"Porri Gatter and the Stone Philosopher"

First came "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." Then, as if by magic, appeared a Russian version, "Tanya Grotter and Her Magic Double Bass." Now, joining Tanya and Harry is another Russian version, "Porri Gatter and the Stone Philosopher", a parody of the bestsellingContinued...

Policeman Fined over Harry Potter Fraud

The BBC News reports that a police officer who fooled a book dealer in an internet scam over a first edition Harry Potter book has been fined £750.

Daniel's Stage Debut

One of our UK-based readers sent us the following report on her parents' visit to "That Play That I Wrote" this past weekend.

For those outside the UK, the play is based on a 60s Morecambe & Wise show. Morecambe and Wise were comedians and hit TV shows. On the TV shows they always had special guests and theyContinued...

Interview with Jason Isaacs

Russell Baillie of the New Zealand Herald talks to the actor about his role as Lucius Malfoy, upcoming projects, and if it was hard to act under "all that hair".

Film Jerk: Harry Potter and the Mystery of Shaving

Thanks FilmJerk, for this link to an article about the growth of the HP kids. My favorite part:

[Warner Brothers] shouldn’t aim to alter the principals all that much and stick close to J.K. Rawlings [sic] and the film’s depiction of the characters—[Ron Weasley] should remain a redheadContinued...

More on Free Dobby

Sweeping the nation, I tell ya - theaters are getting involved - donate clothes and free house elves around the world! A source sent us this bit about the movement:

It seems the blockbuster hit film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets has inspired a grassroots movement! Fans of the film have found the character of Dobby,Continued...

Potter Popularity

The BBC reports that CoS has become the fastest grossing UK film - beating its predecessor to set a new British record. The Chamber of Secrets is the only British film to have taken more than £30 million by its second weekend on release.

It has taken about £1 million more than the first Potter film, The Philosopher'sContinued...

Back up ...

Hey guys, we're back. Sorry for the downtime, and thanks to those who e-mailed about it. Apparently, our server goes kaplooie when the people in the U.S. wake up and beat the server into submission. :-) But the people who host our site are fantastic, wonderful, and are keeping an eye on the problem. So, not to worry. Scroll down forContinued...

"Harry Potter" Toy Up For Award

Hoover's Online brings us a list of toys nominated for the "People's Choice Toy of the Year" (which includes the Harry Potter Slime Chamber), and instructions on how to cast a vote.

Sun Media: "Lighten Up, Potter's Fun"

Two columnists from the Toronto Sun air their opinions on the "Harry Potter is occult" debate. (Note: adult themes)

Quotage from Michael Coren: "Love figures large in these books and movies, as does loyalty, morality and the fact that the attractive and prosperous often have much to learn from theContinued...

Tops Another Day

Die Another Day beat HP at the box office this wekeend, according to BoxOfficeMojo, pulling in $47 million to Harry's $42. But Harry's total is now up to $148.5 million - huge for a sequel.

Attendance in Japan for "Chamber of Secrets" Greater Than Last Year

The Asahi Shimbun reports that more than 1 million people flocked to see Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, which opened Saturday in Japan.

Daniel Radcliffe Takes Another Stage

Thanks Eleanor, for this link to WireImage showing us pics of Daniel Radcliffe in a play - and a dress. (Hey, at least he's taking risks.)

The play is directed by Kenneth Branagh; find more info here. (Thanks Leda, too!)

On Location for "Prisoner of Azkaban"

Scotland on Sunday reports that around 400 cast and crew are expected to arrive in the Fort William area in the new year to begin filming Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Hogwarts gets Hexed!

Gloucester Cathedral has been vandalized...

Vandals have caused considerable damage to a cathedral which featured in the Harry Potter Films. The culprits smashed 26 Victorian stained glass windows in a cathedral used as a setting for Hogwarts School. Three youths were seen running away from the 900-year-old Gloucester cathedralContinued...