Johnny Depp Awarded Peter Pan Oscar By Scottish Tourist Board

Special 'Oscar' designed in form of Peter Pan to thank Johnny Depp for putting tiny Kirriemuir in Scotland on the international map

(PRWEB) February 27, 2005 -- Johnny Depp will receive a special 'Oscar this week -- when he picks up a 'golden statuette in the form of Peter Pan -- the boy who never grew up. The special Oscar-inspired award is being airmailed to the actor with the compliments of Angus and Dundee Tourist Board in Scotland, to wish Depp luck at the Academy Awards this Sunday (27th February 2005) and also to thank him for putting Kirriemuir firmly on the international map.

'Finding Neverland is based on the life of Kirriemuir born J.M. Barrie, and since the launch of the film starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, enquiries about the Angus home of 'Peter Pan have multiplied. Depps trophy features a golden Peter Pan modelled on the Academy awards trophy fondly known as an Oscar.

Colin Smith, Chief Executive of the Angus and Dundee Tourist Board says, Who would have thought that Johnny Depp would play a part in generating tourism in the Kirriemuir area? The town, the birthplace of J.M. Barrie, and indeed the wider Angus area has a lot to thank Mr Depp for. His role in the film 'Finding Neverland has led to a much enhanced interest in the life and work of J.M. Barrie, with many visitors wanting to trace his roots back to his birthplace. Angus and Dundee Tourist Board extends an invitation to Mr Depp and his family to come to Kirriemuir and see the spiritual home of Peter Pan for themselves. Who knows, if he wins the Oscar, he may become a Freeman of Kirriemuir!"

J.M. Barries two storey house in Kirriemuir is open to the public. There is a much loved -- and much photographed - statue of Peter Pan in the garden of the house and also one in the centre of the town. Inside the house, visitors can view the recreated kitchen and bedroom upstairs, take a look at Barries writing desk, or find out more about his life in the small museum in the third of the upper floor rooms. The adjacent house, number 11, contains an exhibition -- The Genius of JM Barrie -- which tells of Barries literary and theatrical works. The outdoor washroom has been preserved, and was said to have been Barries first theatre and the inspiration for the Wendy House in Peter Pan.

The National Trust for Scotlands Ingrid Turner, custodian of Barries Birthplace in Kirriemuir comments that the release of 'Finding Neverland has led to an increased interest in J.M. Barries heritage, she says, Visitor numbers to J.M. Barrie's Birthplace last season were up significantly on the previous year as a result of interest in 'Finding Neverland'. Since the release of the film there has been a large volume of press interest surrounding J.M. Barrie and his birthplace in Kirriemuir. Johnny Depp's wonderful performance in the film has definitely brought J.M. Barrie and Peter Pan to a new audience, and we encourage everyone to visit the Birthplace and learn more about this fascinating man."

Johnny Depp plays writer James M. Barrie in the film. He meets the widowed Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (played by Kate Winslet) and her four sons, and the friendship which develops with the family inspires him to write the classic childrens story 'Peter Pan. Johnny Depps performance in the film has earned him a nomination at the 77th Annual Academy awards, in the 'Actor in a Leading Role category. 'Finding Neverland has been nominated for a total of seven Oscars.

More about Kirriemuir, the birthplace of Peter Pan can be found at www.angusanddundee.co.uk or by calling 01382 527527.

Picture Caption: Model Lesley Anne with the 'Peter Pan Oscar created by the Angus and Dundee Tourist Board to wish Johnny Depp luck at the Academy Awards this Sunday (27th February 2005) and also to thank him for putting Kirriemuir firmly on the international map.

The Angus and Dundee Tourist Board has a replica of the Peter Pan Oscar -- to arrange a photograph of Tourist Board staff with the golden statuette -- please contact Laura Cox on 01224 654081.

For further information contact
Beverley Tricker
Tricker PR
Office       01224 646491      
Mobile      07702 363039
Email      btricker@trickerpr.com

Note To Editors
Finding Neverland has been nominated for seven Academy Awards:
•   Best Picture
•   Best Actor in a Leading Role - Johnny Depp
•   Best Original Score
•   Best Art Direction
•   Best Costume Design
•   Best Film Editing
•   Best Screenplay - Adapted

Oscar's official name is the Academy Award of Merit. The story of how this came to be known as the Oscar is unclear. One theory is that Academy librarian - and eventual executive director - Margaret Herrick believed it looked a lot like her Uncle Oscar. The nickname stuck and the Academy used the name officially from 1939.

An Oscar is a 13 ½ figure of a knight standing on a reel of film, hands gripping a sword.

The Peter Pan Oscar from Angus and Dundee Tourist Board is a 13 ½ inch high golden Peter Pan on a plinth.

Barries Birthplace is open for the 2005 season on 25th March. Opening times for the season: Sat- Wed 12-5pm (Sun 1-5pm) April, May, June, Sept and 11-5pm daily in July & August (Sun 1-5pm).

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