Daphne Du Maurier Forum
Archive 2005

Hello, with reference to Don't Look Now, someone once told me that Daphne was influenced by Thomas Mann's Death in Venice. I haven't read Death in Venice so can't say anything about it. But if anyone has they may be able to enlighten us...? I looked on Amazon and found that they are selling both films together on DVD (for about £10). Death in Venice was made into a film a couple of years before Don't Look Now. I have bought them both to see if there is a connection. Hello to Richard - if I remember rightly you came along to Helen Taylor's session at the festival and then we had a chat on the Esplanade.
Melanie
- Saturday, December 31, 2005 at 18:51:13 (GMT) apparently there is talk about a remake of Don't Look Now. There's a listing for it on imdb with 2007 release date but no other information.
John K
- Saturday, December 31, 2005 at 13:09:08 (GMT) I met her through films first and was happy to discover her involving stories in books
alessandra spirito
- Saturday, December 31, 2005 at 11:12:57 (GMT) Thank you Jeremy for the clue to the title of "Don't Look Now". Now I know, I like the title very much as it is the very start of an intriguing story. No doubt the screenplay writers added their own twists and the director his, too. Circa 1973, the critic from New Yorker is quoted as saying:"The fanciest,most carefully assembled enigma yet seen on the screen". I agree. In my previous message I referred to "DdD". This should have, of course, been "DdM". Thank you Melanie, too, for your comments on "Don't Look Now". I recall we met briefly on a couple of occasions in Fowey in May this year. Good luck with your studies! Richard Brown.
Richard Brown
- Friday, December 30, 2005 at 10:41:48 (GMT) Many of the details Richard mentions are images from the film with which I am not as familiar as the short story. As to the title, that is simply the first sentence of the story: 'Don't look now,' John said to his wife, 'but there are a couple of old girls two tables away who are trying to hypnotise me.' jeremy
Jeremy <jgilien@sbcglobal.net>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Friday, December 30, 2005 at 06:41:42 (GMT) Hi All Don't seem to have posted anything lately...Way back in October Amber asked me a question about my PhD. Basically, it's an intertwining of political, psychological and religious themes. I use Plato, Jung and Nietzsche as theorists, with a cultural materialist methodology. This may make some sense to another PhD student, if to no-one else! I am now in my third year and will probably sign on for a 4th writing up year. I'm doing the PhD at Loughborough Uni (even though I live in Nottingham). I saw the film of Don't Look Now recently - it was fascinating from my point of view for its clash of Christianity and Paganism (or perhaps more accurately all those things which Christianity seems to cut out - like ESP etc). Hope you all have a great new year.
Melanie
- Thursday, December 29, 2005 at 15:59:12 (GMT) Thank you Sam and Jeremy for your most helpful comments on the film "Don't Look Now". I still think there are some unanswered questions to Baxter's murder, as DdD often added intriguing twists and turns to many of her stories. Was the collapsing of the scaffold, with Baxter atop, really an accident? Perhaps the bishop was furious when he saw the fanciful grotesque designed by Baxter for the exterior of the church, knowing too that Baxter was not a believer. It is clear that the dwarf lured Baxter into the misty labyrinth of the canals. Why him? How did the dwarf know that the wearing of a red oilskin [ as worn by Christine, Baxter's daughter, when she drowned ] would attract Baxter's attention? Why did the dwarf whimper like a child when Baxter got near to her? No doubt she hoped [ quite correctly ] that Baxter would think that she was Christine reincarnated. Why did the bishop wake up suddenly from his slumbers the moment Baxter gave chase to the dwarf and the blind sister cried out 'beware'? Why, when Baxter got near to the dwarf did he see a split-second image of a red-coated priest in the pulpit? Why, as the dwarf plunged her knife into Baxter's neck, did she shake her head while, at the same moment, the bishop woke again [ this time extremely startled ]from his slumbers, also shaking his head? Why, as Baxter lay dying did he see a flash- back of himself smiling and kissing the church's grotesque? Was the grotesque, in fact, the fatal link? This is a truly supernatural story. The other thing that intriques me is the title. Why "Don't Look Now"? Happy new year to all fans of Daphne du Maurier's works-Richard Brown.
Richard Brown
- Thursday, December 29, 2005 at 15:54:57 (GMT) The female dwarf in the pixie-hood at the end of the story was no doubt the same maniac the police were looking for. There was nothing to indicate she was in anyone's employ, just a deranged psychopath acting alone.
Jeremy
- Monday, December 26, 2005 at 23:25:22 (GMT) Hello everyone, I read your comments Richard, upon Don’t Look Now, and wonder if I can clarify the ending for you. If my understanding of the story is incorrect, I hope another contributor will put me right. I gathered that the ‘poisonous dwarf’ who did the deed at the end was already being hunted by the Venetian police for other eqally lurid crimes, as reported in the local press. His wearing of a red coat and hood was coincidental, and led Baxter to reach the wrong conclusion; in fact doubly so for Baxter's supposed psychic abilities betrayed him too. The story is as you say extremely spooky, all those mist enshrouded, off season back alleys and dimly lit open places really got to me. I hope everyone’s Christmas was happy, and the oncoming New Year will be better than this last, for all Daphne's terrors could scarcely match the terrible reality faced by so many poor souls this year! Best Wishes All.
Sam
- Monday, December 26, 2005 at 22:20:00 (GMT) The other evening I happened upon a video tape of the 1973 film "Don't look now" which is based upon the novella by Daphne du Maurier of the same title. It is a rivetting, absorbing and most spooky story. The blind sister could see into both the past and the future while the protagonist, Mr Baxter, could also see into the future [ though he wasn't prepared to acknowledge having this gift]. I haven't read the novella so would welcome knowing from someone who has, who the dwarf was in the red mac who dealt the fatal blow. Was she an assassin in the pay of the Catholic Church in Venice [ for whom Mr Baxter was working as an architect on the restoration of a church ]? Perhaps she was a figment of Mr Baxter's imagination but somehow I doubt it. The story ends with a real enigma!
Richard Brown
- Friday, December 23, 2005 at 16:52:11 (GMT) I wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Daphne du Maurier fans. Only five more months to the Festival. I can hardly wait!
Mildred
- Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at 15:47:36 (GMT) Just to let everyone know there is a new Festival website with all the latest info and news, its www.ddmfestival.co.uk Its snowing here in Fowey this morning(Friday) which is quite unusual and its much colder. If I get a really good photo I will post it on the site.
Sue <Sue@simpsonPL23.fsnet.co.uk>
- Friday, November 25, 2005 at 10:16:20 (GMT) Hi Sam. Your mention of seeing a snake at Q's monument reminded me of a story my friend Doug in Polruan told me. He said many years ago there was a fire at Hall Walk and afterwards, among the blackened trees and bushes were dead snakes hanging from the branches where they had gone to get away from the flames. He vowed never to go up there again and he hasn't! By the way "Don't Look Now" is on TV Friday 18th November at 11.35 pm. ITV I think.
Linda
- Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 11:16:28 (GMT) Hello Linda and Hao, and everyone. Just come in from my 'pint', and though not the same as in Fowey's 'Safe Harbour', I've quite enjoyed my evening! Your talk of places in Fowey has pleased me greatly; being reminded so forcefully, on Bonfire Night, of places that are 'toe curlingly' desirable is wonderful. I've walked the Hall Walk many times, and rested at Pont Pill; I saw the only snake I've ever seen live, it was sleeping on the path, in the sun, at the Q memorial (grass snake I hope , but to me it looked quite BIG enough!); the house at Readymoney has a lovely stream coming through the wall and making a delicious sound on a warm day. All in all a great reminder of happy, contented days. I enjoy my busy retirement, but Fowey is more than rest, it's where I feel I need to be! Silly maybe, but I only want to be there. Daphne would understand. Best Wishes everyone, especially Ann and David (and Tilly) at Bookends- hope all is well. Just halfway to May!
Sam
- Saturday, November 05, 2005 at 23:58:27 (GMT) Hello Linda, Thank you for sharing news of your holiday. So pleased that your friends enjoyed the trip. Your description brought back all the wonderful memories of our trip. Of all the places I've lived in and been to I cannot recall any place as magical as Cornwall. I can't wait till next year's Festival. Regards.
Hao Clayton
- Saturday, November 05, 2005 at 15:32:07 (GMT) The day before we left for Fowey the forecast was for storms, gales and rain. The journey down was in the rain and we thought we were going to have a week of it. However Tuesday dawned sunny and dry. There was a strong southerly wind but it was very warm. We took our friends across to Bodinnick where they saw Ferryside and then walked up the hill and along Hall Walk to Q's monument. On Wednesday we couldn't see across the harbour and decided to drive to St Wyllow where Daphne was married. It was very misty and atmospheric at Pont Creek. The sun shone in the afternoon and we walked down to Readmoney Cove and saw the house where Daphne lived for a year during the war,passing Q's house on the Esplanade. Our friends thoroughly enjoyed themselves and hope to go to next year's Festival.
Linda
- Saturday, November 05, 2005 at 11:02:51 (GMT) Thank you Hao for your good wishes. Our friends have been busy reading Daphne's books and want to see where she lived and the church she was married in. We too live in East Anglia so always look forward to our trips to Fowey though can't get used to the steep hills! The highest thing here is our doorstep. Regards
Linda
- Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 12:14:46 (BST) Hello Linda, I'm sure your friends will not be disappointed. Have a great time in Fowey.
Hao Clayton
- Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 10:31:50 (BST) It was lovely to read Sam and Hao's descriptions of their recent holidays in Fowey. We are going soon with two friends who have not been to Fowey before. We are looking forward to showing them round.
Linda
- Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 09:55:03 (BST) Hello Sam, I enjoyed reading about your recent trip to Cornwall. It is also a good guide for our future trips. Like you, my husband and I had also just returned from a week in Cornwall. Unfortunately we missed the du Maurier festival, but are attempting to book a cottage for the festival next May. We were fortunate enough to stay in Pont Creek Cottage, one of three cottages belonging to the National Trust. Ours was next to the public footpath up which Daphne du Maurier walked from her boat at the quay in Pont Creek to the church at Lanteglos on her wedding day in 1932. I could visualise the scene with people from the cottages at Pont Creek waving to the happy couple when she and her new husband emerged after the wedding to set off for Frenchman’s Creek. Nowadays, apart from the holiday makers who stay at the cottages, hikers and ramblers and the owners of the private cottages across the creek the whole place is very quiet apart from the resident Mallards and a swan who besieged me every day for food. The place is idyllic and as close to paradise as one can get. We walked from Pont Pill one day to Bodinnick, stopping at the Old Ferry Inn for lunch, a ferry ride to Fowey and later another ferry to Polruan from where we walked back to Pont Pill. The sun shone and the day could not have been better. We also visited Pridmouth Beach near to Menabilly. I’m sure that in the days of Daphne du Maurier the ugly concrete around the beach which appears to be a sea defence, was not there. One day we visited Looe and Polperro, seeing that it had been years since we went there, but made a quick retreat and went to Lerryn and basked in its calm beauty. We had dinner at The Ship Inn one evening and witnessed an elderly gentlemen putting his paper serviette on top of the tea light which merrily caught fire. We and another diner rushed to put the fire out. The barman, who rushed to our aid, wrapped the tablecloth over the remains of the serviette, but the tealight was still burning and the tablecloth caught fire. There were ashes flying everywhere. All was well in the end but I did wonder about the bookings made for accommodation for next May if The Ship Inn had burnt down. Now that we are back to the flatness of East Anglia we have numerous photographs including those of the two pigs at Heligan to remind us of our wonderful trip to Cornwall.
Hao Clayton
- Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 12:00:12 (BST) After reading like 12 of Daphne's books in a row I took a little break. I just picked up The Loving Spirit and am about 120 pages into it. I have to say, it's not my favorite. Almost all of her other books grabbed me right off, but this one just isn't doing it for me. I know it was her first novel, but I just don't care for it. I'm going to keep with it though, in hopes that as I get more into Joseph's story it gets better.
John K
- Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 17:44:14 (BST) Hello Jeremy, and everyone. I suppose if I'm honest, I didn't find The Scapegoat to be my favourite amongst Daphne's books either. I read it a few weeks ago for the first time, and I too felt it rather stretched belief to assume that no one would 'twig' that John was not Jean! Trouble for me is that I feel disloyal being critical! Stupid of me I know! Perhaps it's a risk of imagining oneself too close to the author! The book had echoes of Myself When Young for some reason. It's not too long since I first read Flight of the Falcon. I loved that, it absolutely dripped atmosphere, very renaissance angst, and very frightening in places! Best Wishes all (oh, and thanks for the commens Mildred, much appreciated).
Sam
- Monday, October 10, 2005 at 16:48:20 (BST) Hi everyone, I'm new to this page but have been reading everyone's comments with interest. I was at the Festival this year and last and found both extremely interesting as I am about to begin my PhD on Daphne and Stephen King's works. I particularly enjoyed this year's discussion of landscape as this is the area that I will be looking at for my studies. Melanie - I note that you are studying Daphne and the Celts - I'd be interested to know exactly what aspect you're studying. Best wishes to all, Amber
Amber
- Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 16:37:49 (BST) Hi Sam, I was so glad to read your recent report on your Fowey trip! I can mentally trace the walks around beautiful Fowey. I would like to see Penny again. Hope she will still be at Safe Harbour next May.
Mildred
- Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 15:25:31 (BST) Thanks a lot for getting us up and running again John, all your efforts on our behalf really are appreciated very much.... Hello everyone, I'm grimly aware that I've left no report of my trip to Fowey yet, I can only plead busy,busy,busy; and too, little of what follows is directly linked to Daphne, except that it is all built around Fowey, which she loved too...... It was a wonderful time as ever; I walked from Newlyn East to Trerice Manor (near Newquay) with Sue, which was splendid, it's a lovely atmospheric old house, looked after by the National Trust. We also walked a few miles another day, around Trevose Head on the north coast. The surf was up, the air positively tingled (wish my feet had) and it was wonderful. There was a white house on the cliffs there, pure 'art deco' which I would have died for, pity about the oil rig (or whatever!) near by. Still, judicious camera angles took care of that! ..... Another day I walked to St Catherine's castle, and then around the cliffs to Pridmouth beach, where supposedly, Rebecca's boat was scuttled; it was very sunny and the September air was warm, and the light glittering on the water was a delight. So too apparently thought three or four happy dogs, playing boisterously in the shallows, to the amusement of all. Somehow it seemed significant that dogs could enjoy their life as much as humans...... Sue came over to Fowey with two friends of hers (and mine) one day, Richard and Ellie. After a meal together in the Galleon, we sauntered along the Esplanade to Readymoney Beach, with me secretly more concerned that the battery on Richard's chariot would hold out (it did, splendidly), and then all the way back to Caffa Mill carpark. ..... I visited St Fimbarrus on the two Sunday mornings, I wonder how local church goers, or the Parson, really feel about us fly by nights, who breeze in, then breeze out again. There was a wedding there one day, no one seemed to know whose it was, later we were told it had been from two families who have second homes in Polruan over the river. I had been reading my paper on the Town Quay and was suddenly inundated by wedding guests, even clambering on the seat by me,big hats rampant, to throw confetti onto the bride and groom taking a boat back over the water ....... One day a cruise liner, the Black Prince, an Olsen vessel I think, was in the harbour, and David from the bookshop joined me, with his camera, he 'talked me through' the spectacular manoeuvre of spinning the vessel around to face the open sea; two tugs, bow and stern, twisted her easily it appeared, but given her weight and size it really was quite spectacular. Later Davey showed me an ariel pic of the harbour that really revealed how wide (and deep) the river is just there!---- I went to Heligan again, with Penny, my friend from Safe Harbour, and was enthralled with the changing season there; the weather had been wet and very warm the day before, but suddenly on Friday morning, all in less than an hour, it turned cool and fresh and bright, with huge white clouds against the blue, perfect for Heligan. To my surprise I found that there are now a couple of female pigs, enjoying the archaic lifestyle of their ancestors deep down in the 'Ravine')...... My friend tells me I ought to start 'blogging', keeping a web diary, rather than commit my holiday ramblings to this DdM site, but I'm unsure about that, it's only Fowey, and Daphne, that inspire me to put digit to keyboard anyway, I've pruned this entry quite dramatically, I fear though that I become increasingly garrulous, so do try to restrain myself.... So now I'm back home and deep into mundane things, but I've some good memories to help me through the winter months and dark cold times. a brightest memory is walking, high above Pont Pill, with the sun glinting on the water, a boat with a red sail dipping before an offshore wind,and desperately hoping it won't be the last time!.... Best Wishes all.
Sam
- Friday, October 07, 2005 at 20:04:14 (BST) Many apologies for the Members Forum being offline. We had a security problem, now resolved.
JB
- Friday, October 07, 2005 at 16:56:11 (BST) In answer to Lucy's question the dates are correct, it's Thursday 11th May till Saturday 20th May.
David
- Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 09:11:23 (BST) Scanning the archives here, I could find nary a mention of 'The Scapegoat'. Apparently, it is not one of Ms. DuMaurier's more popular novels, and having just finished reading this curious and frustrating book, I think I see why. While I had to admire DdM's undeniably virtuosic technical achievement, I can't say that it gave me the same pleasure I usually derive from reading her books. Certain aspects of the plot, most obviously the non-filial resemblance between the narrator John and Jean de Gue'I found just too far-fetched to swallow. How could his family have had no idea that this was not the man they knew? Even if their looks were identical, would the British John's French be completely unaccented? Other personal traits and idiosyncrasies would surely reveal themselves to a close family member. I felt I was asked to suspend far too much disbelief in this regard. On a moral level, I can't say that I cared at all for how the imposter falsely manipulated everyone with whom he came into contact during his week at St. Gilles, though I have to say I found no one in the household to be a particulary sympathetic character, and was never really bothered about their ultimate fates. I felt the hothouse atmosphere of St. Gilles to be stifling and claustrophobic, and looked forward to the scene shifting to Villars and the verrerie, where I could breathe a bit of fresh air. Though John may have possessed more'tendresse' than his non-attendant double, I still found him cold, manipulative and never fully human. There were times during my reading of 'The Scapegoat' when I thought I could just not finish the book, the action remaining stagnant for long stretches, and the characters just too trying on my nerves. What reddemed it all for me in the end was DdM's consummate use of language and single-mindedness in stiching her story through to the end. Perhaps an eventual rereading will prove enlightening, as I may just not have 'gotten' it the first time through. Best, Jeremy from L.A.
Jeremy Gilien
- Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 19:02:53 (BST) I'm going to the 2006 festival and am looking forward to it. Need confirmation that dates are: May 11-20 for 2006 so I can firm up reservations. Thank you
lucy
- Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 15:15:49 (BST) Daphne du Maurier enchanted me throughout my adolescence and continues to do so as I read her novels again and again as a grown-up. It's great literature indeed. You can read everything on different levels and it's more exciting each time. I will never grow tired of these characters and places. They are so alive! And God bless Cornwall, the all-inspiring area...
Laure Decaudin <lauredecaudin@yahoo.fr>
- Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 22:14:41 (BST) Hello, just got back from a lovely trip to Lake Como in Italy - a really beautiful place with just lake and mountains as far as the eye can see. The production of Rebecca with Nigel Havers - which did the rounds in the spring - is coming to Nottingham's Theatre Royal Monday 10 - Saturday 15th October. A few weeks ago I went to Warwick University's Modern Records Centre to read the correspondence between Daphne du Maurier and her publisher Victor Gollancz. This turned out to be an extremely fascinating portrait of a great friendship. I suspect that Victor had a great influence on Daphne's thought. But also there were some fascintating moments when she disagreed with him. I am interested in what Chris has to say about a correspondence between Agatha Christie and Daphne - so if anyone can shed any light on this that would be great.
Melanie
- Friday, September 09, 2005 at 10:31:17 (BST) Hello Sam, I would also like to extend to you best wishes for your upcoming and much anticipated holiday to Cornwall, especially on visiting Fowey again ! Whenever I see your inputs on lovely Fowey, I feel a nostalgia towards it. I have heard so much and seen a lot on it that I know it is a holiday that I will enjoy and remember for a long time to come. To add to your kind comment made to Mildred towards the tragic events of this last hurricane, I would like to add that after experiencing the effects of hurricanes, one never knows just how much destruction or even it's last minute change of direction will cause towards the populus. This time around, it hit quite hard. As for myself, while residing in Florida, I am quite lucky with the fact that I only incurred a knocked down fence and a 4 day hiatus from electrial power. Like you said, we humans do suffer , whether it be hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, mud slides, or floods. Unfortunately the list now includes terrorism. Uniting and helping one another is to show the human side of us all. I don't wish to dampen your holiday mood with this melancholy talk. Sam, please have yourself a great holiday and come back to us with news from your happy time in Cornwall ! Take care,
Marri
- Thursday, September 08, 2005 at 03:17:09 (BST) Hello Mildred , thanks a lot for your very kind message, I do indeed hope for a happy time in lovely Cornwall. I'm staying with festival friends a couple of nights in Lym Regis on the south coast (French Lieutenant's Woman-Meryl Streep in a black cloak on the 'Cob'), then I've just been invited to stay with other festival friends in Derbyshire (Pride and Prejudice, Lizzie Bennett looking for Pemberley) on my way back. So all in all it should be a very happy time. I'm especially looking forward to lovely Fowey, even if Peter has left Safe Harbour, and we are left to the tender mercies of a NEW landlord! Sure it'll be fine. Remembering your very kind, thoughtful comments after the London bombings, may I offer my sincere sympathy in return, through you Mildred, to the USA, and the Deep South especially, for the terrible events surrounding the hurricane a week ago. One way or another, we humans DO suffer, dont we? Much love, and looking forward to spending time together again next May- roll on! Given my age, I really SHOULDN'T be wishing my time away, but I do love May!
Sam
- Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 00:04:35 (BST) Hello Sam, I wish you a wonderful trip to Fowey on September 9. If any of our friends are still at Safe Harbour please tell them hello for me. Lerryn and I have our reservations at The Ship Inn for the Festival next year. I can hardly wait!
Mildred
- Sunday, September 04, 2005 at 21:01:45 (BST) Can anyone tell me anything about the correspondence Daphne had with Agatha Christie, and in particular why she refused to see her? Chris
CHRIS CLAYTON <clayto3h@btinternet.com>
- Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 20:16:45 (BST) Lovers of Daphne du Maurier’s romantic thriller Rebecca should make a bee-line for Wimborne in Dorset from October 12-15. The newly renovated Tivoli Theatre will play host to Wimborne Drama as we launch our new season with du Maurier’s own stage adaptation of her international bestseller. Wimborne Drama is one of Dorset's leading amateur theatre companies and we have won numerous awards. Performances from October 12-15 commence at 7.30pm. Tickets £7 on sale from the Tivoli Theatre Box Office – telephone 01202 885566. Further information: www.wimbornedrama.co.uk www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk
Richard Neal (Wimborne Drama Publicity Manager)
- Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 09:04:14 (BST) I read “The House on the Strand” recently when on holiday in Fowey. It is a remarkable story. I found myself pondering the arrival of Magnus and the expected joint trip of Marcus and Dick into the 14th century. The potential consequences seemed endless, possibly some level of communication with the inhabitants of Tywardreath? Why then did Daphne Du Maurier kill Magnus off and wind the novel down when it looked like it was about to go into a new dimension? Does anybody have any views; indeed did Daphne herself shed any light on this?
alan <alanjohnwilson@hotmail.com>
- Tuesday, August 30, 2005 at 16:04:27 (BST) I have gleaned the following ragbag of thoughts after reading 'Myself When Young' (also known for whatever reason as 'Growing Pains', maybe UK as opposed to US publishing; hopefully someone will put me right!) This poem was written after their father took D and Jeanne to Pentonville Prison while researching for a part in a play, involving a hanging, when both girls were quite young and D wrote the atmospheric poem Sorrow for the men that mourn, Sorrow for the days that dawn, Sorrow for all things born Into this world of sorrow. And all my life, as far as I can see, All that I hope, or ever hope to be, Is merely driftwood on a lonely sea. (copyright D du M estate). The poem’s morbidity may be explained by the two impressionable girls having been shown around the condemned cell, and the ‘hanging shed’ and seeing all the paraphernalia of capital punishment! Gerald seems to have been a very unusual father who believed in letting his children KNOW, rather than ‘shield’ them from harsh reality. Incidentally,at that age I too could write poetry, but thereafter I freely admit that Daphne left me way behind! Having seen Ferryside at close quarters, I found Daphne’s account of the property’s purchase fascinating. She wrote, “I went and stood beneath the chalet, the water immediately below me, and looked towards the harbour mouth. There were small boats everywhere, and yachts at anchor, but more stirring still a big ship was drawing near, with two attendant tugs, to moor a few cables’ length from the house itself” (copyright D du M estate). What an amazing, exciting first impression it must have been, for the free spirited girl. And again she says, “And on the day we left, “It’s heartbreaking. To go away from this, the one place that I love’----‘It all belongs to me now--Oh, God, to exchange this for dreary bloody London---‘. Later Daphne talks of her natural solitariness, “I prefer to live happily in discomfort here in beloved Fowey, than to live comfortably, query, and discontentedly in indifferent Hampstead. That’s all. I’m used to being alone…..I am sincerely, and without posing, happiest when alone. It’s my natural state”. It seems interesting to speculate upon how, later, she reconciled domesticity with her desire for solitude; maybe her writing huts aided that need, at least to some degree.The more I read of her, the more I begin to understand my delight in her books. When talking of Dr Rashleigh, from whom Menabilly was leased, Daphne’s hyper imagination allowed her to speculated upon his reasons for avoiding the place, talking of the little orphaned boy he had been, home in his Eton collar, and watching his old grandfather ’ with nervous, doubtful eyes’. Daphne had the almost miraculous writer’s ability to think herself into her characters. Talking of her newly divorced cousin Geoffrey, with whom she had first shared a deliciously insouciant and innocent ‘understanding’ when barely a teenager, she talks of his later sad situation, how he “has wasted his life, and yet must face the future somehow. It’s too terrible not only for him, but for all the lonely weak people in the world. It makes me want to open my arms and give them everything, but what can I do but pull a boat and whistle a tune?” She had a thoroughly kind nature I think, in spite of that formidable jaw of hers! Here endeth the quotes; I’m coming down to Fowey on September 9th for 10 days, so I hope to have a good wallow in all things Cornish again, to visit atmospheric Heligan, and walk the Hall Walk, and hopefully meet all my friends again for a ‘pint’, or whatever! Best Wishes everyone.
Sam
- Thursday, August 11, 2005 at 20:51:00 (BST) Hi Mel, I wanted to let you know I received your email. I am sending you a reply email. Thanks for thinking of me and providing extra input to the Bacon/Shakespeare connection! Sincerely,
Marri
- Monday, August 08, 2005 at 05:01:13 (BST) Hi Marri, I found the other e-mail address you sent me and have forwarded the information.
Melanie
- Saturday, August 06, 2005 at 11:44:00 (BST) Marri, as I feared, I have just received a message saying the mailbox doesn't exist. Do you have my e-mail address ? If so, send me a message and I will reply with the information.
Melanie
- Thursday, August 04, 2005 at 19:55:58 (BST) Marri, I have sent you something about William Comyns Beaumont - Daphne du Maurier's uncle. I think it was he who was responsible for DDM's interest in the Bacon Brothers. He was a confirmed Baconian. He also wrote a book 'The Private Life of the Virgin Queen' - in which he presents the idea that Bacon was the son of Queen Elizabeth I. If you don't get the message let me know as I may have an old e-mail address rather than your latest one.
Melanie
- Thursday, August 04, 2005 at 19:22:10 (BST) I finished The Parasites, then My Cousin Rachel, and Frenchman's Creek. I've really liked all of them a lot. Her female characters, and the attitude towards the females in the book is really interesting. I've got a bunch more of her books coming from ebay and amazon. I can't wait for them to get here. Right now I've started Myself When Young, and the antics of young Daphne have me giggling to myself constantly. I think what I'm enjoying more about the books is that they are such a combination of historical fiction, romance, mystery, and adventure. I was really impressed by Rebecca when I finished it, and have been equally impressed with everything else of hers that I've picked up since.
John K
- Monday, July 25, 2005 at 06:36:30 (BST) A quick hello to say to Tina that David and I went to Golitha Falls a few days ago and it was looking absolutely beautiful. I thought of you as I know it is one of the places in Cornwall that you love most. I also wanted to say that I was so pleased to see that John was reading The Parasites. It is my favourite of all Daphne du Maurier’s novels and one which is often overlooked. I think it has a great deal of Daphne in it, probably more than anything else that she wrote. This week Jonathan Aberdeen told us that the dates for the next Daphne du Maurier Festival of arts and literature have been adjusted slightly and that the festival will now run from Thursday 11th May to Saturday 20th May 2006. Regular visitors will need to change the dates of their accommodation bookings if they want to be in Fowey for the whole of the festival.
Ann
- Sunday, July 24, 2005 at 11:44:27 (BST) Hi all, time flies by, cant believe its that long since I last popped into the site. Been so busy with job hunting, doing a bit of supply work and settling the kids into their new environment. Sadly was unable to make it to the festival yet again, next year maybe (how many times have I said that). Just been catching up on previous posts, particularly interested in the posts regarding Frenchmans creek. My copy of the book seems to leave a lot to the imagination, it gives no clue as to if she follows him out to sea or returns to her life with her husband. Iv read it three times now and every time it leaves me wondering, did she or didnt she. I would like to think she did, I would;) I so love that book and could never tire of reading it. Took a boat trip over to Frenchmans Creek last time I was in Cornwall - ages ago, last summer. Oh I so miss the place. Just booked myself a week on Bodmin moor for oct. Was there same time last year and it was amazing. Talking of Bodmin Moor im reading E V Thompson's Chase the wind right now. Just love the descriptions of the moors, so much mystery about the place. Cant wait to go back.
tina
- Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 16:49:13 (BST) The Parasites - I suppose legend has it that the 3 main characters in this novel are different aspects of Daphne du Maurier's character. Whether this is true or not I don't know, but it's an interesting theory.
Melanie
- Monday, July 18, 2005 at 10:06:43 (BST) Dear All, Thursday 21/7/05 @ 14.15 Radio 4's afternoon play is 'The Little Photographer'. The write up says 'Sian Thomas stars in this adaptation of an unsettling Daphne du Maurier story about an aristocratic young beauty trapped in a cold marriage, whose holiday romance leads to heartbreak, blackmail and - murder.' Happy listening! Jo
Jo Wilson
- Saturday, July 16, 2005 at 22:35:04 (BST) Thanks for the info on the story collections Ann. I just picked up a bunch of stuff from ebay. My goal today, on this really rainy Houston day is to curl up on the couch and finish The Parasites. I'm really enjoying how it's sort of written in first person, but you don't know which of the three siblings the first person is coming from.
John K
- Saturday, July 16, 2005 at 18:23:03 (BST) Hello everyone, Fowey is hot and sunny and absolutely glorious at the moment. In reply to Mel, I am glad you have solved the question about Frenchman’s Creek. It was incredible, but interesting that a small typo could change the entire context of the book and set you wondering as to what the true ending was. In my copy it is Dona who says “The Lady St. Columb, (she said), will become a gracious matron, and smile upon her servants, and her tenants, and the village folk, and one day she will have grandchildren about her knee, and tell them the story of a pirate who escaped”, and I wonder if your book has an error there too. I thought that David Dimbleby’s - A Picture of Britain piece at Pridmouth was excellent and I was very glad that our interview with him ended up on the cutting room floor as it was all a bit false, and I thought his piece, ‘though short, said it all. To John K can I just say that no there is not one book which includes all of Daphne du Maurier’s short stories, she actually wrote between forty and fifty short stories, some of which appear more often than others. The most readily available books are “The Birds and Other Stories” and “The Rendezvous and Other Stories” which have both been republished in paperback by Virago very recently and are an excellent representation of her short stories. You should also be able to get “Don’t Look Now and Other Stories” which is still available in Penguin paperback. If you read those three books you would not be duplicating any of the stories. Finally I had a chat with Kate at Restormel Borough Council earlier this week and she told me that the du Maurier Festival is moving back a week in 2006 and the planned dates are Friday 12th to Sunday 21st May.
Ann
- Thursday, July 14, 2005 at 10:37:59 (BST) I just recently discovered Daphne's work, and am currenty devouring everything I can get my hands on. So far I've read Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, The House on the Strand, The Birds and Other Stories, and Echoes of the Macabre. I'm going to start on The Parasites this afternoon. I'm wondering if there's a collected volume of her short stories? I keep finding different collections with the same stories repeated in them, and a collection of all of them together would be great!
John K
- Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 17:53:48 (BST) Hi All, note the Freudian slip in my last note. Should be typo!
Melanie
- Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 18:08:35 (BST) Hi All, a bit more about Frenchman's Creek. I looked at the Virago edition today. It seems that my edition has a type. The fishing boat comes to collect the pirate to take him to his ship. My edition says SHE climbed into it. The Virago edition says HE climbed into it. My edition gives the impression that she is going to be taken to the ship and thus to Brittany. One letter different completely changes the entire ending !
Melanie
- Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 18:07:25 (BST) Hi All, I watched Dimbleby's 'Mystical West' episode and enjoyed it immensely although I would have liked a bit more about Daphne ! Also, I do not remember seeing Ann - did I miss something ? Sam, I have finished my film now but need to get it developed - I am hoping that I have got some wonderful shots of St Ives to add to my Fowey ones. I'm still confused about Frenchman's Creek -I read the last couple of pages again. Dona is on the beach with the pirate waiting for his ship to return. The ship is sighted. But it does not say either way whether Dona gets on the ship or returns to her husband. Although the pirate does say that she will become a gracious matron with her grandchildren around her - it's not clear to me whether he is talking fact or make-believe. Is he teasing her with future boredom to see if she will get on the ship with him. Is there an answer - or are we all reading it differently ?
Melanie
- Monday, July 11, 2005 at 16:24:20 (BST) Hello everyone, just catching up with all the news and comments. I was also at the Conference held during the first Festival in 1997, it was on Saturday 10th May at Porth Avallen Hotel Carlyon Bay, and Linda, Bob and I have been friends since then, meeting up each year, hope you are both Ok by the way. With reference to Frenchman's Creek, I know of no version that has Dona going off with her Frenchman, but I can see that if you do not read the last few lines of the book very carefully Daphne does not make it very obvious what happens, intentional I'm quite sure. Talking of Frenchman, those of you who know and love Fowey harbour may be interested to know that a fabulous yacht arrived this evening bearing a French flag, it looks wonderful moored out there and I am lucky enough to be able to see it from my garden. Just a final word to say well done to Ann and David on starting their third year in Bookends, long may the success continue!
Sue
- Sunday, July 10, 2005 at 20:45:18 (BST) My sincerest condolences to all the British citizens for the horror that was thrust upon London yesterday.
Mildred
- Friday, July 08, 2005 at 12:19:39 (BST) I'm losing the plot! The first conference was 1993 (though one of the papers says 1995).
Linda
- Monday, July 04, 2005 at 10:51:22 (BST) I got the year wrong! The first conference was held in May 2005.
Linda
- Monday, July 04, 2005 at 10:15:52 (BST) I was interested to hear from Melanie about the proposed conference in 2007. In 1993 I attended a week-end course led by Dr Ella Westland of Exeter University and the writer Judith Cook. It was held at the Fowey Hotel. The subjects covered included Daphne's background and relationship with Cornwall, how her background influenced her books and a reading and discussion of Rebecca. On Sunday we were taken on a coach tour to Castle Dor, Jamaica Inn, Altarnun, Tywardreath Church and Menabilly (only to the edge of the grounds). At the first Festival in 1997 I went to a day conference held at a hotel in Carlyon Bay, again led by Ella Westland. Two of the speakers, Avril Horner and Sue Zlosnik, had co-written a book called Daphne du Maurier: Writing, Identity and the Gothic Imagination (Macmillan Press Ltd ISBN 0-333-64334-8 paperback) and in America St Martin's Press Inc ISBN 0-312-21146-5. There were six speakers and it was a very intensive and interesting day.
Linda
- Monday, July 04, 2005 at 10:13:38 (BST) ... and yes, of course I know St Ives, but I don't think of it as 'north coast', because it's due West of Fowey! Stupid of me!
sam
- Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 17:08:54 (BST) Like you Mel, I forgot to say that I thought Donna in Frenchmans Creek, after spending one idyllic night with her 'froggie', on La Moue (spelling), returned to her lump of a husband, realizing that dreams are different to reality. Unlike so often today, she thought of her kids first. Or is my memory playing me tricks, Ann!
Sam
- Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 00:00:05 (BST) Hi Mel, I do envy you, going to lovely Cornwall. I hope you and your opposite number have a good time. I don't know St Ives, have you been there before. Yes indeed I received your message, for which, thanks a lot. Like you, and probably all our other friends too, I juggle all the things that take up my time. As a pensioner, in theory I should have all the time in the world, but it don't seem to work out that way; as the clock ticks we just seem to cram in more and more! I'm glad you have mentioned photo swapping, I've been meaning to suggest the same thing. It's a bit late tonight, so I will email you soon with my contribution, then hopefully you will reciprocate! Are we all enjoying A Picture of Britain on Sunday TV. I'm enjoying the series immensely, and eagerly anticipating number Six in a couple of weeks, when David Dimbleby is in the West Country, and, for us, more particularly, Cornwall. I hear that our friend Ann is to be in a group who DD talks to about Daphne! I shan't miss that! I find DD a terrific presenter, so 'interactive' somehow. He seems to leave me thinking he meant to say so much more. Has anyone heard of a painter called Francis Cadell, who was working in Ireland in the Twenties. I hadn't, and his pictures are lovely. Must stop- all the best all.
Sam
- Saturday, June 25, 2005 at 23:54:12 (BST) P.S. I forgot to mention something ! I have a question for everyone who has read Frenchman's Creek. My version of this novel ends with the heroine running off with the French pirate of the title. However, in the books that I have read about Daphne's works they all seem to say that the heroine goes back to her husband. If anyone has read this book it would be interesting to know which ending their edition has. I'm a bit confused !
Melanie
- Saturday, June 25, 2005 at 16:22:10 (BST) Hi All, well I will be in Cornwall again at the end of the week - from Friday for 6 nights. This time I will be going North to St Ives rather than to the South coast. Gary is coming with me this time. Ann, thank you for letting me know about the competition. It was interesting to hear all your other news too. Hope all goes well with everything. Sam, I hope you got my e-mail. I also hope we can trade some Cornwall photos (I will have to scan mine in as they're not digital - although this will be when I have them developed as I have not finished the film yet). I listened to the Gertrude Lawrence CD and was totally transported to another era. I had news that Exeter University wants to run an academic conference during the 2007 festival (for Daphne's centenary) - so I hope that will work out. Best Wishes Everyone.
Melanie
- Saturday, June 25, 2005 at 12:18:30 (BST) Hello Linda, Your reference to "Betty Stogs beer from Skinners Brewery in Truro", hit the mark for me, I haven't tried Betty Stogs, but it sounds interesting! Is it pale or dark? ( I prefer pale) Among my favourites are Exmoor Gold, and Speckled Hen, and Titanic White Star (all their beers I've tried are good!). I love wheat beers too that are pale as lager, opaque, and strong. I'm drooling at the thought! I don't know whether Daphne had thoughts on the subject, but I hope she would have understood our passion if not sharing it! ( For those who don't know me, two pints a night is my limit; more and I become silly). Sam
Sam
- Thursday, June 23, 2005 at 00:04:03 (BST) Just a quick note to Sam to say that I think the production of Jamaica Inn that I saw at the Hall For Cornwall must have been the same as the one that he saw in Salisbury last year. Certainly the one that I saw did include music and songs, but the performance was not a musical. I would describe the music as being part of what created the atmosphere of the piece. I don’t particularly care for musicals in general although I do love just about all that Andrew Lloyd Webber has written. My current obsession is the film version of The Phantom of the Opera. I saw it in a huge cinema in London just before last Christmas, then on the tiny screen at the cinema in St Austell and now I have the DVD so that I can watch it all the time and the sound track on CD, and I still have not tired of it. But going back to Jamaica Inn, no it was a not a musical, but there was music in it.
Ann
- Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 20:47:50 (BST) Hello Ann, and everyone. Is the production you saw the one complete with music and songs, if so I wonder if it's the same play which I saw in Salisbury a year ago on my way to the Festival. I remember not being very comfortable with it, as I didn't feel that the story lent itself to that particular musical treatment. However, remembering musicals like Sweeny Todd- and Oliver for that matter- I'm probably way off track, and am open to correction! All the Best all.
Sam,
- Friday, June 17, 2005 at 20:46:12 (BST) Last Saturday David and I went to The Hall for Cornwall, in Truro to see the Salisbury Playhouse touring production of Jamaica Inn, adapted from Daphne du Maurier novel by Lisa Evans. It was an absolutely brilliant performance and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The play stayed true to the book and managed to take the audience on a physical journey from the Inn out onto Bodmin Moor, to the horse fair at Launceston on Christmas Eve and to the vicarage at Alternun, while also taking us on a emotional journey into the dark terrors and horrific events that befall Mary Yellon and indeed her Aunt Patience as the story unfolds. The play has been touring for some weeks, it is at Barnstable this week and then in Oxford, so if anyone lives in those areas I would recommend that you go and see it.
Ann
- Friday, June 17, 2005 at 10:53:56 (BST) Hello Mel, It was lovely to see you in Fowey for the festival and we are glad that you enjoyed your visit. In answer to your question about the competition, the names of Daphne du Maurier and George du Maurier began and ended the competition. Daphne was in the window of "On Board", the first shop on the Esplanade opposite the Marina Hotel and George was at the Library, the last destination on the competitions walk through Fowey. Lots of people took part in the "Name the Author" competition and all the correct entries are currently being judged by the Mayor of Fowey, who will choose one winner from the tie-breaker.
Ann and David
- Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 10:37:53 (BST) Hi all, the Festival is now starting to seem like a distant - but happy - memory. Going to Fowey always seems magical and great things seem to happen to me while I am there. I met all of the people again that I met last year and everyone was really friendly and helpful. I attended Helen Taylor's 2 events - one was a round table to talk about what 'Daphne du Maurier means to me', the other was about landscape in her fiction. I thought the discussions they generated about her work were excellent. Also, having spent months writing about the moors in Jamaica Inn, I finally got to go to Bodmin Moor which really lived up to my expectation. Other events I attended were the Kate Rusby and Claire Teal concerts - very funny women and good singers too. P.S. can someone tell me the answer as to which shop the name of Daphne du Maurier was hiding in for the literary competition as this really threw me.
Melanie
- Tuesday, June 07, 2005 at 19:16:51 (BST) Hi, Sam. I'm afraid we didn't go to many events this year but of those we did we particularly enjoyed Donald Sinden and Clive Francis and their theatrical anecdotes. We also enjoyed the Betty Stogs beer from Skinners Brewery in Truro!
Linda
- Saturday, June 04, 2005 at 09:44:13 (BST) It was very good meeting you too Linda. I was really impressed when I heard that you had been to all of the Festivals; made me feel like a 'johnny come lately'. I know though how satisfying it is to be there, so I can appreciate your enthusiasm too. It just seems so WORTH WHILE doesn't it? Apart from which it's fun. All the Best. PS Which events did you really enjoy most Linda.
Sam
- Monday, May 30, 2005 at 23:43:19 (BST) We were told 12th to 21st May 2006 and have booked our usual flat! Thoroughly enjoyed the Festival. It was great to meet Sam in the Safe Harbour.
Linda
- Monday, May 30, 2005 at 10:56:00 (BST) Hello Douglas, I was told at Safe Harbour that the dates for Festival 2006 would be Friday 12th May to Sunday 21st May (inclusive). I think that would be correct, given that Daphne's birthday, the 13th, is included, as required. I'm open to correction, if anyone has further information. Best wishes.
Sam
- Friday, May 27, 2005 at 08:30:02 (BST) We believe it has moved back a week to Friday 12th May to Sunday 21st May, but you need to confirm that with Restormal Borough Council.
David
- Friday, May 27, 2005 at 08:18:53 (BST) Hello everyone. Another festival over, and another year to endure before the next one; am I being overdramatic I ask myself. Yes I know I am, but it's very hard to retain a sense of proportion immediately after the most anticipated fortnight of the year! I'm pleased to see that Sue (who was a steward, and holder of the microphone), has already volunteered her thoughts on the Festival, and hope that other 'attendees' will do likewise, the more perspectives on the event the better, hopefully that will allow prospective visitors to have a balanced view on the festival. If asked I'd say I enjoyed Anthony Holden's talk on the poet Leigh-Hunt up in the Festival Village, I enjoyed the all Mozart Concert in St Fimbarrus Church (sublime), I deeply enjoyed the talk in the Town Hall about Jean du Maurier (Daphne's younger sister, the artist) That talk was one of the splendid series organised by Ann and David Willmore of 'Bookends of Fowey'. Showaddywaddy finished the festival on a terrific party note. Some pop groups seem to mature with age, like wine. I enjoyed many other events, but those few really 'stand out'. Tywardreath Players production of My Cousin Rachel seemed, sadly, to be less accomplished than their previous events (although the actress playing Rachel, was splendid); and a mere hour of Julian Cleary was very bad value for the high ticket price. To make matters worse, although I admire his potential acting ability, I thought his material very 'tired' and totally lacking in wit or originality. But then, ritual humiliation has never been my 'thing' Enduring a heavy cold perhaps did not help matters, and I can only apologise to anyone troubled by my cough, and hope that nobody has had to share it with me at a later date. I was able to fit in a trip to lovely Heligan, and Beverley and I 'did' the Hall Walk again, where a herd of cattle, enjoying their siesta on the narrow, steep path we had to traverse, proved challenging! Rowdy Yates I am not! It was great to meet all my friends again, we laughed, ate, and drank together, at the Toll Bar, at the old Ferry, and at the Galleon; and we updated each other on twelve months worth of news, it was a busy time. Safe Harbour Hotel was as good as ever, Peter the landlord, and Penny his general factotum couldn't have been more welcoming. Penny really deserves a medal for her dedication. We anticipate changes at 'Safe' with mingled apprehension and hope. We visitors maybe expect all to remain the same year after year, forgetting that nothing in life really remains the same. That's why it really does seem vital to seize the day, and thats what we tried to do, at Festival 2005. Best Wishes all.
Sam
- Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 20:18:21 (BST) May be too early but have we dates for the 2006 festival? We have people in Lostwithiel trying to arrange events to coincide.
Douglas
- Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 18:45:54 (BST) Does anyone know if the remaining fiction books; Hungry Hill and the two collections of short stories, are going to be republised by Virago?
Tim
- Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 17:02:38 (BST) Hi Sue, It is very nice to read your input and get an idea of how this year's Festival was like for you. It seems that every year it gets better and better. Perhaps it is too early on to say this..but I do hope Restormel Council finds its way to allow future years of festivities to proceed as I look forward to be able to include it for my holiday next year. But for now, I am happy to read and be able to get a taste of Fowey thru everyone's kind contributions. I look forward to viewing your photos of the Festival! Sincerely,
Marri
- Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 18:59:33 (BST) We have just finished the 9th Du Maurier Festival - another great success. This year I was a Steward again and it was nice to see so many friends and familiar faces here in Fowey again. Some of the highlights were Kate Adie, Joan Bakewell, Pen Hadow, Bob Flowerdew and Eric Knowles. The highlight for me personally was a very intimate discussion held in the library at Fowey Hall and hosted by Helen Taylor of Exeter University. We discussed what Daphne means to us and it was such an interesting event with lots of enthusiasm and passion from everyone there - I think we could easily have talked all day! Well done to Ann & David of Bookends,(and their team), for an excellent week of events in the Town Hall, they put in so much hard work to make it all a success. Hope everyone got home OK, especially Sam who was feeling rather deflated on Sunday evening after the finale with Showaddywaddy, no doubt you are already planning your next trip to Fowey Sam! I am sending some photos in of the Festival village and look forward to other peoples memories of last week, fingers crossed for another one next year.
Sue
- Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at 17:44:52 (BST) Hello The first book i read from this author is Rebecca, and i found the story so beautifully interesting. To tell you the truth i have never in my 22 years of life picked up a book and read it from start to finish as i did with this book. Now i must say i am a great fan and i will continue to read more of her books and i hope i find them as good as Rebecca.
Mrs Z Chohan <zchohan@hotmail.com>
- Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 20:02:39 (BST) P.S. I am going to Norwich on the Saturday before I go down to Cornwall on the Monday to see the play of Rebecca.
Melanie
- Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 18:25:22 (BST) Hi All, well I shall be at the festival Monday to Friday. I am hoping that Ann and David have lots of tempting books at Bookends this year as I bought most of their window display last year ! I am particularly looking forward to Helen Taylor's event 'What Daphne du Maurier means to me' - she is preparing a book to be published in the centenary of Daphne's birth. Also, there is a trip from the south to the north coast (Boscastle) via Bodmin and Jamaica Inn - it will be good to see how Boscastle has got back on its feet after all the floods.
Melanie
- Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 18:23:19 (BST) Sam, I hope you see this message before you set off, it is just to say that we are so looking forward to the du Maurier Festival and to seeing everyone, especially you. Have a good journey and we will see you in a day or two. Ann & David.
Ann
- Monday, May 02, 2005 at 21:17:58 (BST) Hi everyone, I wanted to say hello and also to wish everyone going to the Festival this year, many happy days full of wonderful memories! With warm regards,
Marri
- Monday, May 02, 2005 at 20:38:42 (BST) Hello again everyone, it's early on Bank Holiday Monday morning, and here we are again, another Festival time almost upon us; I'm as eager for this latest as for the my first. My preparations are almost all accomplished, and tomorrow I shall drive down to Cornwall. I have read somewhere that there is a different access to the festival village due to building work at the hotel. It occurs to me that the noise from that work may impinge upon daytime events. I hope not, but we'll have to 'cross that bridge', as and when. I hope everyone able to be there have a happy and fulfilling time. I wish all those involved in organizing all of the events, and particularly my friends, Ann and David Willmore from 'Bookends of Fowey', 'Good Luck'. All the Best everyone. Sam
Sam
- Monday, May 02, 2005 at 06:57:51 (BST) I've just been re reading the article about Jeffery Farnol, it occurs to me that the dates are wrong, for when Q was 'sitting down' with JF in Lee, Daphne would have been too young, and unaware of her future. Heigho (again) and back to the drawing board.
Sam
- Thursday, April 21, 2005 at 21:16:52 (BST) Hello Melanie, Your comment really has brought home the reality to me that the Festival is almost upon us again; magic! I'll try and copy the Gertrude Lawrence CD for you, and pass it to you in Safe Harbour, hopefully. Remembering her friendship with Daphne, it seems an appropriate act somehow. Thinking of their respective, and massive talents, it doesn't seem surprising that they should be friends. On another subject, another friend has just sent me a copy of an old magazine article about my beloved Jeffery Farnol, where a guest list at his home regularly included Sir Arthur Quiller- Couch. That pleases me a lot, for while I cannot establish what Daphne's attitude to JF was, the fact that Q was friend to both Daphne, and JF, sounds promising at least; or am I adding two and two and making five? Best Wishes everyone
Sam
- Thursday, April 21, 2005 at 13:30:27 (BST) Hi Sam, I am glad you caught September Tide - they managed to evoke the sea realy well in that production. I am also jealous about your Gertrude Lawrence CD and may try to track one down. I have all my tickets for the Festival now. I will probably see you in the Safe Harbour in Fowey at evening meal during the Festival !
Melanie
- Thursday, April 21, 2005 at 11:55:37 (BST) Hello everyone, Just thought I'd say hello, It’s about sixteen days now before my exodus to Fowey, and I fully expect that I will become increasingly frenzied as the deadline approaches. I've my case out, and I keep tossing in items 'wanted on voyage', with wild abandon. My car must be serviced thoroughly, AND put through its MOT before the off, and on top of that I have a tax disc to buy tomorrow (so I should be at the pawn shop even before I set off. My friend Barbara (Lady B) and I have bought masses of tickets for the Festival, so we can expect a busy, entertaining, and satisfying time. The trouble as usual will be finding enough gaps in the festivities to simply enjoy Cornwall - but I'll do my best. It's good to hear from you again Tina, and to know that you have succeeded in arranging the removal of your family to South Wales. It's a lovely area, although I only know the Mumbles area, west of Swansea. I hope you will all be happy there, and as you say, you are not too far from either Bodmin or Fowey! Melanie, I caught September Tide (via the miracle of radio 'on line, it really is a useful facility, that!) I enjoyed it very much. Not being familiar with 'September Tide' I was not surprised that Daphne, bless her, managed to turn an ostensibly ordinary situation into something just the reverse. Through the adaptation, I could almost hear the tide outside the house. As I think I told you all (age allows me to repeat myself, although not TOO often I hope!), I'm helping with the second hand music and book shop which our local Hospice has opened to help raise funds, last week I found a CD of Gertrude Lawrence songs (and dialogue) from shows, and with (maybe) Jack Buchanan, and certainly Noel Coward. It really is first rate, for although the very breathy delivery and 'plum-ey accents are from another age, Gertie really was a star. I'm playing it in the car at the moment, and I haven't tired yet of the 'moonlight can be cruel, Amanda' stuff! I'm sorry you won't be able to make it to the Festival this year Mildred, but here's to the next time, I'll see that we all raise our glasses to 'absent friends'. Anyway, I must return to more mundane matters, although not before congratulating all of you who were at the book launch, you all look splendid in the new pictures on the website, I bet it was quite a 'do' Best Wishes everyone
Sam
- Sunday, April 17, 2005 at 19:43:49 (BST) Many thanks, and it was a pleasure to see you again at the book launch. Last year, my friends at Boconnoc House were very keen in being able to contribute to the next Festival, and I was very pleased to be able to help with some contacts. It is wonderful to see that the Tywardreath Players are performing 'My Cousin Rachel' in the surroundings of Boconnoc House and Estate, during the Festival. The house was the setting for the BBC TV production of 'My Cousin Rachel' in 1982, so it is particularly apt that this event should be taking place here.
Incidentally, Daphne made several references to Boconnoc House and it's vast estate, including in 'The King's General'. For more information, visit the Boconnoc website HERE. Clearly not one to be missed.
John
- Thursday, April 14, 2005 at 14:55:28 (BST) In addition to Sue’s message Ann & I would like to say thank you very much to John for adding the photographs to the people album and details of the Fowey Town Hall events that we are putting on during the du Maurier Festival. Anyone who is interested should have a look at the Home page. Thanks also John for adding the write up about the launch of Tim Heald’s new book Death and the D’Urbervilles, which took place at the Mariner Hotel in Fowey a couple of weeks ago. It was a great event which was enjoyed by all who attended.
David
- Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at 22:01:26 (BST) Hello, just wanted to say I have made it to the photo album, that's me with Ann from Bookends at the recent launch of Tin Heald's new book at the Marina Hotel Fowey. Ann and David also launched there Festival events during the lunch, it was all very successful and we had a good time, notice my glsss was empty!! I will be a Steward at the Festival again this year so if you are coming make sure you come and say hello at the Information desk or while I am taking your tickets etc. Weather is lovely here in Fowey at the moment, lets hope it stays this way for the Festival again. Sue
Sue
- Monday, April 11, 2005 at 17:17:35 (BST) Hi all, Iv not been around the site for a while, been so busy with house moving. Anyway here i am in sunny South Wales, didnt make it to Plymouth, partners job there didnt go to plan so he was offered a post in Wales. I was a little dissapointed at first but now im here i have to say I love it. At least iv made it, i have my house by the sea. were about 15 minutes from the nearest beach and were surrounded by woodland and mountains, its lovely. Not Bodmin, but I love it here and will continue to visit Cornwall as often as I can. Hoping to get to Bodmin in Oct. Seems a long way off right now but I know it will be worth the wait. So another festival round the corner again, dosnt time fly. Well im a little closer to Cornwall now than I was in Birmingham so im hoping to get over one of the weekends of the festival just for a lookaround, soak up the atmospear and if posible take one of those organised walks. Id love to do the Polruan one, i love that area and its one of my fave books too. Well im back now, sounds like youve been busy too Sam glad to see your back again.
tina
- Wednesday, April 06, 2005 at 15:49:33 (BST) Daphne's play September Tide was on Radio 4 on Saturday. I think you can still play it if you log onto their website before next Saturday.
Melanie
- Sunday, April 03, 2005 at 13:39:14 (BST) Here in North Lincolnshire,UK, we too have a lovely Good Friday. I've just returned from the usual Watch Service,and must return now to mundane tasks. I hope all my friends on the Members Forum have a happy, warm, and peaceful Easter. I look forward to seeing as many correspondents (if that's the word!) as possible in May, and hope that those of you who haven't already, and would like to, will make yourselves known, that would make me really pleased. I'm the silver haired gink with the tall thumbstick which I try not to wield like a bishop's crozier (or should that be a 'pastoral staff?').All the best
Sam
- Friday, March 25, 2005 at 15:34:13 (GMT) Happy Easter to Anne and David, Sam and all my Members Forum friends and fans of Daphne. We have a perfect Good Friday day here in Greenwood, South Carolina. Best regards to all. Mildred
Mildred
- Friday, March 25, 2005 at 11:51:47 (GMT) Happy Easter to everyone who reads the Daphne du Maurier guest page. Best wishes, Ann and David.
Ann
- Friday, March 25, 2005 at 08:50:18 (GMT) Jsut to let you all know that Salisbury Playhouse is touring their production of Jamaica Inn, a new stage adaptation by Lisa Evans. The tour kicks off in Salisbury on 5 April and then visits Sevenoaks Playhouse, Theatre Royal Windsor, The Dukes theatre Lancaster, Liverpool Playhouse, The Riverfront Newport, Poole Lighthouse, Worthing Connaught Theatre, Hall for Cornwall in Truri, Queens Theatre Barnstaple and finishes at Oxford Playhouse on 2 July. If anyone needs further information or wants a leaflet sending please contact me at marketing@salisburyplayhouse.com Thanks Jan
Jan <marketing@salisburyplayhouse.com>
- Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 11:20:55 (GMT) Hi All, hope to see as many of you as possible at the Daphne du Maurier festival. I've got my events and hotel booked now. Just need to arrange the train ticket.
Melanie
- Saturday, March 12, 2005 at 18:18:39 (GMT) Hello everyone, as Arnie might say "I'm back!". I have been busy with other stuff, and when I tried to log on, I think I'd forgotten how to type my password and ID. Stupid boy. Thanks for the help David, and John for putting me right. Thanks too to my friends who have commented upon my absence! I really feel that I'm beginning to wake up a bit after the torpor of winter. Ive started messing about with plants, and a bit of gardening proper, but most importantly I've received my programme for the 2005 Festival, and have sent off for a list of items I hope to see. My friend Barbara, 'dahn sahth' has already sent off for a batch for us; she is a 'patron' and gets privileged booking. I haven't got my case out yet, not wishing to hurry the days on too soon. This is maybe among my favourite times of year, anticipating all the good things to come, light nights, warmth, greenery everywhere - and FESTIVAL. Magic. I'm helping with a charity bookshop which our local Hospice has opened to try and raise cash; it's going quite well, and I'm amazed at the numbers of older copies of du Maurier books which are being handed in. By far the largest prportion of them are,almost inevitably, copies of 'Rebecca'. A report referred to in the Times yesterday had someone bemoaning all the 'great authors' whose books were being stripped from library shelves and consigned to landfill sites. I know just what,and who, they mean, but space has to be made for all the new books being published, whatever their longevity or quality! I fear I seem to sound increasingly like our older readers; "where have all the good books gone" Sorry! I'll bore you all with more later, but was just eager to 'log in' as it were, and now must go to work in a village library for the day. Wish me luck, we expect an 'infant from hell'. Teachers among you will know, or guess what I mean! All the best.
Sam
- Friday, March 11, 2005 at 08:44:33 (GMT) Hi David - was Sam wanting help in uploading pictures to our web site, as I see a batch has been uploaded this afternoon? Use my email for a faster response.
John B <john@westwind.co.uk>
- Thursday, March 10, 2005 at 17:36:28 (GMT) John, Can you contact Sam, as he has a problem, which needs your assistance.
David
- Wednesday, March 09, 2005 at 22:46:38 (GMT) Hello Sam, Where are you? We haven't heard from you in a while. I just received my Festival brochure and it sounds wonderful! I'm so sorry I will not be there this year but Lerryn and I are already planning for 2006. Let us know if you plan to attend. We will need your magnificent report of the Festival.
Mildred
- Tuesday, March 08, 2005 at 19:51:43 (GMT) Hi everyone, just out of curiosity... I am interested in finding out the name that Frank McGuinness's new adaption of 'Rebecca' decided to use on his otherwise, nameless heroine. If anyone can provide her name, I would be happy to know it. Regards to all,
Marri
- Tuesday, March 01, 2005 at 04:40:55 (GMT) Hao, thanks for letting me know. I may try a day trip to Cambridge for one of the matinees. I lived in Cambridge for a while so it may be nice to reminisce ! cheers
Melanie
- Saturday, February 19, 2005 at 16:46:45 (GMT) Hi Melanie, REBECCA is now on in Edinburgh. After that it will be on tour in Southampton, Milton Keynes, Cambridge, and so on. I willbe seeing it in Norwich in May. Unfortunatly Nottingham will not be one of the port of call. If you log on to www.rebeccatheplay.com/abouttheshow.htm you will be able to get the tour schedule. I hope this helps. Hao
Hao
- Thursday, February 17, 2005 at 22:58:16 (GMT) Hello, I'm hoping this new play of Rebecca goes on tour as I'd really like to see it and won't be able to get to Plymouth. Does anyone know if it might come to Nottingham ?
Melanie
- Thursday, February 17, 2005 at 19:28:39 (GMT) Last week we went to Plymouth to see the new adaptation of Rebecca starring Nigel Havers. It was an interesting production and I am glad we went to see it. The fact that the second Mrs de Winter has a name is actually a very minor moment in the play, almost put in as an incidental, blink and you miss it moment. Some areas of the play were taken word for word from Daphne du Maurier’s novel or from her adaptation for stage, but there was also a lot of new material. Some of it was clever and brilliantly introduced, some of it would have left newcomers to the story with a very different picture than the one created by reading the original. Overall it came over as much lighter than any version of Rebecca I have ever seen before, but it is certainly memorable, so I guess Frank McGuinness has achieved what he set out to do. It would be interesting to hear what others thought of this production.
Ann
- Tuesday, February 15, 2005 at 14:44:57 (GMT) Hello everyone, After reading more on the new adaption of Rebecca and that a name has been given to the heroine, I recall that my first book by du Maurier was Rebecca. It was a fascinating book to read back then, and it still has remained just as fascinating to read now...many years later. My own viewpoint on the nameless heroine (after much thought) remains as simple and as complex as the author herself. I personally believe it is a fit description to 'a lovely and unusual name'. It also qualifys to be the name one would be surprised to find Maxim had 'spelt correctly.' The name is Daphne. (I realise this is not the name the new adaption of Rebecca will use) However, with reference to the book, I wonder what other name choices do our loyal readers think it could be. Are there any other ideas? With kind regards,
Marri
- Monday, February 14, 2005 at 03:49:45 (GMT) Hi Melanie, Just a note to tell you I was on holiday and just arrived home. I will take some time now to check your forwarded mail. If ok, I will email you towards the end of week. (I've lots of catching up to do.) Thanks for the information! Sincerely,
Marri
- Monday, February 14, 2005 at 02:00:01 (GMT) Hey there: Two great women together! Singer Tori Amos has written and recorded a song inspired by Daphne Du Maurier and her works by the name of "Jamaica Inn", you can listen to it at toriamos.com and here're the lyrics: Can you patch my jeans Peggy Ann? just a little stitch to mend the hole he has torn if you can maybe I got too set in my ways he says she reminds him of me when we first met in those early days... the sexiest thing is trust I wake up to find the pirates have come, tying up along your coast. how was I to know the pirates have come? Between Rebecca’s beneath your firmaments I have worshipped in the Jamaica Inn. in the Jamaica Inn. With the gales my little boat was tossed. how was I to know that you’d send her with a lantern to bring me in? "Are you positive this is a friend?" the captain grimaced. "Those are cliffs of rock ahead if I’m not mistaken." the sexiest thing is trust I wake up to find the pirates have come, tying up along your coast. how was I to know the pirates have come? Between Rebecca’s beneath your firmaments I have worshipped in the Jamaica Inn. in the Jamaica Inn.
Luis <nefernef@prodigy.net.mx>
- Saturday, February 12, 2005 at 05:18:35 (GMT) Hi Marri, just to let you know that I sent you an e-mail about the Bacons. Please let me know if you didn't get it. I may have put the address in incorrectly...?
Melanie
- Thursday, February 10, 2005 at 17:23:51 (GMT) Hello everyone, "My Cousin Rachel" will be on Fox Movie Channel on Wednesday,February 9, 8:00 pm est. Starring will be Olivia de Havilland and Richard Burton. The movie was made in 1952. Also, I bought a paperback copy of "The Glass Blowers" in a "gently read" book store recently. The price was 50 cents. When it was published in 1963 the price was 75 cents.
mildred
- Monday, February 07, 2005 at 12:24:25 (GMT) Hi Linda, thanks for letting me know. I have picked up the article from the website.
Melanie
- Monday, February 07, 2005 at 10:28:53 (GMT) Hello Melanie. The article on Frank McGuinness was in Saturday's Telegraph January 22nd - arts and books section. It was entitled "Still haunted by the ghost of Rebecca". The web site is arts.telegraph.co.uk where if you register you can read the article.
Linda
- Sunday, February 06, 2005 at 15:04:18 (GMT) Hi Marri I haven't forgotten you !
Melanie
- Tuesday, February 01, 2005 at 19:54:11 (GMT) Hi Linda Do you have the details of the newspaper article - i.e. Paper and date ? Sounds like an interesting article, as I'm studying Daphne and the Celts at the moment. I'd like to read the article if I can get hold of it.
Melanie
- Tuesday, February 01, 2005 at 19:53:08 (GMT) Hello everyone. In reply to Lorraine's question about the heroine's name in the new adaptation of Rebecca,in a newspaper interview with Frank McGuinness he said the biggest change to his feisty new-look narrator is her Gaelic name, and an Anglo-Irish backstory that plays on Cornwall's Celtic roots. He was asked if that was sacrilegious and he replied that he was all in favour of sacrilege. "Sacrilege is liberation. And I thought that du Maurier would be lenient to my Catholic ways". He assured the interviewer his narrator will not have a Dublin brogue!
Linda
- Monday, January 31, 2005 at 16:32:40 (GMT) A message to all REBECCA fans: I wrote to the BBC recently to ask them why the 1978 BBC version of Rebecca starring Jeremy Brett and Joanna David was never released to the public. I have just received a reply from them to say that they were not able to release this version of Rebecca due to contractual and copyright restrictions. I trust this information is useful for all Rebecca fans.
Hao
- Friday, January 28, 2005 at 18:18:06 (GMT) Dates for festival are Friday 6th May through to Sunday 15th May. Look forward to see you all there.
David
- Sunday, January 23, 2005 at 20:36:08 (GMT) Hi Melanie, I look forward to hearing from you and many thanks for being kind. Sincerely,
Marri
- Sunday, January 23, 2005 at 02:40:29 (GMT) Hi there, did I hear festival mentioned already??????? Dosnt time fly. Do we have any news of the next festival yet, dates etc.
tina
- Saturday, January 22, 2005 at 21:52:01 (GMT) A new adaptation of Rebecca by the Tony Award winning writer Frank McGuinness is going on tour prior to runs in London and New York. Nigel Havers is playing Max de Winter. I am going to see it in May at Norwich before going to Fowey to the Festival. Can't wait! Linda
Linda
- Saturday, January 22, 2005 at 11:28:13 (GMT) Hi Marri, I will look through the information and send you an e-mail separately. I thought I would let you know in case it takes me a while.
Melanie
- Friday, January 21, 2005 at 19:06:52 (GMT) Hi Melanie. Further research has led me to Bacon's own words of , "I am an Operative Mason." I find there is still much knowledge to be gained thru the Bacon website. For now, I have had to put the book down as the site has much to offer. I, as you do, am more interested in whole ideas that I can delve into, rather than dealing with bits and pieces of information. I enjoy learning, and always try to keep an open mind. I would be most interested to read more based on the letters and information your research at Exeter University led to. If you can provide this information, please contact me thru email if they prove to be too lengthy for our guestbook writings. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely,
Marri <ellapere@aol.com>
- Thursday, January 20, 2005 at 09:07:51 (GMT) Hi Marri, I have to admit that I did not know much about the Bacon brothers before I read GL and WS. So I did not know about the Bacon-Shakespeare connection at all. As part of my research into Daphne's interest I went to look at the archives at Exeter University, and found lots of interesting information and letters from members of the society. The society members consider themselves to be on a kind of 'holy grail' quest - they feel that the knowledge they are seeking is somehow sacred. I am interested in the whole idea of secrecy, brotherhoods, dual lives etc. I think Daphne always loved delving into secrets. I recently read her biography of Branwell. This is linked to the Bacon biographies through freemasonry. The Bacons and Branwell were all masons.
Melanie
- Sunday, January 16, 2005 at 11:55:33 (GMT) Hi Melanie, may I say how much I have appreciated the Francis Bacon website you offered. I have found it so absorbing that I realise I have spent 2 hours on the site! It has been very revealing and has given me greater insight to who Francis was and his role on Shakespeare's plays. Would be interesting to know if The Winding Stair had influenced you; particularily with reference to the Bacon-Shakespeare connection? (or perhaps you were already aware of this connection before reading the book?) Thanks again for the info... I know I will be able to read the book now with a clearer perspective. Regards,
Marri
- Saturday, January 15, 2005 at 06:21:18 (GMT) Hi Marri, you can access the Francis Bacon Society website at the following address - www.sirbacon.org - if you type Daphne du Maurier into their search box you will find the society's reviews of both of her books. The reviews originally appeared in the FBS journal (Baconiana).
Melanie
- Friday, January 14, 2005 at 12:48:27 (GMT) Hi Melanie, I appreciate the info you gave me on the 'Winding Stair.' I have continued reading the book, however at a slower pace than I normally read. Apparently, Daphne realised the need to reiterate names to give us readers a chance to keep up with her book. Something, I am appreciating immensely! I understand that when Anthony died, Francis was 40 yrs. old; he led an interesting life...from Solicitor-General, Attorney-General, to a member of the Privy Council and then to Lord Chancellor. I also noticed that Daphne draws attention regarding his writing of Shakespeare's plays. I will have to research this part more. How interesting to learn that Daphne was made Vice President of The Francis Bacon Society! I am eager to continue on with the book, as I'm sure it will provide a wealth of information once I grasp who's who in this initial stage of the book. I am also contemplating on further reading, 'Golden Lads' (If I can locate a copy of it, that is) Sincerely,
Marri
- Friday, January 14, 2005 at 04:08:40 (GMT) Did anyone see Nigel Havers being interviewed on GMTV earlier this week? He is in rehearsals for a new version of Rebecca in which he plays Maxim de Winter. In this latest version he says that the heroine is given a name. Does anyone know what the name is? Does it fit Daphne's description of 'a lovely and unusual name' and also a name which one would be surprised to see Maxim had 'spelt correctly' when he sent the heroine a note. Love this website. Kind regards to all. Lorraine.
Lorraine
- Thursday, January 13, 2005 at 13:50:57 (GMT) Hi Marri, I have read both Golden Lads and the Winding Stair. Golden Lads is about Anthony and Francis when they were younger. I have the same impression about both books - they are filled with so many names, dates etc that it gets impossible to hold it all in your mind. So I would say that although they are well researched they are not necessarily an easy read. I suppose you have noted her thesis that Francis was in some way involved in the writing of Shakespeare's plays ? The Francis Bacon Society was impressed by her work on the Bacon Brothers and made her Vice President in 1977. Don't know if this helps ?
Melanie
- Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at 12:19:56 (GMT) Thanks for the Rory Singer info,,,,strange how he calls Barrie his grandfather and his family have inherited the wealth but theres no obvious link. A thing that made me smile is that his sister is even called Wendy!! My interest in all of this was originally whether my friend Rory was related to Daphne,,,it seems he cant be which is a shame because that would have made me very excited! Thanks again Jo
Jo Wilson
- Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 13:42:04 (GMT) Marri,,,talking of books, have you finished with mine yet? Could do with it back please. Jo
Jo Wilson
- Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 10:12:03 (GMT) Below there was some discussion of a Rory Singer who inherited J.M. Barrie's fortune. I'm not sure what the connection might be, however Barrie's fortune went to his secretary Lady Cynthia Asquith and was later inherited by her two sons, Michael and Simon Asquith. Perhaps Mr. Singer is related to the Asquiths? Possibly a descendent of one of Cynthia's sons? There is no connection between the Asquiths and the du Mauriers by the way. The Llewelyn Davies did not inherit very much from Barrie.
eb
- Monday, January 10, 2005 at 20:02:44 (GMT) Hello Sam. It was good hearing from you. Hope your holidays were happy and that all is well with you and your loved ones. I do not get to enjoy those lovely BBC programmes that I have seen posted on this site due to it being unavailable in the States. It's unfortunate for the many people who I am sure would enjoy viewing the wonderful shows BBC offers. I have cable TV and still do not see anything similar to the BBC channel, which in turn leaves me to learn from our website avenues or thru books. You mention Rupert Grint, and I am quite glad you also mentioned his role in the Harry Potter films...as this is where I know him from! It just goes to show how much we are missing if I can only relate him with the Potter movies. Additionally, I wanted to say that during my holidays, I took the time to do some 'spring cleaning' and I was elated when I found an old du Maurier book in my now very cleaned bookcase by the title of...'The Winding Stair.' I began reading it...and I'm finding it a bit difficult to follow the whole story based on the extraordinary complexity of Francis Bacon's character and the many facets of his personality. Daphne herself describes writing the book as, "The endeavour to explain him would be a challenge." I wonder if anyone else has had the opportunity to read this complex book, and if so, should I pursue reading it thru...a challenge I normally do not pass up; however, I was interested in our reader's opinions on the book. Does anyone know if it gets easier to understand as one reads on? It appears to be a study based on the Bacon family and their history, going back many centuries to the year of 1561! There are some exquisite old photos in the book as well. Best wishes everyone. Sincerely,
Marri
- Sunday, January 09, 2005 at 23:33:30 (GMT) Thanks for a really thoughtful contribution Marrie, you are obviously on the same 'wavelength'. The world service item was pointed out to me, and I'm only too glad to have passed it on! I loved 'Finding Neverland', I'm delighted that you did too Marri. There was a very good programme on BBC TV last weekend about Peter Pan and the Llewellyn Davis family which I thought quite helpful; it had Rupert Grint (who!) doing a voice over, with Jane Horrocks which was interesting. He was Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films. I'm terrible for doing that- regaling anyone who will listen with other parts that actors have played! Best Wishes everyone, and A Happy New Year if its not too late.
Sam
- Thursday, January 06, 2005 at 23:50:21 (GMT) Wishing you all a Happy New Year. I would like to comment that because I know little on the full story of JM Barrie and the Llewelyn Davis family history; it was with keen interest that I read the letters Daphne wrote Nico so many years ago. As I read them, I felt as if I were trespassing thru a time long gone. I was transported to the place and time they were written. It was such a wonderful opportunity for me and so, may I offer my sincere thanks to EB for the information posted on our guestbook, leading me to this read. I would like to thank Sam as well, for the BBC World Service Radio site that you kindly provided us with. Also find it great on learning that the auction at Sotheby's was attended by Ann and David. Good to hear you both were able to attend the anniversary of Peter Pan, as well as see, first hand, the photos and letters of JM Barrie, the Davis family as well as those from the du Maurier family. It must have been wonderful seeing all these items in person. I wish I were able to receive the programme relating to Peter Pan that you mention, but my avenue left here appears to be only thru website info that I can gather along. Please, if anyone can provide additional website information, I would appreciate reading more on this family. Tina, I wanted to tell you I hurried and made one item on my 'to do' list. I went to watch Finding Neverland during the Christmas holidays. Contrary to my belief that I would end up with 2 weeping children...it was quite the opposite, for not only was their mom getting weepy...but so were the many people that filled the theatre. It only added to my evening that night, when I heard the general comments of people...'what a wonderful film'...'such emotion'...'it could have been longer and would have still maintained my complete attention.' Finding Neverland has gained much attention here in the United States, while its family history has gained mine. Regards to all, Sincerely,
Marri <ellapere@aol.com>
- Thursday, January 06, 2005 at 20:43:47 (GMT) Happy New Year everyone. We have been a bit busy for the last few weeks and so it is a while since we put a message on the guest page. Before Christmas we went up to London, for two of the events that were timed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first performance of Peter Pan. The first was the auction at Sotheby’s which has already been mentioned on the guest page. It was fascinating to see the books, photographs and letters relating to JM Barrie, the Llewelyn Davis family and many members of the du Maurier family as well a such items as JM Barrie’s writing case and the costume worn by Zena Dare, one of the actresses who took the part of Peter on tour. We also went to the Peter Pan Gala which took place at the Albery Theatre and was organised to raise money for The Children’s Hospital Great Ormond Street and Chicken Shed Theatre. The children of Chicken Shed performed their adaptation of the story of Peter Pan and many celebrities including Michael Aspel, Twiggy, Jane Asher and Jason Isaacs read the story. It was absolutely beautiful and the children who took part clearly enjoyed every minute of it just as much as we did. There have been a number of programmes relating to the centenary of Peter Pan on radio 4 during the last week or so and you can still listen to them if you go to the BBC website. Also at teatime today there is a programme on BBC1 which will be worth watching if you are interested in the whole story of how Peter Pan came to be.
Ann & David
- Sunday, January 02, 2005 at 15:36:37 (GMT)

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