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Michael Merschel: Michael Merschel is The Dallas Morning News books editor.
Joy Tipping: Joy Tipping is an arts writer and Guide copy editor who occasionally reviews books and author talks.


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July 2, 2008


What made J.R.R. Tolkien's money turn invisible?

12:19 PM Wed, Jul 02, 2008 |  | 
Michael Merschel / Editor    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

I like Ernest Hemingway's advice for writers who want to avoid being bilked by Hollywood: Drive to the border of California, throw your book over the fence. When they throw the money back over the fence, collect the money and drive home.

The latest people apparently suffering the pitfalls Hollywood accounting: Heirs of J.R.R. Tolkien. As Rachel Abramowitz notes in The Los Angeles Times: The Lord of the Rings trilogy grossed $2.96 billion worldwide at the box office, $3 billion or so more in DVDs and such. His heirs have made squat.

Ms. Abramowitz asks: "Maybe I'm naive, but I find it hard to believe that not a sliver of gold could be found in all of Middle-earth for not only the aged Tolkiens but also the charitable trust that gets 50% of their fortune and distributes money to such causes as Save the Children, the Darfur Appeal, the National Campaign for Homeless People and UNICEF."


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The entry "What made J.R.R. Tolkien's money turn invisible?" is tagged: Cheetah Girls , J.R.R. Tolkien , lessons in creative accounting , Lord of the Rings , movie deals


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