[Luthien_ Tinuviel]

I noticed that, too, and it bugged me as well. I suppose it's possible to blame it all on Shadowfax, and thus blame it on no one, since horses are not usually held responsible for their actions (but Shadowfax, being himself, may be a notable exception). So I don't really know. I overall preferred the entire scene in the book, what with Denethor deciding in the end that he would have naught, and carrying out his plans of his own accord, instead of his death being caused by something that looks like an accident of sorts, when he seemed to be on the verge of repentance. I also preferred the fact that the book has a much less graphic depiction of Denethor's demise, seeing as Gandalf closed the door, and they all looked away in horror, instead of a flaming man running off a cliff. <P>I, too, was rather astonished at the staff whack, as I was when Pippin, after valiantly offering his service, was nudged rather severly and told to get up. (For the record, the theater-goers clapped at the first incidence, and laughed at the second. It seems to have been a rather strange audience).<P>I agree with Pandora on the point of "necessary murder" and so forth. I think it would be wrong to assume that Gandalf decided, even in the book, that Denethor's death was necessary. Let us say, rather, that it was an unfortunate event which allowed for fortunate events to happen, if only indirectly.