Listen (no pun intended), IMHO, the best way to enjoy the Hitch Hikers Guide is to listen to the original BBC radio series, c/w music from The Eagles (best thing they did - it was short). In the late 70's, a mate of mine told me about this programme that the BBC obviously didn't know what to do with. It was (I think) on Radio 2 at 11.30 at night. It was well weird. I was hooked immediately. I'd go round to his house and we'd have a couple of drinks and a couple of (ahem) cigarettes and wait for this radio show to happen. It was nothing short of brilliant. I have read the books and fantastic though they are, it was great to have someone read them to you. The TV show and film? Forget 'em IMHO. Mere shadows of the original, not even that in fact.
I saw something really funny the other day on the BBC website. It was Stephen Fry talking about his friendship with DA (
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7283155.stm) and the secret behind why the number 42 was the answer etc etc. Fry says, "Of course, it would be unfair for me to comment," he confides. "Douglas told me in the strictest confidence exactly why 42. The answer is fascinating, extraordinary and, when you think hard about it, completely obvious. Nonetheless amazing for that. Remarkable really. But sadly I cannot share it with anyone and the secret must go with me to the grave. Pity, because it explains so much beyond the books. It really does explain the secret of life, the universe, and everything."
I bet the dolphins know. And while we're on the subject, this is pretty amazing too.....
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asi...ic/7291501.stm
So long, and thanks for all the fish.