[Bêthberry]

I would agree with <B>Birdie</B> that some of PJ's work at the Pony is over the top--to me, it is degree of physical intimidation Strider shows Frodo. (Hmm. Was it this scene that made the split between PJ and the original actor chosen for Strider/Aragorn?) <P>It is true that there is much in Bree that sounds pleasant. We are told that here, and here alone, hobbits and men have carved a peaceable coexistence. Butterbur has a bluff good heartiness. But he's rough around the edges.<P>Also clear is the fact that Bree is a liminal place, a place on the border, a crossroads, a place where people and things and cultures mix, a place of transition over borders and boundaries. "As strange as news from Bree" is one of the local sayings in Eastfarthing. <P>There are also lots of hints that times in The Shire and Bree are turning bad and people recognize this change for the worse--or the unknown and are thus taking more precaution. There are Southerners in town and in the Pony itself, chatting up Bill Ferny.<P>So, it seems to me that the chapter, "At the Prancing Pony" is one of the places where easy distinctions between good and bad are hard to make. The Pony isn't cosy although it is superficially hospitable. This is also true of the Old Forest and omitting from the film the lessons learnt there put greater onus on bringing out this aspect at The Pony. There is no sudden line between good and bad, safety and danger, but a journey where evil becomes more and more concrete.<P><BR>Respectfully,<BR>Bethberry<p>[ December 10, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ]