Since I posted about the plight of The Hobbit Pub, I thought it would be appropriate to do an update. Based on the articles I’ve read it looks as if the pub has been saved. Paul Zaentz of The Saul Zaentz Company has reached out to the pub, and to the media to say that the whole thing has been a huge misunderstanding. Call me a pessimist, but I seriously doubt that the pub owners misunderstood anything. I tend to think that Mr. Zaentz would rather backtrack and take a small licensing fee, rather than have his name and company appear as villains. That being said, it sounds as if The Hobbit Pub will be able to maintain its Tolkien theme by paying a licensing fee of around $100 dollars a year. That sounds like a good deal to me!
What I hadn’t seen until I read Servetus’ post today, was this:
Image courtesy of Servetus’s blog.
I was already impressed by their willingness to speak up in favor of the pub and raise awareness. That they are personally willing to take on the expense of the licensing fee just makes me all the more proud to be a fan of both actors!
I won’t bombard you with article links to all the articles on this, but here is one you can check out.
Me, My Thoughts, and Richard Armitage 
Hurrah for common sense! Still think this sort of corporate greed shouldn’t be allowed in the first place though!
I’m was really pleased to see this resolved so quickly. Although I agree with you, I wish there had never been anything to resolve in the first place.
I’m shocked but really pleased that greed didn’t destroy that establishment! I absolutely adore Fry and McKellan (BTW, they are my dream dinner guests). So happy!
I was shocked at how quickly this turned around, as well. Fry and McKellan are great actors, and they appear to be wonderful people as well! Just throw RA into that dinner party and it would be perfect. 🙂
Well, I was thinking that dinner with RA would have a different feel to it 😉
Maybe you could have dinner with all three and casually dismiss Ian and Stephen before dessert! 😉
I like the way you think, but I think I’ll have Ian and Stephen round for dinner one day and then re-enact my “Mulligan sticking his fork in his pretty mouth and pouring the wine” fantasy on another night 😉
Ah, yes. The fork porn might be limited if you had Ian and Stephen around. Two nights it is! 😉
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Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has…quote from Margaret Meade.
Okay, so in this case it was social media and thousands of people, but how wonderful that this effort got the job done.
Stephen fry and Ian Mckellan, I have become your fan and will pay to see your work.
gracie, isn’t it amazing what people are able to accomplish thanks to social networking!? The voices of the thousands were definitely heard, but I also think that the support of Ian McKellan and Stephen Fry probably had a huge impact. Isn’t it wonderful when great actors prove to be good people? It makes being their fan so much more enjoyable!
Very happy news indeed and it’s such a lovely gesture for Stephen Fry and Ian McKellen to kindly pay for the licensing fees!
It really is a lovely gesture! It may not end up being a lot of money, but it speaks volumes about their character. Hurrah for Stephen Fry and Ian McKellan!!!!
Always nice to hear a bit of good news!
So true, Phylly! There’s so much bad news in the world, it is like a breath of fresh air.
Hi Jas,
Good news! Here’s to the little guys and gals! And kudos to McKellan and Fry for doing their bit, too.
Cheers! Grati ;->
Truly good new! I’m always pleased to hear about the little guy coming out on top.