The Stand

[woodelf]

During this horrible swine flu pandemic, has there been any mention in the British press about Stephen King's The Stand?...you'll know why I ask. Ta Muchly.

[Jan1957]

I haven't heard anything woodelf but know why you ask. One of my favourite books, although the film wasn't very good, and 6 hours long!

[woodelf]

Hi Jan, I'm surprised there wasn't a conspiracy theory and even more surprised that there seems to have been no mention at all - not that we are making light of it everyone - but.... - as to the film Jan, who played Larry Underwood (or was it Greenwood)?...ages since I listened to it, must give it a hearing again.

[Jan1957]

There weren't many well known actors in it really. It was made just for video, two three hour long films. An actor called Adam Storke played Larry Underwood but the main character, Stu Redman, was played by the very gorgeous, well in my opinion, Gary Sinise. He is a good actor though and now is the star of CSI New York.

[Jan1957]

Well worth another listen woodelf. I am a Stephen King fanatic though and The Stand is my favourite. Do you know of many Stephen King? I also thought IT was a really good book that unfortunately wasn't a very good film.

[carrot99]

I read it years ago and remember the basic story but don't remember the flu - where did that come into it? Excellent book and mediocre film - but a film can never have all the fine details and your imagination is so much better than computer effects.

[carrot99]

sorry - they were all dead except the one's drawn to either good or evil - I can be very dense late at night!!!!

[woodelf]

Thanks for that Jan, but as you don't rate the film I won't bore you by asking who played who...best it stays on the written and audio page.

[carrot99]

Have you read Lisey's Story(?)? I started it but really couldn't get into it and gave up, which is really unlike me!

[lindapinda]

I love a lot of Stephen King's work,and i remember happily settling down to a good uninterrupted read of The Stand,on a long 3 hour bus journey!..On the subject of his books,did anyone else find that the film of The Shining,totally ruined the terrifying chase of Wendy,by turning it into comedy,with that "Here's Johnny!" moment?..When i read the book originally,at that point,I could hardly bear to turn the page,cos it was soo claustrophobic and terrifying!

[carrot99]

I agree Lindapinda, I love SK and have never managed to watch the Shining all the way through - I get half way and wander off, it's so boring!

My favourite is Needful Things - excellent book.

[Jan1957]

I like so many Stephen King it's difficult to choose a few. The Tommyknockers is amongst my favourites but I don't think I've ever seen one that made a good film. Actually, now I've thought Misery was quite a good film. Made me cringe though when she broke his ankes!!

[Jan1957]

Sorry, should have been ankles.

[Postdog]

Carrot, you don't remember the flu!

Major part of the beginning of the story, I'm surprised

[BilleeeeeeeS]

I'd rather get pig flu than read that The Stand again - as I remember he spent about the first 200 pages setting the story up .

[warpig3]

I enjoyed Pet Semetary and also the Stand although I thought the Stand started to get a little silly half way through.

As to woodelf's question, I reckon the government are wishing the flu had become more of a headline than it has, therefore overshadowing the current expenses scandal.