Shown outside the Paramount studios in Hollywood are, from left, British author Neil Gaiman and fantasy illustrator Charles Vess, who collaborated on the "Stardust" book.
Last summer, the Abingdon, Va. community hosted a gala premiere of "Stardust" to honor Charles Vess, the fantasy artist who did the original drawings for the book on which the film was based. Vess maintains a studio in Abingdon and appeared at the showings to introduce the film and lead discussions afterwards.
A film premiere was also held in Hollywood, California. Seen on the "red carpet" were Michelle Pffeiffer, Charlie Cox, Sienna Miller, Robert DeNiro, and Claire Danes, who starred in the film. Basking in the "star power" were Vess, his wife Karen Shaffer, and friends.
"Stardust" is a magical film about a youth who tries to win the heart of a young woman by retrieving a fallen star. His journey leads him to a forbidden land where he discovers that others are also seeking the star -- the four sons of the king and an evil witch battle Tristran for the prize.
Encore showings of "Stardust" are scheduled Jan. 28-29, 2008 at Abingdon Cinemall (for more information, click here)
