Posted by Rich/Mohican Press on July 19, 1998 at 10:15:25:
Why I am doing this, I just don't know! Those unruly folks over at The Courier have roasted yours truly, damned The Gathering, and plundered everything sacred! Yet, I refer you to their rag. Read it & weep! Luckily, the only sane one there, Dr. Mary, has her say, too, and that probably makes it all worthwhile! Access these pages via the link to the Opening Page found above ...
Amazing the effect these repeated showings of LOTM on TV have had on this Web Site, but, I suppose, it's to be expected. We wish to welcome ALL of you who have recently found us! Keep in mind, if you haven't already found out, that this Site is much more than this Board. The entire script is on-line, with sound clips, there are interviews and contributions from people involved with the film (including Eric Schweig) as well as from some of you. Looking for photos from the set & behind-the-scenes? They're here. All sorts of articles covering LOTM from MANY perspectives pervade the Musings. We have a History section, a Gift Shop (that includes many of the books & videos frequently asked for) and our Parody section ... probably best read after some familiarity with our Archived Messages. So, PLEASE do look around.
With the influx of "newcomers" we've had a flood of E-mails asking many questions, but two are asked over & over again: What about this Director's Cut? ... What is this Gathering everyone is talking about?
The Director's Cut does not exist. You cannot purchase it at Blockbuster's or anywhere else. However, the MATERIAL does exist for one to be put together. Our friend, and fellow Gatherer, Ros, actually SAW the pre-release version of LOTM years ago. The link at the bottom of this page will take you to the message that includes her E-Mail in which she told of the differences. Of course, the main attraction not seen is the now almost mystical Alice/Uncas love scene. In all, 15-20 minutes were cut just before the official release. We, as a group, tried, back in November '97, to coerce Michael Mann into considering the project. We will try again in the not too distant future. When this happens, we NEED your support! And that means, EVERYONE must write a letter and send it off. Details to come ...
The Gathering ... Please check our Gathering Page (also accessed from our Opening Page) for photos, the run down, and links to other Gatherers' sites. Most of your questions should be answered there. Basically, it is a group of folks getting together to have a fun weekend , see the film on the BIG screen, share photos & memorabilia, and explore some of the actual film locations. Through the help of those putting all the details together, we were able to offer group packages that included admission to Chimney Rock Park, a trail lunch, bbq'd dinner, souvenir, and, even optional accommodations at the Chimney Rock Park Bunkhouse. T-shirts were made. The theater & film secured. A Program Guide designed. And Soldier #2, in uniform, was there to greet & guide. And, best of all, there WILL be a Second Annual Great Mohican Gathering in 1999. Dates? As of now - and almost confirmed - June 11, 12, & 13 of '99. We will soon have a '99 Gathering page up that will piece together the Event as it evolves. Check in there, and here on the Board, frequently. It really was fun for all, so consider attending next time!
Still a third theme has been, "Who (or WHAT?) is Mohican Press? That's easy. It's Elaine & I. I wrote and took the photographs for our guide booklet, "On The Trail Of The Last Of The Mohicans." We then designed a VERY small version of this Web Site through which to sell it. It got larger, and larger, and larger ... but not without the help of our MANY contributors! Major Bray oversees our History section for inaccuracies (also, wrote the scalping article), Mary Long does the responses on the "Dear Doctor Mary" page. Several people from the film, Eric Hurley, Curtis Gaston, Noel T. Manning II, Mark A. Baker, Connie Boyer, and Eric Schweig have contributed fantastic photos, insights & humor. A whole slew of you out in MohicanLand have added material for the "Off The Beaten Mohican Trail" segments, ideas, suggestions, and photos. So, Elaine & I do nearly all the writing, etc., but we FEED off of all of you! Thank you!