon they are good). . But no one has ever made a movie about this most interesting of royal scandals---and I wholeheartedly agree with you about AR playing Struensee--the very thought took my breath away, actually! Who could play Queen Caroline? I meant to comment about it much earlier--but have gotten involved with S&S discussions, plus had trouble finding your original statement in the archives--due to my own ineptitude at accessing information. But I do agree with your assessment that Struensee would be a great role for AR. If AR did all the roles we dreamed of for him--he would never be lacking for work! And we--never lacking for happiness!
Linda
St. Louis, MO USA - 05/11/97 at 00:03:39
That's *subText*. Why can't I type at the speed of my brain? Don't answer that.
Renie <renie@hotmail.comfoo>
CA, USA - 05/10/97 at 21:28:20
Jean, thank-you for those bits. Subext is why you make a movie. Yeah, you gotta love that.
Renie <renie@hotmail.comfoo>
CA, USA - 05/10/97 at 21:25:10
From the S&S Diaries:-
"Ang very keen on the yin and yang of S&S. His sensibility very unsentimental, like Austen's.
They're remarkably connected. She'd be astonished."
"Lindsay wants more emotion, Ang wants less."
Monday 1 May: "... Kissing Hugh was very lovely. Glad I invented it. Can't rely on Austen
for a snog, that's for sure. We shoot the scene on a hump-backed bridge. Two swans float
into shot as if on cue. Everyone coos. 'Get rid of them,' says Ang. 'Too romantic.' "
"Alan was very moving. He's played Machiavellian types so effectively that it's a thrill to see
him expose the extraordinary sweetness in his nature. Sad, vulnerable but weighty
presence. Brandon is, I suppose, the real hero of this piece but he has to grow on the
audience as he grows on Marianne."
"Wonderful to have Alan, in whom one can so trust. We tried to create a space in which he
can move at will, so this scene has its own life and we don't interfere too much.
The story of Brandon, Eliza and Beth is really like a penny dreadful but Alan manages to
bring such a depth of pain to it - and it's shocking within this world suddenly to hear of
pregnancy and early death and betrayal. Lindsay ... spoke of her worries concerning the love
stories - so little time to set them up. Really the sisters' lovers spend so much time off
screen - and neither is ever seen acting like a lover. Prevented by circumstances - so
it's all implication. Very difficult balance to strike..."
(From transcript of radio interview)
Sheridan Morley) But why is it that now we seem to have come back to Jane Austen ... the
whole feeeling that suddenly she has something to say to people in 1996 ... Why is she kind
of topical now to us?
Ang Lee) ...I could feel that she is a voice speaking of woman - women, about relationship,
about family, a kind of warmth, and satiric, very caring, feeling that while we're advancing
forward we've sort of left behind something that we're still missing. I do sense that about the
audience reactions.
Sheridan) It's curious that we think of Jane Austen as a rather unfeminist writer and yet
when you look at her stories carefully, the women who apparently are dominated by men and
ordered around by them, actually acquire a kind of inner strength which, in the end of the
story, makes them take control.
Ang) Yes, very much so, couldn't agree with you more, and that's also how I feel women in
general, at least women in my life, surround me, my wife, (laughs) my mother, a lot of good
friends, they are like that, they're like water, the softest but the most powerful thing. (laughs)
Finally you just gi... have to give in to them! (laughs).
Sheridan) One of the remarkable things about your film is the way in which a lot of what
happens, happens between the lines. The dialogue is - is there, and it's obviously crucial,
but an awful lot of people's motives and their behaviour is really conveyed to the audience
not by dialogue at all but by a raised eyebrow, a turn of the head even. That must have been
particularly difficult to capture, the fact that so much of it is subtext.
Ang) I think subtext is why you make movies, it's not because of text. I think the text is a tool
to externalise what the subtexts are. I think subtext is why you watch the movie, why a film-
maker is interested in making them in the first place. Yes, they're thoroughly important. But
in this case text is rather important English literature - you just can't ignore that...
Jean <geof.cram@virgin.netfoo>
Leeds, UK - 05/10/97 at 21:02:19
Has anyone heard of a film in production with AR, Helen Mirren, Michael Gambon and Anna Galiena called "Blue Room"? I came across this info in a filmlexicon updated feb.97, but I can't recall having seen any mention here. Does anyone have any additional info.?
Siam
Oslo, Norway - 05/10/97 at 20:11:12
Ellen, There are 12 (wonderful) tapes in the RTN with AR.
The ISBN is 1-85549-407-8.
Chris <ckwible@ptd.netfoo>
NJ USA - 05/10/97 at 12:27:12
Who is the central character in S&S?
Is it Willoughby, who, in full Romantic sensibility shows up
riding a horse, up on a hill where Mariannne first sees him,
and then his bad deeds show him for what he really is?
Or is it Col. Brandon, on whom the action hinges? In the book,
Eliza, who was rich, is made to marry Brandon's older brother,
is spite of her love for the young not-yet-Colonel. Instantly,
her fortune goes to the Brandons. She does not love her husband,
the Col. is in the East Indies, she's unfaithful and gets pregnant.
Her husband throws her out of the house..."only to sink deeper
into a life of sin". When Col Brandon finds her, four years after
the marriage, she's dying of TB, and tells him she has a 3-yr old
daughter, Eliza. After Eliza Sr. dies, Eliza Jr. becomes the Col.'s
ward. Brandon's older brother dies and now he's the heir. Noe
the 17-yr. old Eliza Jr is seduced, pregnant and abandoned by
Willoghby. Even by 18th century mores (Tom Jones, Hellfire Club and all that),
that's the worst thing that could happen to her.
Col. Brandon's grieving for the death of the woman he loved, to
which he owes his fortune and yet he could not protect, and over
his failure to protect her daughter. And here's Willoughby,
Eliza Jr's seducer, trying the same with Marianne, who reminds
B so much of Eliza Sr.
So, at the duel, W to defend, B to pushish W's conduct, what does
it mean that Brandon missed? Is it B's way of telling W that
W is not worth killing? An honorable death is a term used in those
times, and, since W is not honorable, why should B grant him the
privilege of dying in the field of honor?
Emma
Princeton, NJ USA - 05/10/97 at 10:46:27
I am now reading the book by Maureen Paton "Alan Rickman The Unauthorised Biography." Barnes and Noble was able to special order it for me. (ISBN 1-85227-630-4 $24.95) The cover has a great picture of AR gazing directly at you through those hypnotic eyes! Ms. Paton had asked AR if he would be willing to contribute to a book about him in honor of his 50th birthday, but he graciously declined. However, the book provides a good detailed account of his career based on interviews with AR's many friends. A great treat for those of us who admire AR!
Barb <BarrMorr@aol.comfoo>
FL USA - 05/10/97 at 10:38:25
The Brandon/sensibility idea really works for me. Having been through such an emotional experience with Eliza, he can understand Marianne's experience so well. Throughout her time with Willoghby he shows such patience and understanding, being there to pick her up after the fall. Not only was the young woman he told Elinor about saddened by becoming more aquainted with the ways of the world, he was also. No wonder he told her not to desire that for her sister. How wonderful to end with the two sadder-yet -wiser sensibility types together, able to understand one another and very likely let those sensibilities bloom in a healthy place together. His emotion is allowed to show in his reading to her, which she seems to enjoy very much (who wouldn't?). I get warm fuzzies just thinking about the look of youthful joy on his face as he walks with his bride from the church! Dealing with the duel would have been a real challenge for Emma Thompson since it is only alluded to in the book. She would have had to make those difficult calls we are discussing here, wonder which way she would have gone...
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/10/97 at 00:09:23
none none none none none none
JimBob <big@happyland.comfoo>
Oahu, Hawii USA - 05/09/97 at 22:47:45
I think Nancy's onto something there. That was an interesting earlier point about Brandon being a sensibility type when younger, then experience wisened him up. I think he also saw this happening to Marianne through her time with Willoughby. Don't even start me on "the air is full of spices" (falling off chair sighing about now). Back again. I think our man would have done the honourable thing and fired into the air after the 'blaggard' blackguard missed. I wish they'd shown it, but again, maybe it's just as good in the imagining.
Anne
Sydney , NSW Australia - 05/09/97 at 22:20:25
Does anyone know how many tapes are in the (oops the name of the book..no, here it is) Return of The Native set has? Because there are more than one listed in my book store computer and neither state the narator's name, but both sets say how many tapes. One is 10 and the other another number. I don't want to order the wrong one! Thanks y'all
Ellen Sherman
USA - 05/09/97 at 20:38:01
I believe it was not uncommon for gentlemen to "delope" (fire their pistol in the air) in a duel when they did not intend to kill their opponent, but only meant to satisfy the point of honor in question. I can picture Willoughby firing at Brandon, missing and then Brandon firing in the air. Could it have been that way?
Nancy C. <currienc@argold.comfoo>
Atlanta, GA USA - 05/09/97 at 17:08:20
It is great to hear everyyone's opinions/interpretations/anecdotes about S&S--my favorite AR movie. I am currently reading a book of critiques of Jane Austen's novels---in S&S, the author suggests that Brandon was something of a "sensibility" character himself.. She based this on the fact of his liason with Eliza (though it didn't mention this in the movie, in the book the young Brandon and Eliza planned to elope to Scotland, but this plan was discovered and stopped by his father.) In his narrative to Elinor (in the book) he states that Eliza was as passionately in love with him as Marianne with Willoughby--but it was arranged that Eliza was to marry Brandon's older brother because she had a large fortune and the Brandon estate was much encumbered (the movie incorrectly states she was poor, I guess because it was easier that way). So they tried to elope--then she married his brother, a miserable marrage which ended in divorce (can you imagine the difficulties of a divorce during that time?)--and Eliza then began her stint with various lovers. Probably, Brandon's sensibility became more subdued with this painful experience and the passing of years--yet, he was very much affected by it--and if this critic is correct in her intepretation--Brandon may well have been capable of killing a man. Also--and this is my own idea--Brandon may have suspected that Willoughbty seduced Marianne as well. In the book, in fact, he expresses this fear by saying, "Who can tell what were his (Willoughby's) designs on her?" (Marianne). No wonder Brandon looks so sad in the movie!
Linda
St. Louis, MO USA - 05/09/97 at 16:20:41
While reading some of the older guestbook entries,
I found that Stephanie's favorite AR line from S&S was
"Give me an occupation Miss Dashwood, or I shall run mad."
The second time I saw this film, a woman seated two
rows ahead of me moaned after AR delivered this line.
She then turned around to see if anyone heard her.
I just smiled knowingly.
Thank you, Karina, for all your work on this lovely site.
Andrea
LI, NY USA - 05/09/97 at 14:01:18
Eva and Dana -- I have to disagree about the duel. Although I find it hard to imagine Brandon would have missed, given his military and hunting experience, the duel was in fact an obligation of honor. As a gentleman, Brandon would not have made a sham of his duty to Beth (and to Eliza). I agree with Linda's earlier comments about sexual activities being a serious matter. He had already seen what unscrupulous men had done to Eliza. Finding Beth (by whom he tried to pay his debt to Eliza) in the same position must have infuriated him. I believe he would have killed Willoughby in a minute, on principle, even if it meant losing Marianne forever. He didn't believe he would ever win her, anyway, and he knew Willoughby was a "blackguard". (There is terrible emotion in his voice when he says "the blackguard who left her . . .). But that doesn't explain why he missed his target. Perhaps firearms weren't terribly accurate in that period. I seem to remember hearing something about that. Any other ideas?
BC
Washington, DC USA - 05/09/97 at 13:32:20
American actresses with AR: yes, Jodie Foster, absolutely.
She has talent, brains, class, and beauty, so she wouldn't have
to fear being overwhelmed by his screen presence--especially
since she has co-starred with Sir Anthony Hopkins and Liam
Neeson and held her own just fine, thank you. I don't know
what kind of project it would take to get them together, but
whatever it was--from screwball comedy to romance to suspense
thriller--it would definitely be worth seeing.
Debbye(sp?)--thanks for pointing out the "playful" element
in Col. Brandon, something too often overlooked. Yes, this
man is brooding, melancholy, etc. (with good reason) but there
is a whimsical side to him ; he's not above a little teasing,
be it ever so gentle. Remember his first scene and Margaret's
eager inquiry about the West Indies? He knows just what she'd
like to hear. Every time I watch S&S, his treatment of that
piece of business makes me chuckle. Mysterious, mock-seductive
purr: "The air . . . is full of spices!" And the scene you
mentioned with Marianne: "That is a secret." Bits like this
are tactful, subtle, and wonderfully entertaining. As to the
much-discussed lack of kissing: something I didn't even notice
on first viewing. In fact, I rather like the absence of it ;
the tension in some scenes is so much higher that way. These
days, it's a real challenge to convey romantic attraction during
scenes in which the actors scarcely touch each other. Then, of
course, when they finally do . . .
Mary Anne
USA - 05/09/97 at 10:33:37
Yes, Eva: Although I resonate very strongly with the potential danger of Brandon's anger, generally very carefully controlled, the duel was an obligation of honor. In the book he says something to the effect "it was what had to be done". Considering his military history, ease with firearms, love of hunting, etc. he wouldn't have missed. Willoghby was a pup to be kicked in the behind and definitely not worthy of Marianne, but Brandon, even in anger, wouldn't shoot him. Given AR's habit of stretching and finding new projects, I can't see him agreeing to any kind of sequel, especially one of inferior quality.
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/09/97 at 10:28:09
Regarding Austen sequual. The only one I fell has true understandment of her style, humour and humanity is Emma Thompson. The many who had tred end up more like Barbara Cartlands than Jane Austen. Universal have brought the movie right to S&S sequal The third sister, but I am doubtful that it can be any near the perfection of the S&S movie. I read thad S&S grossed 130 mill$ internationally which make it the third most successfull international movie in 1995/96. instead of a sequal I would like to see the cast resembled for another movie (A Wanda solution) Any ideas? Regarding the duel, I have allways that Brandon misses on purpose. Have he killed Willoughby he would also have killed any hopes of ewver winning Marianne.
Eva
Copenhagen, Denmark - 05/09/97 at 05:24:39
Sorry, forget to state which Brandenberg (or is it spelt Brandonberg!) Concerto featured in TMD - No. 3.
Liz Anne
St Albans, England - 05/09/97 at 05:02:03
Responding to Melissa's question as to who was the voice over for Babe. It was the actress Miriam Margolis who I think is English, she has certainly worked extensively in this country but I seem to recall hearing she was working in the US. She's a great character actress. Interesting posting regarding the sex before marriage in 1811 re Eliza and Beth in S&S though not quite that cut and dried. As a family historian I've spent many hours reading through parish records of this period and it was very common for the first child to be on the way before the marriage. However, I think this was mainly restricted to the "lower orders" (rigid class system in those days) and probably was not so common at the Brandon/Dashwood level. One of the classical pieces from TMD was a movement (I think the 2nd) from Bach's Brandenberg Concerto. Finally has anyone read the Pride & Prejudice chapter sequels which are on the net. They are quite short pieces by several authors and good fun. I think I found the page through links with the Firthland page. Enough for now, best wishes to you all.
Liz Anne
St Albans, England - 05/09/97 at 04:55:20
If AR does ever appear in a Star Trek movie, I suspect we won't have to worry that he'll be in "alien drag." I've read that he doesn't even like to wear a WIG while performing. I suspect that a slab of latex on the head would be even less appealing to him!
Kathy McK <KMcKin@aol.comfoo>
El Cerrito, CA USA - 05/09/97 at 03:21:14
The Drooling Pond has been closed down--indefinitely from the looks of things. Apparently someone got cute on the Colin Firth section and posted inappropriate photos of him. The other sections of the Republic of Pemberley appear to be open---so one can discuss the Austen books, etc., but sections devoted to the individual actors in Austen films--that has been removed. As to the "dangerous" side of Brandon---I think one also gets that impression in the gun cleaning scene. He is obviously comfortable with firearms and is capable of using them---perhaps they put in this scene to foreshadow the possiblity of Brandon having to use such means to avenge Beth's seduction. It seems very quaint, the story of illegitimacy and illicit sex--as if things haven't changed so much in nearly 2 hundred years--but they have changed. Decent medical care, for one, enables women to survive childbirth and for children to survive childhood to a much greater extent. Before the developement of antibiotics and antiseptic practices, sexual pleasure could lead to one's death--and, therefore, I don't believe sexual escapades were taken lightly. Even if a pregnancy did not occur--what about infection? Syphillis and gonorrhea were bad enough---but what of such benign problems as cystitis or yeast infections--curable today, but in 1811 not so---and leading to unfortunate (even deadly) complications. I am sure sex was enjoyed--but was placed within the context of marriage due to its element of destruction. If the wife died bearing a child, at least that child had a legal and secure home. If the child died, the two people had each other. If illness came from any source, people at least didn't have to bear it alone.
But those who chose to have sex outside of marriage---gave up some of these comforts. Brandon knew Willoughy had placed Beth in a position in which she would have faced these consequences alone---and it is no wonder he attempted to kill him. Any decent man of his era and his class would probably have done the same.
Linda
St. Louis, MO USA - 05/08/97 at 23:21:30
Annette: many thanks for all the quoting from the ABA book. It really informs my watching of the film. Thanks again.
Nicole <NBacotG@aol.comfoo>
CA USA - 05/08/97 at 22:18:07
Debbye: I'm with Ellen on recommending you see Closet Land and Mesmer. I'm over 45 and like you would rather see/hear good acting/writing than sensationalism or voyeurism. But neither appear in either film. Closet Land is a disturbing film, but because of the subject matter. It is a superb film. The acting is top notch, the writing, stagine, lighting, editing, direction, pacing, everything about that film is an A+. Mesmer, on the other hand is worth watching because of AR. It's not his best performance, the story is a bit choppy, and the film as a whole for me was unsatisfying, but definately worth watching. There is no sex or nudity, just almost sex and almost nudity.
Nicole <NBacotG@aol.comfoo>
CA USA - 05/08/97 at 22:16:03
Oops! My feeble attempt at HTML failed. Please ignore the p's.
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/08/97 at 22:05:06
OK, several items here...(p)
Annette: thanks for the ABA book excerpts, as I read them I thought "of course, that's what he was thinking" those eyes of his, that face and body language, speak volumes without a single word...(p)
Katrina: I'd love to have a list of the classical titles you found for TMD, that music is so haunting (no pun intended). Email me unless you think others might be interested also.(p)
I'm having some trouble with the Drool Pond. Once I'm there and click on a comment to read it my program closes due to an "unexpected error" I'm still on line but have to open Internet Explorer again. I can follow other links on that page but haven't been able to read the comments and the titles are intriguing. Anyone have any idea what I might do differently?(p)
OK I can't resist this one...we're in a time warp...Bette Davis!
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/08/97 at 22:02:59
I'm going to be 43 next month, will that do? By all means see all the films. Don't let a natural adversion to Willis keep you from seeing DH. I did that and as a result never noticed AR till RHPOT. I missed the chance of seeing him in NYC filming January Man because of that. I was there, it would have been easy! besides, just think of Willis as a non-animated Yogi the bear without Boo-Boo. As to Mesmer, I can't comment, I'm broke and in the US.. so I havn't seen it. But CL is great. Squeemishness is not the measure of a sensitive soul, mearly a self protective one. CL is far less disturbing than The Dollmaker or Sophie's Choice.
E
Ellen Sherman <writersherman@mindspring.comfoo>
Peachtree City, GA USA - 05/08/97 at 19:52:10
I'd like to see AR do a film opposite Meg Ryan. I think she has that marvelous little girl lost thing and maybe alan could find her.
Ellen Sherman <writersherman@mindspring.comfoo>
Peachtree City, GA USA - 05/08/97 at 19:46:17
Great chat this week, Amigos! And Thank You Jennifer--We have another vote for *dashing*. Hey, it took me a while, but I finally replaced those irritating, canned alert sounds on my Apple with Jamie saying, "I don't think so." Now my mistakes are much more entertaining! Thanks also to Karina for your updates and added links! TMD---D
Debbie
Lakeland, TN USA - 05/08/97 at 17:06:04
I'd really like to add one or two comments to the ABA debate, since it's one of my favourite Rickman movies. Hope this won't prove too lengthy. First, regarding O'Hara's attraction to young Stella, Linda is right in pointing to his intuitive feeling that she 'belongs to him somehow, some way.' To quote just one of many such intimations in the novel, 'she reminded him of someone, or rather he felt he had met her before.' Indeed the same phrase is used of Stella, who on seeing a photo of O'Hara before even meeting him, felt 'reminded of someone': 'she had the feeling that if she could only get him to turn and look at her she's recognize him.' Admittedly the Charles Wood screenplay strays somewhat from the book (e.g. in omitting O'Hara's marriage),but essentially the truth of the O'Hara/Stella relationship is all there. Actually I feel the O'Hara character is less reprehensible than judged by some, since there is an important vein of softness and genuine concern in his feelings for her. Here's another extract from the book: 'O'Hara, watching Stella, was disconcerted by the wave of tenderness evoked by the sight of her bright hair . . .' 'He couldn't make her out, or himself for that matter . . . He had lost his heart and was in danger of losing his head.' And after their first night together, 'He was fairly certain she had no idea of how gentle he had been, how thoughtful. One way and another he felt let down.'To move on to the reason for his break-up with the first Stella, the book is very helpful here: 'He'd had a serious liaison before the war with a young girl whom he'd got pregnant. He was only a boy, hardly out of drama school and scared stiff and, by the time he'd pulled himself together and gone back to do the right thing by her, the girl had disappeared.' One or two brief relationships afterwards are mentioned, and there are a couple of references to his marriage, but Bainbridge's descriptions of his feelings for young Stella are in a different class altogether.
Finally, although an earlier posting seemed to doubt that he realized (in the book) who young Stella was, let me confirm that he really did see the light at the end. After going to the pier, having seen the photos that Lily turned around on the mantelpiece, 'he wanted to howl like a dog and hear the echoes all around him.' And then, having slipped and fallen, 'he swung his head from side to side, trying to get rid of that image of the girl he had known as Stella Maris holding a baby in her arms.' Bainbridge's writing is altogether very fine, understated and economical - and extremely evocative - and I thought y'all might enjoy these few extracts. I think O'Hara translates wonderfully to the screen in AR's hands.
Annette Carson <carson@global.co.zafoo>
Johannesburg, South Africa - 05/08/97 at 16:54:38
Never done anything like this before....but just wanted to say: 1)Great page! Thank you, Karina. 2) You all seem to be exactly what AR fans should be...intelligent, insightful and mature! 3) Didn't meet AR in DH or RHPoT. I couldn't imagine Cosner as Robin Hood and Willis' use of m..... f...... every other word is too much for my sensibilities. (My dear brother made me a tape with only AR's scenes so I wouldn't miss his performance...not to mention "Our Boy" in that trenchcoat. Folks, he was "in" that coat!!! There was always something very fascinating to me about his looks...but I'm a bit of an intellectual snob and Die Hard/Terminator stuff is too brain-dead for my taste.) I first saw him in S&S. I have since re-acquired RHPoT. (Gave my first copy away because I couldn't stay awake long enough for AR's entrance!!!) Actually, it's not bad at all. Production is very good. Morgan is wonderful and AR is positively gleefully consummate. ("Kee-lose the gay-ate" is my favorite line!") I have TMD and Rasputin. (I never liked "Ghost" - juvenile and silly). TMD is just my speed -- relationship based on love, not sex and stunning performances. Heavy, too. Jamie's coming back and irritating Nina to the point that she really is ready to let him go and get on with her life is deep. Real love, you know--not about possession, but what's best for the "loved one." I could gush for days about the intensity of AR as Ras-poo-tin. He is too good! I'm frightened of Closet and Mesmer. The subject matter is disturbing and I can't tolerate all this adolescent pre-occupation with sex/nudity and that whole scene that is so prevalent in films nowadays. I absolutely love cinema but as art not documentary--and I'm not into porn. Someone, who is over 45 and loves old films, let me know if I should risk viewing these films in order to enjoy AR's already-mesmerizing performances. (Also, have "Quiggly" and Return of the Native). Hope this is not too long. You all understand how it flows. Note on Austen: It is a serious flaw to show a private conversation between two men. (Like the opening scene between Bingley/Darcy in P&P2). As any Eng Lit 101 professor will tell you, Jane Austen never relates such conversations in her novels because she had no idea what two men said to each other when they were alone. Kissing in S&S: no need for it. In a film depicting such a mannerly society I just don't think the scene would feel right. Besides, the romantic "fun" in the reading scene between Marianne and Brandon is just as stimulating. Her possessive and resentful "Where?" and his playful yet pleased "It is a secret" speaks volumes against the backdrop of the obstacles they had overcome in their quest to find a love that would satisfy their individual love needs/fantasies/ideals and gives a hint at what their future life together would be like. One more thought, as to Cosner...that'll learn him!! He never had a chance. AR has presence (Lotsa people do--even if they are not actors.) Then he's so talented--right down to his digits! (Ever notice the way he moves his "pinky" finger in some scenes? For example, telling Elinor about Beth/Willoughby). He's beyond handsome. After all, Wise and Grant -- even Cosner, to some are handsome. His looks are intriguing. And then there's That Voice--which sounds like something you'd have for dessert). Let that be a lesson to him and any others. This man is a serious force to be reckoned with--don't get on a stage or in a film with him if you: 1) graduated summa cum laude from the Charlton Heston School of Wooden Acting or/and 2) are insecure. Love to you all.
Debbye-Washinton, DC
USA - 05/08/97 at 16:06:45
American co-stars? Well, Meryl Streep. And Diane Keaton, Stockard Channing, Jodie Foster, Janeane Garafalo, Susan Sarandon, Ashley Judd, Lili Taylor. Mercedes Ruehl - Yes!
Also, - don't throw things, OK? - I'd like to see him play Gay - not so much Cage aux Folles gay, but maybe more Kiss of the Spider Woman gay. I mean, I find him as delectable as other [mostly] women here, but the guy can flat do anything. I don't think we've seen him even approach the limits of his talent & I'd like to see him get to push the envelope. What say y'all?
Laura Sparer <lsparer@ucit.comfoo>
Nashville, TN USA - 05/08/97 at 16:03:09
Regarding the music: "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine" is a song by the Walker Bros. (Neither Walker nor Brothers.) The song can be found on a CD called "Anthology" by the Walkers. I ordered it for about $8.00. I always liked the Walker Bros., so there
were other songs on it I wanted. The Joni Mitchell song is "A Case of You" from "Blue". I think the "OOh darling" part came from the last part of Mitchell's recording. On another tentacle: Has anyone seen any other of Ang Lee's work? I think a viewing of "Wedding Banquet", "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman", and "Push Hands" would give a good view of Lee's approach to directing and acting. His characters all have a strong sense of family, obligation, and tradition, and handle crises in a quiet, directed way.
It's almost jarring to see "Americans" in his films-- we seem too loud and big and out of place. (Look at the boyfriend in Wedding Banquet or the wife in Push Hands). Just thought I'd get another discussion going!
Sandra <SYJackson@aol.comfoofoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/08/97 at 15:01:48
Nancy R.: "Posession" would be a wonderful project for AR
to be in. I have been listening to Daphne Du Maurier's
"My Cousin Rachel" on books-on-tape. AR would be great in
the role of Ambrose the uncle who marries the mysterious
Rachel. It would be great as a Masterpiece Theatre or some-
thing on A&E. Perhaps young Mr. Frains could be his
nephew Philip?
Noel
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/08/97 at 14:41:41
Katrina B, I haven't watched TMD in quite awhile but I think the song you asked about is Bob Dylan's "Tangled Up in Blue" from his "Blood on the Tracks" album. The first line is: "Early one morning the sun was shining/I was laying in bed/wondering if s
he'd changed at all/if her hair was still red …"
The didactic English-freak in me can't help noting that "laying" should be "lying." In fact it may have been Dylan's earlier song, "Lay lady lay, lay across my big brass bed" (which should also have been "lie") that got people terminally confused about th
e difference between the two verbs. That aside, it's a brilliant song from a brilliant album in a brilliant movie.
Have been enjoying everyone's comments. The thread about Emma Tennant's novels caused me to read a book I'd bought ages ago, "Presumption," by Julia Barrett. It's a sequel to "Pride & Prejudice," mostly concerned with Georgiana Darcy. It got good reviews,
judging from the back cover, but I didn't think much of it. For one thing (and it's a small point), the spelling is American – "neighborhood" instead of "neighbourhood." Could anyone today write in Jane Austen's voice? Perhaps A.S. Byatt, who wrote the w
onderful "Possession." If a film were ever made of that book (which would be tricky), AR would be fantastic as the Browning-like Victorian poet.
Cheers, everybody!
Nancy R. <nroberts@pop.sonic.netfoo>
CA USA - 05/08/97 at 13:22:45
One final (?) comment on James Frain: he was also extremely good in Prime Suspect 3--or maybe 2. It was the series with Ciaran Hinds and a very frightening David Thewlis. Re: putative AR collaborations, I'm still stuck on the audio-voiceover pos
sibilities. Given the expressive Rickman pipes, I'd like to hear him in a project with whoever was the marvelous (American?) actress who did the voice of Babe.
Melissa <masmith@law.harvard.edufoo>
Cambridge, MA USA - 05/08/97 at 11:46:47
Dear me, so many threads to keep up with--this will have to
be quite a ramble. Oh, well, here goes. Renie, you're probably
right about the pistols, since firearms were notoriously inaccurate
at the time. The "gleaming foil" comment made me shudder, though.
Not only have I known some "Brandons," I have also been present
on a couple of occasions when they "lost it"--even though the
anger wasn't directed at me, it was petrifying, all the more so
because they didn't yell, scream, etc. They merely . . . took
appropriate action. Brrrrr.
American actors thread: two different schools here, like comparing
apples and oranges. Harrison Ford, for instance, is a good
actor (better than most people give him credit for being), but
the style is far-removed from the British school. As for Mr.
Malkovich, he's a very good actor. Quite frighteningly good,
especially in *Liaisons*, but I must say I can't watch it without
wondering about the differences in his performance of Valmont
and what AR's would have been on Broadway. One scene in particular:
those of you who have seen the film will recall the moment in
which Madame de Tourvel's resistance is finally broken ; Valmont
has carried her to the bed and is on the absolute verge of--ahem--
"closing the deal"--when something about her helplessness catches
at his heart. Now that's the kind of moment AR's talent is made for,
the extreme conflict. His whole mission has been to seduce this
virtuous woman. He has her at his mercy--and he just can't be
that cruel, not now, anyway. As he later explains to the Marquise,
"I was . . . moved." A flat line, but we know how it would have
sounded in an AR performance, don't we? Wonder how many of us
would consent to be at his mercy . . . and hope he wouldn't
show any? (Vixenish chuckle) Well, Dana, you said I was
"wicked . . ." 8-)
AR as a Vulcan: Fascinating idea. Especially with the element
of the Vulcans being a race that renounced emotion because Vulcan
emotions are powerful enough to be dangerous. Sounds tailor-
made for him, and the makeup would be quite elegant.
Well, I've nattered long enough, so I'll give someone else a
chance. Break's over, time to work. Maybe I should have taken
some of this to the Drool Forums? Oh, and I ask again: what
is on the WAV file for this guestbook? My computer can't play it.
Someone, anyone, please tell me "or I shall run MAD!"
Mary Anne
USA - 05/08/97 at 11:42:55
I too looked for a soundtrack for TMD. I even asked my local music store that has a wide selection of soundtracks. They checked and said as far as they could tell there is no TMD soundtrack. So, I set about collecting things on my own. So far I found most of the classical pieces, including the Cello/piano duet. The recording I found of the main theme is good but not quite as poignant as the version used in the film. I also tracked down the song AR and JS sing immediately after the cloud game. Its on a Joni Mitchell album, Blue and has a name like "Holy Wine" or something. They sing the song so differently in the film that it makes me wonder whether they are taking it from a differet recording. If you would like more specifics about this
stuff let me know. I was wondering if anyone can identify the "Early in the Morning" song AR sings briefly before switching to "It's Raining in My Heart." I would love to track down recordings of both of these songs as well as a recording of "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore." Unfortunately, its pretty impossible to see the final music credits on my video version of TMD. Any information?
Katrina B.
Bloomington, IN USA - 05/08/97 at 11:16:07
How about Stockard Channing for a duet with AR? Also Kate
Nelligan (altho. she is Canadian)? I don't see him with a
"typical" leading lady type. I have never seen a soundtrack
to TMD either--it might be an import. Wouldn't it be great
if it featured Alan and Juliet singing? Speaking of Juliet,
whilst prowling around a video outlet, I saw a laser disc of
a movie she was in with Joanne Whalley (I don't think she is
a Kilmer anymore!) called The Secret Rapture. I'll have to
see if it is available for rent. I ran into a discussion of
TMD through the Entertainment Weekly site. They have a
movie discussion group...shall we suggest an AR film fest?
Noel
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/08/97 at 10:30:30
Jean, six degrees of Alan Rickman refers to the web game at
www.cs.virginia.edu/~bct7m/bacon.html that links any actor that's
been in a movie in the last 15 years to Kevin Bacon. For example,
AR was in RHPOT with Christian Slater, and Slater was in Murder
In The First with Kevin Bacon.
The whole thing has to do with the idea that everybody's linked
to everybody by six or less contacts (I forget who came up with
that one). David Guare named his play Six Degrees of Separation
on this concept, and from there someone else picked up on Kevin
Bacon, who's another underestimated actor IMHO.
I did not mean to gross anyone out with the idea that AR might
end up in martian costume, but the Star Trek writers have
already done it to David Warner and C.Plummer, among others.
Vulcans, anyone?
Emma
Princeton, NJ USA - 05/08/97 at 09:17:12
Mary Anne and Renie - I think you are spot on about the "edge" that makes AR mesmerising
in S&S -and CME too. Sensitivity and edge (controlled power)
combined.
"Six degrees of Alan Rickman" - I don't get this. Emma or somebody please explain.
Wishful thinking - after getting the S&S Diaries for my birthday I was looking forward to the
kiss (photo in the book and scene in the screenplay) - and when the promo film didn't have it,
and the movie didn't either, I convinced myself I had actually seen it on screen. If I did I
have no record of it - pity! So, the little film has good stuff in it but not that kiss.
Romantic interest (sigh!) - what about Debra Winger? I loved her in the excellent
Shadowlands. We need someone who can be witty and funny as well as romantic. Nicole - I
agree about Mercedes Ruehl and I enjoyed Fisher King too.
Jean <geoff.cram@virgin.netfoo>
Leeds, UK - 05/08/97 at 07:16:39
Yes, thanks for pointing out Gwyneth Paltrow--I thought she did a good job, too. After posting that comment, I recalled Meryl Streep's performance in the "French Leuitenant's Woman," I haven't seen that film in years; maybe I will rent it tomorrow and see if it is as good as I remember. As to Brandon--yes, in S&S, when he makes the statement, "she was with child..." you can almost feel that this man would like to thrash Willoughy into oblivion. Willoughby may have sensed this as well---hence the
reason for his very nervous departure from Marianne at the cottage. He may have feared for his life and with good reason! I, too, enjoy this site and thanks to Karina for all her great work!
Linda
St. Louis, MO USA - 05/08/97 at 01:28:02
Mary Ann: your comment on the long fuse leading to danger in a Brandon-type really rang true. I realize that is a common denominator in nearly all of AR's roles, careful control, big emotion lurking just under the surface. It's also a major source of the poignancy in Rasputin, his loss of control and lack of understanding as to why. It keeps one riveted...
Emma's horrid thought about alien makeup quickly gave way to laughter, MA you're positively wicked!!
Who his female American leading lady?
That one will take some mulling over. I like the Jessica Lange idea and think of Susan Sarandon also.
Thanks, Karina, for all your work.
Dana <strom@methow.comfoofoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/08/97 at 00:17:20
What a fabulous in-depth site you've created!! I've been a "die hard" Alan Rickman fan since I first saw "Robin Hood". I couldn't get enough of him---the way he moved, the way he spoke, his dashing charm. I saw the movie 12 times in the theater before it came out on video! Afterward, I made it a quest to see every film he'd ever made. It has been difficult finding some of them, but I've not been disappointed in what I've seen. That man is simply the best actor EVER. He can do anything, play any
role. (I must admit he's my favorite as a villain.) Best line (from "Die Hard"): "I am an exceptional thief......". Please continue adding to this wonderful page. I'd love to hear about any more upcoming live events in which he'll take part. Thank
you.
Jennifer
IN USA - 05/07/97 at 21:22:46
I know that this has been asked before, but I don't recall ever seeing an answer. Is there a sound track from TMD? I have been looking for @ 1 1/2 years, but have found nothing.
Joan <jmvogelle@aol.comfoo>
L.I., NY USA - 05/07/97 at 20:21:05
Which U.S. actress would I like to see act opposite AR? I would love, absolutely love to see AR and Mercedes Ruehl on stage (or in film). They are both such superb actors, and both have high energy, and edge, and intelligence. You never know what she's going to do either. Mercedes Ruehl was in the Broadway production of "The Rose Tatoo" and blew me away. On film, she was Jeff Bridges girlfriend/wife in "The Fisher King", a movie I highly recommend for good script and great acting.
Nicole <NBacotG@aol.comfoo>
CA USA - 05/07/97 at 20:03:55
The Drooling Pond is an interesting place! However, I may be enough entangled here without completely going off the deep end over there. I do consider myself "an otherwise sensible woman" though, so I probably deserve a little indulgence from time to
time. Hope I don't drown. I could talk about TMD & S&S for the rest of my life. I just try to control myself here. Oh -- and now I have yet another reason to dislike Glenn Close.
BC
Washington, DC USA - 05/07/97 at 19:49:46
I rambled on for so long, I forgot to respond to Linda's other point: I would like to see AR paired with Dianne Wiest or Jessica Lange. They're just as versatile as he is.
Jennifer <qmkr21b@prodigy.comfoo>
Houston, TX USA - 05/07/97 at 19:08:01
Linda: Gwenyth Paltrow faked being British in "Emma", & I think she did a good job, although I do agree that British actors, for the most part, are more talented than their American counterparts. The British seem more concerned with the art of acting rather than the fame and fortune that it seems American actors are after. Unfortunately the studios encourage this. As soon as an ator has a successful movie, there is a mad rush to sign him or her to a multi-movie, multi-million dollar deal, complete with
their own production company. A while back someone posted an excerpt from an article in which a movie critic (I think) was complaining that British actors treat acting as an art rather than a business as Americans do. He stated that actors have a duty to
keep making sequels as long as they are successful at the box office. I also think that most British actors start out on the stage and have some formal training, whereas with Americans you're always hearing how the new "big thing" was discovered at the mall or whatever. I hope everyone realizes that I am speaking in very general terms. I know that there are many very talented Americans out there.
Jennifer <qmkr21b@prodigy.comfoo>
Houston, TX USA - 05/07/97 at 18:58:21
To Chris: RE James Frain (I tried posting this last nite but the server had an error) Thanks for the ABA tip, I was going to ask you to clarify but somebody beat me to it, I remember him now; I only recognized the Rasputin one while watching.
To Andrea: Thanks for the TMD tip, something to look forward to!
Pam <Bagdzinski@Worldnet.att.netfoo>
NJ USA - 05/07/97 at 18:18:28
The Drooling Pond is alot of fun; I visit there often. I am glad you were able to find it despite my mistake with the address. Thanks to K. Boyd for noticing it and steering everyone in the right direction. After reading the entry on Glenn Close, it
doesn't surprise me she was cast as Cruella DeVille in 101 Dalmations. She obviously has the personality for just that role. Just which American actors/actresses does she mean that can outdo the British?
Or equal them? Not that I don't think we have wonderful talent over here--we do, but it just seems whenever a movie needs someone who can really act, they choose someone British. Even to play an American---Daniel Day Lewis in "Age of Innocence" comes to
mind. In fact, based on his performance, I thought he was an American actor, until I found out otherwise. I also saw Helena Bonham Carter in Woody Allen's "Mighty Aphrodite" this past weekend--and her American accent was nearly flawless. I don't see any British movies asking American actors/actresses to fake being British---but then why should they?---they have no need of us with the caliber of talent available to them. Just for fun: if AR had to play opposite an American actress--as a romantic interest--who do you think it should be?
Linda
St. Louis, MO USA - 05/07/97 at 17:54:38
Swords, I should think. Except that they would not really have used swords, but pistols. The book doesn't
say pistols, but duels with pistols common were more common then
I believe, and Brandon tells
Elinor that they both returned unwounded,
which would be more likely if they had both missed their marks
with their pistol shots. A sword-fight (shades of RH) might get a bit more bloody.
That said, AR dallying with Willoughy with a gleaming foil might justify a bit of poetic license.
On Brandon & Mary Anne, oops, I mean Marianne - since Austen doesn't let us hear Brandon's thoughts, we might
listen to Elinor:
His emotion in entering the room, in seeing her altered looks,
and in receiving the pale hand which she immediately held out to him,
was such as, in Elinor's conjecture, must arise from soemthing more than his affection for Marianne
or the consciousness of its being known to others; and she soon discovered in his melancholy eye and varying
complexion as
he looked at her sister the probably recurrence of many past scenes of misery to his mind,
brought back by that resemblance between Marianne and Eliz already acknowledged and know strengthened by the hollow eye,
the sickly skin, the posture of reclining weakness, and the warm acknowledgment of peculiar obligation.
Renie <renie@hotmail.comfoo>
CA, USA - 05/07/97 at 15:13:06
Renie--re: the duel scene in S&S, I keep wondering, "Swords
or pistols?" Of course, I'm a swordfight maven (the residue
of my fencing lessons), so I know which one I'd prefer. If you've
read the novel, you know that Willoughby shows up while Marianne
is sick and tried to "explain" his actions to Elinor. I can never
read that now without thinking something like, "You know, Col.
Brandon is on his way back at this very moment--and if he finds
you here, Willoughby, you're a dead man." Talk about delicious
tension. And Emma--I do wish you hadn't mentioned the business
about the non-human makeup. Not that it would matter with AR,
since he could project from inside a suit of armor, with visor
down. It's just that now I'm going to have nightmares from
picturing--brace yourself--what Alan Rickman could do as a
Cardassian. (Shaky grin, gulp) Oh, well, if one must have
nightmares . . .
Mary Anne
USA - 05/07/97 at 13:45:24
Oh, the duel in S&S would have been delicious, no? AR in a tension-filled scene
with Greg Wise. I'm with Mary Ann, AR has in Brandon, and I think, as a person,
the sensitivity we all appreciate AND the "edge", that makes him exciting, unpredictable, *dangerous*.
Actors like Costner appeal to the first and actors like Malkovitch have the edge, but it's the combination of both in AR that's
so irresistible. I'm glued to the screen because I never know what he's going to do next.
Renie <renie@hotmail.comfoo>
CA, USA - 05/07/97 at 13:23:21
Thnak you, Mary Anne, I enjoyed your commments. It just downed on
me that if AR is in a STrek movie, it would be VERY upsetting
if they put him in a part that needs a non-human makeup! Just look
what David Warner and Christopher Plummer looked like. (I'll
be seeing CPlummer on Broadway soon; he was Iago 15 yrs ago
and he was very good.) Jumping to a different subject, there's no
way Malkovich could ever aspire to even hint at the complexity of
a Rickman performance. Do I sound biased?
Emma
Princeton, NJ USA - 05/07/97 at 13:11:30
Hi all - I finished watching The Barchester Chronicles last night - what a riot! I kept thinking that Kevin Costner need only have viewed the interaction of Mr. Slope and Mrs. Proudie to get an idea of what AR and Geraldine McEwan would be capable of
being paired again as the Sheriff and Mortiana. Poor Kevin - he didn't have a chance. IMHO, those responsible for the casting decisions knew exactly what they were getting (in casting AR) and perhaps simply forgot to let KC in on the gameplan!
Lisa
Charlottesville, VA USA - 05/07/97 at 13:09:13
Great page!
Meaghan Kowalsky
Simcoe, ont Canada - 05/07/97 at 12:33:26
To: K. Boyd. I agree with Noel about the unfortunate recasting of "Liaisons." Also, on an old "Inside the Actor's Studio" program (on the Bravo cable station in the U.S.), I saw Ms. Close speak about how irritated she got when people assumed that British actors would automatically be better in costume roles. She bristled that there were plenty of American actors who would be as good or better than any Brit. A co-Rickmaniac and I sussed instantly that that was what had happened-- Ms. Close had had
a tantrum in the casting meeting and frozen our Beloved out. Fie, fie, Ms. Close!
Sandra <SYJackson@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/07/97 at 11:37:51
To Emma and Christine: Regret to report (I think this has been
mentioned in the guestbook before) that the rumors of AR in the
next Trek film are just that--rumors, started by an April Fool's
joke on Corona's "Coming Attractions" movie site. However . . .
the joke would be on them if the Trek producers got a bright
idea and really did approach AR for a part. He'd have his work
cut out for him, stealing a scene from Mr. Stewart. With those
two gorgeous voices in one film . . . well, I'd probably have
to be carried out of the theatre. In a bucket. Likewise if the
film of LLD had retained AR for Valmont: "Next time I shall be
merciless . . . !" At any rate, if any of you follow any Trek
guestbooks, discussion lists, etc., why not mention this? The
Trek producers have been known to peek at such items to test
the fan "climate" and gather ideas. Give 'em an eyeful!
And yet another item in the AR as Col. Brandon discussion: I
have had the honor of knowing several men (lucky me) like the
good Colonel--honorable men of integrity, dignity, compassion,
and patience. One caveat, though: when such men finally lose
their patience--and their temper--they can be superlatively
dangerous. Knowing as I watched S&S that there had been a duel
between Brandon and Willoughby, I watched AR's performance in,
shall I say, considerable suspense. He gave the character an
ever-so-tacfully presented "edge" that suggested what a formidable
adversary he could be if his blood were up. By the way, check
out Emma Thompson's beautiful "diary" about the making of the
film. It includes two wonderful photos of AR, one in the familiar
"brooding" expression, the other with a sun-eclipsing smile.
I believe one of you said that you wanted to see him smile more?
Entwined in the tentacles (and not even trying to escape),
Mary Anne
USA - 05/07/97 at 11:31:48
Linda: Thank you so much for the Drool Pond. K. Boyd and
everybody check out this site, there are some great pics.
of AR and some nice comments as well. The site seems
populated by intelligent, like-minded swell people. Also
K. Boyd--AR wasn't offered the part in LLD. In the articles
link, check out the article with Glenn Close in the title.
It comments that John Malkovich is a good actor but that the
role of the Vicomte needed to be played by a GREAT actor
such as ALAN RICKMAN (as if we didn't know.) In other in-
terviews, AR doesn't appear to want to discuss the issue and
I have read elsewhere that it was a very difficult time for
him. I think the movie would have been much deeper and
interesting with AR in it. Mr. Malkovich has always seemed
rather remote and cold to me. AR would certainly have
livened things up! Before the movie was released, I re-
member a photo spread of the actors in costume in Vanity
Fair. John Malkovich was in a nightshirt...if only it were
Alan! Let's keep our fingers crossed that there will be a
major media blitz for The Winter Guest (all tastefully done
of course.) Well I've rambled on enough for now. Cheers!
Noel
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/07/97 at 10:36:49
No inconvenience, thank you Karina
Penny <Penny@pitnet.netfoo>
Miwaukee, WI USA - 05/07/97 at 10:22:54
In an attempt to deter the e-mail spamming that can be generated by signing a guestbook
effective immediately
the phrase foo will be appended to the end of any e-mail address signed to this page.
What this means is that the e-mail addresses cannot be automatically utilized by spam 'bots.
However, any of you who click on a name to send e-mail, you will have to remember to delete the foo from the end of the address in your mail program before you send it off.
I apologize for any inconvenience.
Karina <karina@fred.netfoo>
USA - 05/07/97 at 09:41:40
Just saw "Dangerous Liaisons" this weekend. Could I ask a
dumb question? Why didn't AR reprise his stage role in the
film? (especially with Juliet Stevenson). It is probably just
as well though, considering my favourite AR movie is TMD.
I probably would still be in a coma. ;-}
Pattie <poirierr@magi.comfoo>
USA - 0/07/97 at 07:49:38
There were some slight errors in the address for the "Drooling Pond" page (mentioned a couple of entries ago). I haven't really looked into the page itself yet but here's the link: The Drooling Pond
Forum
K. Boyd
Bloomington, IN USA - 05/06/97A at 19:18:00
Rickman and Patrick Stewart in a movie...NICE! P Stewart is
the only man shorter than I (he's 5'8") that I ever considered
sexy. Looked wonderful in The Tempest with his open shirt.
He gave a lecture at P. University and he was fantastic.
I'd love to see AR and PS starring together in anything,
especially on stage. Dreaming on,
Emma
Princeton, NJ USA - 05/06/97A at 18:19:42
I came upon an article in the Sunday Mirror of 4/6 that stated that AR is "being head-hunted to star in the next Star-Trek movie - CIVIL WAR. Producers think Alan would be fabulous as an evil starship captain. He's been a fantastic film villain. He's shared the screen with some of Hollywood's top stars and stole the show on every occasion. In the new movie, the Federaton will be torn apart by Q, a super-powered being who can change history." I wonder if he'll do it. Alan Rickman and Patrick Stewart in the same movie? Now that would be something to look forward to. I wonder what's happening to Moon and Sixpence. Ralph Fiennes is currently filming The Avengers with Uma Thurman as Emma Peel. And yes, that Alan Clarke is a "Bad Boy" He's also the son of Sir Kenneth (Civilization) and rich as Croesus.
christine <wierzba@ljextra.comfoo>
NYC, USA - 05/06/97A at 18:09:07
Noel--I am new to this cyber stuff, so I hope this is the info you are looking for (it appears in my address box at the top of the screen whenever I am at the Drool site):
http://www2shorenet/~mrobens/drool.html
The Drooling Pond is part of the website called The Republic of Pemberley---which is somehow hooked up to the Jane Austen List Digests. The Drooling Pond lists other actors besides AR---Ralph Fiennes, Ciaran Hinds & Colin Firth are among the droolees.
I hope this is helpful--my husband, who is a computer guru and just has to glance at this stuff to understand it, is absent from the house for the next couple of days--so I hope I sent the right info & explained how I found it. Lots of swooning goes on
at this sight---hope you enjoy!
Linda
St. Louis, MO USA - 05/06/97A at 17:53:52
Note for Kathy re: the Tory victory in Kensington-Chelsea. There is an article in the April 7 edition of People about the candidate who (I assume)won that seat. His name is Alan Clark and apparently he is the bad boy of the Tory pary -- admits
indulging in various extramarital affairs, showed up drunk for a speech in Commons, etc. He retired in '92 but decided to make a comeback and his former constituency elected him to stand in this general election. The article says Kensington-Chelsea is
one of the safest Tory seats in the UK. Wonder if Labour puts their up-and-comers in there to gain experience for future, more electable seats?
BC
Washington, DC USA - 05/06/97A at 16:33:39
VCR alert to NY area AR fans:
TMD will be broadcast on Channel 13 WNET this Saturday night
(Sunday morning) at 12:25 a.m.
To Linda in St. Louis:
CME was shown on the Bravo cable channel a few months ago.
Ever since I saw S&S (3 times), I study the TV listings
each week to search for anything AR appears in.
Cheers.
Andrea
LI, NY USA - 05/06/97A at 14:08:32
Dana: Since I seem to be becoming the James Frain expert;
in ABA he is one of the players, John Harbou. In the
Christmas Party scene he is the one who tells Stella that
the director has gone to church. He can also be seen as
the brooding student who becomes a teacher in Shadowlands.
Chris <ckwible@ptd.netfoo>
Clinton, NJ USA - 05/06/97A at 11:23:12
The IMDB lists Fine Line Features as the distributor for "The Winter Guest". Also, Melissa: the name of the film about Belfast you were thinking of is "Nothing Personal" which also features James Frain. What a tangled web we weave.... My copy of ABA
just arrived from Videoflicks - I recommend them as a source of videos. The price was right and service was prompt.
Jane <janeo@smartnfinal.comfoo>
Los Angeles, CA USA - 05/06/97A at 10:55:09
I've noticed that the Seatlle Int'l Film Festival has honored AR with Best Actor awards twice in the past. Is there some reason his films have shown there in particilar? I lived in Seattle for years and it remain my closest city (200 miles). Any chance Winter's Guest will show there? Perhaps accompanied by it's director?!!! Bummer about Cannes. Where is the fellow from Rasputin and Buccaneers to be found in ABA? Love those tentacles!! Off to work...
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, Wa USA - 05/06/97A at 09:48:05
Linda: You mentioned the "Drooling Pond" on a Jane Austen
web site. I couldn't find it--I would love to have the
site address if you have it. Thanks so much! The "six
degrees" comment is an interesting angle.
Noel <nmm@episcopalhighschool.orgfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/06/97A at 08:19:13
I noticed that in 1996 AR appeared at a NYC benefit for the Almedia Theater. I was in NYC in 96 and didn't know about it. Can we get some accurate information on when AR might be appearing onstage in the US again? I was living in Atlanta, had been for
over 5 years, when that spring I felt pulled, drawn to move to NY. So I did. 9 months later I moved back to Atlanta. Had I only known, I could have gone for a visit.. Who is the American distributor of Winter Guest?
Ellen Sherman <writersherman@mindspring.comfoo>
Peachtree City, GA USA - 05/06/97A at 00:03:56
I tried to find Tennant's books at my local library tonight--but there did not seem to be any---I was in a hurry & perhaps didn't look in the correct place. Joan Aiken has also written some sequels, which I have yet to read. The discussion on the Austen List concerning sequels isn't very positive--but whatever, life should be fun. Some mention was made on the list about a sequel to S&S---Marianne leaves Col. Brandon to run off with Willoughby--I am not sure I want to read that! Well, need to take
a few days off from Net cruising and get some work done--I have some proofreading of an article to do and am already behind schedule. I enjoy reading this guestbook!
Linda
St. Louis, MO USA - 05/06/97A at 00:01:30
Debbie - I was happy to read your response, particularly as we are all protective of anything even remotely connected to our beloved. I enjoy people's on Austen or the sequels as they are filled with so much to discuss. The more I think about your comments, the more I agree.
Anne
Sydney, NSW Australia - 05/05/97A at 22:58:00
Just a quick note to Anne in Sydney -- I hope you weren't offended by what I said about "Pemberly", etc. My comments were pretty negative & you may have thought I was shooting you down. In spite of the flaws, I also enjoyed Tennant's books well enough.
Deb Aalbers <maalbers@uniserve.comfoo>
Sardis, BC Canada - 05/05/97A at 21:54:16
I checked the election results in The Times on the Internet and noted that even if Rima Horton had stood for the Kensington and Chelsea seat this time around she *still* probably not have won, because in spite of the Labour landslide the seat was retained by the Tory candidate!
Kathy McKinley <KMcKin@aol.comfoo>
El Cerrito, CA USA - 05/05/97A at 20:29:19
Slightly off subject -- but
The Ruby Wax show
is scheduled for Fox's summer season
and will debut on Monday, June 9
at 7:30pm
Marian
Shreveport, la USA - 05/05/97A at 18:35:06
Mmm...Six degrees of Alan Rickman? Certainly between the RSC,
films, politics, and other jobs, we can link him to the world.
Emma
Princeton, NJ USA - 05/05/97A at 16:49:49
.....and James Frain was also in An Awfully Big Adventure
(look closely). Help I'm caught in the tentacles.
Chris <ckwible@ptd.netfoo>
Clinton, NJ USA - 05/05/97A at 16:28:23
Ang Lee has said that AR wanted to show Brandon as more
romantic, but Lee thought "it should all be in the head"
and so he "cut down romance any time it showed." (SIGHT
& SOUND, 3/96, p.24)
R.Faey
USA - 05/05/97A at 15:41:03
From Saturday's Independent:- "...will certainly change under Prime Minister Blair,
whose court musters the actors Brian Cox, Sinead Cusack, Alan Rickman, David Swift, Neil
Pearson and Harry Enfield - most of them long-standing Labour campaigners - and at least
four internationally known directors: Mike Leigh, Anthony Minghella, Stephen Frears and
Trevor Nunn." Charming picture of AR included!
Here are the credits for the short film shown on British TV before S&S came out.
Sense and Sensibility: Behind the Scenes
produced by Karina Friend Buck & Sandra Murray
directed by Colin Burrows & Sandra Murray
written by Karina Friend Buck
edited by Louise M. Gallup-Roholt
music by Patrick Doyle
narrated by Hugh Quarshie.
I have a copy on video but no way of copying that or of photographing stills or short scenes
or sound-bites (alas!)
Jean <geoff.cram@virgin.netfoo>
Leeds, UK - 05/05/97A at 15:36:55
Hello all! Anybody watch the Buccaneers last night? I did, and got the chance to see the *look-a-like*, quite a scary resemblance. I also found Greg Wise, and all I can say is that he looked rather amusing with that moustache! Finally, I sat there the
whole time trying to figure out what "Julius" was from. Then about half way through I realized it was ANOTHER AR LINK! The actor who played Julius is James Frain and he played Prince Yusupov(sp?) in Rasputin...the guy who finally knocks him off at the end! The show was quite good, despite its obvious AR-lessness.
Pam <Bagdzinski@Worldnet.att.netfoo>
NJ USA - 05/05/97A at 15:00:09
Dana--I have seen ABA several times now and when O'Hara first sees Stella (right after she serves him some tea)--he comments to a fellow player: "I know her." The actress (who seems to have known him a long time) tells him that this is Stella's first job and therefore, how could he know her? But on some intuitive level, he knows she belongs to him somehow, some way. Yet, because of his inability to do more than be sexual with a woman--he never finds out until after he has committed the the appalling
act of incest. It seems to not occur to him to see a woman as other than a sexual prize. He seems also to want to protect her, as a father would. It is fun to guess the varying levels of interpretation in this role. I liked someone's previous post of equating Stella as a treasure being pursued by pirates (the play).
Linda
St. Louis, MO USA - 05/05/97A at 14:48:12
To Jennifer in Houston. If you read the book S&S you will see much more between Willoughby and Marianne which was not put in the movie. Also, I must say in answer to your aunt (the old lady of 41, I too am 41) that Willoughby's thighs look pretty fine
in the last scene where he's riding away from viewing the wedding. Mmm.
Julia Fallon
Rock Hill , SC USA - 05/05/97A at 12:42:01
I found this on a list of upcoming films for 1997: "MASTERMINDS A comedy about a crazy security consultant (Patrick Stewart) who
takes an entire private school hostage and a rebellious student (Vincent
Kartheiser) with a two-way radio who tries to save the day. August." How original. A sexy British actor taking hostages and being thwarted by a plucky American with a walkie-talkie. Yippie Ki Yay...
Sandra <SYJackson@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/05/97A at 11:27:56
Happy Monday Everyone, I miss you all on the weekends, guess people do lots of this chatting from workplace computers?! Penny, my question was about O'Hara's attraction to the young Stella. Why does this older guy seem to want something, besides a tumble, from this naive young girl. Is he reliving his youth, trying to go back to a less cynical place, does she just remind him so much of his lost love (and himself)? Funny about him being married in the book, that makes his leaving the older Stella less confusing. Maybe he's trying to get her away from Meredith to save her being hurt by his rejection (she was so surprised to find out Hillary was a HE). Does he want her to love him for his ego and the conquest or because he's lonely and lost his only love? A complex character (as all of AR's are). I'm constantly amazed and jubilant at the depth AR brings to a role that many other actors wouldn't or couldn't. Sorry if this rambles a bit... BTW the fellow in The Buccaneers DOES bear quite a resemblance to our loved one, not much magnetism visible last night though, perhaps in a less pathetic role.
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/05/97A at 10:14:38
Thanks for the feedback on Pemberley, Debbie. I think you're right about Tennant not really capturing the characters. To me they seem like different people with the same names. It's a feeling you get while reading, a different atmosphere to the story, like a parallel universe. The story doesn't have that pure internal world that I feel when I read Austen. Still, they were a good read.
Anne
Sydney, NSW Australia - 05/05/97A at 08:06:22
Oh, dear, I've never been cut off by email B4. I ordered RETURN OF THE NATIVE from my library, received a card in the mail saying that it would be in by MAY 1, ran down there to get it, tore open the envelope and ......it was the book, not the AR tapes. I could have cried. As if my library did not have many editions of the book already. So, they sent it back and we'll try again.
Penny <Penny@pitnet.netfoo>
Milwaukee, wi USA - 05/05/97A at 00:17:32
Greetings fellow Rickmaniacs!
To Anne in Sydney: I also read "Pemberly" & "An Unequal Marriage" by Emma Tennant because they were supposed to be "sequels" to "Pride & Prejudice". Tennant certainly has Austen's style but I don't think she understands the characters at all. She has made Elizabeth weak & dependant, & unwilling or unable to speak her mind; Darcy is once again distant; and poor old Bingley is not really the nice guy we thought he was. Tennant says Darcy was trying to protect Jane Bennet by separating the scoundrel Bingley from her -- although Darcy himself considers that same scoundrel to be good enough to be his own best friend! Austen made it very clear that Darcy considered the Bennets to be beneath persons of his & Bingley's station in life, & therefore tried to keep his friend from lowering himself. This is just one of many incongruities I found between Austen's & Tennant's books, & it was very disappointing because I love Jane Austen's books & thought a sequel would be fun. Anyway, that's got nothing to do with our Alan, so enough on that subject.
To Dana: Linda makes a good point about O'Hara wanting to recapture the past. (Maybe he's like Peter Pan, not wanting to grow old.) Stella looks like her mother, the lover that O'Hara still longs for, so he can relive the past whenever she's with him. But I think there's another reason also. O'Hara is the type that chases after anything in a skirt & he sees Stella as an easy conquest. I think he cares for the memory of Stella Maris more than he does for young Stella, but he keeps trying to get her to say that *she* loves *him*. Stella is the only woman he's been with who hasn't fallen for him. She's using him as much as he's using her & I think that really bugs him. It's also got to bug him that the person who represents the only woman he's ever
loved doesn't love him back. She's giving him a dose of his own medicine. He accuses Potter of just wanting to collect hearts, but doesn't realize that he's guilty of exactly the same thing. Also Stella figures in the rivalry between O'Hara & Merideth
Potter. They both know that she's got a crush on Potter, & although neither one cares about her, they both are fighting over her. They're the pirates & she's the treasure.
But I must confess that even though O'Hara is more like Captain Hook than he realizes, I still liked him very much & would jump on the back of that motorbike with him any day of the week!!!!!!!
Debbie
Deb Aalbers <maalbers@uniserve.comfoo>
Sardis, BC Canada - 05/04/97A at 21:30:38
Jean - I thought I'd remembered it wrongly - I'm glad you mentioned the difference between the Dev betrayal scene in MC on TV and in the movie. I thought it seemed that bit more emotional the first time I saw it on TV. I wish you'd all stop mentioning
these great movies - I'm going to have to make another trip to the video store. For Australian readers - there is a Mothers' Day promotion of S&S at David Jones, and probably Grace Bros/Myer for $24.95 (that's cheap for a video here). So u-know-who will be running there waving her credit card. Who else LOVES the title picture on KelClancy's page? I hope Rima had a part in the election victory, so she could enjoy it after her previous efforts. Happy New Week everyone
Anne
Sydney, NSW Australia - 05/04/97A at 20:59:45
Ian Hart is the actor who has played John Lennon a number of times and who also played Michael Collins' sidekick. He's supposed to be remarkably good in a new movie set in 1970s Belfast, the title of which escapes me...
Melissa <masmith@law.harvard.edu>
Cambridge, MA USA - 05/04/97A at 15:39:06
I really enjoyed reviewing Mr. Rickman's WEB pages.
I have such respect for Mr. Rickman's performances for several years now.
I would love to see him in more leading film roles. He has such infinite versatile talent.
Laura Melega <LRM82>
USA - 05/03/97A at 23:00:31
Much thanks to Anne, Jean & Jennifer on the comments about the kisslessness of S&S--I enjoyed reading the entries. I found the S&S diary from Emma Thompson and, sure enough, a photo of Elinor and Edward kissing is shown. I read the diary and can now
understand better the reasons for the subtleness of emotions. I guess it would not have been the same film. I do love S&S--and most of the time, so much of what we feel cannot be said or shown. I realize Jane Austen did not describe any physical displays of love--and I do think something would have been lost had she written phrases such as, "his lips clung to hers, tasting the dew of her smile," or some such drivel, but has that ever stopped filmakers from interpreting a book as they see fit? I will
have to re-read the last chapter of Emma, but I don't believe the big kiss shown in the movie occurred in the book, either. Still, all the Jane Austen movies that have come out recently have all had different directors, etc. and it has been most interesting to me to see how each differed from the other. Also, I viewed Closet Land this past week---very disturbing piece of work. So far, I have been very lucky in finding all of ARs work except for Close My Eyes. I think the point of O'Hara's attraction to Stella is somewhat symbolic--he's trying to return to his yourthful aspirations as a young actor, attempting to recapture the naivete when all experiences were new and inspiring. Stella has not yet experienced the cynical side of life---though she is beginning to. When she comments on how very intimate sex is---and he laughs, looking at one point as if he is saying, "Your poor child, sometimes sex is anything but intimate---but how I wish what you were saying is true." I think she still believes in the romance of love, life and the theater, in the goodness of people---with that youth ful zeal and idealism that often fails to see the imperfections of this world. What a long entry I have written---next time I will try to write less, say more (ha
ha, if that is possible).
Linda
St. Louis, MO USA - 05/03/97A at 19:55:48
It's got to be the Eliza connection. Brandon is entranced from themoment he hears her voice singing as he comes in the door. She must resemble her too, he can't take his eyes off her. Dare he hope for another chance at the love he lost so long ago *sigh* Marianne can't help but fall for Willoghby, she's looking for Romeo and one must admit Brandon is "older". Give me that rock solid well of compassion and reliable love anyday. It's actually a bit confusing to have such a MAN playing Brandon, except at the end when the BEST MAN wins her heart for keeps! Here's the question more puzzling to me, what's O'Hara's attraction to Stella? Does he really see that much of his lost love in her? Why did he leave her in the first place? His reaction when he finds out the identity of young Stella is so moving...
Dana <strom@methow.comfoo>
Twisp, WA USA - 05/03/97A at 17:54:32
Hello! Sorry to waste your time, but I had to ask for help. This is not Rickman related: If anyone taped the U2 special from ABC last week, would you please contact me? My friends in Japan are big fans and asked me to do it for them a long time ago. I have had a crazy schedule and did not remember nor was my computer at home cooperative for me to get on line to receive their e-mail reminders. I'm devastated over this. If anyone has and can dub a copy for me, I would glady reimburse all costs. Thank you and my deepest apologies for posting this here.
Gilda <GildaC@aol.comfoo>
CT USA - 05/03/97A at 14:22:24
I missed not having a Brandon-Marianne love story in S&S. It's obvious that he is in love with her, but she practically ignores him until she thanks him for saving her life. After that, there is only the poetry reading scene where she is disappointed that he will be going away, & she wants to make sure he will not be gone for long. Then, boom, they're married. Of couse this has absolutely nothing to do with my desire for more of you-know-who. (If you believe that....8-) ). And it would've ruined the effect of the wedding when we expect Elinor & Edward to emerge as the bride & groom, not Marianne & Brandon. Regarding Edward & Elinor's kiss, it is a shame that it was edited out (there's a picture of it in the S&S diaries), & it's also a shame that Emma Thompson didn't write one in for Marianne & Brandon. From what I've read I don't think Kate Winslett would have minded it one bit! (And who can blame her!) Finally, on the Brandon vs. Willoughby subject, my aunt wanted Marianne & Willoughby to be together.
I told her she's going through a mid-life crisis (she's 41) & wants Willoughby as a boy-toy. Happy Weekend everyone!
Jennifer <qmkr21b@prodigy.comfoo>
Houston, TX USA - 05/03/97A at 11:56:35
Linda, they did have a kiss in S&S, even though it was just Hugh and Emma, but it was
edited out! It was one of the high points of the short film The Making of Sense and
Sensibility shown on British TV before the feature film came out. Perhaps Ang Lee decided
against, as apparently he kept the emotions very much under control. Perhaps it was lost
when they cut severely to keep it under 2hours 15 mins. That would explain several abrupt
jumps, especially at the end when Elinor accepts her proposal then we cut to the church for
Marianne's wedding.
A preview of Michael Collins showed AR as Dev in tears over his betrayal of Mick - not as it
appeared in the final version at all. It's bad enough knowing some AR footage has been cut
without being shown it on TV and then discovering it's not in the film.
I would love to see a full version of AR in RHPOT and perhaps they will realise now that it
would be a great success - say on TV as a mini-series?
Jean <geoff.cram@virgin.netfoo>
Leeds, UK - 05/03/97A at 07:03:12
Linda - I find it frustrating that, even in the more passionate Pride & Prejudice, we spend hours leading up to the big moment, then the wedding's over in about 2 seconds and we never see the characters again. I know it's meant to be left up to the imagination, and all the tension building up through the story has its own effect, but I still wish a little more time could be given to the characters After they finally get together. In this way the original books are probably even More frustrating. Though
definitely NOT for the purists, the sequels to the Jane Austen classics have been fun, and tend to be written in a more nineties emotionally descriptive way while staying respectful to the Austen style. I refer mainly to Pemberley, the P&P sequel by Emma
Tennant, which is downright scandalous in parts (Bingley is not so innocent after all....a Paris affair! none the less) and the Lizzie/Darcy relationship is explored. It could be compared to carob after chocolate, but if there is no real sequel, I don't
mind someone else having a go, and I did quite enjoy it. I think we all write the rest of the story in our minds anyway, so this is just another form of doing that. If anyone else has read it, I'd like to know what you thought. Austen unfortunately knows
how to create great sexual tension in a story, but it disappears in a puff at the end. That's probably the charm, and a key to her success - keeps us wanting more.
Anne
Sydney, NSW Australia - 05/03/97A at 03:54:57
To Susan:
the John Lennon idea is an interesting one. So far there have been 2 films, (besides Imagine), that have been about John Lennon. Funny you mentioned MC, because the actor that played John Lennon in both of the films is in MC.
The actor, (can't remeber his character's name in MC) but he is the guy with MC in the motorcade up the hills at the end. The young guy with the red hair.
AR would make a good John Lennon from '74-'80, when he was being a dad and then doing music.
strange idea, but i like it.
christa
LA USA - 05/03/97A at 00:33:05
I don't know if anyone has ever addressed the lack of the physical in S&S--but it is the one aspect of the movie I find hard to fathom. In "Emma" with Gwyneth Paltrow--both lovers enjoy a feverent kiss at the end---same with "Persuasion" with Amanda Root--though less passionate than Emma. Just once I wish somebody had kissed somebody in S&S--preferably Brandon and Marianne, of course! I also brought this up in the Jane Austen Website under an area called the Drooling Pond in which actors in Jane Austen movies are discussed---AR is included in the "drool" list, which also contains Ciaran Hinds, Colin Firth, etc. Even Hollywood in its most conservative era had plenty of passionate kissing---just wishing that such an exchange had taken place between
our beloved and his beloved in S&S.
Linda
St. Louis, MO USA - 05/03/97A at 00:18:43
I did a lot of leafletting for Labour round where I live, which is pretty middle-class and has
always had a Conservative MP. Recently the Liberal Democrat has come second and
Labour third. This time Labour leapfrogged into first place! The whole Leeds area has now
gone Labour apart from two Lib Dems. All Conservatives lost their seats.
Michael Collins
came into our video shop today so I am celebrating with my first in-depth study!Our TV
showed a 30 minute film on the making of S&S, very enjoyable, including a wonderful
moment when the costume designer is discussing the men's clothes of the time. Camera
starts at a pair of boots and pans slowly up long legs to show AR in wedding uniform, arms
folded and legs crossed, leaning on a wall gazing into space. "Interesting!" is her voice-over
comment. Makes me weak at the knees!
Jean <geoff.cram@virgin.netfoo>
Leeds, UK - 05/02/97A at 19:17:23
An idea. Someone needs to write a play or movie script based on the life of John Lennon. (Has this been done and I missed it?) AR would make a great Lennon. He even looks a little like him with the nose and the glasses from Michael Collins. Besides, I get the impression that our boy is a rock 'n roller at heart. I could see him dancing around with a guitar, kicking out the jams!!! (Sorry, it's Friday, and I'm way too old for this.)
susan
USA - 05/02/97A at 15:41:38
RE: MESMER. After repeated viewings of my own video ($ well
spent), I say: virtues outweigh flaws. AR's gorgeously
costumed and photographed, is very tender and (best of all)
TACTILE. Just ignore silliness: it's soft-core sensual,
well-suited for late-night watching!
R.Faey
USA - 05/02/97A at 15:34:03
I just couldn't stay away...Three cheers for the Labour
Party and thanks to Christine for the lowdown on the post-
election festivities. Hard luck about the Cannes Festival
but nice to hear about the film. I just checked out "The
Moon and Sixpence" in order to prepare for the film of the
same name whenever it comes out. I agree with Mary Ann and
Andrea regarding the Brandon's attraction to Marianne. Who
doesn't wish for a chance to do things over in life? The
same qualities that drew Brandon to Eliza are present in
Marianne. Thank goodness there is a happy ending! Just
talking about this brings the first scene with Brandon in
the movie to mind. AR looks so wonderful listening to the
piano and singing. Sigh. I guess I'll be watching S&S
again this weekend. Perhaps on the wide screen format?
Cheers for now. TMD Noel
Noel <nmm@episcopalhighschool.orgfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/02/97A at 15:23:24
"About bloody time, too!" was Alan Rickman's statement on the election, as reported in the 5/2 Daily Telegraph. He attended the the hottest election bash in the Hampsted home of Helena Kennedy, QC. He arrived with Ruby Wax who was carrying a large cake box tied with a giant red ribbon. Also there were Lord & Lady Rogers, owners of the HOT HOT River Cafe. Now for the bad news - Unfortunately, due to post production problems in the computer generated images of the frozen sea - essential for the film
- The Winter Guest will not be ready in time for the Cannes Film Festival where it was scheduled to make its debut. Tant Pis. Thank goodness Labour won the election.
christine <wierzba@ljextra.comfoo>
NYC, USA - 05/02/97A at 13:48:12
Greetings oh wise group of people, I've a theory on why Brandon is attracted to Marianne. In her he sees
a glimps of his past love..Eliza. Remember (In book and movie) when they tell of his tragic romance with this
girl. And remember when Elinor says she thinks Marianne should be a little more in the world" and Brandon tells
her not to wish it as he knew a girl once with Marianne's sweet temperment and carefree grace (OK, those weren't the words, but
its Friday, give me a break :-) ANYWAY...He is talking about Eliza and the tragedy that befell her
once she came into too great a contact with the "World" Brandon at first doesn't think that he has
any chance with Marianne (remember the "gun cleaning" scene "All the better for her.") But a man can dream
and think to relive a fond moment and perhaps, this time, make it better and do what HE wishes, not what
others (his father) wishes for him. In the end, through his BEAUTIFUL sensitivity and heroics of his own (although that is not in
the book) he wins the day. Just a thought...opinions?? Ciao Andrea
Andrea Chavez <achavez@moscow.comfoo>
Moscow, ID USA - 05/02/97A at 12:33:42
The screenplay for CME by Stephen Polakoff can be ordered
through amazon.com. It is $10.75 and will take 1-2 weeks
to order. The ISBN is: 0413649209 and it is listed as the
Metheun screenplay (?) Also available for order, although
hard to find is the audio recording of "Blind Corner" with
an ISBN of 0816199663 but no price. I just got a notice
from the public library that "Romeo & Juliet" with our hero
is in. Guess what I will be viewing this weekend! Hope you
all have a great weekend! Cheers, Noel
Noel <nmm@episcopalhighschool.orgfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/02/97A at 12:26:47
For Renie: there is a pretty decent video version of Return of the Native available at Blockbuster. Hallmark Hall of Fame did it a few years ago with Catherine Zeta Jones, Clive Owen and the excellent Joan Plowright as Mrs. Yeobright. In this month's issue of Allure magazine, playwright Tina Howe contributed a cute article about her fantasy wardrobe. She relates her dilemma back in 1987 (the year of Les Liasons Dangereuses, remember) when she had to buy a dress for a Broadway party at Gracie Mansion during the run of her play "Coastal Disturbances", and wonders "how do you dress for (among other people) James Earl Jones and Alan Rickman?". She ends up missing the party! We should all have such wardrobe crises.
Jane <janeo@smartnfinal.comfoo>
Los Angeles, CCA USA - 05/02/97A at 11:29:59
Just some response to a couple of earlier queries. "Is there
any greater actor than AR?" Well, there are certainly plenty
who are as good. Sir Anthony Hopkins, for instance, who can
do absolutely anything. If I heard that he would be performing
in Dr. Seuss' "Horton Hears a Who"--as Horton--I would make
a point of going to see it. I think AR is in the same category
as an extremely flexible actor, not locked into a particular
type of role. Some actors are very, very good, but only in one
or two types of roles that suit them.
"What attracts Brandon to Marianne?" Hmmm. Probably she reminds
him of the earlier incident in his life, when he was so cruelly
separated from Eliza. There's also the "attraction of opposites"
idea--Marianne is fresh, open, filled with high spirits and
joie de vivre, creating a balance with Brandon's more sober
and melancholy nature. She probably appeals to his protective
instincts as well. *I* should have such a "protector." (Grin)
Maybe I should start spelling my name "Marianne" (though in
temperament I'm more like Elinor). Any other answers on these
questions?
Mary Anne
USA - 05/02/97A at 11:21:38
Lead story in today's Boston Globe is the remarkable British election results, with photos of John Major looking suicidal and Tony Blair looking about 12. The article uses words like bloodbath and notes the record-breaking number of women
elected to Parliament. Elation must prevail in Westbourne Grove, even knowing that New Labour is Clintonesque and probably won't usher in sweeping progressive change.
Melissa <masmith@law.harvard.edu>
Cambridge, MA USA - 05/02/97A at 11:08:40
Regarding Kennet Branagh, I agree with Renie. The Jane Austen hero he could play would be Henry Tilney in Northanger Abbey. However, I almost wish that there had never been a Laurence Olivier for him to immitate. Iwould much prefare KB to succeed a an original actor, that include NO PEROXIDE in Hamlet. I saw a performance with him as Hamlet when he first get started. Original, unaffected, natural hair colour.
Eva
Copenhagen, Denmark - 05/02/97A at 08:32:13
Hi everyone
Stayed up until 3.30 to glory in a Labour victory of stunning size and a
Conservative(Tory) defeat that is sooooo satisfying. Some of the worst smug, superior and
sneering are now sunk without trace.
Now we should see real change!
Jean <NBacotG@aol.comfoo>
USA - 05/01/97A at 21:03:28
Just re-read my post about KB. Lashings of apologies if it comes off as indignant outrage,
but there are many of us here (without naming names) who admire him and his work.
BTW, both AR and KB have an interest in Return of the Native, quite a
while ago KB expressed an interest in producing and directing it. I would
love to see it lavishly done.
Renie <renie@roughhouse.comfoo>
CA, USA - 05/01/97A at 19:58:26
Ahem. No one adores AR as Brandon more than I, but as a huge
Kenneth Branagh fan I have to respectfully disagree with differing
opinions about his talent and personality. (He was/is not Emma's
Willoughby, and though he is ambitious and driven I find him far
short of egotistical.)
The idea of him playing Willoughby, though, is interesting.
He would have more substance for the dark side of W (more like
Mr. Elliot in Persuasion). Ken also looks great with Kate
Winslet, if you've seen his Hamlet.
Back to S&S, when AR stands in the doorway, gazing at Marianne
AR is totally enchanting. One of my favorite lines, however,
is when he asks of Elinor, "What can I do?" I wish we could get
that as a WAV for Karina's site.
Renie <renie@hotmail.comfoo>
CA, USA - 05/01/97A at 19:28:34
The first time I saw S&S I thought Rickman played Brandon
too sad, but after re-reading the book, the character in the book
was even more sad -- for good reason! I liked both Brandon
and Willoghby, and thought how nice of AR to be in movies with
other gorgeous men, like Kevin Kline, and Neeson, and Selleck.
Emma
Princeton, NJ USA - 05/01/97A at 16:31:18
Though Brandon stole the movie for me, of course, I have to put in a good word for Emma Thompson's version of Willoughby. Handsome, well-spoken, witty, irreverent, and with apparently wonderful prospects (large house and waiting fortune); of course Marianne fell in love with him. Remember, she's VERY young and so impressed by Willoughby's heroic deed of rescuing her after her fall. Being a mature woman myself, I hardly even noticed him in my first viewing of S&S (while I maturely hung on AR's every word/scene). But on later viewings, I took more time to notice Willoughby and found him quite attractive. I think the screenplay does a good job of deceiving us about Willoughby's vices at first, and shows us how he appears to the innocent (silly? young? fun-loving?) Marianne rather than to the more discriminating Eleanor. And while Greg Wise is no AR, I found his performance very capable.
Elizabeth <simonses@mindspring.comfoo>
Fairfax, VA USA - 05/01/97A at 16:12:17
Willoughby is cute. The sort of guy you fall in love with as a teenager and then imbue him with all sorts of imaginary charms -- intelligence, humor, good prospects, etc. Was Kenneth Branagh considered for Willoughby or Brandon? He would have made an interesting Willoughby because Greg Wise, while certainly cute, had too much innocence about him. Willoughby is really more of a dark character -- charming to be sure but extremely selfish, and more complex than he came off in this version. I think the choice of AR as Brandon was obviously made by a mature, intelligent woman (Emma Thompson). A male director might not have hit on the idea of AR to spice Brandon up the way Emma did. My guess is Emma's Brandon was her mature ideal, after spending so many years with her own "Willoughby."
susan
USA - 05/01/97A at 13:40:41
Is there any greater actor than Alan Rickman? Just wondering.
Amy Johnston <ajohnston@ewu.edu>
Spokane, Wa USA - 05/01/97A at 13:37:43
A bit of video news. Last night, I bought a new wide-screen version of Sense & Sensibility on video. It looks absolutely wonderful! Sitting right next to it was a wide-screen version of Robin Hood. Both were at Tower for $16.99.
Susan Fanning <susan.fanning@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu>
Nashville, TN USA - 05/01/97A at 10:03:35
Good morning, all you addicts! I must admit that although I was thoroughly smitten with Brandon, Greg Wise was a nice bit of eye candy. One of my friends, when she realized that Emma Thompson had "replaced" the egomaniac K. Brannagh with the hunk Greg Wise, shouted, "You go, Girl!" I have strange friends. This same insane friend and I were looking at houses in a new subdivison in my area. (Neither of us is buying, we just like looking at new houses!) As with most American suburban subdivisions, this one was called something pretentious and misleading; Bramble Farms, or some other ridiculous name. There were 3 home styles, with equally pretentious names. We went into the first model, which also served as the showroom. The overeager saleswoman beamed at us and chirped, "Welcome to the Brandon!" She never did understand why two grown women began giggling at her. I finally managed to ask if there was a "Willoughby" and she said, with a puzzled look on her face, "No, it's called the 'Wilbourne'."
(I regret to say, I didn't like the Brandon; it was too dull and traditional.) You see, ladies, we can't escape our obsessions!
Sandra <SYJackson@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - 05/01/97A at 09:37:10
On KelClanceys page theire is an article from Entertainment weekly, where the magazine had done a survey among 25 Hollywood names on Brandon/Willoughby. The result is a landslide victory for Brandon/AR of 22 vs 3. The supporters includes Kathleen Turner and Rosanna Arquette. Who need more proof?? I rest my case and offer the card of my optometrist to three three minority representatives
Eva
Copenhagen, Denmark - 05/01/97A at 09:07:04
Adoring Brandon is never an exhausted subject. I realised how much of the movie I had missed on second viewing, as I was so captivated by ? in every scene he was in the first time. I always find it toucing in a movie when everyone knows who the nice guy is, except the heroine, and his disappointment was so beautifully done - it made his love show even more deeply. He was just gorgeous! I'll have to go and rent it again now.
Anne
Sydney, NSW Australia - 05/01/97A at 09:02:39
What can I say?
Amy Bourg <ajb04@aol.comfoo>
Las Vegas, NV USAUSA - 05/01/97A at 05:18:49
Regarding Villoughby/Brandon. In the book Willoughby takes much space and this has let to prevoious television versions have put a very strong actor (Clive Francis and Peter Woodward (son of Edward Woodward) in the part and placed Brandon with a less significant actor. When writing the script I feel that Emma Thompson wanted to make audiences understand why Brandon and Marianne should end up together. She therefore disminish the part of Villoughby and make more focus on Brandon. When casting the movie
the balance is further shifted with the casting as elite actor AR as Brandon and a much less gifted actor as Villoughby. The result is of course that Brandon becomes the real hero of the story and Willoughby a cardboard caracter. When the movie was shown
in Denmark, I saw it several times and it was evident when the movies was a few week into its run, that a growing number of the audience was back for a second or even third screening bringing their friends to see you know who. Every time a man entered the
scene, whispers said: is that Him? No no, wait wait, on a Black horse... Later, later. At one performance someone even shouted idiot at Willoughby. We Danes are lucky Two weeks ago TMD aired on television, last week Robin Hood (one fith of the population
saw the movie!) and on Saturday Die Hard will air.
Eva
Copenhagen, Denmark - 05/01/97A at 03:07:17
