Alan Rickman Guestbook

(September 1 - September 30, 1999)

Idle speculation RE: the shopping for children's clothes posted below--maybe it's a gift for Emma Thompson's (and Greg Wise's) baby? Isn't the child due quite soon?
Barbara
Canada - Thursday September 30th 1999 11:06:39

Claire wants to know who complained about the original entry in the London Guardian?

Malkovich!

Kari
Seattle, USA - Thursday September 30th 1999 06:16:25

When I hyperlink to the Oct. Rikmanista I get a blank screen. I know there is another way to access it but I have forgotten how. Will anyone help a person with a poor memory with the directions? Thanx
Ellen
Pa, USA - Thursday September 30th 1999 06:09:40

The poster for "Dogma" is on sale on NewsAskew, Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash:
DOGMA Poster

Keyser
USA - Thursday September 30th 1999 05:17:54

Claire, I know we all seem to be shell-shocked at the thought of MP Rickman, so I hopped on over to your place and got nothing but a gray screen. UGGGHHHH! Hope it's just temporary.... My own thoughts---I know that Labour wants to defeat the Torys in that district, but AR has want to DO that job every day when he gets up. Not that he wouldn't be good, committed to helping others, etc. But as I see it the job would be soooo different-- from telling stories wonderfully, to a job where one is NOT supposed to tell stories.... hmm. I watch Prime Ministers Questions on C-SPAN on Sunday night to keep in touch with the concerns of my friends in Merry 'ole, but scanning the bench for a glimpse of HIM just wouldn't be the same. Pooh.
amy
OK, USA - Thursday September 30th 1999 04:40:47

Nothing new, I know but this was in November's issue of Empire magazine. "Kevin Smith's controversial religious satire Dogma has found a US distributor in the shape of up-and-coming indie Lion's Gate. This means the film will not, as previously thought, be released by Miramax - heads Harvey and Bob Weinsteinbought the movie themselves from major shareholders Disney, to spare the company any embarrassment. The movie, which stars Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as fallen angels coming to earth,will now be released in the States on November 12th and is due to arrive in the UK (courtesy of Film Four), on Boxing Day.
Catherine , <catherine_a.bowles@virgin.net>
Halifax, West Yorkshire, England - Thursday September 30th 1999 01:45:56

Interesting tidbit from the "SPIED this week" in Vogue on- line, "Die Hard star Alan Rickman looking for children's clothes in Jigsaw, Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, London."
Linda P.
USA - Thursday September 30th 1999 12:39:36

I saw a commercial on Romance Classics for this month's films. It was just quick clips from a number of movies, but I saw several different clips from "Mesmer", at least two of which I believe are not in the film I have. Is there a different cut of the film? The commercial was very short with a voice over, but the one scene I remember clearly is of Maria Therese looking up at a chandelier with flickering candles. It gives the impression that she is able to see it. Has anyone seen this scene? I may just be confused but I really don't remember it. I wasn't too excited about "Mesmer" being broadcast, but if the film is different it will be worth watching. For anyone without Romance Classics it will also be broadcast once on October 24th(3 pm eastern time) on American Movie Classics as part of RC on AMC.
A-m
LI, NY, USA - Thursday September 30th 1999 12:20:47

Please listen to Suzanne's sound files, and then try The Insuferrable Literary Quiz, on the October Monthly Rickmanista
Fausta , <emma-mail@excite.com>
USA - Thursday September 30th 1999 11:33:58

Contrary to the impression we gave in Pass Notes, page 3, G2, yesterday, Alan Rickman did not play Valmont in the screen version of Les Liaisons Dangereuses (the film was called Dangerous Liaisons). He played the character on the stage and John Malkovich took the part in the film.
Wonder who complained about the original entry in Tuesdays (28th) London Guardian!

Claire
- Wednesday September 29th 1999 11:38:50

23 across .. 12 down testing

Claire
- Wednesday September 29th 1999 11:28:35

Rickman is actually a clue on the US TV Guide crossword puzzle. Look at 13 Across in the October 2 through 8 issue with Melissa Joan Hart on the cover.
Keyser
USA - Monday September 27th 1999 07:10:11

From 12 August EW Daily Online:
CASTING Miramax is mixing up its stable of classy Oscar-bait stars and rockin' teen stars-in-waiting for the hairdresser black comedy "Blow Dry." Rachel Griffiths ("Hilary and Jackie") and Alan Rickman ("Sense and Sensibility") are joining Josh Hartnett ("Halloween: H2O") and Rachael Leigh Cook ("She's All That"). Something says that lunch breaks will be filled with many awkward silences....
Georgiana , <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Monday September 27th 1999 10:46:04

"Labour insiders claim he also has the backing of Peter Mandelson, the former cabinet minister and close Blair aide."

I don't know if this is something I'd be proud of if I were Rickman. There's a reason Mandelson is a former cabinet minister and aide -- he resigned under fire.
Robyn , <robynr22@aol.com>
USA - Monday September 27th 1999 10:08:54

But Georgiana, think of all the Rickman publicity this will generate...and the role of Candidate is definitely a lead part! I think Eben Black, meanwhile, has "blotted his copybook" by referring sneeringly to the mature female K & C constituents as the "sharp-tongued blue-rinse brigade." Oh please.
Melissa , <masmith@law.harvard.edu>
Cambridge, MA, USA - Monday September 27th 1999 09:41:57

--and the English-hearing world.

Does anyone know of any photos/jpegs of AR as Ferdinand from the 1978 RSC production of The Tempest? Please drop me a line, if you do. Sure we thank you.
Renie
CA, USA - Monday September 27th 1999 09:33:01

Should Mr. Rickman elect to suspend his acting career for the sake of politics, I fear the benefit to his Kensington and Chelsea constituents shall not outweigh the profound loss to the remainder of the English-speaking world.
Georgiana , <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Monday September 27th 1999 09:10:33

Did not remember Metatron's role in the script as substantive as it appeared to be the film, "Dogma," so went back to the Internet version of the script. My favorite lovely scene with Metatron walking on water and tenderly comforting a stricken Bethany was not in that version.
Georgiana , <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Monday September 27th 1999 08:44:57

The Sunday Times article in full, for those who have not registered (links don't seem to work with The Times as each user has his/her individual code or whatever that is called).
Labour casts Rickman to fight Portillo
Eben Black Chief Political Correspondent

FINDING a viable Labour contender to run for the late Alan Clark's seat in Kensington and Chelsea was never going to be easy. Charming the sharp-tongued blue-rinse brigade in the safest Tory seat in the country is an intimidating challenge - but Tony Blair thinks he has found the man who can rise to the occasion.
Enter, stage left, Alan Rickman - the ruggedly handsome actor who set British female hearts aflutter playing Kate Winslet's sad lover in Sense and Sensibility and the evil sheriff in Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. He is being lined up to take on Michael Portillo, the likely frontrunner for the Tories.
Rickman is helped by his already strong links to the Labour party. Not only is he a signed-up member, but Rima Horton, his girlfriend of 24 years, is a Labour councillor in the Kensington and Chelsea constituency.
Labour insiders claim he also has the backing of Peter Mandelson, the former cabinet minister and close Blair aide. Mandelson was once asked who he would like to portray him in any film of his life and he answered: "Alan Rickman - because he is not afraid of playing the hard guy."
Clark, the renegade roué and diarist who died earlier this month, held the London seat with a majority of more than 9,500 at the last election, a figure seen as vulnerable to attack by Labour should they field a high-profile candidate. Under Labour's by-election rules, the party can impose a candidate in such a crucial vote, overruling any decision taken by local party members.
The manoeuvring on behalf of Rickman comes on the eve of the Labour party conference, which party workers say is designed to be awash with celebrities.
Margaret McDonagh, the party's general secretary, is believed to be intending to give the conference a "showbiz feel" in a drive to persuade voters that Labour is backed by people they have seen on the big or small screen.
Rickman, who was brought up on a council estate in west London, near Wormwood Scrubs prison in Acton, greeted Blair's victory in May 1997 with the words: "About bloody time too."
Other celebrity supporters who have allied themselves to Labour include Ross Kemp, who plays Grant Mitchell in EastEnders; Mick Hucknall, lead singer of the band Simply Red; and Michael Cashman, formerly of EastEnders and now a Labour Euro MP. Discussions on Rickman's position as a potential candidate are believed to have been held at the highest levels in the party and by McDonagh and Alastair Campbell, Blair's spin doctor and closest adviser.
"This is not a joke," one Labour insider said last night. "Rickman is being considered as a serious candidate. We are not messing about - the Kensington and Chelsea by-election is a question of playing hardball. We need to win it in any way we can to show that we have the Conservatives on the run."
Over the years Rickman has proved to be something of a renegade Labour supporter, so he might not follow the script on his pager religiously. He blotted his copybook when he joined the rebel MP Tam Dalyell to protest about action against Iraq last year. He also revealed his left- leaning instincts by joining his fellow thespian Vanessa Redgrave in sending messages of support to the newly formed "Emergency Committee on Iraq".
Blair, however, is understood to be prepared to forgive any disquiet Rickman may feel over some aspects of government policy in exchange for his undoubted public pulling power. He could prove a strong contender against Portillo, who, after his recent revelations that he went through a homosexual period as a young man, is seen as a soft target for Labour if the party produces a high-profile celebrity candidate.
Tory insiders say that the former defence secretary in John Major's government is not guaranteed to win the Conservative nomination for the Kensington and Chelsea seat, which has already attracted about 100 applicants. Barring an unlikely rebellion by local party members, however, he is still expected to succeed.
Rickman has been a guest at No 10 at a party held by Gordon Brown, the chancellor, shortly after the election, where fellow screen stars Helena Bonham Carter, Bob Hoskins and Richard Wilson, who played Victor Meldrew in One Foot in the Grave, were also in attendance. He was also a guest at the election night party held by Helena Kennedy, the radical QC, to celebrate Blair's victory at the polls in 1997.
Last night Cashman welcomed the news that his fellow actor was being considered for a high-profile political role.
"He has been a Labour supporter for decades," he said. "He has a wealth of experience both in acting and in the Labour party and I think he would be a great asset."
Nele
Tallinn, Estonia - Monday September 27th 1999 03:11:53

Sorry, the Sunday Times URL is no longer operable, it being past midnight and the paper turned into a pumpkin presumably. Could you type out the relevant info directly?
Magda , <mgrantwich@yahoo.com>
Canada - Monday September 27th 1999 02:47:38

Looks like Mandelson may have something to do with it, although I sincerly doubt a man who gets embarrassed canvassing for the party will be standing for a seat. Although having said that, if it were to happen, looks like moving to Kensington is going to have to be an option! Here's what the Sunday Times had to say http://www.lineone.net/sundaytimes/99/09/26/news/britain/sti nwenws03012- d.html
Kathleen , <Kathleen@telinco.co.uk>
Essex, UK - Sunday September 26th 1999 11:22:31

Fascinating, Claire! Put forward by WHOM, we wonder? If Warren Beatty wants to promote *himself* as a serious presidential candidate, that's one thing, but isn't this clutching at straws?
Melissa , <masmith@law.harvard.edu>
Cambridge, MA, USA - Sunday September 26th 1999 08:16:30

AR had better hope none of the theatre critics who reviewed A&C live in the riding. And the idea that playing George, SoN, is somehow a plus in running for office...It would certainly give new shades of meaning to the job of parliamentary whip.
Seriously, I hope someone sits on his head until this blows over. Running against a strong Tory in a safe Tory seat would be tragic. If they really want him in the House, give him a safe LABOUR seat.
And for a man who doesn't like to talk about his private life, this would be a very difficult effort for him.

Magda , <mgrantwich@yahoo.com>
Canada - Sunday September 26th 1999 04:09:34

Film star Rickman's toughest role yet: politics BY JONATHAN OLIVER from Sunday Express.
FILM star Alan Rickman is being lined up to stand as Labour's candidate in the Kensington and Chelsea by- election.
London Labour MPs have asked the Die Hard and Robin Hood actor to put his name forward, believing that only a celebrity candidate would have a chance of winning the safe Tory seat. Former Cabinet Minister Michael Portillo is hot favourite to be the Tory candidate for the seat made vacant by the death of Alan Clark.
Rickman, 53, is a life-long Labour supporter and his girlfriend Rima Horton is a leading light in the Kensington and Chelsea party. One MP said: "Alan has expressed an interest in getting more involved in politics.
"He is very talented and has bags of charisma. He is the sort of candidate who just might be able to stop Portillo."
Rickman now lives in fashionable Notting Hill, but he was brought up in a cramped house in Acton, West London. His painter and decorator father died of cancer when he was eight.
Rickman says he has been a Labour Party member since the day he was born. His girlfriend Rima, who is a local councillor in Kensington, has three times tried and failed to be selected as a parliamentary candidate.
Rickman's own canvassing experience has so far been limited. "He is committed to the cause," said Rima. "He gives me a lot of moral support but he doesn't come face to face with voters.
"He just delivers leaflets and then leaves. It could be embarrassment which stops him, I don't know. Not everyone enjoys being questioned on policy detail."
Rickman may have little direct political experience, but on stage and screen he has played many authority figures. Last year he took the role of Mark Antony in a West End production of Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, and he was the Sheriff of Nottingham in the Hollywood blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
The other leading candidate for the Labour nomination is Robert Atkinson, leader of the party on Kensington and Chelsea council. Mr Portillo, the former defence secretary and darling of the Tory right, is the front runner to become the Tory candidate.
His main rivals are Rupert Allason, the bouffant-haired former Torbay MP and spy writer, and Express columnist Peter Hitchens. The constituency is one of the safest Tory seats in the country.
The party had a majority of more than 9,500 at the 1997 election. The Conservatives won 54 per cent of the vote and Labour came second with 28 per cent.
Mr Portillo, a hard-line Eurosceptic, is coming under pressure from William Hague to moderate his position. Mr Hague wants to offer Mr Portillo a prominent front-bench position, but first the Tory leader wants him to drop his opposition to the single currency.The official party policy is to rule out entry only for the next two parliaments.

Claire
- Sunday September 26th 1999 03:35:38

Oh, Stezi!!!!! Thank you!!! Bravo!!! And the LLD pictures that I have never seen before! Thank you!!!
Maxine , <maxinerose@prodigy.net>
Greeley, CO, USA - Saturday September 25th 1999 07:58:11

Saw a trailer yesterday for 'Dogma' when I went to see 'American Beauty' [wonderful movie, btw!]. I didn't particularly care for AR's dark shaggy hair (I prefer his natural color) but that VOICE! Heavenly indeed!
An alert for the Ralph Fiennes fans, pls. check out my latest auction to raise funds for the Old Vic Theatre in London. The URL is:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw- cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170405484

many thanks!
Joan
USA - Saturday September 25th 1999 06:52:32

I need some help to complete the Rickmanista Review film/video:
As you know, the page features reviews of AR's work. Thanks to all of you who have contributed, so far we have reviews of all the films already released, except for the documentary Lumiere & Cie., in which AR did narration.
However, I'd need reviews of the following TV programs to complete the section:
Benefactors
Busted
Pity In History
The Preacher
Romeo & Juliet
Smiley's People
Therese Racquin

If you'd like to review any of these, please e-mail me. Thank you!
Fausta , <emma-mail@excite.com>
USA - Saturday September 25th 1999 06:02:11

I am in the midst of a Dwight attack--Claire! I may need CPR . . .
Renie
Shot #3 may have done me in--but what a way to go! - Friday September 24th 1999 01:58:41

FYI, Metatron appears in 25 of "Dogma's" 125 minutes.
Georgiana
- Thursday September 23rd 1999 01:49:48

Oh Stezi, wow! Oh, these are brilliant. Oh man, oh wow! Words fail me! (Turning into a pile of Jello (tm).) Thank you!

Lee , <lboal@hotmail.com>
Toronto, Canada - Thursday September 23rd 1999 11:08:07

From Hollywood Reporter, September 13: [Academy Award- winning makeup/visual effects artist Stan] ... Winston, repped by David Gersh of the Gersh Agency, is legendary for his creature and animatronic designs and makeup effects for such movies as "The Terminator," "Aliens," "Jurassic Park," "Inspector Gadget," and the title character in "Edward Scissorhands." He has won three Oscars for visual effects and one for best makeup. ... His upcoming projects include New Line Cinema's "Lost Souls" starring Winona Ryder, Universal Pictures' "The End Of Days" starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and DreamWorks' "Galaxy Quest" starring Tim Allen.
Georgiana , <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Thursday September 23rd 1999 11:00:22

I've updated the AR page with DVD pics of Sense and Sensibility! Those are really clear and great pics. Come and enjoy Alan as the dashing Colonel Brandon..... and drool.......
Stezi , <stezi@wxs.nl>
The Netherlands - Thursday September 23rd 1999 08:02:25

Keiser,
Thank you for the link to the BFI 100.
In addition to their comment on Mr. Rickman's performance, "Performed with distinction all round, but perhaps a special mention for Alan Rickman's loyal and solid Colonel Brandon", it is a list of wonderful movies, which includes my favorite film of all time (#2, Brief Encounter), plus lots of excellent films starring Michael Caine, who I consider the premier film actor.
Fausta , <emma-mail@mailexcite.com>
USA - Thursday September 23rd 1999 06:08:29

"Sense and Sensibility" is number 62 on the British Film Institute's list of the top 100 films. You can check out the entire list at:

British Film Institute
Keyser
USA - Thursday September 23rd 1999 04:32:57

Yes, Claire, it was Quadra. And my impression from Jeff Sharp at the Maine International Film Festival was that this resulted in distribution of "Dark Harbor" in Asia and South America sufficient to make it a profitable film for Hart Sharp. But no North American distribution. Don't recall specifically about Europe.
Georgiana , <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Wednesday September 22nd 1999 04:00:51

Wasn't it Quadra Entertainment hawking *Dark Harbor* at Cannes this year?

Claire
- Wednesday September 22nd 1999 02:19:47

Thank you, Georgiana, for the update on former Miramax-er Kessel going to Hart Sharp. If anyone remembers back that far, Hart Sharp initially turned down an "early feeler" from Miramax (king of the indies) who was showing interest at the time in acquiring Dark Harbor. I find myself wondering if Kessel was involved in the Dark Harbor talks .. and, if so, isn't it just so interesting how life works out at times?

Kari
Seattle, USA - Tuesday September 21st 1999 10:19:08

Renie-- I like your idea for the film version of ROTN! ANYTHING with Ken and Alan would work! And thanks for the Patrick Doyle information; I'm so glad to hear he's in remission.
Elise , <boston@hevanet.com>
Oregon, USA - Tuesday September 21st 1999 08:58:11

Magda, thanks for the hint about the frozen grapes; might come in handy for the teething two-year-old, too. And I'm utterly relieved to hear that the "film buff" has been chastened. Interestingly, my husband came up with exactly the two AR films mentioned (say it with me, DH and RHPoT) and also opined that yes, we all WERE probably the only ones to watch S&S.
Elise, <boston@hevanet.com>
He's still mumbling, "That'd be like not knowing who Basil Rathbone was!" ,
Oregon, USA - Tuesday September 21st 1999 08:28:45

Today's "Hollywood Reporter":
Kessel on board at Hart Sharp as production head
(Tues., Sept. 21, 1999)
By Thom Geier
NEW YORK -- Miramax acquisitions veteran Robert Kessel has been hired as head of production at Hart Sharp Entertainment. John Hart and Jeff Sharp's New York-based production banner is rapidly expanding since co-producing Kimberly Peirce's acclaimed "Boys Don't Cry," a Fox Searchlight release that debuted at the Venice International Film Festival. Hart Sharp has tapped private investors to create an eight-figure film fund that will finance a slate of three to five movies per year, each budgeted around $3 million. The fund will be overseen by Michael Hogan, hired as chief operating officer.
"These days, the minimajors tend to do mini-studio movies," Kessel said, "so there's a gap for edgy independent films from artists who have established themselves in theater or with successful first features at festivals."...snip...

Together they (Hart and Sharp) produced "Dark Harbor" with Alan Rickman and "Boys Don't Cry." Hart Sharp recently wrapped Lonergan's directorial debut, "You Can Count on Me" starring Matthew Broderick and Laura Linney. ...end...
Now wouldn't it be nice if they could put some of that fund toward distributing "Dark Harbor"? It remains one of my very favorite Rickman outings.
Georgiana (still hoping) , <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Tuesday September 21st 1999 05:48:49

Elise: You're welcome. Fortunately some concerned citizen came to the film buff's rescue and explained that AR had been in DH and RHPOT. (Am I alone in wondering if nobody except us saw S&S?) So the film buff has been offered a compass on the road to enlightenment.
BTW, if you've got the flu and can't eat much, try frozen grapes. Stick 'em in a baggie, put it in the freezer for a few hours and munch away. They're like ice wine pills. Yummy.

Magda , <mgrantwich@yahoo.com>
Canada - Tuesday September 21st 1999 05:29:59

Elise--You're welcome for the Doyle info--I understand there's a transcript here:
http://www.cbs.com/flat/story_186325.html

--but I haven't tested the link yet. There is a film version of Return of the Native in which Ken and Rickman both have roles--unfortunately, it's only in my head. *deep sigh*
Renie
CA, USA - Tuesday September 21st 1999 05:06:41

Magda, you always know just what to say to make me laugh out loud. That comment about the poor misguided self- described "film buff" just about did me in. (I'm currently trying to stave off a rather nasty flu, and it feels like someone's kicked me in the side with steel-toed boots!) Thanks to whoever posted the information on Patrick Doyle; anyone know if/when we can ever expect an AR/KB movie, maybe Richard III? Speaking of Ken, on the trailer for a new Dreamworks movie, we saw Ken and Kevin Kline fencing in the studio! They're the voices for the two main characters in The Road to El Dorado, a new animated feature due out next year. Sorry this post had no real Alan Rickman content (just dreaming of what could be).
Elise
Oregon, USA - Tuesday September 21st 1999 04:51:50

In the October issue of Premiere, there's an interview with Chris Rock and Kevin Smith on the subjects of God and Dogma. No mention of AR.

Magda , <mgrantwich@yahoo.com>
Canada - Tuesday September 21st 1999 02:19:22

Thank you, Georgiana!
Fausta
USA - Tuesday September 21st 1999 10:58:43

Today's "Daily Variety" lists an MPAA rating of "R" for:
"Dogma" (Lions Gate); for strong language including sex- related dialogue, violence, crude humor and some drug content.
Georgiana , <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Tuesday September 21st 1999 10:49:58

I'm relieved I wasn't the only one who missed recognizing this black-clad figure! The GQ cards are up at Cinescape.
Georgiana , <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Tuesday September 21st 1999 10:45:12

Mesmer premieres on Romance Classics on October 15th. It will be shown a number of times throughout the month. Now that they have the rights it will probably be on all the time. Once they have a film they show it endlessly. Too bad they haven't bought "Dark Harbor"!
A-m
LI, NY, USA - Tuesday September 21st 1999 10:24:52

Sorry to ask, but I can't find the GQ cards anymore. Could anyone please show the link?
Fausta , <emma-mail@mailexcite.com>
USA - Tuesday September 21st 1999 07:18:36

Georgiana, I also took a second hard look at that card before realizing it was Rickman. It's very hard to make out the face.
Robyn
USA - Tuesday September 21st 1999 06:56:33

I did not realize that, on the Galaxy Quest cards, the black-clad figure in front of the stonehenge-type structure is Dr. Lazarus. The caption reads "Dr. Lazarus (played by Sir Alexander Dane) from the planet Tev'Meck is Commander Taggart's closest friend and advisor. Dr. Lazarus' peaceful nature is ever at odds with the savage warrior inside after witnessing the massacre of his entire species as a boy."
Georgiana , <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Monday September 20th 1999 12:03:36

The Patrick Doyle segment on CBS was tremendous. Doyle himself is now doing well. He spoke of how kind Branagh was to visit him virtually every day in the hospital, many times when Doyle was in tears due to fear and pain.
Robyn , <RobynR22@aol.com>
USA - Monday September 20th 1999 10:23:54

Twenty minutes in a film he doesn't star in isn't bad. And for a h*nd moment, I'm willing to sacrifice Wisconsin's reputation. Thanks, all, for your continuing Dogma reportage. (I'm ready, Gail!)
OFT: Patrick Doyle news (amidst the news of the KB/HBC split):

CBS Sunday Morning News, Sept 19th 9 AM ET/PST
BACK ON TRACK (PATRICK DOYLE)
Correspondent: Martha Teichner
Producer: Lucy L. Scott
Editor: Grayce Arlotta-Berner

Patrick Doyle is a Scottish composer who writes elaborate soundtracks for his best friend Kenneth Branagh's films: Hamlet, Henry V and Dead Again.

Independent of his work with Branagh, Doyle was asked to compose a symphony to accompany a children's fable called The Face in the Lake. He put music to the story of cruel winter refusing to release spring from its bitter grip.

He wasn't himself while doing the work, and a diagnosis revealed acute lukemia. Suddenly he was in the grip of this usually fatal disease, living the fable, wondering if he'd survive to hear his symphony play at Carnegie Hall and read the story to his children. He spent months isolated in a hospital and that's when his friend Branagh stepped up. Almost weekly, Branagh flew home to London from his worldwide acting assignments, and kept Doyle from giving up.

Doyle outlasted the chemotherapy and is in remission. He's redefined his work schedule and is spending more time with his wife and four children. Our piece is timed with the release of the fable and CD, but it's really the story of the bond between the two friends.

Doyle was seriously ill for six months--I didn't see this show, but a friend did say it was uplifting.

Renie
CA, USA - Monday September 20th 1999 10:02:37

My hands-down favorite passage of the online diary has to be Smith's urging Ben Affleck to dump the dumb costume drama because *nobody* goes to them anymore (the nobodies being those outside his narrow, targeted demographic of young men).
Melissa , <masmith@law.harvard.edu>
Cambridge, MA, USA - Monday September 20th 1999 05:39:45

The January Man is showing on Channel 5 this Tuesday 9pm.
Tracy
uk - Monday September 20th 1999 03:52:57

Dogma pictures - try this URL to go straight to them:

http://www.dogma-movie.com/pics/rickman/rickmannf.html
Claudia
NZ - Sunday September 19th 1999 08:55:53

Referred to this guestbook by Renie(member of Ken Friends). Love to hear from others who are fans of the wonderful Alan Rickman. If anyone can help with websites for me to find, they would be much appreciated. Eventually I will get around to finding out about all my favourite actors with wonderful voices. Regards, Carole
Carole Crawford , <carole.crawford@det.nsw.edu.au>
Sydney, NSW, Australia - Sunday September 19th 1999 07:17:45

I couldn't get into the images section of the website... nothing interactive on the page. ????? Where are you getting those pictures?
help!
USA - Sunday September 19th 1999 03:34:23

Am I the only one having trouble accessing several areas on the Dogma site? I downloaded the jpgs and diary, but for virtually all the other areas, I get nothing but HTML programming, like this: