A well-known Russian actor and director Rodion Nakhapetov has written a screen adaptation of Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine, Reuters reports. Bradbury who turns 91 on August 22, 2011 and is personally acquainted with Nakhapetov, rejoiced at the "best birthday present" he could only wish for.

       This is the best birthday gift I could ask for. Today, I have been reborn! Dandelion Wine is my most deeply personal work and brings back memories of sheer joy as well as terror. This is the story of me as a young boy and the magic of an unforgettable summer which still holds a mystical power over me. - Ray Bradbury
      

This will be the second Russian-produced adaptation of the famous novel. Dandelion Wine (1957) that was described as "haunting and nostalgic" is a semi-biographical recollection of the golden era of 1920s, telling about the life and youth in a small town in America in summer 1928. Bradbury has previously adapted the story to the stage, and in 1997 a Russian screen adaptation by Igor Apasyan had finally seen the light of the day. The movie must have been filmed, however, before August 1994, as it starred Innokenty Smoktunovsky who passed away in 1994.

As Nakhapetov's official website explains, the actor and director who has been living in America since 1980s has practically been bound to eventually bring Dandelion Wine to screen. He already did so, while studying at the prestigious Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography (VGIK), when he based his short film on Bradbury's novel.

       His exquisitely sensitive writing in “Dandelion Wine” captivated Rodion. One of his favorite characters in the novel was Helen Bentley. Rodion decided to create a 25-minute film using Helen’s character as a metaphor about youth and old age. He set the film to music and the result was an endearing message that all ages can relate to. This touching, short film showcased Rodion’s creative talents and launched his career as a film director.
      

Later on Nakhapetov became personally acquainted with Ray Bradbury, and it was the author himself who encouraged Nakhapetov to write a full screen adaptation of the novel.

The producer of the movie is announced to be Mike Medavoy, whose previous films include the Oscar-winning Black Swan and star-studded All the King's Men.

Sources: Lenta.ru, Reuters U.S. edition, The Hollywood Reporter. Image courtesy of Rodion Nakhapetov's website.