October 28, 2002. Copyright, 2002, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
By Mark Samms

LONDON, October 28, Graphic News: The distinguished Harry Potter repertory company was reconvened to film the second in what is expected to be a series of seven movie adaptations of JK RowlingÕs stunningly successful books.

Some of the best-known names in British showbusiness, including Maggie Smith, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, Richard Harris and Alan Rickman, reported for another tour of duty at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and they fooled no-one by insisting that they had been bullied into taking part by either their children or grandchildren.

They were joined by noted Shakespearean actor Kenneth Branagh, and the result is another inspired confection of story-telling, acting and special effects that will guarantee a lucrative period for cinemas in the run-up to Christmas.

Directed, as was its predecessor, by Chris Columbus, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets begins with Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) ignoring a warning about returning to Hogwarts.

When he crash-lands in the school grounds in a flying car driven by best friend Ron Weasley, he is concerned to discover that a number of fellow pupils are being ÒpetrifiedÓ. He then comes across a strange message concerning a legendary monster, which leads him and his friends into a dangerous mystery that could spell doom for them all.

Young Daniel Radcliffe is rapidly learning what it means to be a Hollywood star. He was originally offered only £125,000 (around $180,000) to reprise his title role in Chamber of Secrets, until the actorsÕ union Equity stepped in and negotiated new terms on his behalf. His salary is now thought to have been £2 million (around $3 million).

Release dates:
November 3: World premiere, London, England
November 15: UK, USA, Canada, Austria, Germany
November 20: Belgium
November 21: Israel, Netherlands, Switzerland
November 22: Brazil, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden
November 23: Japan
November 28: Argentina, Australia, New Zealand
November 29: South Africa, Spain, Turkey, Panama
December 4: France
December 6: Italy
December 12: Czech Republic
December 20: Estonia
December 24: Russia
/ENDS