[HPforGrownups] Images from the movie (the train scene)

[Neil Ward]

No: HPFGUIDX 12897

Doreen said:

> Not being a "veteran Harry Potter fan" like most of you, I do not know how
reliable this source is. I did read this...

> http://www.empireonline.co.uk/news/news.asp?2861

"The first picture shows the steam train representing Hogwarts Express.
Although the book clearly states that Harry gets on the train at platform
nine and three quarters, artistic licence was taken and the train was parked
at platform four with normal passenger trains packed with extras at
platforms three and five. <snip>"

My comments:

Although the train is described as being parked at platform four in
actuality, I imagine that the studio will turn it into the hidden Platform 9
and 3/4 by the magic of special effects.  This is such a significant detail
that I can't imagine they would simply ignore it.  I would be very alarmed
if poetic license stretched that far (still wondering about Petunia's and
Dudley's dark hair). Also, a steam train full of fledgling magic-doers
sitting alongside the regular passenger trains would create quite a stir, so
they can't be implying that it would be in full view of Muggle passengers.

I can't tell from this picture whether this was actually King's Cross
Station.  It looks a lot like it, but there isn't enough detail for me to be
sure.  If so, I'm surprised they managed to film these scenes without
holding up the regular traffic... perhaps the people on the other trains
weren't Muggle extras, but Muddled commuters?  To be honest, we wouldn't
think anything of a huge delay.  "Filming the inaugural departure of crowds
of cinematic witch-children" is as good an excuse as "leaves affecting track
adhesion" or "the wrong kind of snow" as a reason for delayed trains.

The train looks a lot like the one they used for the launch of GoF last year
(but given a coat of red paint.  It was - duh! - maroon when they hired it
for that event).  Some of you may recall the report that Nick and I did on
that launch?  They used Platform One for that, but they did slap up a
makeshift notice saying Platform 9 and 3/4... we weren't fooled though:  we
guessed it wasn't real!!  BTW, Platforms 9 and 10 have very boring
frontages, being later additions to the station.  Nick posted a picture at
some point, but it may have been lost during the transfer from Yahoo to
eGroups.

Neil

_____________________________________

Flying-Ford-Anglia
Mechanimagus Moderator (engine off)

"Potter, you can skin Malfoy's Shrivelfig..." [Severus Snape, PoA]

The moderators say: "Check out our netiquette tips!:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/files/netiquette2.txt

Visit the Portkey for all the info on this club:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/files/%20%20Portkey.htm