Microphones in Middle-earth...the BBC Lord of the Rings - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

davem · 08-25-2013, 02:44 PM

David Wood, one of the Jackanory cast, along with Jan Francis, Maurice Denham & Berhard Cribbins, has just posted a response to the news on his website - apparently no-one had told him, or his agent, about the CD! I posted on his guestbook about the production being made available & this is his response - some interesting bits in here.

Quote:

Hi

Just seen on Amazon that the fantastic Jackanory adaptation of The Hobbit you were in is going to be out on CD in October!

Wonderful news, but, no DVD? Was the video lost, or is it a copyright thing. The set, & seeing all of you performing added so much to the whole experience.

Can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to experiencing it all again

David Marley

Quote:

Thanks, David. The news in your message came as a complete surprise! I was pleased to hear that the BBC are releasing our JACKANORY hobbit as a cd – but it would have been nice if they had told me!! Or contacted my agent! Heigh ho!

Years ago there were attempts made to release a video, but the Tolkien Estate refused permission, saying there were too many versions on the market. Presumably, now the hype of the films of LORD OF THE RINGS has died down a little, they have relaxed a bit! But not enough to allow a dvd! Or perhaps there isn’t a master tape of suitable quality....

Anyway, thank you for alerting me to the release of the cd! Hope it brings back some memories! We had fun doing it – at the old Lime Grove Studios. We were in a studio next to the GRANDSTAND studio, where Des Lynham was introducing – live – the Saturday afternoon programme. In our lunch break, Bernard Cribbins and I crept in to watch, and were tempted to interrupt the broadcast!! But we were too law-abiding!

All good wishes,

David.http://davidwood.org.uk/talk_to_david/?entry=0

So, looks like the Beeb did want to release the series on video - so I assume that at some point they did have a decent video copy - but it was scuppered by the Estate (Tolkien Gateway refer to it as a "copyright battle" http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Jackanory). Be interesting to know why they've changed their minds now? Can't believe Des was doing Grandstand back then!

Mithalwen · 08-26-2013, 01:11 AM

I wonder if really the estate or Zaentz. So often they are used interchangeably and it was certainly zaentz thatauthorised the musical of Lotr. Or maybe the other versions had some sort of exclusivity right that has now expired. This sort of issue isn't solely Tolkien..imknowntherecwere problems with the Forsyte Saga.

davem · 09-24-2013, 01:39 PM

According to the audio go website its available from next week, on CD or download for £2.99. Though today I found it available now from Amazon UK.

Mithalwen · 09-24-2013, 02:37 PM

Apparently this tablet thingy can be a mpwhatsit
I maay get downwiththekids and learn to download..

davem · 09-26-2013, 12:10 PM

My copy of the Hobbit has arrived

. Its a double CD, two and a half hours and the audio is perfect. no booklet or pics, just an index card with chapter titles.

Mithalwen · 09-27-2013, 05:19 AM

squee... i am almost scared now. couldn't bear it if the golden memories were just an ilusion.

Mithalwen · 05-03-2015, 12:59 PM

http://www.mckellen.com/writings/tri...well.htm?ns_mc...

Sadly, though at a very good age, Peter Howell has died. As Saruman in this adaptation his performance was as subtle and skilful as the role demanded. Fellow Brits may also have heard him as the Bishop of Felpersham in "The Archers". May his spirit, unlike his character/s gain admittance in to the West.

08-26-2013, 01:11 AM	#2
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	I wonder if really the estate or Zaentz. So often they are used interchangeably and it was certainly zaentz thatauthorised the musical of Lotr. Or maybe the other versions had some sort of exclusivity right that has now expired. This sort of issue isn't solely Tolkien..imknowntherecwere problems with the Forsyte Saga. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

09-24-2013, 01:39 PM	#3
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	According to the audio go website its available from next week, on CD or download for £2.99. Though today I found it available now from Amazon UK. __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."

09-24-2013, 02:37 PM	#4
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	Apparently this tablet thingy can be a mpwhatsit I maay get downwiththekids and learn to download.. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

09-26-2013, 12:10 PM	#5
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	My copy of the Hobbit has arrived . Its a double CD, two and a half hours and the audio is perfect. no booklet or pics, just an index card with chapter titles. __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."

09-27-2013, 05:19 AM	#6
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	squee... i am almost scared now. couldn't bear it if the golden memories were just an ilusion. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

05-03-2015, 12:59 PM	#7
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	http://www.mckellen.com/writings/tri...well.htm?ns_mc... Sadly, though at a very good age, Peter Howell has died. As Saruman in this adaptation his performance was as subtle and skilful as the role demanded. Fellow Brits may also have heard him as the Bishop of Felpersham in "The Archers". May his spirit, unlike his character/s gain admittance in to the West. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace