Ev: Sunday Telegraph Enigmatic Variations 1131 -- The Journey South By Gila

[jim360]

Quite a tough puzzle I think, especially in the top half of the grid where I still have the odd gap, but the rest of it's come together nicely to reveal one of my favourite themes.Well actually I'm not 100% sure about how to complete the highlighting but never mind about that.

Gila's making his EV debut today, although he's produced a few IQs before in the last couple of years. Hopefully many more to come.

[devadolly]

Hello Jim, I'm the other way around with lots at the top but few at the South end. Haven't the faintest about what's going on, but what is new? Will all have to wait now as the harvesting must be done and the second lot od black-currants picked and pruned.

[AHearer]

A lovely puzzle, with a very tempting blushing potential kipper which had me initially stumped on the highlighting.

[slaney]

Many thanks to Gila for a hugely enjoyable crossword with some challenging clues and loads of thematic material.
It took me much longer than it should have to get the connection between the two key features.

[x_word_fan]

But which name to enter? There is a choice I think.

[x_word_fan]

- or maybe not as jim360 has just pointed out to me off-line.

[jim360]

Yes I fell straight into the red herring trap. Those familiar with the theme will know two versions exist and as is perhaps sensible priority is given to the first one. Which also has made sense of the extra letters and makes the clashes that much more impressive.

[Jogler]

Some of the extra letters certainly refer to the original version but the clashes and highlighting come from both versions and most definitely led us up the garden path. Couldn't finish off the puzzle however hard we tried until the penny dropped with a brickworthy clunk. The construction was absolutely brilliant (and totally spiteful!).

[Cagey]

This had me stumped, not a theme I know much about, and not one I really enjoyed much at time. Needed a hint from the ever reliable jim on this one. So a big thank you there.
Although theme not a favourite, still a very good puzzle and good clues. I liked how the clashes were resolved and how this was one of the last things you discovered.
Well constructed.

[devadolly]

Oh give me a clue someone! I'm having great trouble here even trying to work out the theme.

[jim360]

Theme is a book that was later turned into a film starring Morgan Freeman among others.

[devadolly]

Thanks Jim, will head to the Halliwell's for inspiration!

[devadolly]

Surely not Moll? Not getting any PDM here, just being stupid I suspect, am managing the FG Xword much better!

[Jogler]

Not Moll; a film firmly rooted in the US and adapted from a novella.

[devadolly]

The Piggly-Wiggly?

[jim360]

Also Mark Rolston, who had at the time one of the creepiest faces on TV when he appeared in an episode of Star Trek.

[devadolly]

Thanks for trying Jim, all beyond me this one, it's going over the shoulder + I rather suspect EV 1132 will be too!