[HairOfTheDog]

Correct, the duel as we saw it was not in the book, but presumably Gandalf was still imprisoned and excaped without it.... so it was really an answer to be found in the book.

He has a new white staff when he emerges in TTT... we shall see if anything is said about that.

I am not a strict purist either. I have liked or understood the liberties taken so far... but I bet they will use the staff breaking if it will at all fit with whatever else they are doing. It would be good film!

[HairOfTheDog]

excaped=escaped...

(excaped conjures up images of Superman.... robbed of his cape and his power! ;~D)

[JameRetief]

I do think the movie will have Gandalf breaking the staff. I just anticipate there will be another duel first since the audience will now expect one after the first duel.