LOOK FOR LOVE BOLTS IN BOOK 4
The fourth installment in the magical “Harry Potter” series, about an orphan who discovers he’s a wizard, will be released from the chamber of secrets on July 8. Until then, the plot and even the title remain a mystery. (“Harry Potter and the Doomspell Tournament” is just a working title, so anything could happen by publication.) Luckily, when we chatted with Scottish author J.K. Rowling last year, she offered a few clues.
From the beginning, Rowling planned the books as a series of seven, each one chronicling a year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In the fourth book, “Harry, Ron and Hermione are all entering adolescence proper. Harry will have his first crush,” she hinted. But, “careful readers of Book 3 already know the girl.” Cupid’s strike promises plenty of comedy because “they’re all in love with the wrong people.”
Rowling warned that a pivotal character dies in the fourth book. “The theme running through all seven books is the struggle between good and evil, and there will be casualties.” She said. “Kids usually plead, ‘Don’t let it be Ron!’ ” Ron is Harry’s best friend, whom Rowling based on her oldest chum.
Rowling spent five years sketching Harry’s enchanted world before publishing the first book. She has stacks of notes about the limitations of magic. And as she creates even the most minor characters, she outlines every detail. “I know who they eventually marry and what they have for breakfast,” Rowling says with a laugh. She has written the last chapter of Book 7 to “remind me where I’m going.”
THE MOVIE: SORRY, HALEY JOEL
Before selling the movie rights, Rowling insisted the film be live action and cast with British actors as Harry, Ron and Hermione. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” is slated to come out in November 2001. First choice for the directing role was Steven Spielberg, the Oscar-winning hitmaker of “Jurassic Park” fame. However, when Spielberg opted for other projects, Chris Columbus, director of “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Home Alone,” was chosen to translate the book to the screen. Rumors fly about potential cast members. Rosie O’Donnell as Mrs. Weasley? Sean Connery as Albus Dumbledore? At this point they’re still just rumors.
Die-hard fans seem divided about the toys scheduled to follow the movie, just in time for the holiday season 2001. Some fans believe the best thing about Harry’s world of owls, wands and a train that leaves from platform nine and three-quarters, is that the magic lives in the imagination. However, with the incredible popularity of all things “Harry.” there are sure to be loads of kids lining up for their very own Firebolt.
CASTING CALL
OK, so “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” won’t have top roles for American kids. Be a sport: Help find Brits who look like Ron, Hermione and Harry Potter (no need for the lightning-bolt scar, which makeup will provide). For more information, visit movies.warnerbros.com/harrypotter.
Bookstores across the country are celebrating the Book 4 release with parties and other cool activities. We heard about one store that is even piping the sound of Moaning Myrtle into its bathrooms!
Locally, here are some of the places you can conjure up a Potter party on July 7 (the book will be released at midnight):
– Anderson’s Bookstores. Elmhurst, Downers Grove and Naperville stores re-open at 11 p.m. for special activities and the book’s midnight release. Reservations required.
– Barbara’s Bookstores. Oak Park store opens at midnight for entertainment and giveaways. On July 8, visit Oak Park, Chicago and Evergreen Park locations for more muggle-mania.
– Barnes & Noble Booksellers. All 15 stores will be open till 1 a.m. July 8, but events vary. Nab Harry Potter tattoos and other freebies. Spot booksellers in capes and wizard hats. Pjs welcome.
– Borders Books. Borders’ 17 locations open past midnight. (Some host breakfast bashes on July 8 too.) Starting July 19, the Michigan Avenue and Clark Street stores host weekly Harry Potter events starring Imagination Theater.
– Zany Brainy. Northbrook, Orland Park and Naperville stores will be open late with special activities. All eight Chicagoland Zanys offer Harry Potter Holiday Weekend trivia games and wizardly prizes at 2 p.m. July 8 and 9.
How well do you know Harry Potter’s world? Take our quiz! Answers are at bottom of the page.
1. What few words does Professor Albus Dumbledore say to Hogwarts after the sorting ceremony in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”?
2. Who is the Hufflepuff ghost?
3. What is the name of Hagrid’s pet boarhound?
4. Who is the Dark Arts teacher in Harry, Ron and Hermione’s second year?
5. What is the secret to making the Marauder’s Map blank?
ANSWERS
1. Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!
2. The Friar
3. Fang
4. Gilderoy Lockhart
5. Tap it and say, “Mischief managed!”
