Alan Rickman Guestbook

(May 1 - - May 31, 1998)

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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>

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