Bronson Steele (double for Stephen Hunter - Bombur)
Message board member Carne recently did some brilliant research on the stunt performers who will be filling in for some of the actors playing the dwarves in “The Hobbit.” Per Carne: “These people are too often overlooked, so I thought: “Why not?” I also thought it might be fun to see which stunt performers most physically resemble the actors they’ll be filling in for.” Right you are, Carne! Take a look at these pictures Carne put together and let us know your thoughts on our Hobbit forum or Barliman’s Chat! Also, please let us know if you know of (or personally are) a stunt double so we can add to the list! …More
Join in the Tolkien Toast 2012 and come celebrate the professors birthday at our annual toast. Tuesday, Jan 3rd, 2012, 7pm, at the Cat and the Fiddle in Hollywood. 6530 West Sunset Blvd, LA, CA 90028. Valet parking is cheap ($6) and recommended. Please bring cash to pay for your dinner, it makes things so much easier when the bill come around. Costumes are not required, but Costume lite if inclined to do so. For more info, visit our Facebook site. [Learn more about Tolkien Toast 2012]
The Tolkien Society writes: On the 3rd January 1892 JRR Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. To celebrate this event, on this day each year Tolkien fans around the world are invited to raise a glass and toast the birthday of this much loved author 21:00 (9 pm) your local time. The toast is “The Professor”.
For those unfamiliar with British toast-drinking ceremonies: To make the Birthday Toast, you stand, raise a glass of your choice of drink (not necessarily alcoholic), and say the words ‘The Professor’ before taking a sip (or swig, if that’s more appropriate for your drink). Sit and enjoy the rest of your drink.
The Tolkien Society has a webpage for the 2012 toast where fans across the globe can let other fans know where they’ll be celebrating if they’re hosting a party, or just what particular tipple they’ll be raising. Fans will be able to check the webpage and see who is celebrating where and if they wish to get in touch and join in. Or, you can add your own gathering.
The sword-fighting trainer and choreographer passed away today, at the age of 89.
Bob Anderson was a behind-the-scenes name little known to many fans but who had a tremendous impact not only on the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, but on cinema itself. Anderson’s many credits include: Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Princess Bride, Highlander and much more. [Read obit from AP]
From thelordoftherings.net: “Bob Anderson, the world’s top sword master who has consulted on such films as Star Wars and trained the legendary Errol Flynn, was also brought in to train the actors in different fencing techniques. An expert in medieval arms, Anderson read the novel and then developed sparring methods based on Tolkien’s descriptions of each culture.”
The story of Anderson’s career and background was captured in the documentary, “Reclaiming the Blade.” According to director Daniel McNicoll, Anderson once told him, “You know I don’t feel like I found the sword, I feel like the sword found me.” [Watch ‘Reclaiming the Blade’ on Netflix]
What a great year! And things are about to get even more exciting! As we begin 2012 with anticipation that will continue to grow and grow, TORn staffer Justin takes us on a tour of all the events and activities TORn fans participated in during 2011. Read on!