Microphones in Middle-earth...the BBC Lord of the Rings

[Pervinca Took]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

Actually that isn't a particular loss. I have no visual memory of it save Bernard Cribbens sitting crouched forward, but very strong memory of his voice.

I remember the opening credits. They were quite special/celebratory. I think it was a special anniversary - maybe the 100th Jackanory story, or something like that?

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

Fantastic. The Jackanory recording was my introduction to Tolkien and missing the final episode for Brownies meant I bought the book.

Mine too, but I think I only saw/heard the Giant Spiders episode. So not significantly "spoilered."

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

I didn't get to actually speak to him as there we too many with the same wish at the British Library hobbit event last year but myvfriend who went to RoTR got his autograph for me which I treasure.

Hordern was remarkable. A great Shakespearean and the voice of Gandalf...and Paddington Bear. Welcome to the Downs.

Also the narrator of the Watership Down film (which also featured Richard O'Callaghan, as Blackberrry, I think, and I've an idea Michael Graham Cox was Bigwig, too).

Michel Hordern was also Baptista in The Taming Of The Shrew (Zeffirelli film).

And of course he was Badger in the Cosgrove Hall "The Wind In The Willows" too (both the film and the six TV series) - he's very like Gandalf in that, but a little more rustic in his speech.

Welcome to the Downs from me too.