'Harry Potter' premieres in London
By Audrey Woods
Associated Press
LONDON — Shrieks of excitement and a blizzard of photo flashes greeted three astonished young stars at yesterday's premiere of the long-awaited film, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone."
Associated Press
Young fans, some dressed up as the boy wizard and his friends, gave a wild welcome to Daniel Radcliffe, the 12-year-old who plays Harry, and Rupert Grint, 13, and Emma Watson, 11, who play Harry's school pals Ron and Hermione.
"Harry Potter" Author J.K. Rowling arrives with partner, Neil Murray, for world premiere of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" at the Odeon Leicester Square in London yesterday.
The British trio, getting their first taste of celebrity, seemed happy, stunned, and nervous before the masses of cameras and microphones, and the voices shouting their names from every direction.
"I knew it was going to be big, but I wasn't really expecting this," said Rupert. "I am a bit blown away to be honest."
Daniel had been nervous for hours.
"I am almost numb with nerves and that has never happened before," he said. "I woke up last night at 3 a.m., 4 a.m., and 6 a.m., and although I am very nervous I am also extremely excited and happy today."
Stars from television, film and the pop music world showed up by the dozen, almost all of them with a child or two in tow, for the premiere of the film, which will be titled "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in the United States.
A platinum-blonde Cher brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to the occasion with her matching gown and sequined jacket. Spice Girl Emma Bunton showed up in trousers and a T-shirt. Sting was there, and so were a host of British television stars. Most were soberly — and warmly — dressed for the chill November dusk.
Potter creator Joanne K. Rowling, whose magic touch has hooked millions of children around the world on reading about Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, seemed almost as stunned as the young actors, but clearly happy at the crowd's reception.
Rowling, elegant in a black-velvet trouser suit, said she had been delighted to see so many children outside the theater dressed up like Hogwarts students.
"Before seeing the film, I was very nervous, but I'm very pleased with it and think everyone will love it," she said. "It was amazing to see everybody here today and I'm just so happy for all the children who came along to be part of this."
Director Chris Columbus, whose previous films include "Home Alone" and "Mrs. Doubtfire," was there with his own children.
He said seeing the film this way, with a theater full of people, "is really the most pleasure I can get out of this."
Admired stage actors Fiona Shaw and Zoe Wanamaker, familiar with the more subtle applause of the theater, were clearly amazed by the crowd's welcome.
"Shocked," was the reaction of a sparkling Wanamaker, who plays Madame Hooch, the Quidditch coach.
"Extraordinary!" said a saucer-eyed Shaw as she arrived breathless through the front door. "I feel we're at the center of the world for a moment. Harry Potter has made us the center of the world," said the renowned classical actress who plays Mrs. Dursley in the film.
Actor-comedian Robbie Coltrane, who plays the lovable giant Hagrid, got a nearly hysterical welcome from scores of kids seated on benches near the entry to the theater.
"Robbie! Robbie! Robbie!" they chanted, demanding he come to see them, every time he started to move toward the cinema.
He finally made it inside and was told the chants sounded like the kind British pop star Robbie Williams got.
"He's finished," Coltrane joked. "I'm the new guy," he laughed and said he was sure the children wouldn't be disappointed by the film.
The movie goes on general release Nov. 16 in British and American theaters.
