Who else to play D'Arcy

Inko and I had a bit of related discussion in topic #11 The English Patient (now gone), I suggested that if there would be a P&P3 and Colin Firth (of couse our #1 choice) is too proud to do it again, Ralph Finnes may be an accepable alternative (Inko disagreed), I think he really gives some good gazes in TEP. I'm yet to think of an alternative Lizzy yet, but don't you think Hugh Grant will be a good Mr. Bingley ? So if you are producing for P&P3, who will you cast ? Zimei

I can't bear to think of a different Darcy. For me, Firth is Darcy now, just as Clark GAble is and always will be Rhett Butler.

hear hear

P&P3? I'd like it hot salsa style, for a multicultural change of pace! Armand Assante as Darcy, Edward(?) Olmos as Mr. Bennet, Charo as Mrs. Bennet, Rita Moreno as Lady Catherine, any rising young latina stars for the younger Bennet girls and Bingley; I'm going blank on names for Lizzie and Caroline momentarily (anybody see "The Mambo Kings"?) It could be like "Clueless" meaning a different setting (Argentina or...) and names but same plot line. Hey! I think Austen satire and characters could work anywhere around the world, given the right mix.

JohanneD said: And how about a modern day american version, let say 1996 LA ou NY, D'Arcy as hot-shot lawyer (have to give credit to whoever mentionned this in Austen-L) and Lizzy as public defender. I just read a book, a few days ago that relates to this subject. The book called "Kate", and is a modern English version of P&P. Kate (Lizzy), is lecturer in one of U.K universities, and Lord Camdor (Darcy) is a very rich, handsome, athletic, brilliant, courageous businessman that own a lot of land and is the heir of one of the most wealthy families in England (he also plays the piano, cooks, rides on horses - a man without a fault!). The plot is very similar to P&P, but it does have some changes: Just think how all the tension between Darcy and Lizzy in P&P2 (The Loo ...) will be translated into nowadays love story (as Lydia would say - MMMM....), and of course Lydia elopement wouldn't be so despicable today, so the writer had to think about something else for her (drugs!). If you are interested, the writer is (if I'm not mistaken) Elizabeth Sands (or something like that). I would like to know what is your opinion about the book. PS - I have to warn you that the book is a romantic novel type, so it's a little bit superficial and not very appropriate to minors (there are few chapters that contain juicy parts...), but I enjoyed it just the same.

Adi, I am so glad to see you here. Everybody need to read something vaguely trashy once in a while, don't you think? I will confess, though, those are the books that get put behind others whenever I run out of shelf space.

How 'bout Liam Neesom as Darcy? He's pretty tall!

Just thinking of Rowan Atkinson as Mr. Collins in a Emma type version (with a bit more comedy) and even a Mr. Elton.

Adi, I also welcome your recommendation for what my sisters and I call "beach novels"; suitable for reading at the beach, while waiting for a doctor's appt., any place where you can't really concentrate, and will be interrrupted.

Speaking of others playing Darcy, my local PBS station is playing the P&P Wishbone episode tomorrow (Friday). I don't know whether that means other stations will be showing it, but they might.

For those who can get PBS KTEH in San Jose (Calif): 04:00- 4:30 pm Wishbone Furst Impressions 125 (CC) PBS 00:28:12 08:13pm Ruth Rendell Mysteries Master Of The Moor (1 Of 3) 204 PRG 00:52:01 Stephen Whalby (Colin Firth) discovers the blonde-headed body of an artist on Vangmoor. He is interviewed by Det. Insp. Manciple (George Costigan) an ex-met police officer who clearly suspects everybody. Stephen's father warns him to stay away from the moor. Stephen's marriage is in jeopardy. His wife Lyn (Emma Croft) is having an affair. At the end of the episode, Stephen finds a second blonde-headed body. 09:25pm Ruth Rendell Mysteries Master Of The Moor (2 Of 3) 205 PRG 00:50:27 Stephen is haunted by childhood memories of Vangmoor and sightings of a mysterious moor man. Manciple becomes even more suspicious of Stephen and Lyn accuses him of murdering the two women. Stephen finally meets his mother who walked out on his father, and who he hasn't seen in 20 years. And Stephen finds remnants of the dead women's' blonde hair in a cave he played in as a child. 10:36pm Ruth Rendell Mysteries Master Of The Moor (3 Of 3) 206 PRG 00:51:14 Lyn tells Stephen about her affair. Stephen finally meets the moor man and discovers that he is his cousin and childhood friend. Lyn disappears and is believed to have been murdered.

Oops - I forgot to mention that the above is for Friday, 12/6

Hugh Grant? a better Whickam if you'll ask me.

Joan, What channel is KTEH for you. I live in Marin and can't seem to find it. maybe a friend can tape it for me.

I think Hugh Grant should play Mrs. Bennett. He certainly flutters his eyes enough.

Alison Steadman's performance always reminds me of Monty Python's portrails of their women characters. Can't you just see Eric Idle or John Cleese playing the part!

] Alison Steadman's performance always reminds me of Monty Python's portrails of their women characters. Can't you just see Eric Idle or John Cleese playing the part! ___ Yes! Ann, what a visual image that is. They might do a good job with Lady C as well.

] Mich: What channel is KTEH for you. I live in Marin and can't seem to find it. maybe a friend can tape it for me. In P.A. we get it direct from San Jose on channel 54.

How about Magda Szubanski as Mrs. Bennet? Melissa John Heart as Maria? and If we are getting carried about Huge Grant, how about his being Mr. Colins?

19:19 - Ayelet - Hugh Grant as Mr. Collins -- I think that's good.

In fact, I can see hugh Grane in most any P&P role; Wickham, Collins, Fitzwilliam, Bingley...but not Darcy!

I really must learn to read my posts before sending them in! Of course I meant Hugh Grant!

Had I known who Colin Firth was before I saw P&P2, I's have thought, no way! Now that I see the magic that can be created, I feel there are some very interesting possibilities--perhaps Danny DeVito with an extra high top hat. By the way, why is Darcy's hat so much taller than anyone else's. I would think something on the order of Bingley's hat would have been alot more comfortable and not quite so silly looking.

I still say Hugh Grant as Mrs. Bennet. He can flutter his eyelids and stammer with the best of them!

I find his stuttering charming.

The hats they wore to the Meryton ball were even sillier!

Ann, you mean those Mr. Bingley's and Mr. Hurst's, Darcy's hat was OK, but their's looked very silly. Elaine, Dany De Vito is too fat and too old, Darcy is suppose to be 28.

For lady Catherine, Dame Edna Everidge. For Charles Bingley, Cary Elwes. For Mr Bennet, Alan Rickman in his silly mode. For Col.Forster, Stephen Waddington (wet!) For George Wickham, Jeremy Northam (He does great villains) For Darcy, Jimmy Nail, as long as he learns to talk in a gentleman-like manner.

For lady Catherine, Dame Edna Everidge. For Charles Bingley, Cary Elwes. For Mr Bennet, Alan Rickman in his silly mode. For Col.Forster, Stephen Waddington (wet!) For George Wickham, Jeremy Northam (He does great villains) For Darcy, Jimmy Nail, as long as he learns to talk in a gentleman-like manner.

I read that Jeremy Northam had been asked to audition for Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility, but he thought the character was too mean for him---can't remember the exact words.

Don't mean to alienate any Hugh Grant fans out there. He created the biggest stir you've ever seen when he appeared in my bldg (CNN) to appear on LARRY KING after The Incident. I don't think that much press came out to see President Clinton!

From Caroline: For Charles Bingley, Cary Elwes. I always thought that Cary Elwes would make a gook Wickham.

Seeing Elwes in Glory makes me think Firth would play a good Southern Gentlemen. Yes, I know Elwes played a northern officer, but someone the connection forged. Don't ask.

Would Bill Murray make a good Darcy?

Murray did try to play Tyrone Power's part in a remake of The Razor's Edge.

Speaking of a good Southern Gentlemen, did anyone see the mini series North & South with Patrick Swa???(ghost Dirty Dancing dude) It was sort of a gooshy smut book put to film but we all need our fix every now and then. I'll have to ponder him as Darcy?? Hmmm.

NO! This is all sacrelidge! No one is Darcy but CF...and apparently, CF isn't really anyone unless he's Darcy! But yes, John Jakes is all smut! ;)

I think Ronald Colman would have made a rather dashing Bingley in his day. And Errol Flynn as Darcy?

How about John Payne as Bingley?

I'm afraid it's true, only Colin Firth as Darcy. CF breathed fire into Darcy and no one else would have, not even JA. However, where does CF go next? I am convinced that I will not like him in any of the roles he has chosen thus far. I winced through English Patient! I want him to create the magic again. I don't want to see him waste away in secondary parts, but even less appealing, I don't want to see him thrive as an oddity.

I hope he doesn't go the way of Michael Crawford, another Brit thespian who found _his_ Perfect Role with PHANTOM OF THE OPERA onstage. Since then, he's been doing EFX in Vegas. It's kinda scary. . .

Lisa C. suggested Chris Noth, in the TV thread below...certainly one of the better Darcy candidates I've seen around here...;)...(thought I still acknowledge the extreme superiority of CF above all others!)... - K

Bill Murray, Terry?!!! ARGH!

How about Jimmy Smits, A. Martinez or John Travolta he has a dimpled chin.

Ew, no, Donna! NOT Jimmy Smits! Never, never, never! ;{ He's even worse than Bill Murray...

Just kidding! How about Dan Akroyd?

Ooooh! Elwood Blues! A man "on a mission from GOD!" I loved The Blues Brothers! ;)

I agree with Amy and Kali. Firth's portrayal of Darcy will stand the test of time for years to come. His interpretation is now the benchmark. Olivier's performance stood for 50 years after all; I think Firth's may do at least that well. Some of potential nominees are interesting, but Bill Murray..puleeze (and I like some of his work, so don't throw any vegetables my way, Murray fans).

Few do cut the mustard, don't they ? A young Sean Connery perhaps. Or an older Brad Pitt, I know, I know... but considering what he did in Twelve Monkeys, what a transformation. The kid has potential. If they can dye CF's hair, so can they with BP. And no, I'm not a BP-blondish-blueeyed fan. After playing the psycho-vilain in the Net and a pure bastard in Carrington, I would really doubt Northam refusing Wickham's more noble part. How Devilish... I would TRY him in Darcy's part, but like others, there is only one Darcy for me. Speaking of CF, he had the prime role in the Advocate, and did it stink! When he says "I love you", cut the sound and it might have been "pass me the bread". Dame Edna, wonderfully delightful in a futur-cyberistic version.

I am partial to Jeremy Northam...but I'm sure he'd make a better Darcy than just about anyone but CF...which, coming from me, says a lot for CF...;)

How 'bout Kenneth Branagh? Seems that man can do anything.

I'd watch it with pleasure with Branagh, or my other vote for the actor who can do anything, Daniel Day-Lewis.

Yes! That is an excellent suggestion! I do believe that Day-Lewis could make a superb Darcy. He was just awesome in ROOM WITH A VIEW and IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER. Able to completely remake himself with each role.

Yes, but he didn't do too well as a Mohican, or am I getting my movies muddled again?.By the way, I watched Carrington for Ms Thompson and Steve Waddington, and never even noticed JN.Just goes to show how your( my) fixations blinker you (me). As for The Advocate, I don't think it stinks, but it's a real shock after P&P. CF is up against FOUR veterans of filmed costume drama in the shape of Nicol Williamson, Donald Pleasance, Ian Holm and Jim Carter, plus he has to cope with a script that uses sex as a shock-tactic,has no decent parts for women (except perhaps Janine,the witch)and a leading lady who can dance, but cannot act for toffee.The townscape is definitely NOT Northern France, although the Inn is very credible, and the Castle interiors. also found the mummer's play unnecessarily crude- most medeival plays are far more pious- and the Knight at the end rather ridiculous...... Sorry, this is becoming a bit of a bore, I know. I'll stop now.........sorry. really........ Bad Pitt looks far too angelic to play Darcy.Though he does have a rythm of his own with a fishing rod....... Kenneth Branagh, eh? Bet he'd have a lot of fun doing Darcy AND Mr Collins at the same time!

Went overboard and put to much butter on it : Advocate rather rates a 3 out of 5. Some good points for medieval France, other good actors and am a history lover. His performance not all bad : can be endearing and he's sometimes pretty funny. Let's say I became prejudiced due to some crude scenes and bad acting. Overreacted like Lizzy.

] prejudiced due to some crude scenes and bad acting. Overreacted like Lizzy. ___ Me too, Johanne. I am kind of a prude (in some ways).

Caroline speaking of Daniel Day-Lewis said: " he didn't do too well as a Mohican" You pierce my soul! I loved DDL in Mohicans! Hawkeye with his long hair flowing down his back, wearing his buckskins, running through the woods-- he can come and save me anytime!

I thought Day-Lewis's accent was a little weird in MOHICANS. But baby, he _looked_ mah-ve-lous!

Amy2 said: "I thought Day-Lewis's accent was a little weird in MOHICANS. But baby, he _looked_ mah-ve-lous!" Amy2, the role didn't require much speech, but then neither did I in order to be smitten! sigh

All he had to say was the reply to Madelaine Stowe: "What are you looking at?" "I'm looking at you, miss." That was plenty enough for me!

I bow to your better judgement, ladies. Maybe I need to go watch it again....

Caroline: "I bow to your better judgement, ladies. Maybe I need to go watch it again...." Perhaps I do too...:-)

Caroline: "I bow to your better judgement, ladies. Maybe I need to go watch it again...." Perhaps I do too...:-) I recommend watching it with the sound off.

I'd watch it with pleasure with Branagh, or my other vote for the actor who can do anything, Daniel Day-Lewis. -amy2 How 'bout Kenneth Branagh? Seems that man can do anything. --Jane I esteem Branagh highly as an actor (looking forward to his new Hamlet) but he is fair and not tall enough for Darcy. my other vote for the actor who can do anything, Daniel Day-Lewis. --Jane Daniel Day-Lewis is another great actor I admire, but he semms to .... lack the kind of shrewdness that makes Colin's Darcy so very intriguing ... and too Irish ...? plus he doesn't have adorable curly hair. How about Jimmy Smits, A. Martinez or John Travolta he has a dimpled chin. --Donna Travolta ? Yeah right, I'll consider him when we need to do a mafia Darcy. Seriously, Donna, no offense but he is just not the literary kind. Or an older Brad Pitt, ... --JohanneD Brad Pitt's handsomeness is too in-your-face, and he is not tall enough, most importantly, I don't think he possesses the depth and dimensions needed for the role. OK, so it's settled - nobody but Colin Firth should play Darcy, next round if he turns down the role, we'll just have to figure out a plan to kidnap Livia (or whoever his SO is at that time :)

Agreed. CF and only CF. But don't let's end the thread yet.Let's put Mr Branagh and Mr Day-Lewis somewhere too.And Mr Waddington, please,preferably wet. *TRIVIA ALERT* On Christmas Eve, Dame Edna is interviewing her Alter-Ego Sir Les Patterson. Should be a hoot. And IF you have ever wondered what He/She looks like for real, or if ever will be seen in a straight part, look closely at the the Politician Metternich in "Immortal Beloved" and see the real McHumphries.

JoHanne did say Zimei, "How about a modern day "American" version. Let say "1996 "LA or NY D'arcy. A"hot shot" public defender. John Travolta could learn any accent if put to the task. IMHO I don't think you have to be literary to be an actor. Kenneth Braugh is Irish and does Shakesphere quite well don't you think. I never thought Mel Gibson was either until I saw him in Hamlet.IMHO

I second the votes for Brad Pitt and Mel Gibson. Let me add (if no one else has): Tom Hanks - who can do anything, it seems.

Tom Hanks? Oh no...he would be an excellent Bingley, but cannot see him as Darcy!

How about a kiddie version starring Arnold Schwarznegger?? Stallone could be a massive Wickham...yeah, and a lady wrestler could be Liz (like the one in CONAN THE BARBARIAN) and... And it could be retitled PRIDE VS. PREJUDICE. Hey! I bet they'd flock to it (even the big boys).

Novel concept #2: Forget the height issue for Darcy and have an international cast, the main criteria being fine eyes, intelligent articulation, etc. Why must it be an Anglo or American type; or we brainwashed by major producers or what? In such a cast I'd put someone like Ben Kingsley (very fine eyes and very cultured). In fact, I think Austen's story could very well be reset in India with their equally developed ideas of society, marriage, etc. I have appreciated such films as SIDDHARTHA, etc.

Hey...Red Sonja...Brigitte Nielsen...I like it...the Conan version of P&P (hear that, Joan?)...;}

So happy I got me a bargain Moohican with Daniel D-Lewis a few weeks ago. Seems I have something to look forward to, appart from the read and view P&P1 thing. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but *looks* can never hurt me...

OK, how bout Lucy Lawless (Xera, Warrior Princess) as Lizzy? That way, when Darcy insults her at the Assembly, she can just go over and kick his &^%$#@!.

Can't Kate Winslet handle lizzy's part (I'm talking sriously), she did a wonderful Marrianne.

I don't know -- I think she may be too sweet (and young?)

How about Gary Oldman. He's not tall but he does brood. Nah, Only Colin Firth can play Darcy. Only CF

If Oldman plays him, Darcy might end up murdering Wickham or shooting Mrs. Bennet!

Winslet would make a good Lizzy, she has spirit and wit. Amazing actress!

Amy loved your response, I never quite thought of it in that way. It would be a hoot to see him play Darcy.

Every film I've seen with Oldman, he's played a psycopath. DRACULA, SID AND NANCY, the Phil Juaneu Irish gang film with Robin Wright. Has he ever played a normal person?

Add to the Oldman list, Prick Up Your Ears, I think. Another character with troubles, and not the happiest love story.... Jane

Oldman: Well, there was Beethoven in Immortal Beloved, not quite a psycopath, but definately a troubled soul...

Wasn't he in the Professionnal (with beloved Jean Reno) playing YET another psyco?

Wasn't Oldman in the Scarlet Letter too? Definitely not the man Jane would have had in mind for Lizzie.

On IMDB, Mr. Oldman for our pleasure in 1997 : Lost in Space / Dr. Smith !!!! Le 5e �l�ment (fifth element/fifth man) by Luc Besson (Le Grand Bleu) Air Force One / a terrorist I rest my case.

Well, unless we want to see Darcy as a psychopath, perhaps he's not the best casting choice!

Darcy gone mad. Now there's a tangent. Have Dennis Hopper play him. (kidding)

Or James Woods!

Amy: Darcy gone mad. Now there's a tangent. Have Dennis Hopper play him. Or James Woods Amy, my thought exactly re James Woods! He was a great psycho in "Best Seller" with Brian Dennehy-- did you see it? ;-)

I did not. Woods is another actor who plays a psycho in almost everything he does -- except for the HBO MCMARTIN TRIAL movie. He's doing it again onscreen now in GHOSTS OF MISSISSIPPI, playing the nut who killed Medger Evans.

Woods a psycho? in everything? I love him is Straight Talk & Hard Way and several others whose names are eluding me at the moment - no psycho there. Just sexy and intense.

I like Diggstown--a very underrated Woods film.

Ann - are you snowed in - want to visit at Pemberly for awhile?

We really don't have snow falling (just wind blowing already fallen snow to the west of us). And it's not as cold as I expected--7 degrees!

I confess I've never seen Woods play a non-psychotic role. Even in THE HARD WAY with Michael J. Fox, he was mega-intense.

Amy2: I confess I've never seen Woods play a non-psychotic role. Even in THE HARD WAY with Michael J. Fox, he was mega-intense. Well, yes, he was intense, but that's not quite the same as being psychotic...:-) At least he wasn't a serial killer in that one! (I liked him in that very much too!) He's done a couple of Hallmark Hall of Fame TV movies where he wasn't a loon..."My Name is Bill W" and another one with James Garner, the name of which escapes me right now...anyone know? He was the younger, retarded brother...? It's a shame when those brain cells start leaping to their deaths! ;-)

Promise

Ann: Promise yes! Thank you Ann! I can go to sleep tonight! ;-)

That's right, I forgot about BILL W. And he was quite good as the very sane hero in the HBO McMartin movie, which was actually much better than most features released that year.

Much as I try to envision all the suggestions about other actors in the Darcy role, they just never work in my imagination. American actors as a whole just don't possess a 'certain something in their air' as Miss Bingley would say. And most have limited range in the roles they can effectively play. I love Paul Newman (for instance) but in every movie, he's still Paul Newman. Am I making sense?

I'm with you, MaryC. I can't imagine anyone else in the role; even other English actors, though there might be one or two, would have a difficult time filling the part so completely or giving so much life to Darcy! As Susan Birtwhistle said, "Colin Firth is the definitive Darcy". I doubt there'll be another remake for another 25 years or so!;-)

] As Susan Birtwhistle said, "Colin Firth is the definitive Darcy". I doubt there'll be another remake for another 25 years or so!;-) __ Right you are, Inko. How could anyone dare try?

I wholeheartedly agree! Colin Firth is the definitive Darcy whether he likes it or not. I think Susan Birtwhistle is the true genius behind Darcy's success and CF is the mere mortal born with requisite components. Birtwhistle knew Firth was right and proved Firth was right while Firth dithered about....he just doesn't seem to get it.

There's no doubt that CF is the absolute ideal Darcy. But I wouldn't mind seeing Daniel Day Lewis or even Ralph Fiennes giving it a try. Those classical guys can really surprise you!

I see you are not quite ready to give it up Amy2. Well, maybe in another generation of actors there will be a likely prospect, but I doubt we will find one in this day and age. Dan and Ralph might do OK, I agree, but only if we had never seen CF in the role. I do think this topic does pose an attractive challenge, and of course, we will all continue to scrutinize likely candidates in all the movies, etc, we shall view for some time to come. My mind is still open on the subject, but just barely.

CF absolutely rules as Darcy; to me, he makes the role his own in the same way Yul Brenner did in KING & I and Rex Harrison in MY FAIR LADY. I just think it would be interesting to see somebody else attempt it, & my vote would go Daniel D. Lewis. That man is just so versatile, he's amazing: from the effete fop of ROOM WITH A VIEW to the dashing hero of MOHICAN to the Irish prisoner of NAME OF THE FATHER. Whew! I think he might be one of the more underrated actors out there, at least in terms of U.S. b x office.

As for Daniel Day Lewis's versatility, don't forget My Beautiful Laundrette. I thought that the enterprising English director had got a punk off the street to play that role, and did not recognize the same actor in A Room With a View. Jane

Glad someone hs seen _My Beautiful Laundrette_ apart from me!I loved it it, Jane. Did you?

]Glad someone hs seen _My Beautiful Laundrette_ apart from me!I loved it it, I have and I did...

Caroline and Anna, Yes, I thought Laundrette was terrific. Something different. There seem to be a high proportion of interesting British movies (considering what a little island it is) compared to American movies. I just saw Cold Comfort Farm, and found it quite charming, although some of the country accents could have used subtitles! A good chance to see Kate Beckinsdale play Emma while we wait to see her really play Emma. Jane

Jane -- I, too, enjoyed Cold Comfort Farm. There were scenes of LOL. (Especially when the one son is leaving for Hollywood and spends time saying goodby to the livestock!) Having seen this I believe Kate Beckinsale should do Emma quite nicely.

Wasn't Joanne Lumley from AB FAB in Cold Comfort Farm?

]amy2: Wasn't Joanne Lumley from AB FAB in Cold Comfort Farm? Yes, she played the friend of Kate Beckinsale's character, a relatively small part.

Hope I'm not fanning the flames, but I agree that CF was the only possible Darcy, but that my second choice would be DDL. He does show a remarkable range and, as Mr. Knightley said to Mrs. Elton, "I would have thought it well within [his] purview."

And DDL _does_ have those dark, smouldering looks!

Amy2: And DDL _does_ have those dark, smouldering looks! oh yes! For sheer hunkibility (not necessarily from an acting standpoint!), DDL's best is Mohicans. Oh Hawkeye, with your buckskins and your long hair flowing down your back, running through the woods, come rescue me, ooh baby, ooh baby! (sorry! I've been holding that in since this topic was begun and someone first mentioned his name...I could no longer contain myself! )

]oh yes! For sheer hunkibility (not necessarily from an acting standpoint!), DDL's best is Mohicans. Cheryl! If you can admit it here, I guess I can let you know that you're not alone. And who else? Mohicans is one of those movies I like to watch without the sound.

Yes, MOHICANS certainly increased my appreciation for early American history!

Oh Sisters! Bless you for coming to my aid concerning Mohicans! You are true friends to not let me hang out there, exposed, all alone! But Myretta, I need the sound on to hear the beautiful musical score and to tingle at Hawkeye's "I will find you!" *sigh*

And Mohican is a recently purchase tape of mine. Have only seen it once on TV and was most pleasantly surprised. Thought it had drooling possibilities and am saving it for one dull and rainy day. Glad to have my appetite increased by my dear fellow addicts Cheryl & Myretta, on whose opinions I feel confident to rely.

Refresh my memory - has anyone suggested Liam Neeson yet?

Kali -- I think I did. I LOVE that man. Do you think he's too old to play Darcy though? Here's another one - what about Jeremy Northam? He does have those dark, perfect good looks!

Inko, write a 40 something Mr Darcy.

Ladies, after our discussion here of this gentleman for the role of Darcy, I found the following update from Reuters to really hit my funny bone... ''Oldman as Dr. Smith Danger, Will Robinson: Gary Oldman is in final talks to star as the persnickety Dr. Smith in a movie version of ``Lost in Space.'' Oldman's agent told Variety the role would help the actor fulfill his goal of playing something other than dark characters. ``He wants to do something that his seven-year-old son can see,'' the manager said. ``He's always wanted to pop up in something that is a high-camp family film.'' Oldman is the first actor firmed up for the movie and Tim Robbins and Kenneth Branagh report dly had been interested in the Dr. Smith role, too.'' Kenneth Branagh as Dr. Smith?!? The mind boggles....

Amy, First I've got to get him from 5 to 27!;-) After that, maybe, but considering the sequals I've read, I fear my performance would deserve no credit! For the moment, I'll stick to young Fitz!!

He's a charmer. Maybe I should take a crack at a Darcy of a certain age myself.

Jeremy Northam as Mr. Darcy? I've thought of that. I wonder if he's physically big enough, but otherwise I'm sure he would do a great job. But he's already been a fine Mr. Knightley, which sort of makes him too obvious a choice. And as I said, the point is moot anyway, b/c CF is the definitive Darcy...so I'll quit making suggestions.

I didn't greatly care for JN as Knightley. He wasn't nearly tall or old enough in relation to GP. Since we're talking about DDL in Mohicans, was I the only one doing some drooling and swooning over Wes Studi? Not suggesting him as a Darcy, mind, just remembering that he was memorable. CF has ruined the role for anyone else.

//a crack at a Darcy of a certain age // Amy! Are you serioius? Please have a try! Do not go back on this half promise now. I would so like to meat a Darcy more fit to adore for mature women. (though back at Pemberley we are all twentyish I hope).

Hope youare not seirioiuis!!! Some kind of robber's tounge hit me I guess. But if you would consent to totrory [;-)], it would be great.

I still can't process that Robber's Tongue, Ann, though it is intruiging.

]Robber's Tongue ??meat a Darcy... ;-)

How about this: Amy, write the 40something Darcy script. Send it to Sue Birtwhistle in 5 years and then if CF's career has fizzled out a bit (oh sure) and he needs the $ and ego boost THEN he'll play Darcy again. (the only problem is the wait, the aging of him and us, and the fact I may be sick of all this by then, or years of coffe-intake may have addled my brain as well as my kidneys so the only drooling I do will be gaga, watching him in Gone with the Bennets [the affecting tale of Lizzy's separation from Darcy on grounds of incompatible senses of humor]...

Will we get sick of this, Cecily? Probably. But my hope is we can all move on to another obsession together. Amy A Fellow Coffee Junkie (5 pots a day)

5 pots a day???? Surely not 100% caffeinated or pure French roast! The eventual osteoporosis bone-leaching alone is looming. If you can: 1) drink a cup of skim milk for every cup of coffee (I just add 1/3 cup dry milk to every cup of java I drink; 2) try to gradually switch down to a 50/50 pot of decaff with caff. A reforming Caffaholic meself (imagine an Irish accent)...

Just caught up reading this topic. I see the search still goes on for someone to replace Firth in the Darcy role, but to mess with perfection is sooo frustrating. Firth is just getting better and better with each new role. Just watched Nostromo again. Some bits of Darcy remembrances there. Like the old song says, "If you ask us we could write a book, about the way he walks, the way he walks, and looks.." (SIGH..)

Anna, you are such a teaser! As I write and mumble the words yo myself, I often tend to grab the first spelling that comes to mind. And if I don't take the trouble to read through it all, the errors remain. A dictionary is not always at hand... But us robbers like such handsome meat as Darcy and would gladly meat him for a chat in robber's tongue or some tonguewagging. One migth even enjoy to be affected with tongue-tie in his company ! This is all from the dictionary, so there is nothing improper to be feared ;-)

' words yo myself,' ...and.... 'gladly meat him' What can I say? But to write ten times on the blackboard to myself gladly meet him. I'm properly humbled...and at the same time bursting with pride on behalf of my first emoticon. I love those faces; who pray is the artist(...just avoided to put 'drawer' there)?

Ann2, I love your fractured English almost as much as I love you! *samooch*

Ann2, I love your fractured English almost as much as I love you! *samooch*

In fact, it seems that I love you so much, I had to post it twice!

Ann2 ]my first emoticon. Yay! ]I love those faces; who pray is the artist(...just avoided to put 'drawer' there)?

Amy, be careful in writing for the "older" demographic. Per Hollywood, we don't exist. Do you REALLY drink that much coffee/day? Yeh! A fellow addict! Into espresso/latte?

Amy 2 Amy2: Older demo. Per Hollywood, we don't exist. That is why the idea of the Nation of Pemberley has such merit. The system in our country shall be quite different/ Do you REALLY drink that much coffee/day? Yeh! A fellow addict! Into espresso/latte? Some days I am afraid I do. Yes, I love latte, but not by the potful. And I do like places that still don't know what latte is, like that deli in Beverley Hills? Nathan's, is it?

The Carnegie Deli on Rodeo Drive? Or Nate N' Al's a little farther up? What will Hollywood do, I wonder, as the baby boomer generation starts to age, and more and more moviegoers are no longer between 12 and 13?

Cheryl, such forbearance and sweetness ! And Anna glad you did not put those drawings in the drawer ;-} ! You both make my day brighter!

My suggestion for someone else to play Darcy would be Paul Gross. For those of you who don't know who he is he's a Canadian actor who looks a lot like CF. He recently played Constable Benton Frazer on the wonderful drama Due South. I was upset when it was canceled but was thrilled when I heard this week that it will be returning to CTV in the next few months. Thank God the producers and the network had the sense to listen to its loyal viewers and give us back this uniquely funny show.

I have a friend from Canada who is absolutely ga-ga over this Paul Gross, and I have to admit he does look pretty good in the promos for the show, even though I've personally never seen it.

I've seen Due South, and Paul Gross is handsome, but he actually reminds me a lot of a younger version of Larry Hagman (of I Dream of Jeannie and Dallas fame)! But then, I do watch a LOT of Nick at Nite.........

Tracey -- I am most delighted to meet another Nick at Nite fan. (Do you also watch Nick at Nite's TVLand?) I sort of agree about Paul Gross, although I think he's cuter than a young Larry Hagman. And, I haven't ever seen him smolder the way Firth/Darcy did.

Alas, my cable company is not so enlightened as to carry TV Land (sigh). I suppose it's a good thing; I never get to bed before 1am as is (the aforementioned I Dream of Jeannie addiction--it airs at 12:30 am here). I wonder what a Paul Gross smolder would be like.......

Oh Paul Gross can smolder all right. Anyone who has seen him in the 20s period drama, Chasing Rainbows(it aired twice on the CBC, don't know if it ever nade it to the US) can testify to that. He played this tough, sexy guy from the wrong side of the tracks who gets involved in a love triangle with his best friend's fiancee. But as for Paul Gross as Darcy-only CF. I agree with Amy, he is just as much Darcy as Gable was Rhett, Bogie-Rick, Errol Flynn-Robin Hood....

] I was upset when it was canceled So was I! ]but was thrilled when I heard this week that it will be returning to CTV in the next few months. New episodes? or reruns? ]I wonder what a Paul Gross smolder would be like....... I think he would do it really well. I remember the Victoria(?) episodes.

Due South will be returning to CTV with new episodes. It is going into production again with Paul Gross as producer (I believe, I'm not 100% sure) and writer of some episodes. David Marciano (Ray) will be on sporadically. This was one great Canadian show that should have never left the air! I'm glad it's coming back. I think he would smolder very well indeed!

And this show will air starting Saturday on Showcase, check local listings.

Y'know who could play a cool satire version of P&P? ROBIN WILLIAMS. Like one of those old Peter Sellers or Alec Guinness movies, he could play all the main parts, in different wigs, costumes, voices, etc. With the magic of film fx, his Darcy could be deflated by his Mrs. Bennet, etc. Or get the cast of ARE YOU BEING SERVED? to do a parody of P&P. Or, Monty Python. Or, MUPPETS AT PEMBERLEY.

] MUPPETS AT PEMBERLEY. OK, CF and JE as D & E, of course. Miss Piggy...Caroline Kermit.......Bingley Fozzy........Sir William Gonzo........Mr. Collins Rizzo........Wickham

Oh I love those Carolyn! Goofball Gonzo as Mr. Collins, and Rizzo the Rat as Wickham! Inspired! ;-)

Love your casting Carolyn. What about The Grouch for Mr. Bennett (I will be in the library (trash can) and not to be disturbed! Cookie monster for Lydia - as far as I could see, whenever she sat down she nibbled on chocolate or complained she was hungry!

Nick at Nite is the Greatest! I've been watching since its inception in '85...I'm quite of the mind that God watches Nick at Nite...;)

Great casting job Carolyn, Oscar could also be Mr Hurst and Mrs Hurst one of Gonzo's girlfriend chicken. Animal for Mr. Bennet, is kind of wild with a soft heart :)

I actually went to the Nick at Nite touring show a few years back. It was fun. I want to know what part "Grover" would play in P&P?

Grover would be Bingley...;)

]Grover would be Bingley...;) No, no Kermit is Bingley, Grover could be Mr. Gardiner. Also (additional casting) Charlotte....Fishlips (Girl singer for Dr. Teeth) Mr. Hurst....Lance Links (the Captain in Pigs in Space) Lady Catherine...Waldorf or Astoria (the one without the mustache) Musicians: Meryton Assembly Band...Dr. Teeth with Animal on Drums Netherfield Ball Band...The penguin orchestra

Wow, you guys sure took off with that flippant concept, huh?! Personally, If it were a P&P with Muppet music, I could see Tim Curry (Long John Silver from their Treasure Island film) playing a devilishly cute Darcy! And Jeremy Irons (who guestspotted/sang long ago on Muppet Show) could be a wicked Wickham.

Irons. Can he sing?

Amy: Irons. Can he sing? He sang as Scar in The Lion King...not well, but he can carry a tune...;-)

Ralph Fiennes could smolder as Darcy I think? Any comments on that?