Posted by Bruce on September 15, 1998 at 17:09:37:
Many thanks to Rich, Elaine, Sarah and Penny for the warm welcome to Mohicanland and the info on the LOTM BBC series. And to Rich...will pound out a letter re: The Directors Cut ASAP and get it off to the address provided.
A quick search of some online movie/tv databases turned up an entry for the BBC series, and its older than we thought...produced in 1971 though I'm sure it ran much later on US PBS networks. Unfortunetly, I didn't uncover any info on video availibilty of the series, though I did find it interesting that the actor who played Magua {Philip Madoc} later took the title role in a biopic of British Prime Minister David Lloyd George!! Oh well, I'm sure the series has the hallmarks of most BBC series of the 70's....fine acting, fine writing, and a budget that wouldn't have paid Michael Mann's phone bill.
In the course of my search, I also uncovered a reference to a US TV series of 1957 titled "Hawkeye and the Last of the Mochicans". This one-season-only venture casted Lon Chaney Jr as Chingachgook. From what little info I uncovered, the series sounded like it owed far more to "The Lone Ranger" and "Davy Crockett" than James Fenimore Cooper.
I couldn't resist a quick search for upcoming projects of the key cast and crew members of our favorite film. What follows is by no means complete and if anyone cares to append it or point out errors, please do so.
Michael Mann: Michael has two concurrent projects, both slated for release in 1999. The Sci Fi film "Zen Differental" is listed as a Cyberpunk thriller {plot sounds vaguely "Blade Runner"ish}. The film has been listed variously as "in the can" or "still filming". Mr Mann will also be helming the drama "Man of the People" which is based on the story of the Tobacco Industry whistleblower whose story on CBS "60 minutes" was nearly quashed when the Westinghouse Brass cried foul. It will star Al Pacino, Russel Crowe and Diane Venora. All in all, looks like Mr Mann is still commited to giving his talent as diverse a showing as possible.
Daniel Day Lewis: I still haven't seen "The Boxer". I'd better rent it soon if I want to see DDL anytime soon because I can't find any references for any upcoming film projects for him. Anyone else hear anything?
Madeline Stowe: "I'm looking at you Miss" is certainly what Madeline has been hearing lately. Aside from the recent Kenneth Branagh film "The Proposition", Madeline has 3 diverse new projects slated for release in 98-99. "Dancing about Architecture" slated for release in Dec 98. The Sci Fi film "The Imposter" in which she co-stars with Jennifer Lopez and and Gary Sinise. And the Conspiracy Thriller "The Generals Daughter" in which she shares the screen with James Woods and John Travolta.
Steven Waddington: Sadly, aside from the recently released and poorly received "Tarzan and the Lost City", I haven't found any upcoming film projects for Mr Waddington. He's a fine actor, I hope we see more of him soon.
Jodhi May: "The Woodlanders" and her award winning work in the "The Gambler" are still listed as Jodhi's most recent releases. I read an article that hinted strongly that Jodhi is placing her academics {I belive she's studying English at Oxford}above her acting career at present. But I'm sure we'll see much of this impressive actress in the future.
Wes Studi: Aside from Armageddon, Wes can be seen in the Western historical drama "Wind River" {I belive it covers the Pony Express riders} and a project called "Sound Man".
Eric Schweig: The database I searched had 1996's "Dead Man's Walk" listed as Erics latest project.
Pete Posthelwaite: Latest projects are listed as the UK production "Among Giants" and the Canadian film "The Divine Ryans".
Christopher Crowe: Scribe Chistopher Crowe is penning the script for the upcoming thriller "The Bone Collector" starring Denzel Washington.
Like I said this is by no means the comprehensive last word on the upcoming work of LOTM perfomers, just somthing I did at the spur of the moment. Hope someone else has more to add.
Well, I've bent the collective Mohicanite ear enough for now. Best Wishes to all out there...
Take Care,
Bruce.