The right man for Dumbledore - sarah's 2p (and more)

[Sarah Leigh ...]

I just wanted to put my 2p in ... Richard Harris IMHO was a 
beautifully cast Dumbledore and frankly I didn't give a hoot whether 
he had read the books or not because I knew his reputation as a hard 
drinking, hard living kind of a guy.  But he played Albus Dumbledore 
perfectly.  However, (you knew that was coming), however, Michael 
Gambon never really sat quite right with me.  Admittedly his part in 
PoA seemed very small and maybe in GoF we'll see a bit more of him 
and I can get used to his style.  I guess he was just different to 
Richard Harris who WAS the image I had created.  This old hippy guy 
with the disgustingly long fingernails was an imposter!!!
Having said all that I will wait until I've seen GoF and see if he 
fares any better.
I'd decided that Patrick Stewart would be an excellent (but white) 
Kingsley Shacklebolt and had never really considered him for 
Dumbledore, but yes, he would be good ... and certainly his beautiful 
voice would bring a richness to the role Gambon hasn't managed, oh 
and that twinkle in his eye ... make it so, Professor Snape!!
As for Sean Connery, well now I don't know who I want.  I love Sean 
Connery, and despite the fact he is old enough to be my grandad he is 
still quite sexy ... and I always had a whim that Dumbledore might 
have a Scottish lilt/accent ...
Now my grandad is 89 and has white hair and glasses that slip to the 
end of his nose, and when he laughs the whole room lights up .... not 
sure about his magical skills or insight though.  And he definitely 
hasn't read the books.  Maybe not!
Sarah xx
(Who is waiting very patiently (not) until next weekend to see the 
film)