BS: Walt question

Subject: Walt question
From: John Hardly
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 09:13 PM

I confess to being curious enough to go out and rent Shadowlands in hopes of putting a face to a name. No Walt Robertson in the credits, only a Walter Sparrow. Curiously there were two "Firths". Anyone know the screen name? Did I miss it?

Subject: RE: BS: Walt question
From: Deckman
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 10:23 PM

Hi John Hardly ... I'm sure it is a bit confusing. You will NOT be able to go out and see Walt Robertson perform in "Showlands." The performance that Don Firth refers to was privatly taped at a live stage production in Honolulu about 1992 (?). The "Shadowlands" that is available commercially is a WONDERFUL production, and well worth the viewing. At a later date I, or perhaps someone else, will be able to fill in the current production notes. I encourage your patience, and interest. Probably soon persons better able than I will put some some puzzle pieces together. Thanks for your interest ... Bob (deckman) Nelson

Subject: RE: BS: Walt question
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Feb 01 - 07:44 PM

Actually, there are two "Shadowlands" videotapes that should be readily available to either buy or rent. One (the first one I saw was broadcast on PBS some years ago, possibly on Masterpiece Theatre, but I wouldn't swear to it -- anyway, it was a BBC production) was with Joss Ackland as C. S. Lewis and Claire Bloom as Joy Davidman (Gresham). The other, and better known, was a feature film with Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger.

Firth's thumbnail film review:

"Shadowlands" is a strange and deeply touching love story.

The 1994 one with Hopkins and Winger was much bigger budget, had two high-profile stars, and very good production values. The acting was great (although I wasn't fond of Debra Winger's slightly phony New York accent), the movie in general was excellent. Video rental places should have it. See it.

The 1985 one with Ackland and Bloom was well produced, it had two stars that were not quite as high-profile but they were rock-solid, long-time, journeyman actors who played it straight, and the production values, though not lavish, were adequate and unobtrusive. The acting was flawless. It was totally absorbing, and there are scenes, especially the one toward the end, when Lewis and Joy's young son are sitting alone together and talking, that are emotionally wrenching. This is an exceptional production. Video rental places may or may not have it, but typing "Shadowlands Ackland" into google.com's search window will turn up a bunch of places where you can buy it. Also, try your local public library.

My recommendations: See them both, but not back-to-back. Wait at least a month or two between viewings. But if, for some reason you can only see one of them, by all means, see the BBC production with Ackland and Bloom.

Have a box of Kleenex handy and enjoy.

Don Firth

P.S. There are three British actors that I know of named Firth: Colin, Peter, and Jonathan. No relation as far as I know. Once, when I met Ewan McColl (Berkeley Folk Festival, 1960), he noted my Scottish surname and I asked him if he knew anything about it (I was thinking geneology). He said that it would be a bit hard to trace because "every pub-keeper and sheep-rustler north of the border is named 'Firth'." Glad to know I come from good stock.

Subject: RE: BS: Walt question
From: Don Firth
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 02:35 AM

"GUEST"??????? I guess my cookie crumbled. That should fix it, I hope.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Walt question
From: Deckman
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 01:07 PM

Thanks to Don Firth for posting the necessary information. I far prefer the Joss Ackland / Bloom performance ... It's what good acting is all about. This production should cause you to get well aquainted with C.S. Lewis ... what a story. CHEERS, Bob (deckman )Nelson

Subject: RE: BS: Walt question
From: John Hardly
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 03:03 PM

Viewed the Hopkins/Winger version last night. Had trouble relating Hopkins to Lewis (My USA roots--I have trouble believing anyone is that reserved). I suppose that was one of the points, made 2D for better understanding.

Anyway, when it mattered the film came to life. It was definitely worth watching. Nice to have something that leaves you thinking, doesn't offer the human condition in a neatly solved package --it was much as Lewis would have presented it.

Subject: RE: BS: Walt question
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 08:26 PM

Hi Deckman. Thanks again for all the Walt stuff. You don't have a picture or two you could post do you?

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: Walt question
From: Deckman
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 11:29 PM

Sorry, I don't have the necessary computer stuff to post pictures yet. (Heck, I just got indoor plumbing last year!) But I expect I'll be able to do so in a few months. CHEERS, Bob