Lord of the Rings has shaped many a child’s life almost a century apart. Be it J. R. R. Tolkien’s literary series in the 1930s or Peter Jackson’s trilogies in the 2000s, the franchise has brought the world of epic high fantasy tales involving Elves, hobbits, kings, and wizards just a little bit closer to our fingertips.
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King [Credit: New Line Cinema]
However, while the audience and critics have been in love with Peter Jackson’s masterpiece, the filmmaker has been slaving away in his studio to come up with ways to make the world seem more realistic on screen, rather than a CGI-infested botched job. Sir Ian McKellen then gladly served himself up as the victim of the director’s experimentation.
Ian McKellen Spills the Beans on His Gandalf Double
Sir Ian McKellen is known for many achievements and perhaps most of all,...
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King [Credit: New Line Cinema]
However, while the audience and critics have been in love with Peter Jackson’s masterpiece, the filmmaker has been slaving away in his studio to come up with ways to make the world seem more realistic on screen, rather than a CGI-infested botched job. Sir Ian McKellen then gladly served himself up as the victim of the director’s experimentation.
Ian McKellen Spills the Beans on His Gandalf Double
Sir Ian McKellen is known for many achievements and perhaps most of all,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Diya Majumdar
- FandomWire
Spoilers are hard to avoid for the second round of Welcome to Wrexham, the engaging FX series about the fate of a historic football club in northern Wales purchased by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds (of the Deadpool franchise) and Rob McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia). While famously losing a couple of key games that ended Season 1, the Red Dragons thrillingly won promotion back to the English Football League in April after a 15-year drought — the perfect capper for these new episodes. (Credit: Getty Images) “Anyone who’s been following the Wrexham story will have seen that we got promoted,” says Humphrey Ker, the McElhenney-Reynolds pal who serves as the club’s executive director. (The comic actor also occasionally appears as Tall Paul opposite McElhenney on Apple TV+’s Mythic Quest.) “I think a big theme that will be stressed will be the challenge we faced in terms of expectations.
- 9/11/2023
- TV Insider
Mickey Mouse Club favourite who appeared with Frankie Avalon in 60s Beach Party musicals
Annette Funicello, who has died of complications from multiple sclerosis aged 70, was instantly associated with two names: Mickey Mouse and Frankie Avalon, both of whom were squeaky clean. As a child, Funicello was one of the first Mouseketeers on the original Mickey Mouse Club, the hugely popular Walt Disney children's television programme. In her early 20s, Funicello co-starred with the pop singer Avalon in five "Beach Party" musicals, in which they played wholesome "teenage" sweethearts called Dee Dee and Frankie, always testing each other's fidelity.
Born in Utica, New York, Funicello took ballet dancing lessons as a child to overcome shyness. In 1955, some years after her family had moved to southern California, the 12-year-old was chosen by Disney himself from 200 children auditioning for the first season of the Mickey Mouse Club. From 1955 to 1957, she danced, sang...
Annette Funicello, who has died of complications from multiple sclerosis aged 70, was instantly associated with two names: Mickey Mouse and Frankie Avalon, both of whom were squeaky clean. As a child, Funicello was one of the first Mouseketeers on the original Mickey Mouse Club, the hugely popular Walt Disney children's television programme. In her early 20s, Funicello co-starred with the pop singer Avalon in five "Beach Party" musicals, in which they played wholesome "teenage" sweethearts called Dee Dee and Frankie, always testing each other's fidelity.
Born in Utica, New York, Funicello took ballet dancing lessons as a child to overcome shyness. In 1955, some years after her family had moved to southern California, the 12-year-old was chosen by Disney himself from 200 children auditioning for the first season of the Mickey Mouse Club. From 1955 to 1957, she danced, sang...
- 4/10/2013
- by Ronald Bergan
- The Guardian - Film News
Within the few days or so, we have heard about the deaths of Roger Ebert and "Queen of Prep" Lilly Pulitzer. Following the rule of threes, we have also lost one of America’s sweethearts. Original Disney teen sensation and "Beach Party" star Annette Funicello passed away yesterday, due to complications from multiple sclerosis. Discovered at the age of 12 by Walt Disney, Funicello went on to be a Mouseketeer in the newly formed “Mickey Mouse Club“ and to appear in such Disney classics as "The Shaggy Dog." By this time, Funicello was also releasing pop hits left and right, including "Tall Paul," "First Name Initial," and "Pineapple Princess." After outgrowing her Mouseketeer sweater, she moved onto the series of films she is probably most famous for, the "Beach Party" movies. With the smash hit "Beach Party," Funicello and onscreen love interest Frankie Avalon became instant '60s icons and spawned...
- 4/9/2013
- by Diana Drumm
- The Playlist
Annette Funicello, the ’50s and ’60s teen dream who passed away Monday after a long battle with multiple sclerosis, rose to fame as a “Mouseketeer” on the original Mickey Mouse Club and starred with fellow idol Frankie Avalon in a series of iconic big-screen “Beach Party” hits, including Beach Blanket Bingo and Bikini Beach. Along the way she made quite an impression on the music scene, singing and dancing her way into the hearts of millions with songs like “Tall Paul,” “Pineapple Princess,” “Because You’re You,” and “Beach Blanket Bingo.”
People put together a loving tribute to Funicello’s career in music,...
People put together a loving tribute to Funicello’s career in music,...
- 4/9/2013
- by John Mitchell
- EW.com - PopWatch
Former child star was hand-picked by Walt Disney and spoke openly about the degenerative effects of multiple sclerosis
Annette Funicello, who became a child star as a perky, cute-as-a-button Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club in the 1950s, then teamed up with Frankie Avalon on a string of 1960s fun-in-the-sun movies with names like Beach Blanket Bingo and Bikini Beach, died Monday. She was 70.
She died at Mercy Southwest Hospital in Bakersfield, California, of complications from multiple sclerosis, the Walt Disney Co said.
Funicello stunned fans and friends in 1992 with the announcement about her ailment. Yet she was cheerful and upbeat, grappling with the disease with a courage that contrasted with her lightweight teen image of old.
"She will forever hold a place in our hearts as one of Walt Disney's brightest stars, delighting an entire generation of baby boomers with her jubilant personality and endless talent," said Bob Iger,...
Annette Funicello, who became a child star as a perky, cute-as-a-button Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club in the 1950s, then teamed up with Frankie Avalon on a string of 1960s fun-in-the-sun movies with names like Beach Blanket Bingo and Bikini Beach, died Monday. She was 70.
She died at Mercy Southwest Hospital in Bakersfield, California, of complications from multiple sclerosis, the Walt Disney Co said.
Funicello stunned fans and friends in 1992 with the announcement about her ailment. Yet she was cheerful and upbeat, grappling with the disease with a courage that contrasted with her lightweight teen image of old.
"She will forever hold a place in our hearts as one of Walt Disney's brightest stars, delighting an entire generation of baby boomers with her jubilant personality and endless talent," said Bob Iger,...
- 4/8/2013
- The Guardian - Film News
Annette Funicello has passed away at the age of 70. The former Mouseketeer's family confirms to "Extra" that Funicello died after being in a coma in a Bakersfield hospital. The family says the coma was a complication of multiple sclerosis.
It is unclear how long Funicello was in a coma. She announced her Ms diagnosis in 1992 at the age of 50. Over the years, the disease took away Funicello's ability to walk, putting her on a walking cane and eventually confining her to a wheelchair. She eventually lost the ability to talk as well.
Funicello joined the original "Mickey Mouse Club" at the age of twelve and quickly became one of the most well known Mouseketeers. She translated her popularity into a pop music and film career, eventually starring alongside Frankie Avalon in many mid-1960's era "Beach Party" genre films, including "Beach Blanket Bingo, "Pajama Party," and "How to Stuff a Wild Bikini.
It is unclear how long Funicello was in a coma. She announced her Ms diagnosis in 1992 at the age of 50. Over the years, the disease took away Funicello's ability to walk, putting her on a walking cane and eventually confining her to a wheelchair. She eventually lost the ability to talk as well.
Funicello joined the original "Mickey Mouse Club" at the age of twelve and quickly became one of the most well known Mouseketeers. She translated her popularity into a pop music and film career, eventually starring alongside Frankie Avalon in many mid-1960's era "Beach Party" genre films, including "Beach Blanket Bingo, "Pajama Party," and "How to Stuff a Wild Bikini.
- 4/8/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
I grew up with Annette Funicello. She was my favorite older girl on "The Mickey Mouse Club," a friendly face with a sweet voice. She started on the show in 1955 at age 13, the only cast member selected by Walt Disney himself after he saw her dance the lead in Swan Lake at the Starlight Bowl in Burbank. She also appeared frequently on long-running weekly show "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color." Disney released several of her albums; she had two top ten hit songs: "Tall Paul" and "O Dio Mio." Born Annette Joanne Funicello in Utica, N.Y., on Oct. 22, 1942, Funicello gained fame with a series of '60s beach blanket movies opposite teen idol Frankie Avalon in which she managed to be both virginal and sexy in a two-piece suit (not a bikini). The actress died Monday at 70 at Mercy Southwest Hospital in Bakersfield, according to the Walt Disney Co.
- 4/8/2013
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Annette Funicello, the ultimate Girl Next Door to a generation of Baby Boomers who first fell in love with her on the original 1955-'59 incarnation of The Mickey Mouse Club - died Monday after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. She was 70. Her family told Extra that Funicello passed away from complications of her illness, and they were by her side when she was taken off life support. Funicello had been in an Ms coma for years, Extra reported. With her brunette curls and expressive brown eyes, "Annette," as she was simply known, grew up on the nation's TV screens...
- 4/8/2013
- by Stephen M. Silverman
- PEOPLE.com
Robert B Sherman, who has died aged 86, was part of one of the most unusual songwriting teams of all time. He and his younger brother Richard may not be as well known as other pairs of composers and lyricists, but they will for ever be remembered as the writers of Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book and a swath of other productions from Walt Disney Studios.
Their score for Mary Poppins (1964), the movie that introduced Julie Andrews to filmgoers, secured them a place in popular musical history and made them multimillionaires. Featuring songs including Jolly Holiday, Let's Go Fly a Kite and Feed the Birds, it won them two Oscars. It also included the classic A Spoonful of Sugar and the song with the one-word title that they used when they accepted the Academy awards: "All we can say is 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'.
Their score for Mary Poppins (1964), the movie that introduced Julie Andrews to filmgoers, secured them a place in popular musical history and made them multimillionaires. Featuring songs including Jolly Holiday, Let's Go Fly a Kite and Feed the Birds, it won them two Oscars. It also included the classic A Spoonful of Sugar and the song with the one-word title that they used when they accepted the Academy awards: "All we can say is 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'.
- 3/6/2012
- by Michael Freedland
- The Guardian - Film News
One half of the Sherman Brothers songwriting team, the legendary Disney musicals composer died today. We look back at his greatest movie hits, including classics such as I Wanna Be Like You and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Robert B Sherman was the son of Jewish immigrants to the Us, and while still in his teens he was part of the first American military unit to enter the Dachau concentration camp shortly after its evacuation in 1945. After the war, he joined with his younger brother Richard to form a songwriting partnership. It took until 1958 before they had their first top 10 hit, Tall Paul, with Mouseketeer Annette Funicello. As a result, the duo subsequently came to the notice of Walt Disney, and they became staff songwriters for the Disney studio. They composed a song for Disney's It's a Small World attraction at the 1964 New York World's Fair and, as the song remained...
Robert B Sherman was the son of Jewish immigrants to the Us, and while still in his teens he was part of the first American military unit to enter the Dachau concentration camp shortly after its evacuation in 1945. After the war, he joined with his younger brother Richard to form a songwriting partnership. It took until 1958 before they had their first top 10 hit, Tall Paul, with Mouseketeer Annette Funicello. As a result, the duo subsequently came to the notice of Walt Disney, and they became staff songwriters for the Disney studio. They composed a song for Disney's It's a Small World attraction at the 1964 New York World's Fair and, as the song remained...
- 3/6/2012
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Robert Sherman died on Monday in London. The Academy Award-winning songwriter behind "Chim Chim Cher-ee" from "Mary Poppins," as well as such Disney classics as "It's A Small World (After All)," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and "A Spoonful of Sugar" was 86.
Sherman's son, Jeff, passed the news of his death along via Facebook.
"I have very sad news to convey," he wrote. "My Dad, Robert B. Sherman, passed away tonight in London. He went peacefully after months of truly valiantly fending off death. He loved life and his dear heart finally slowed to a stop when he could fight no more."
Born in 1925, Sherman fought in World War II and became a songwriter upon returning home. He helped write "Tall Paul" with his brother, Richard, which became a top-ten hit for Annette Funicello. The attention got the Sherman brothers a staff position at Walt Disney Studios, where they wrote "It's a Small World...
Sherman's son, Jeff, passed the news of his death along via Facebook.
"I have very sad news to convey," he wrote. "My Dad, Robert B. Sherman, passed away tonight in London. He went peacefully after months of truly valiantly fending off death. He loved life and his dear heart finally slowed to a stop when he could fight no more."
Born in 1925, Sherman fought in World War II and became a songwriter upon returning home. He helped write "Tall Paul" with his brother, Richard, which became a top-ten hit for Annette Funicello. The attention got the Sherman brothers a staff position at Walt Disney Studios, where they wrote "It's a Small World...
- 3/6/2012
- by Christopher Rosen
- Huffington Post
Robert Sherman died on Monday in London. The Academy Award-winning songwriter behind "Chim Chim Cher-ee" from "Mary Poppins," as well as such Disney classics as "It's A Small World (After All)," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and "A Spoonful of Sugar" was 86. Sherman's son, Jeff, passed the news of his death along via Facebook. "I have very sad news to convey," he wrote. "My Dad, Robert B. Sherman, passed away tonight in London. He went peacefully after months of truly valiantly fending off death. He loved life and his dear heart finally slowed to a stop when he could fight no more." Born in 1925, Sherman fought in World War II and became a songwriter upon returning home. He helped write "Tall Paul" with his brother, Richard, which became a top-ten hit for Annette Funicello. The attention got the Sherman brothers a staff position at Walt Disney Studios, where they wrote "It's a Small World...
- 3/6/2012
- by Christopher Rosen
- Moviefone
In the The Hobbit Gandalf frequently disappears for long stretches. He also seems to jet during critical moments. Quint describes an emotional scene between Sir Ian McKellen and Richard Armitage that leads up to Gandalf vanishing. How often and for how long Gandalf will disappear from the story in Peter Jackson's version is not known, but I'd expect that it won't be as often or for as long as it was in the book. The scene shot this day was a hefty bit of character work as Thorin and Gandalf’s friendly consultation turns heated. The introduction to the scene was a good Lotr style shot, though, so don’t you worry. There’s still a lot of New Zealand on display as all 13 dwarves, Bilbo and Tall Paul ride their horses and ponies through some rocks to the hill where the derelict farmhouse sits, or what’s left of it.
- 11/28/2011
- ComicBookMovie.com
Quint from AICN was lucky enough to take a trip to New Zealand to tour the set of Peter Jackson's highly anticipated Hobbit films. It would be so incredible to actually see this stuff in person, so I'll admit that I'm extremely jealous. Visiting the set of The Hobbit while it is in production is at the top of my movie dream list. This is the fourth report Quint has given from the Hobbit set, and as of right now I guess I just have to live my dream through his experiences just like the rest of you awesome movie geeks.
Here are some of his scene descrptions from the film acompanied with some cool set photos. Make sure to head on over to AICN to read the full Hobbit report. One of the scene descriptions include Bilbo Baggins finding the Elf blade Sting, which Bilbo gave to Frodo...
Here are some of his scene descrptions from the film acompanied with some cool set photos. Make sure to head on over to AICN to read the full Hobbit report. One of the scene descriptions include Bilbo Baggins finding the Elf blade Sting, which Bilbo gave to Frodo...
- 11/28/2011
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
Peter Jackson once again proves that he is not only one of the most fan-friendly filmmakers working in cinema today, but also press-friendly. Jackson routinely offers updates on his currently-in-production two-part prequel to the The Lord of the Rings (Lotr) trilogy, The Hobbit, on his personal Facebook page and he has already shared four production video blogs chronicling the making of the movie. Not only that, but he obviously doesn't place a moratorium on what invited press can report on — a nearly ubiquitous practice for major movie productions — when they visit the sets in New Zealand because "Quint" from AICN has just posted a detailed account of his travels throughout Jackson's re-creation of "Middle-earth," complete with several revealing photos, most notably shots of Sir Ian McKellen's Gandalf stand-in, the 7-foot-tall New Zealander "Tall Paul" (left), and Stephen Hunter in costume as the dwarf Bombur.
Next Showing: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey opens Dec.
Next Showing: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey opens Dec.
- 11/28/2011
- by BrentJS Sprecher
- Reelzchannel.com
A very fat dwarf, Gandalf’s double and Peter Jackson turn up in the latest shots from The Hobbit…
A new set report from the production of Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit movies has gone live over at AintItCoolNews, and it’s brought with it another collection of photos.
This time, we get to take a look at Sir Ian McKellen’s stand-in, Paul Randall, and we also get to meet the fattest dwarf of them all, Bombur, who is being played by Stephen Hunter. Finally, there’s also a shot of Peter Jackson, scoping out another shot.
The full set report is well worth a look, although do note that there are mild spoilers in there. You can find it here.
Follow Den Of Geek on Twitter right here. And be our Facebook chum here.
A new set report from the production of Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit movies has gone live over at AintItCoolNews, and it’s brought with it another collection of photos.
This time, we get to take a look at Sir Ian McKellen’s stand-in, Paul Randall, and we also get to meet the fattest dwarf of them all, Bombur, who is being played by Stephen Hunter. Finally, there’s also a shot of Peter Jackson, scoping out another shot.
The full set report is well worth a look, although do note that there are mild spoilers in there. You can find it here.
Follow Den Of Geek on Twitter right here. And be our Facebook chum here.
- 11/28/2011
- Den of Geek
#Gift Students of film and pop culture history have had a bumper selection of titles to choose from in the last few weeks. Four documentaries have been released that warrant the attention of anyone with an interest in two of the most enduring and successful enterprises in the entertainment industry: Walt Disney Studios and DC Comics. They might not make it onto the best sellers shelves at your local Best Buy but here at CinemaSpy we believe in bringing worthwhile works to your attention regardless of their commercial appeal. These four films definitely qualify.
Waking Sleeping Beauty
Official Synopsis: Far from a fairytale, Waking Sleeping Beauty is an unprecedented eye-opening look at the conflict, drama and tension that ushered in the second chapter of Disney’s animation legacy – a decade of unparalleled creativity that included The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King. Told by the...
Waking Sleeping Beauty
Official Synopsis: Far from a fairytale, Waking Sleeping Beauty is an unprecedented eye-opening look at the conflict, drama and tension that ushered in the second chapter of Disney’s animation legacy – a decade of unparalleled creativity that included The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King. Told by the...
- 12/13/2010
- CinemaSpy
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