Just three months after the

Apr 21, 2002

Posted by: John Admin

News

Just three months after the death of her baby daughter, Sarah Brown is beginning her return to public life by launching a children’s charity. The Chancellor’s wife will be president of the as yet unnamed organisation, which will help poor, sick and disabled youngsters. … She is currently helping to compile a book of short stories for children to raise money for the National Council of One Parent Families, of which she is a patron. It may include a contribution from JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books. (Thanks to TWW for the link.)

Train companies are turning to the movies to lure more people back to the railways. The companies have launched a new website offering film fans the chance to visit famous movie locations by train. Films shot in the UK and which feature on the website include the James Bond film Goldeneye, the Harry Potter movie and the 1940s’ classic Brief Encounter. … The website also has details of locations used in as-yet-unreleased movies. These include Glenfinnan viaduct near Fort William in Scotland, which is being used in the forthcoming Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Movies for children and families are among Hollywood’s hottest properties. But to the dismay of many studios, toys based on these movies are getting the cold shoulder from consumers. … [However] toy industry people say wildly popular movies with strong supporting toys will always sell. Toys based on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, for example, were among last year’s hottest sellers. Those included Lego’s Hogwarts Castle and Mattel’s Professor Snape’s Potions Class, a cast-your-own-spells toy.

Harry Potter fever is sweeping Shropshire again as thousands of youngsters are expected to pack out shops next month for the release of the film on video and DVD. Hundreds have already signed up to order a copy of the blockbuster movie at one shop in the county. (Thanks to MuggleNet for the link.)





The Leaky Cauldron is not associated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any of the individuals or companies associated with producing and publishing Harry Potter books and films.