Anthony Minghella's Precious Film

I was invited to the premiere of The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, held at the BFI Southbank on Tuesday 18th March. But I had to be out of town on a course that I considered ditching in order to attend the premiere of the film, based on Alexander McCall Smith's novel and starring the lovely R'n'B singer Jill Scott; and directed by Anthony Minghella, who one would ordinarily expect to see there, as well as the stars. The course won the day and I missed the event. And how sad to learn that Minghella (director of films such as Cold Mountain and The Talented Mr Ripley) died on the very day of the premiere of his 'perfect' last film. How much sadder it would have been for those who did make the event.

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Earlier tonight, BBC One showed The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency - a special Easter treat. Rest in peace, Minghella.