Ali-pat, i have some more goodies on Alan if you would like......tidbits of TUI. ( totally usless information)

Mmmmm. Jeremy Irons and our AR eh? That should be a treat. I watched JI with Annette Bening on a DVD last week - Being Julia. He definitely is more dissolute or raddled ( are those the words Sue!) looking than Alan. I can see him as Willy but not Simon in the Villa Golytsin.

Claudia, I don't think so either and I do hope we will be provided with as many pics as possible here in the future

Ali-Pat, I love your site! Do you count the minutes right away when you watch a new film??

Peek,   

 

Ahhhh yes Alfan...you probably already know about Ali-Pat's fantastic site but there may be some new people here that might not know that they can find just about any reference they need about AR in print, films, plays, etc at The AR Fan’s Lifetime Reading Plan plus other neat little AR tracking! 

I just completed the Jan archive (to be published later this evening) but I wanted to comment on something I read about Getty cracking down on posting images from their site.  Thank you sue for posting the concern.  I've been so far away lately, I would have missed it.  Anyway, I don't think we have to be to concerned about it though.  If Getty and other sites are cracking down, they will issue a warning first which of course we would abide by.  But I can't see them throwing out fines from no where.  So please don't brake on the images....please???

Lurking--thank you for that!  Glad to finally have a confirmation of the cast.  I do think the casting of Annette Bening is interesting, however.  I will not reveal a major spoiler here, but there will have to be some dialect coaching to pull this off.

Alfan--yes, AR's characters die a lot.  I have been keeping track (WARNING--BIG SPOILERS) here. 

Interestingly, that, from the earliest to the latest, Alan has always been Willy. IF, as the latest reports show, JI & AB are attached to the project, it should be one hell of a movie!

Oops, i stand corrected. A rather humbling experience if you dont mind me saying. Anyways, i still think that from a physical aspecet that Jeremy would be a better Willy but I know Alan will portray Willy  ( if indeed its true ) emotionlally to the best of his ability wich usually means a stellar performance for us. But do you realize something

Villa Spoiler Serious Spoiler.

If you have not read the book and do not want to know how it ends , then do not read, if you have read the book and know what happens then you will probably agree with me......

 Gahds!!! It seems to me that there is going to be a familiar much hated ending agian to one Willy. One that takes the same route as Hans, Elliot, George, Gregory, PL, Gregori, Judge Turpin and probably Snape. Is it just me or does he die way to many times in his movies.........

Re: Villa Golitsyn ... AR to play Willy, Irons to play Simon.

http://www.intandemfilms.com/movies/villa_golitsyn.htm

His actual words to me were "Oh I don't know if I'm doing that yet, we will have to wait and see"

I think Susan (Siracusa) spoke to him about the Villa G after a performance of MNiRC and he was very elusive.

Peekabooh wrote:

Quote:

Hikity, well said about the voting thing. Iīm through with it too. Besides that, I think we better show our adoration for Alan in giving a donation to Rada, instead of voting him to a number one position in a * poll. Thatīs all I want to say about it.

I agree with both Hikity AND Peekabooh on both accounts.

On the first account, Hikity is VERY right in that these Internet voting things are a huge scam.  So much cheating, its hard to get excited about voting in them any longer.

On the second account, I wasn't able to give as much as I would have liked to on the RADA donation around AR's b'day but the site is good for a year so I plan to go back and donate some more as funds become available.

Ali-Pat, I'm with you on seeing this film.  The book was a real page turner.  If AR plays Willy OR Simon, it will make it that much more fun to see. 

My memory sucks BIG TIME but didn't someone approach AR with a question about this film and he didn't know anything about it? 

Sorry, I wasn't very clear.  I meant to say that I agree with Sue--it is hard to imagine that both AR and JI will be attached to this film.  Would like to see it happen, but it does seem unlikely to me.

Well said, Peekabooh!

And I had forgotten about Willy and Simon going to the same school, so their ages would not be that far off.  I also have trouble seeing both of them in the same film, but it would be marvelous to witness.  Can't get the idea of a Gruber family reunion out of my mind, though. 

All I know is, I am very, very anxious to see this film.  Have been ever since I finished the novel.

I think Simon was at the most five or six years younger than Willy. They were at school at the same time but Simon was in a lower year.

I still can't imagine them both being in it somehow but who knows?

Hmmm.  Well there is some hope, then.  I never thought for a minute Jeremy Irons might be cast as Simon--just as Willy.  I always pictured Simon being much, much younger than Willy for some reason.  Actually, JI has already played a Simon--Hans Gruber's big brother in Die Hard with a Vengeance. 

I saw both sites referenced by both Ali-Pat and sue (thank you girls!) and was confused as well.  IMDb still says that AR is "attached" as Willy. 

But if I remember the story correctly, Willy, Simon, and the third friend were close in age...I believe Willy was a slight bit older than the other two so Jeremy Irons would be a good fit for Simon. 

Although Annette Benning is a good actress, I still think Kristen Scott-Thomas would be the perfect Prissy though. 

ok rickiman, good!!

I've seen Alan has got more of 500 votes today in Hello, so...I'm thinking, if we had got these votes in waposdecine, Alan had won.

but, we still have 24h.

yeah!!!!

yeah, sue, very confusing, also what you just did   
 

Cats,  THAT is a very good idea !!! 

sue, I called my two geckos who used to live on their favourite wall of our terrace (and sometimes in our bedroom) in Abu Dhabi FRED and ASTAIRE, lol - I am with you here: I loved Fred and Ginger and ever since I saw their film I like singing in the rain (to get a better mood) . These two geckos   were wonderful: they ate every insect    Pity we don't have geckos in Germany...
 

THIS is very confusing.

Dear Centurienne, be assured that I vote for Alan everytime I'm in the Internet, since I knew about the Voting.

I agree that Jeremy Irons should be great in the role. He's that bit more umm what's the word?? Senior moment, can't think of the word, not exactly raddled but along those lines (that's not being nasty, I love JI!!)

Mind you I thought he'd done the Lolita thing already.

So after Sweeney Todd, no new roles for Alan that we know of (saving the ubiquitous Snape and that's more or less a cameo!) or that Acts of Charity if anything ever comes of that. Oh well maybe it will leave the path clear for a return to the theatre (living in hopes!!)

I'm with you Hikity on the singing thing. I have never got my head around people bursting into song LOL (With the exception of Fred 'n' Ginge)

Hmm, Jeremy Irons eh. Well if you dont mind me saying that i think its a good move. I had  a real hard time imagining Alan in that role as Willy, and not just physically. Not that i dont want to see him do another movie or project but i just didnt see him in this role, now not saying he couldnt of pulled it off as he is a brilliant character and could bring out the tortured soul of Willy like no one else. But alas, i think Jeremy will do wonderful in the role.

ok, I understand. I don't want to force anyone.

I only encourage to everyone who wants to vote.

if you don't want, don't vote.

but many of us keep the ilussion, so....please, let us have it!!!

Some news about Villa Golitsyn--fourth paragraph from the bottom. 

I never said it was good news. 

Hikity -

Hmm, Sweeney Todd sounds like a bit of a Death Eater reunion...........With Snape, Wormtail and Bella. Very cool, cant wait to see the finished product.

VOTING on Internet....

 To be honest, ladies, I do NOT vote anymore after this ridiculous thingy last year (Hello Magazine) and I am a bit tired of all the post reminders.

No, no chance, you can not change my mind on this, topic ex no answers necessary as I don't want to start a new row

Sophia, thanks a lot for the Sweeney Todd news! Meanwhile I am really eager to get my hands on anything concerning his new project, although I hate singing in films, lol

Cu soon, Hikity

Alan Rickman

34% | 11728 Votos

Dominic Purcell

36% | 12557 Votos

DagmAR, why oh why must Bloom be in the same contest AGAIN? I am still traumatised from a year ago *lol*

I encourage everyone to vote for Alan!!!

http://www.waposdecine.com/ewc.php

and

http://www.hellomagazine.com/vote/mostattractiveman/index.html

Alan will win!!!

if we're together, we'll never be won!!!!

come on ladies!!!

vote for our MAN!!!!

speaking of voting......

http://www.hellomagazine.com/vote/mostattractiveman/index.html

anyone in the mood to take part? 

No, my dear girls!

Not exactly 20min... but 10 MINUTES

GO ALAN  GO ALAN!!!

WE CAN DO A GREAT TEAM WORK

KEEP VOTING ALAN!!!

alankisses

Lia

hi miss dashwood!!!

encourage to others rickmaniacs to vote too!!!

everyone of us!!!! Alan!!! Alan!!! Alan!!!

vote, every 20min. there are only 3 days!!!

we can make he wins!!! come on

HI CENTURIENNE

JUST VOTED FOR "DA MAN" TODAY........THANKS FOR THE REMINDER........HOW CAN PEOPLE PICK THE FRONT RUNNER INSTEAD OF ALAN? BUT THANKS AGAIN FOR THE REMINDER

AND LET US ALL HAVE A GOOD WEEK!!!!!

Hello there,

Does anybody know whether or not there will be a Harry Potter premiere in London and when? I only know that the theatrical release will be on July 13th, but I haven't heard anything about a premiere there, yet. So I just wondered..... If you know, please, tell me. Thanks already.

hi everyone^^

I've been voting for Alan since february bagan, but I've only seen 10 or 12 rickmaniacs voting too.

where are you? what are you doing? why don't vote for Alan?

he's our idol.

how many rickmaniacs there are in the world? thousands!!!!

so...why every rickmaniac don't vote?

maybe, someones can't, another don't want...but...please!!!!

the last trying!!! only 3 days!!!

and...to finish.....why no one of you reply when anyone write something about this?

Alan's the main purpose, GO AND VOTE!!!!

http://www.waposdecine.com/ewc.php

Just a quick note to those of us in the USA, and if this is old news to many of you - Sorry!!!

The US trailer for Snowcake is up on Apple.com with a release date of April 25, 2007.

Looks like we'll get to see this film after all.

I've lurked for a very long time, but never posted until I saw this news today!

This is such a great site.

Puddingdale, claudia, alfan, carolyn, vicki, lynda, Miss Bennet, miss dashwood, Rhoda Morgenstern, jean, susan, barbara, ellen, hikity, marlina, CatsPlay, vera...and all rickmaniacs: are you voting for Alan?

please, I can't believe that guy's going to win.

Alan must win, please, we need every rickmaniac giving votes!!!!

Thanks, Claudia. You made my day. I love a pat on the back from time to time *lol*

pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase!!! VOTE 4 ALAN!!!

http://www.waposedecine.com/ewc.php

Dominic Purcell's winning!!! we can't let it!!!

more over 850 votes between 1š (dom) and 2š (alan)

this web means: "handsome men of cinema"

and Alan's the most handsome!!!!!

please, I beg you, VOTE!!! only 3 days, until next wednesday night!!! when the votation ends.

if every rickmaniac would give a vote every ten minutes, Alan could win!!!

please, 4 Alan, 4 our lovely man!!!

he deserves to win^^

and remember: NO ALAN, NO WAY

Happy Monday Morning YUKS to everyone!  Unless its an AR kind of day......I soooo hate Mondays! 

I've read the current topic and my "two bits" are long over due.  Sorry for being so late once again. 

I have to say first that I am thrilled that Susan has taken a dream and seen it through by writing her book.  I know I don't have the patience it would take much less the creativity to write it.  So to Susan and her initiative.   

I don't know anything about the publishing industry and can only listen to people that have been in the business for years so I can't comment on whether or not the book is published by a reputable company or not.  But I can say that I fully intend on reading it as soon as I can. 

Puddingdale, please don't feel bad about offering your thoughts and comments about the book.  I think you did a perfect job of stating your thoughts in a positive and friendly manner.  After all, any one that puts work out there whether its a book, a film, or a hamburger must be in the position of being able to take constructive criticism as well as praise. 

I do have to agree with our lovely Jane Austin friends AND Mary Richard's best friend  that the book might be a better discussion for next door.  After all, Susan reported to us (thanks so much, Susan) that she gave AR a copy and that he requested it in screenplay form...that is really all that is AR related, IMHO.  If I'm wrong, someone please point it out to me. 

"Just me", please stay with us.  We have so much to offer as a group of AR friends.  Stick around, you'll see. 

I do have to comment on how shocked I am that there has been no other art offerings from the newest AR pictures than Wallpaper Phantom's wallpaper! Where are all of our artists???  I miss your works! 

I have a lot of housekeeping around here and the DP board to do.  Archives as well as taking some of the announcements down.  Busy busy busy! 

To everyone I owe email to...I'll be getting to my inbox shortly.

Just me !!

 I second the " stick around". We really are a good group, no harm was meant in any of the comments as we are not mean people. Sometimes comment response can sound offensive but are only trying to be directional.. This is an Alan Rickman forum and you are welcome to express your thoughts and feelings just like anyone else, sometimes things go on this forum and sometimes things go on the Discussion Party. Its just hard to tell what to put where sometims, but please, stick around.

Just me,

Please stick around!  You didn't start this.  It was boiling under the surface for quite a while.  Best of luck with college!

Sorry if my questions about the book started all this mess. I am a college student working my way through and every penny counts. Just wanted to know.Thanks for all the info. Will not bother you again.

Vicki, agreed completely.

E.F. stated what I was trying to get at much more clearly than I did.  Thanks.

Ah, it's that time of year again.  The AR news drought has set in and the arguments have begun.  Regular as clockwork....or a time-lock.  I think both sides of the debate have been equally represented here now and so let's put away our alias posting names, send the Dashwood sisters back to Barton Cottage, and CHANGE THE SUBJECT!!! 

Anyone hear any news of the progression of Sweeney Todd yet?

Above all, though, I'm concerned that some people may be purchasing copies of Thornton Manor with the belief that AR has consented or will consent to involvement in a film version.  This is going to sound snarky, I know, but it's the best way I can think of to express how incredibly unlikely I believe this to be:  You'll see AR as President of the Margaret Thatcher Appreciation Society first. 

Truer words were never posted. Thank you, E.F.

I say this with absolutely no desire to hurt anyone's feelings or to be disrespectful, but to add my thoughts, directly and as honestly as possible, to this particular discussion thread.  Here is what I have been able to determine from looking at the Trafford and Ebay pages for Thornton Manor, reading the reviews and comments here, and just thinking this over for a little while:

Thornton Manor is a Real Person Fiction (RPF), written by a Mary Sue, published by a vanity press, shilled by folks who enjoy reading other people's sexual fantasies about someone they don't personally know.  Controversial as these things may be (you can Google them to see just how controversial), thems the facts, and as this kind of fiction doesn't appeal to me personally, I won't be buying a copy. 

That Susan has written, vanity-published, and even passed on a copy of her fanfic to AR doesn't concern me in the slightest.  In fact, I am pleased to see yet another instance AR's graciousness in a situation that must feel a bit awkward (having fans pass things along for you to read, praise, consider for future projects, etc.).  What does concern me is using a fan community - one connected to a site known far and wide for its generosity and free downloads and info - for marketing purposes.  It feels antithetical to what Claudia has done here for so many years.  Personally, I think it's sketchy at best, and opportunistic at worst. 

Above all, though, I'm concerned that some people may be purchasing copies of Thornton Manor with the belief that AR has consented or will consent to involvement in a film version.  This is going to sound snarky, I know, but it's the best way I can think of to express how incredibly unlikely I believe this to be:  You'll see AR as President of the Margaret Thatcher Appreciation Society first. 

If I am wrong, I will gladly - and publicly - eat my words.

Miss Dashwood, I can assure you ... nobody with a drop of intelligence is "jealous" of Susan's masterpiece.

Hi

This is my first post, and I would like to respond to Rhoda's cutting and hurtful remarks about the author of the book

Thornton Manor........Rhoda you're passing judgment on someone who has put a lot of time and effort into this novel.....Either you need to get a life or perhaps there might be a little jealousy involved.......you didn't comment on the book or author, but you were blantantly cruel and had no business, I think, placing your barbs, which were so obviously intended to hurt another

This is my first and last post.......so Rhoda, get some manners and get a life....and if you want to attack me, go right ahead; I have a thick skin

Jean, Rhoda, Zorra, Ellen, you speak from the bottom of my heart. Finally! That is everything I wanted to say and reach with my restraint criticism. Had I known I was not alone, I would have made this more clear. So, no more about this from me - only next door if necessary.

I'd like to suggest that this lovefest for Susan's book be taken to the Discussion Party or elsewhere.   Not everyone here is enthusiastic or in love with the idea of trying to sell books or make money using Alan Rickman's name, or with the idea of exploiting Alan Rickman by writing him into an NC-17 storyline, SELF-publishing it, and then peddling it on ebay. 

Susann  Please email me and I will fill you in with the details.

Thank you Zorra for that observation, I do in fact realize that I am not going to get anywhere with the screenplay agency in America and have now moved on to more local pastures like the UK Film council where they have been very helpful.  Angela Pell the scriptwriter of Snowcake have also been writing to me and has given me lots of encouragement.  If it doesn't get to film so be it, at least I tried.  It would only be the icing on the cake but I am quite happy with the filling. 

puddingdale  I would never expect Alan or anyone else taking his place to act it exactly as the book, the bedroom scenes would be toned down for a start to what they were comfortable with.

Can anyone tell me the contents of susan`s book. I know you have already written about it but perhaps, a little bit easier for foreign visitor`s.

And whatīs the thing with Alan?

Although Pudingdale and Ellen make excellent points, here's the main reason why "Thornton Manor" will never be a movie. The agency that "snapped up" Susan's book is a bonafide scam.

If you type "The Screenplay Agency" and "scam" into Google, you'll get many links to well-known and legitimate writer resource websites where discussions and complaints about this agency have taken place. This scam has been going on for a long time and is notorious in the publishing industry. Here is just one representative link to a discussion about it:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20359

And here is one writer's lament, just one of MANY:

I only wish I had known about the Screenplay Agency before I spent $95, and many hours of my time. Plus the embarrassment now of telling my friends that I really DON'T have an agent! The Writer's Guild (whom I should have checked with at the beginning) said that they sign a contract with every writer that submits. Then they ask for the critique (which I paid for) and after giving one that calls for many changes, they refer you another company (yeah, sure!) that charges fees. Strange fees. The next one was going to be for $189! Then I woke up. RATS! Back to the drawing board, but glad that I only lost the $95.

Hi Puddingdale,

   Sorry if I over reacted, but words can be misunderstood. And NO I do not hate you. You have your right to your opinion, even if it differs from mine, esp. if it differs to mine. I am sure Susan wants to hear from all sides, in oder to make the making of the movie (hopefully sometime  in the future) the best it can be, and with the writings of future stories. Of course there will have to be some changes when the story is taken from paper and made into something beautiful and believable on the screen. I am sure Susan knows that already. As it is right now I can only invision the story in my own mind, and isn't that what reading a story is all about, drifting away into a make believe world to get away from life's frantic pace? Now it is your turn to toss a tomato at me....still friends??????? Barbara

In case anyone didn't see them, someone put all the HP OOTP "behind the scenes" and movie clips on Youtube. If you do a search for "Alan Rickman", then click on "sort by date added", it's the fifth one down.

Also, someone did a video of many of Alan's appearances (no audio, though). Some of them are from here *g* and some aren't. The video is the fourth one down.

Hikity, Maverick in London was shown on tv last year and I put the relevant AR bits on YouTube HERE. The whole documentary was very interesting.

Hikity, I forgot to mention there's also a 50minute "Making of" documentary on the DVD as well as 25minutes of outtakes.

Hikity, you can buy it at either www.dresscircle.co.uk or www.nationaltheatre.org.co.uk  The price is the same at each site, 20GBP.

Does anyone here know (sue?) whether the DVD:

Maverick In London

is still available and where I could order it? Does Alan appear?

Thanks in advance for your help

Marlina, it really seems to be his handwriting, good find!

Oh, wow, Marlina - that writing really does look like his!!  I guess it's possible because of his involvement with RADA.

I just looking at RADA website and I SWEAR those are Alan writing!

and these!

Well, of course AR has the best of manners - we all know and appreciate that. It is what makes him special among persons continuously surrounded by the public and almost always watched.

I never meant to imply that Rickman tossed the book back at Susan. Why should he? It is a great honour to have something written for you. And I think it is natural that an actor would ask for a screenplay when hearing that one of the characters was written for him. Screenplays are what might be turned into movies, not books.

That is why I hope another dream might come true for Susan and that AR might get back to her. But Thornton Manor is not Snow Cake and a lot of changes will have to be made to the screenplay in order to convince AR to act in the movie. For instance, I cannot imagine he will feel obliged to unnecessarily explicit bed scenes - not after his contract for Snow Cake saying that he would be covered up to the chin. And the character might need some dark secrets or flaws in order to be interesting for an actor of Alan's calibre. The comical elements of the plot might be enhanced for comic relief - there is some great potential here.

Well, I know you hate me now, because most here seem to find Susan's book perfect as it is. And I hate being the devil's advocate. I like harmony and friendship and I do not want to offend anyone, less of all Susan who put so much into her book. Going after one's dreams is a good motto and I look up to that.

I just feel that too much praise is never good for a project, especially now that the screenplay might be in the making. Criticism has mostly helped me just as much as praise - both is needed to get on. I wish someone else could take the part of the bad critic, but I seem to be the only one available for the dirty job.

No Vera, it's just I know what these stupid programmes are usually like!!

And you call yourself a fan?

Thanks Carolyn and Sue!

It looks like you can watch that TV channel with the 100 Sexiest online, but it will not let me sign up because I am not in the UK. 

booo hooo!

Just googled  and it was in fact 100 Greatest Sex Symbols. HERE are the complete results.

Channel 4 have one of their interminable 100 Best of programmes tonight. This time its 100 Sexiest People. We watched from about 80 down to 50 whilst having supper then lost interest and found Freddie and Queen on another channel. My sixteen year old just came in here from his room and said he just switched to Channel 4 and Alan Rickman was No.14!!!

"Bum" said I (or something similar) "I Missed it!" but No! The little darling said I could rewind with the aid of the wondrous Sky+ box and so got to see Germaine Greer say the only sexy thing about him was his voice (like she ever said anything sensible!!) and my husband's favourite Rowan Pelling waxing lyrical. Mainly clips from RHPoT but a nice pic from Judas Kiss and a couple of guys rabbiting on about him being a sexy baddy or something!

No 14 is pretty impressive though, I was thinking if he was going to be in there I probably had missed him before No.80!!

I don't know if anyone is interested, but the actress who is going to be playing Rachel in MNIRC in Seattle this spring is going to be blogging her experiences throughout the show at:

seattlerep.blogspot.com

Susan you are totally welcome for my humble review of your book. As I said I was not an expert or anything, just mentioned how your book effected me. So if what Marlene says about you meetings with Alan Rickman is true, you did not have your book tossed right back in your face for a screen play as I have been informed. So glad to hear that he has the best of manners and of course would graciously except the story written with him in mind for a part in it. I didn't think that sounded like something he would do. Thanks for the reassurance of his character.

    Oh and welcome HarryPotterGirlClone to the site. Have a great weekend.

    Susan good luck with the book and your meetings with Alan Rickman, we would all love to be in your shoes. You go girl!

Claudia I got a chuckle out of you "spilling the beans".  Waiting for you to move into your new apartment wasn't a problem. 

"Thank you Marlene!  You have been a blessing!"

You're very welcome.

HarryPotterGirlClone

Email me if you can't find my book on ebay and I'll send you one direct.  Also anyone else who is interested in obtaining it.

Thanks Marlene and Barbara for your wonderful reviews!  It was so nice of you and totally unexpected!

P.S. HarryPotterGirlClone ...  you can also order Thornton Manor direct from Trafford Publishing at:

www.trafford.com/06-1909

The ISBN is:  1-4251-0152-6

One of the tag lines reads:  "A married woman's love for a mysterious stranger that leads her on a path of murder, deception and betrayal for which she pays the ultimate price."

H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y  

A N G E L I N A!!    

I wish I knew how to post a birthday cake with flaming candles, but alas... I'm not that talented! 

HarryPotterGirlClone,   Maybe you can find a way to get your Mom connected. 

Yes, Susan has met him quite a few times this past year... and I have a feeling she's going to meet him many times more.

You can get the book directly from Susan.  If you're on eBay put this number in the "Search" area and it'll bring you to Susan's latest listing.   190085983601     If you ask, she probably will autograph it for you.

Or, if you don't have PayPal or don't get into eBay, e-mail me with your return eMail address and I'll pass it on to Susan (in case she hasn't seen your message here). 

The book is 167 pages with a beautiful cover which contains Susan's photograph in an insert.

On eBay, you can always find loads of Alan Rickman movies for you and your Mom, both on DVD and VHS formats.

Yes, Robin Hood is a really good one. 

One of the nicest things about Alan Rickman is that he appeals to people of all ages.  And like fine wine, he gets better with age.

I hope you get Thornton Manor...  

Hey!  Thanks for the info on the book.  I am a fairly new AR fan and I wish that my mom had an internet connection because she would love this group.  It is so totally cool that Susan emailed you the chapters.  So this woman, has she met AR for real? Where can I get this book?  How long is it? I remember one time my mom was visiting me and she asked me to fetch some AR vids. My local video store's collection of AR movies is sub-par at best.  Anyway, one of the movies I got was Robin Hood, even though we had already seen it.  You know the one where AR plays Sheriff of Nottingham (or as I like to say, Naughty-ham)  Anyway, up until this point, I really hadn't thought much of AR; that is until I flipped the DVD box to read the description (something I do out of habit).  On the back was AR himself, looking fine in the old English style.  I thought to myself "I'd do him!"    So now I have been converted and am a fan of AR, even though he is way older than me, I am 22.  Please respond because I would love to get my hands on this book ASAP!

Love

HarryPotterGirlClone

Hello Everyone,

Just Me, You asked several questions to which I'd like to respond.

Thornton Manor was written by DH's own Susan Siracusa, an avid (gosh, that's an understatement!) Alan Rickman fan who lives in the United Kingdom.  I "met" Susan (via e-mail) in September of 2005 through an eBay purchase I made from her.  Our friendship has grown and continues to thrive as we e-mailed back and forth practically every day.  In one e-mail she mentioned that she had a story in her head and with unrelenting badgering, er, um, I mean encouragement from me and others close to her, she started putting the story down on "paper" and e-mailed the first chapter to me.

As Thornton Manor came to life, Susan would e-mail me each chapter as she finished it, to look over, proofread, and comment upon.  I can honestly say the first chapter caught me immediately and every chapter thereafter had the same affect!  No sooner had I read the last word, that I shamelessly begged her to HURRY and send me the next one (even though it wasn't yet written)!   

So, not only have I read Thornton Manor, I'm one of two American friends Susan mentions on the book's Acknowledgments page. 

Thornton Manor (which originally had a different working title) became so much a part of my "must read" mentality, that as each chapter appeared in my e-mail ... the rest of the world was put on "hold".  Yes, it's that riveting. 

From Day 1 Susan's characters became people I knew and loved.  With Susan's descriptions and character development, I could envision this story as a movie playing in my mind, as I watched the characters move from scene to scene.

"Why is AR connected to it?" 

Please know, I'm not speaking for Susan, but only for myself.   I believe because of Susan's love and admiration for Alan Rickman it was only natural that a character in her book would be based on someone we all consider to be very special in our lives.

Mr. Rickman -- the man we see at interviews -- the man we see in a myriad of characters he portrays on stage and screen -- and the man we see devoting himself to so many humanitarian and charitable events.

How many of us have fantasized at meeting him, having a conversation with him, and becoming his friend?  Susan has achieved this by bringing a part of Alan Rickman's essence to Thornton Manor.  Once you read the book, you'll see exactly what I mean. 

I'm glad to see that you love to read, and honestly believe you'll enjoy Thornton Manor.   Susan has a fabulously unique talent for writing, and particularly for story-telling.  

Thornton Manor is definitely a page-turner. 

Just Me, Susan Siracusa wrote it. She is another fan sometimes visiting this board and she created one of the characters after AR. She gave the book to him at some event and he spontaneously asked her to give him a screenplay. Obviously, he rather reads screenplays than books.

You can buy the book at www.trafford.com as it is self-published, not yet available in bookstores. Or maybe still at ebay where Susan sells it herself. If you want to know more details or have my full opinion about the book before you buy it, just send me an e-mail

Man-O-Manischevitz!   I just saw snowcake for the first time.

I haven't felt that gutwrenching Rickman rush for such a long time..............

jeez................the crying scenes and the love scenes...i almost passed out!

Now i have to watch it like 10 more times.

I for one would like to know more about the book "Thornton Manor" before I decide to buy it or not. Who wrote it?  Any other opinions? Has anyone else read it and would like to comment on it? Why is AR connected to it? Can I buy it in the stores-like Wal-mart? Help?! Sorry I am new at this. I love to read.

Thanks, sue!  Looks like it got a good rating.

Here is a link to the full size of sue's scan

http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/ARDLHGB2/totalfilmsnowcake.jpg

Oh brother.  Take out the h from "where".  I meant to type were.......sheesh. 

sue - where we supposed to be able to click on the picture and enlarge it or taken to another webpage??  Nothing happens when I click on the picture......or are you just a BIG TEASE!!! 

Total Film Review of Snowcake dvd:

A new scanner which doesn't seem as good as the old one that died!

I am glad Susan got a good review from you, Barbara. I read the book as well and it was easy to understand that the making of the book must have been a dream come true for Susan. Not to mention the lots of work and discipline writing a book takes. Therefore, I bow before you, Susan, because I mostly lack the energy to put so much effort in one project. Well done! I hope you can make more dreams come true in the future.

Still, for honesty's and neutrality's sake I must say that I do not agree with Barbara when she says the book will touch everyone's heart. And I hope it is okay to pair praise with criticism here, because the book deserves as many opinions as possible. It was a page-turner, oh yes! And the references to AR were quite amusing and vivid. Kind of an hommage, to say the least. But to me, the AR adoration was a tinge too obvious and his character so perfect, mysterious and suffering that he seemed out of space. I could not help thinking Rebecca meets Jane Eyre meets Sense and Sensibility meets ... I kept waiting for the final twist - and that indeed made me read on and on, but maybe I have read too many books or I am just plain clever  but it was all quite obvious to me. Mind, if you are truly madly deeply in love with AR and long for some NC17 scenes to spice up your imagination, you will LOVE this book. And if you are curious what other fans might dream of when they gaze smilingly into space after having watched Snow Cake for the umpteenth time. Or if you lack the words to explain to your boyfriend what AR has that he does not *g*

Do not misinterpret me. Thornton Manor is great fun to read. I just wanted to warn those who do not yet know whether they want to buy the book that they might find the praising of AR too much and the plot too melodramatic or predictable.

I assure you I do not mean to offend. I am open for discussion and curious about other opinions that might come up. You might throw tomatoes of course, if it helps.  

Ohhhhh, Phantom Wallpaperer!!!!  I love the new wallpaper!  I have it on my machine right now!  Gorgeous!  And you did a wonderful job crediting the photographer as well!  Thank you!  However, your signature would have been helpful too.  I did put your name in the file name so I can remember who created it! 

Try THIS LINK for wallpaper.

A wallpaper from the Times Photographs:

http://http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/ARDLHGB2/timespix.jpg

A question. Do you believe in this:

"The twin joys of professional acclaim and financial success have failed to raise Alan Rickmanīs public demeanour above that of misery guts. When a distinguished drama critic approached the dour-faced star of the harry potter movie seeking autographs for his young children, Rickman signed in exasperation before accepting the proffered pen. But when asked to sign as Professor Snape, he snapped: `My name is Alan Rickman. Iīdont give a toss about your sodding kids!` After much grovelling, he grudgingly relent and srawled an illegible Snape before bolting. Playing obnoxious villains obviously isnīt too difficult then, Alan?"

Leanne,

Thanks.  Those photos were taking in early December 2006 for a UK Newspaper article.

We only had three entries in our AR birthday card contest this year.  Between the three...its VERY hard to name just one winner (they are all soooo good!).  I know all three put heart and soul into their creations so I am going to name Chalbh, Cyntilla, and ilwe@wanadoo.fr as our grand prize winners!!!!  All three will recieve the Alan Rickman READ posters! 

Speaking of the READ posters.  I just have to spill the beans on a truly huge helper with this contest's grand prizes.  Shortly after I announced the contest, Marlene contacted me and offered the poster for the grand prize and absolutely would not take any money for it.  She was so sweet in saying that she wanted to contribute to our group in this way.  She was patient with me and held off mailing it until after I got into my new apartment and then....I was terribly late letting her know it arrived safely (I am sooo bad!).  Any way, now that she knows that we are going to award three posters, she has already offered to help on those too.  Thank you Marlene!  You have been a blessing!

Chalebh, Cyntilla, and ilwe@wanadoo.fr, email me your mailing address and I'll get the posters out to you as soon as I can!  Congratulations!!!     

Miriam, Cyntilla, SnoKat, Carolyn, Rickimam, Karin and DagmAR

You all made my birthday that little bit more special with your good wishes, thank you SO much.  I wonder how our Man celebrated his?

OT - Just in case any of you living in the UK are interested, I have a short story published in the March edition of 'Scarlet' magazine.  It's called 'Vanilla' and I use a pen name.  Be warned, it's erotica for women and the publication is very... shall we say, hot.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!

though I'm so late,I want to say you're the best in my heart!

Eh.

HAPPY BIRTHADAY to OUR MARVELOUS, LOVELY, GREAT ACTOR AND FOREVER HANDSOME, and more...NICE HUMAN BEING!

Today, a new year has been brought to his life!

GOD BLESS ALAN

Lia

Monsieur Rickman je vous souhaite un joyeux 61čme anniversaire!! happy birthday!!

Does anyone else feel all goofy and shy and embarrassed when you see all the pix on the main webpage and the download screens of AR appearing to look, smiling, (or maybe more so, NOT smiling) right in your eyes? I'm glad SOMEone in the world can make me feel 14 again. It's like sneaking looking in a yearbook to see some guy's picture and then closing it again because you feel so enamoured.

Funny what some men can do. Maybe the fact that he acts so blissfully unaware of it is part of the charm.

And I already said it, earlier below, but I am so happy that his parents got it on--let's see, that would be in, what, June 1945...truly one of the first boomers.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

TO THE MOST WONDERFUL CREATURE IN THE WORLD: ALAN RICKMAN

GIRLS, DON'T FORGET VOTING FOR HIM, LET HIM THE FIRST POSITION HERE: http://waposdecine.com/ewc.php

because he worth it and today's his birthday!!!

vote,vote,vote!!!

         HAPPY BIRTHDAY

      Alan Rickman 61 Today

for all the great films you make!!!!

Although itīs "Aschermittwoch" here in Germany, itīs not the time for a hangover, but the time to celebrate OUR MANīs birthday!

http://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities-news-in-pics/21-02-2007/43860/

Letīs blow out the candles!

And a Happy Birthday to you, New Jan!

H A P P Y    B I R T H D A Y

dear ALAN!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you!

Haaaaaappyyyyy Biiiiiiiiirthdaaaaayyyyyyyyyy

deeeaaaaar AAAALAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haaaaaaaappyyyyyyyyyy Biiiiiiirthdaaayyyyyyy