chuckle, Long Haired, you know Bach, Beethoven and Mozart

Blue Shrew wrote on Apr 7^th, 2011 at 6:58am:

Hiya Shrew person 

I can't remember how I discovered the books. I have an inkling of a memory that when I was maybe 11 or 12 (not sure what age you are in ninth grade?) I saw a movie, interest was piqued and then sought out the books at the library. My second home was the local library. Then, some years later, I saw a Complete Works of and I read it from cover to cover every few years. It's one of my comfort books - or desert island - books.

I didn't see the recent remake with Benedict Cumberbatch (who, I'm guessing, everyone knows is the son of Wanda Ventham) but - as a "Sherlock Holmes channelled by Jeremy Brett" fan - I believe it was very good thus proving that remakes can be updated and work well.  UFO writers / directors take note. I must get around to buying the DVD.

Pondering further, the characters of Holmes and Straker have distinct similarities. Although I wouldn't describe Straker as a "high-functioning sociopath". Much.

Librarian wrote on Apr 7^th, 2011 at 12:23am:

Golly! Respect! I only have around 1500 books (quick stock take reveals) but the collection isn't as eclectic as yours - majors around cooking (ie, food porn), crafts various but mostly relating to fabric, interior design and painting, north European wildlife with vast quantities of novels. And Deborah, are you interested in lunar planting cycles? I think I found a website which might be one of yours. I'm planting my veggies by the lunar calendar this year.

Write Rat wrote on Apr 7^th, 2011 at 12:35am:

LOL. I just thought that if we had a list of things to which people could add their favourites it might be more appealing for some than having to compose a para or two about themselves.

Neesierie wrote on Apr 7^th, 2011 at 1:11am:

  It's good to have varied tastes!

I've not seen the Robert Downey Jr portrayal either but this is the series I was referring to earlier. I've just put it on my wish list so I don't forget next time I'm ordering.

http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Season-One-Benedict-Cumberbatch/dp/B004132HZS/ref...

I saw Jeremy Brett as Holmes on stage about 20 years ago and he was mesmerising.

Well, it was rather special. I was late booking and got two cancellations - front row of the stalls so right below the stage, in the centre. We were so lucky - but actually, I'm not that keen on being that close. You're kinda looking up the actors' nostrils, you know?

It was actually a superb location and I think, when you're that close to the front, the actors can see you too. Being a real fan of the books and of the character, there were a couple of lines that I really "got" and my face probably expressed that. I'm not sure everyone else did. Anyway, I think Jeremy Brett saw that I had grasped several of the allusions and at the end, I got a personal bow from him and he smiled at me. It was quite wonderful!

Watson was played by Edward Hardwicke and they were just as good on stage as they were in the series proving that they didn't need the wizardry of cameras, several "takes" or special effects to deliver perfect, spellbinding performances.

Quote:


I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you  I can't imagine how incredible that performance must have been. Hardwicke was my favorite of the two Watsons and so kind to Jeremy when he was discharged from hospital after his breakdown. He took him somewhere for lunch. Jeremy was so childlike at times.  So elastic, I always loved his nimble jump up from a chair, only to sit and rearrange his legs in yoga position.  My favorite episode is Dying Detective. I have almost all the episodes.  Benedict is REALLY Wanda's son? You're joking! He is so great in the role. I adored Jeremy, so he really had to work to impress me  but he pulled it off. They transformed it really wonderfully. Poor Watson in the new one!  I finally got to see the opening episode A Study in Pink, with him whipping the corpse  Benedict was ill from doing the episodes. I read he had pneumonia doing it. He seems to be like Jeremy  Brett and Ed Bishop, really in the skin of their characters. I so regret that I was never able to see Ed Bishop on stage.
Yes, I know, there is something magnetic about Robert Downey, Jr as Holmes. Jude Law is equally great as Watson. I own that first movie, looking forward to the second. I had to watch it a couple of times to really get into it. Downey is a little closer to Benedict's style, that intellectual disdain, chuckle and then those hints of feeling.
Reminds me of a certain Commander!

OK, My turn:

Pets:  Squeak, a black and ginger-striped guinea pig (who happens to be house trained!)

Favourite book: Terry Pratchett, John Wyndham, H G Wells, Tom Clancy

Favourite movie: Thunderbirds are Go, Doppelganger (1968)aka Journey to the far side of the sun, Rocketeer, V for Vendetta, Warof the Worlds (1953), Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Battle of Britain, Demolition Man

Favourite music:Film/TV Music, particularly Barry Gray and John Barry

Favourite UFO character: Keith Ford

Favourite UFO episode:  All that have the Mobiles in them

Hobbies: Model making, Videography, Snorkelling/Underwater Hockey, cookery, particularly cakes

Guilty secrets: let's just say I see around a few more corners than most folk - I really don't know how John Croxley couldn't cope...

Blue Shrew wrote on Apr 7^th, 2011 at 6:41am:


Love it!

The horses too!