Sleep? For 'Hobbit' Fans, That Can Wait

At the stroke of midnight Friday, Bilbo Baggins will step out of the Shire and onto the movie screens of Southwest Florida. Hundreds of local fantasy fans will meet him there for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.” Many have waited a lifetime to see a live-action film version of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic adventure novel. At New College of Florida, students are forming carpools for a ride to Sarasota’s Hollywood 20 theater, which will show the movie on three screens. “It’s a big deal,” says John White, a second-year student. “Honestly, as many people who can go, will. If you’re not passed out or doing exams, you’ll be there.” One of the more serious Tolkien scholars is Chelsea Corarito, a fourth-year literature and film student.