Author:
Susan
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Date Posted: 12:58:32 09/06/02 Fri
Believe it or not, I think I might have the answer to that! Stevenson based the character of LJS on his friend William Ernest Hadley (the author of that poem, "Invictus," quoted by Timothy McVeigh at his execution, BTW). Hadley had only one leg and, I believe, used a crutch. I would imagine whether one could use a wooden leg or not (before the invention of sophisticated prosthetics at least) would depend on how much of the person's real leg was left. In the book, the character of LJS has his leg cut off close to the hip. Of course, special effects of 1950 not being what they were in, say, Forrest Gump, it's hard to hide that Robert Newton has at least half a leg in the film, so that might lead one to think he could've used a wooden one. So it must be the movies that have influenced us to believe LJS had a wooden leg!
And, BTW, speaking of Treasure Island sequels, you might be interested in reading Bjorn Larsen's book entitled Long John Silver: The True and Eventful History of My Life of Liberty and Adventure As a Gentleman of Fortune & Enemy to Mankind (or just "Long John Silver," for short!), which is available from Amazon.com, among other places. (I had my local Walden's order it for me.) I admit, I haven't finished it yet--not because it's boring or difficult, but because it's one of those rare books that's so good I'm trying to make it last! It's pretty gritty (not a children's book at all) and contains an interesting (but gruesome) account of how he lost his leg (and how he got his revenge!). It's also interspersed with a lot of true history.
And, going back to Treasure Planet (sorry, you got me on a roll!), I did manage to find an online trailer that was watchable on my computer, and you're right--there were just a few quick flashes of LJS, and he does look a bit like Robert Newton! But as far as the plot goes, I found this "plot outline" at the IMDb interesting:
"The only difference is that the film is set in outerspace with alien worlds and other galatic wonders."
Yet if you look at the cast listing, you'll see a lot of unfamiliar characters, like Captain Amelia (Emma Thompson), Skroopf (Michael Wincott)--hey, wasn't that the name of Captain Hook's first mate? ;-) --Dr. Doppler, and Jim Hawkins' *singing* voice! Meanwhile, where are the Squire, George Merry, Israel Hands, et al.???
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