Sunday 5 August 2012

A birthday countdown in pictures (#5)

This Sunday afternoon, we have been invited to take tea with Mr. Thornton of Marlborough Mills to discuss the arrangements for Richard's birthday celebration. :-) 

Mr. Thornton (Richard Armitage) visits the Hale family for tea in the BBC's North and South,
based on the novel by Elisabeth Gaskell
I love the way Mr. Thornton holds his teacup in this picture. In fact, I'm convinced that it's a specific characteristic that Richard added to the personality of John Thornton to show that he is not of noble birth, although he has made his business a success. And I find it absolutely endearing!

North and South was how I discovered Richard Armitage and it's this particular scene that made me sit up and take a closer look at Richard as an actor. Those long fingers combined with the most amazing blue eyes, that velvet voice and a very modest but at the same time overwhelming acting style captivated me.

And the rest, as they say, is history.


What's a birthday without a birthday present? But what do you get the man who's living his dream?
This year, consider donating to one of Richard's selected charities (Shelter, The Salvation Army, Childline and Barnardo's) - visit his
Just Giving page. Thank you!

11 comments:

  1. I love your countdown. It's always a pleasure to see what picture you will choose next!

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    1. I'm so glad that you're enjoying it - so am I!

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  2. Yes, yes and yes to all of your observations. This scene also captured my attention to his acting as well as his beautiful features. Though this was my second look at Mr. Armitage's performances I truly fell in love with the story and the man!
    I also enjoy your daily look at RA through pictures :)

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    1. So Thornton was your second look at RA... and the first one was, let me guess...Guy of Gisborne? ;-)

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  3. I, too, was introduced to Mr. Armitage through N & S, but it was a youtube vid about the best kisses on film. I. Had. To. Investigate. Further. His acting set a standard that I had not witnessed before nor since. His beauty, his voice are a bonus. I love this scene, especially when his look travels from Margaret's hand up her arm - almost exactly like the book described. He held a cup like this in Spooks, too. Perhaps it's a personal habit, but maybe not, considering the detail he applies to his characters. I am enjoying your birthday progression.

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    1. I know exactly what you mean, Kitty. I never used to be interested in actors, nobody ever really stood out. And then there was Richard...
      Thanks for commenting, Kitty!

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  4. I love this scene too! And RA's long elegant fingers were made to hold Thornton's tea cup this way--not by the dinky handle. Sighhh!

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    1. That's it: he's just doing what comes naturally! ;-)
      Thanks for your comment, Grati

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  5. Sorry, I'm rather late in joining the conversation, but I just want to say the N&S was where I was introduced to Richard, although I have since watched almost all of his earlier works and naturally all of them since! In his role as John Thornton (he owned this role I believe and I can't imagine anyone else attempting to replicate it) it was the first time I had encountered an actor who could act with only his eyes. It quite blew me away and I had to find out all I could about him. Thus began the "love affair" with this incredible man!

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    1. That's OK, Teuchter, you're very welcome to join in at any time!
      It happened in exactly the same way for me. I couldn't believe how incredible this man's acting was and just had to see more!

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