John Huston; Lucas/Spielberg/LaGravenese; movie casting; to Clara

I really, really don't want George Lucas getting his hands on Robin McKinley's prose. The same guy who comes up with lines like "But I wanted to go to Kasmar to pick up the pow-er converters" should not be allowed to touch, say, Luthe's last words to Aerin ("I will love you till the stars crumble, which is a less idle threat than is usual for lovers on parting"). Harrison Ford is famous for telling Lucas "George, you can type this crap, but you sure can't act it." I don't think Spielberg has ever done any of the writing on his movies, though he may be involved in coming up with the story.

My personal nomination for screenwriter is Richard LaGravenese, who adapted "The Bridges of Madison County," "Unstrung Heroes" and "A Little Princess" for the screen. Granted he slaughtered "ALP," but his writing's always intelligent, and he's good at distilling the important elements from the books.

I've always pictured Luthe as a young Robert Redford. He's tall, he's blond, he's very good-looking -- he's old now too, but maybe they could use digital imaging. :) Kate Winslet might make a wonderful Aerin, though I think the actress who plays Aerin ought to be a natural redhead if possible.

(OT) Clara, what didn't you like about Persuasion? The kiss? I loved the movie overall, but that at the end -- and in the street no less! -- drove me crazy! ;-)