Colin Firth (Part 7)

(Karen)What attracts you all to Joe Prince. So he's a nice guy who falls in love with a looney. What attracts you to that slob Paul Ashford?;-) At least the looney has a better voice than Ruth Gemell

Leather jacket ? Reddish hair? Or a cannon where it matters?!!

BTW Karen, thanks for setting up yet another Cf part for us droolies.

(Ashworth Lizza) Or a cannon where it matters?!! *Heeheehee* (Evelyn) What attracts you to that slob Paul Ashford?;-) (Ashworth, for the picky). Hmm, thought-provoking question, Evelyn. JOE VS. PAUL *Let's get ready to ruuuuummmmmmbbllleeeee* JOE drives a clunky truck adorned with cute little animal cutouts. PAUL drives a girly compact car (a Nissan Cherry? ;-P). JOE loves to grocery shop, though he tends to get impatient after snogging. PAUL thinks only about Arsenal while shopping. JOE has adorable pets. PAUL has an adorable football lamp next to his bed. JOE looks great in a sweater. PAUL looks great in a leather coat. JOE looks dorky in his Ranger Rick uniform (hat, at least) PAUL's hair is mangy and he's frequently unshaven. JOE likes the great northwest. PAUL likes the great north bank. JOE has a loyal friend who cares about his well-being ('what do you know about this girl? How does she chew?'). PAUL has a loyal friend who cares about his well-being ('you need medical help'). JOE gets beaten up. PAUL gets pushed around by the crowd during a match. JOE seems to have on blue underwear when he shouldn't. PAUL wears cute red boxers adorned with cannons. JOE's great at vertical shagging. PAUL's...well, we don't know, do we? I say it's a dead heat. Who's got more?

Personally I really go for Richard Courtois -- he looked great in tights and out of them, plus he had a social consience in the Middle Ages. Yes, the Renaissance had gotten to Paris, but Richard had left Paris behind. I also am fascinated by Adrian LeDuc. Okay, so he's an Oedipus Wrecked repressed lunatic with a corpse in his apartment. Judging by my ex-boyfriends, I've always been attracted by mental illness in a man. So Adrian's nuts, no problem; however, he is gay. Well, we could be girlfriends -- we both love movies. Donovan Quick might be my sort. He does tilt at windmills, metaphorically speaking.

LOL Eileen! Thanks for the info on DQ, Tracy! Disappointing and puzzling though. Why another six months delay? And then "late summer"...the graveyard period for scheduling, usually sport and repeats. Hmmmm!!!

Tracy, I meant to ask you, where did you get your SLOW info (�50 retail). Highfliers (Tel 0181-7422023), who are bringing out the video, said it would be available for rental (yes!) on March 6, but wouldn't retail until the end of the year, (Patience is a virtue!)

We certainly have to have patience being CF fans, SLOW, goodness knows how many years, MLSF, a year after the US, (and fingers still crossed) DQ 9 months after Australia, if we are lucky, (late summer, could mean early September, which is the beginning of the winter schedules), Londinium, this year next year sometime never, only TTOTS was within months of finishing and that was a 4min cameo, okay I'll end on an optimistic note RV if it is released on the 19th May, will be relatively! quick, but do I really want to see a gay DB!! (before anyone says I have seen DQ, I am thinking of behalf of other fans who have not).

(Lizza) Or a cannon where it matters?!! You are bad, v. bad. ;-) And Eileen...you *must* publish! ;-) I'm sure there are more comparisons. Will put my thinking cap on. (AnnW) I really want to see a gay DB!! (before anyone says I have seen DQ, I am thinking of behalf of other fans who have not). Was that a spoiler-type slip, Ann? *slap slap* Bethan, SLOW shoes up at Blackstar: http://www.blackstar.co.uk/video/item/7000000055030 And here's the video jacket from that site: That pricing is for the rental market; a retail price should be in the �13 range for you, I expect. (AnnW) I'll end on an optimistic note RV if it is released on the 19th May Things look as certain as I've ever seen. Besides, word I had is that they're taking it to Cannes. Doubt that means competition, but just for screening and lots of hoopla.

And here's the long-awaited video cover for TTOTS. Surprise surprise...bet no one thought they'd use Colin to sell this one! ;-)

I may never watch it but once but I'll get the TOTS tape for the cover. No need to mention that SLOW will be as worn out as my Fever Pitch in no time. (Lizza) Or a cannon where it matters?!! That's worthy of Mae West, Lizza. Look like we need say no more about Paul Ashworth over Joe Prince though Eileen has plenty to say and in her inimitable style, as always. (Eileen) JOE's great at vertical shagging. PAUL's...well, we don't know, do we? No (darn it) but I can get woozy over that coffee cup kissing scene. And!! he did manage to impregnate Sarah. Okay, any fifteen year old can do that. (Cheryl) I also am fascinated by Adrian LeDuc. Okay, so he's an Oedipus Wrecked repressed lunatic with a corpse in his apartment. Snicker... Still he'd have breakfast on the table and your clothing laundered for you. Judging by my ex-boyfriends, I've always been attracted by mental illness in a man. And I by vulnerable, sensitive men. Hence Joe Prince's appeal.

(Eileen) JOE's great at vertical shagging. PAUL's...well, we don't know, do we? (Heide)No (darn it) but I can get woozy over that coffee cup kissing scene. You ALL can have all the coffee and Ash...(what-ever-it-is)-cannon-shorts you want....I'll take Joe by the freezer and the vertical shag any day...besides, as Winter used to say: "You could be sure he'd be there in the mornin'" Paul might,unless there's an early Arsenal game;-)

RV at Cannes? Good! I'm all for hoopla....movies need some hype. And By then perhaps Julie will have been to see the Queen to collect her Damedom! All good publicity.. BTW how gay is Peter? There's charming, well mannered, deep-voiced, Is he or isn't he, sort of Noel Coward suurrogate...that's ok by me! Or have you spotted a limp wrist? :-)

Keep on losing the Internet connection. Have to be short and snappy. Ann, if "late summer" for DQ is ealy Sept, that's a good scheduling time. It's just the month of August that's a no-hoper, Although I think "Mrs Brown" was shown on late August Bank Holiday and got an audience of 12 million.

Well, no sooner than I say that RV is a lock for May...grrr OK, RV's release has been pushed back to the beginning of June. That makes more sense, as the Cannes FF is May 10-21. However, they wouldn't confirm that as the reason, but said it was just a scheduling thing. Sure!!

Speaking of RV, here's something to cheer Ann up: Murph has just put up a new pic of Colin and Sophie Thompson. Go to her news page and scroll about a third of the way down. He's saying, "Shhhh." ;-) Karen, is the June release for the UK? Good to hear about Cannes; CF will have to put his schmoozing cap back on, but it won't kill him.;-) Eileen, I loved your Joe/Paul comparison!

Yes, the June release date for RV is for the UK.

That really doesn't surprise me, still it means that the forthcoming films are now nicely spread out, Sunshine in April, MLSF in May and now RV in June. Bethan, going back to DQ, I am really surprised that the BBC haven't rushed to air DQ, it is a wonderful involving drama, that realy has you routing for the whole family and there is a to-die-for shot of Colin in the closing scene.

Bethan - Re SLOW, yes I did get the info from Blackstar have since asked WH Smiths who could not give a release date (and hadn't even heard of it...heresy!)but reckon on a "normal retail price" so that'll be around about the �13-�15 mark like Karen says. "CherylB - Personally I really go for Richard Courtois -- he looked great in tights and out of them" I'm right with you there girlie, the "stay in me" (don't think I misheard - apologies if I did) scene is just wonderfully played and putting the "social consience" to one side for a moment you can give me a good dose of cockerel scene any day...no pun intended honest:-D Joe Vs Paul - great comparisons Eileen LOL! (For the picky (and at the risk of raising the car subject again) Paul drives a maroon Ford Escort!) Adrian LeDuc's definately odd - I just can't summon up any empathy for him I'm afraid and no matter how many times I see it (and I don't want to be drummed out of the droolies) I cannot see what all the noise is about Birkin (it must be the moustache I think, Simon Westward has a similar non-effect). Strangely that said I find Charlie Gould extremely droolable in a power-crazed, blinkered kind of way..who can forget the mine/ garotte experiences! Haven't we been here before?? Someone was asking a while back about a Nia Long quote re ODB, I have it here (from Empire Magazine Jan 2000): "(SLOW) gave her the chance....to get hot and heavy with British heart-throb Colin Firth. "He's great. There's something about him that's very innocent, childlike. I think he's shy." " well thanks for your input Nia!

LOL...everyone has a fave Colin role. I was about to say...no one likes Charlie Gould and along comes Tracy. At least we all agree on Mr D.!

no one likes Charlie Gould and along comes Tracy. At least we all agree on Mr D.! Heheheh. I kinda like Charlie myself - those sunbleached locks of hair, eh Tracy? Now is there anyone who will say they like Simon Westward?

(Heide) Now is there anyone who will say they like Simon Westward? Only as a comic role--the qualified Dutchman scene makes me realize how good ODB would have been as a Python if born a generation earlier. And in the book Simon is a fuller and actually more likeable character--too bad they didn't do more with him in the movie. I agree with you, Tracy, about Birkin's mustache--does nothing for him except make him look like Tommy Judd trying to look grownup. I like the film which makes the stache even more frustrating and perhaps explains why Natasha rejected him in the end.

Hmmm, I've always like Charlie in that dinner party scene toward the end when they try to thank Nostromo, but only Emilia know how to do it. Doncha just love how Colin looks in that waistcoast (no jacket) and isn't his shirt open at the top? Delish. Gotta think some more about Simon and whether there's anything to love about him. He does sit a horse awfully well at the beginning. And we both share an interest in books. ;-)

From Baz B in today's Daily Mail: A Dark time for Mr Darcy Colin Firth has signed up to work with the woman who helped make him a heart-throb. The actor, whose portrayal of the dangerously handsome Mr Darcy in P&P made him a household name, will collaborate with its award winning producer Sue Birtwhistle, on as new TW dama. No tight breeches or coy glimpses of bare shoulder in this one though. This time Firth will play author William Boyd's modern-day literary here, Lorimer Black, an insurance adjuster from his novel Armadillo. The story begins with Black arriving for a meeting in Central London and finding a hanged man. His day - and his life - soon begins to unravel in the most darkly comic way. Colin agreed to do this at a very early stage and it's pefect for him, Ms Birtwhislte told me. Boyd is adapting his tale for the screen with filming beginning in the summer. Firth and Birtwhistle initially met several years ago on Dutch Girls, which Boyd also wrote.

in the most darkly comic way. So, he�s STILL not retiring! And not "leaving the country" for good either! Wow, thanks for the great news Aishling, that does sound like Colin�s stuff, I mean that Most Darkly Comic part. And with Sue B, that�s a very good sign.

Aishling -filming beginning in the summer Great news, well done Aishling and BB, and it still gives him time to do BJD, TM of B or even Flashman, or all three!!

(Karen)And we both share an interest in books. Re: Simon Westward. I admire his taste in literature too. Maybe I�m a pervert but I could never resist that terrible scene where says "what about....this one"! :-D Also, I love it how totally irresposible and hatable Colin manages to look like when Simon learns about the unwanted pregnancy.

Well done, Aishling, that's very good news. (Ann)and it still gives him time to do BJD,TM of B or even Flashman, or all three!! You never give up hope, do you? Re: Simon Westward. I admire his taste in literature too. Maybe I�m a pervert but I could never resist that terrible scene where says "what about....this one"! :-D I have always wondered what "this one " could be! :)

Here's Aishling with a scoop! Woohoo, news at last. Biz has broken a few CF and JE projects, hasn't he? And he's always accurate. His day - and his life - soon begins to unravel in the most darkly comic way. Have to admit, I was glad to see the word 'comic' in this sentence. It's great to see Colin back with Susie (now, where's Andy?). (Karen) Yes, the June release date for RV is for the UK So there's no release date for the US, then (will be a big girl and go check your page. Interesting bit about Cannes. Doubt CF will be there, though. No Harvey. Unless, of course, C&L really got into the hobnobbing and goobersmooching when they were there last year. In which case, get out the dark glasses and pop open the orangina! Re: Simon Character aside, Simon's one of CF's better performances, IMO. He's very nuanced. Look at his face when Nan tells him it's her first time and she's waited for someone special. And you have to love him sitting crosslegged on the bed, pants off, shirt, undies and socks intact. Agree with Cymbeline about book Simon. A very different, fuller character (and short in stature, so CF would never do). I'd go for him, but Simon's got this little thing about Catholics.... (Nita) You [Ann] never give up hope, do you? Just ask Bethan about SLOW. She hung in there after most of us jumped ship on that one. Sometimes it pays to hope.

Wow, Aishling!! This sounds v. good. Boyd (since his Dutch Girls days) has become quite a respected novelist, with that Brazzaville thing. Not a two-bitter at all. But this is for television again! :-( Here are some reviews from amazon.com: Lorimer Black may suffer from a serious sleep disorder and an obsession with the labyrinths of the British class system, but Armadillo's peculiar protagonist is the star insurance adjuster of London's Fortress Sure PLC, unaffectionately known as the Fort. At the very start of William Boyd's noir-ish seventh novel, however, things take a decided swerve for the worse. On a bleak January morning one of his cases has apparently chosen to kill himself rather than talk: "Mr. Dupree was simultaneously the first dead person he had encountered in his life, his first suicide and his first hanged man and Lorimer found this congruence of firsts deceptively troubling." Soon our hero, who himself has a lot to hide, finds himself threatened by a dodgy type whose loss he has adjusted way down and embroiled with the beautiful married actress Flavia Malinverno. "People who've lost something, they call on you to adjust it, make the loss less hard to bear? As if their lives are broken in some way and they call on you to fix it," Flavia dippily wonders. Lorimer also has his car torched and instantly goes from an object of affection to one of deep suspicion at the Fort. Then there is another case, the small matter of the rock star who may or may not be faking the Devil he says is sitting on his left shoulder. Needless to say, Lorimer is "becoming fed up with this role of fall guy for other people's woes." Boyd adds a deep layer of psychological heft and a lighter level of humor to this thinking-person's thriller by exploring Lorimer's manifold personal and social fears. This is a man who desperately collects ancient helmets even though he knows they offer only "the illusion of protection." Another of Armadillo's many pleasures: its dose of delicious argot. Should Lorimer "oil" the apparent perpetrator of the Fedora Palace arson before he's oiled himself? Or perhaps he just needs to "put the frighteners" on him. Boyd definitely puts the frighteners on his readers more than once in this cinematically seedy and dazzling literary display. --Kerry Fried From Booklist , September 1, 1998 As a loss adjuster, Lorimer Black represents the unstable element in the supposedly safe world of insurance, as he negotiates down arrangements already agreed to. And he's a star at what he does in his London office. Varying his appearance and dress ever so subtly to suit each situation, he gains the confidence that serves as his invisible armor, a parallel to his expensive avocation of collecting antique armor. But events begin to buffet him: a perplexing case raises the level of danger in his already dangerous business, an actress married to a jealous juggler increasingly occupies his thoughts and the lucid dreams of his sleep therapy, and an odd relationship upsets his well-ordered life. Boyd, a deft craftsman, continues to explore his frequent themes of identity, insecurity, and the fragility of life as he turns the examination of an intriguing vocation into a darkly comic tale full of substance as well as tips for the well-dressed gentleman. Michele Leber ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sounds delicious, though. Remember seeing the book on the shelves last March in London. Involved with a "beautiful married actress" Ooo wee!! I think we can rely on Sue B to know how to *package* Colin to his best advantage. ;-) (Elena) I love it how totally irresposible and hatable Colin manages to look like when Simon learns about the unwanted pregnancy. You're so right. Colin's looks are great in every scene. Love the frustration in the car too - the infamous "oh, Nan, oh" ;-) (Nita) I have always wondered what "this one " could be! :) Haven't we all. Join the club. ;-) (Eileen) goobersmooching What the heck is that? Only thing that come to mind is kissing peanuts or Jimmy Carter. RV seems tailormade for the Cannes crowd: the resurrection of Julie Andrews is sure to make a splash with all the paparazzi and you know they'll be entertained by Jeanne Tripplehorn and Billy B. Colin might attend. Livia probably would want to go again.

Just another thought: Was there a picture with Baz's article?

Yes, just head shot, semi-smile

Did it look new?

Yes, I have not seen it before, am sending it to Murph.

(Eileen) goobersmooching (Karen) What the heck is that? Only thing that come to mind is kissing peanuts or Jimmy Carter. Not to mention those little chocolate candies made by the Raisinette folks...it's a term, common in these parts, for sucking up to the big boys. (Karen) Sounds delicious, though. Sounds better and better after reading those reviews (thanks for posting). At last, a thriller! *Eileen does dance of joy* With comedic undertones, to boot! But this is for television again! :-( At least it spares us from wondering if it will be picked up by a distributor, which part of the world will get to see it on the big screen, etc. And BBC Scotland's not involved (don't they seem to be asleep at the DQ wheel?). Yes, just head shot, semi-smile Have we seen this one before, Aishling?

Never mind my last line.

Thanks SO much, Ann and Aishling. Quick like a bunny I have the news and the Amazon link for the book plus a bit of the plot on my news page. News Page Murph As a person who loves thrillers, this looks like a winner. Now, sleuths, find out who is producing this, and whether it is TV or Film. I am assuming TV.

Thanks for this news, Aishling! It's funny, but I had a premonition that we'd be reading about a new project today. Will consult the crystal ball to see if I can ascertain broadcast dates.;-) Baz's info is always reliable, and if Sue B. is involved, it's sure to be a winner. I'm very encouraged by those Amazon reviews (thanks, Karen). I also wasn't thrilled to see that it's TV, Karen, but it looks like the book received good reviews in the U.S. as well, so maybe there's a glimmer of hope that we'll see it here too. Ann, we'll look forward to seeing the new pic--thanks. Off to read tea leaves . . .;-)

Thanks Aishling for the scoop. Baz should be made an honorary Colin/Jennifer publicist. And Sue Colin's agent. Karen, I hope you are posting those reviews on The Bucket so we can read them again. Now I'll buy the book.Anybody have the ISBN number?

I also wasn't thrilled to see that it's TV, Why? His movies go no where, unless he's in a supporting role. I'd rather have good starring roles on TV. Besides, he doesn't have to promote them;-)

Wow! Aishling, Karen, Murph, thanks for the news, book info, etc. At last, a confirmed project for ODB -- and with Sue B., no less;-) ...and embroiled with the beautiful married actress Flavia Malinverno Anyone care to venture casting suggestions for this part? Sounds like she's dark and sultry and... Italian? ...a darkly comic tale full of substance as well as tips for the well-dressed gentleman. LOL! Colin could sure use these;-)

On my return from second chaffeuring run of the morn, I stopped at Borders and B&N--*hee hee* doing my suburban drive from one corner parking lot to the next--Armadillo probably won't be in anybody's stock, as it is scheduled to come out in paperback in April. There might be leftovers around, but what's the hurry. Will check if the library has it.

Now this sounds like a good one (Thanks Aishling!) SB and William Boyd...an excellent combination. WB has an excellent reputation as a writer, and he's just directed (and wrote the screenplay for) his first movie "The Trench" which got v.good reviews. And could it could be a drama series, not a 2 hour film?

Have to post in installments! Bear with me! Like Ann, I still hope he'll do "Maid of Buttermere"...(it's a very strong serious dramatic role, and there are a few more months to fill in before the summer!) and BJD. No slacking! It's good to mix TV and film work. But quality TV attracts a lot of attention in the UK.

Chicago Public Library isn't answering its phone. Forgot, is Honest Abe's Bday and are closed. :-( More info on Armadillo (betcha Evelyn knows a few of those!) Description from The Reader's Catalog Boyd's social satire centers around Lorimer Black, the scion of a gypsy clan who has transformed himself into a dashing and cultivated insurance adjuster. One day, instead of meeting with the business associate he expects, Lorimer is greeted by a hanged man. From then on the hapless hero is swept into a web of intrigue involving rock musicians, beautiful women, ominous job firings, and something called the Institute of Lucid Dreams From The Publisher One cold winter's morning, Lorimer Black -- insurance adjuster, young, good-looking, on the rise -- goes out on a perfectly ordinary business appointment, finds a hanged man and realizes that his life is about to be turned upside down. The elements at play: a beautiful actress glimpsed in a passing taxi . . . an odd new business associate whose hiring, firing and rehiring make little sense. . . a rock musician who is losing his mind -- and a web of fraud in which virtually everyone Lorimer Black knows has been caught and in which he finds himself increasingly entangled. Reviews From Charles Taylor (MAJOR SPOILERS) In the midst of the dully compelling puzzle that is William Boyd's Armadillo is a minor character named David Watts, a hugely successful rock singer. Someone has to tell Boyd's protagonist, an insurance adjuster named Lorimer Black, that Watts has named himself after a song by the Kinks. Hearing "David Watts" for the first time, Lorimer describes it as "a song about someone who could do no wrong, someone who was revered and worshipped by his peers, someone who, to all intents and purposes, was perfect." Well, no."David Watts" is a song about someone "revered and worshipped by his peers," but it's sung by someone who will never be David Watts' peer. Ray Davies sings it in the voice of a self-described "dull and simple lad," one whose heart is green as much from bile as from envy. What does William Boyd's mishearing of a 30-year-old rock song have to do with the rest of Armadillo? It sums up his imprecision. There are ample reasons why the singer who chooses to call himself David Watts would hear Ray Davies' song as being about hero worship. But there's nothing to indicate that Boyd himself knows it's about something more. This inability (unwillingness?) is indicative of the haze that hangs over the entire novel. Haze is different from ambiguity, which still implies some sureness of purpose, and which might suit the subject. Armadillo is a book about people who've taken pains to conceal their motives and identities. Many of its characters have abandoned their birth names as if they were unflattering clothes. Lorimer, whose real name is Milomre Blocj, has escaped his ethnic roots and reinvented himself as a young London professional of rarefied tastes. His business, trying to keep insurance companies from paying out the money they've promised, is a con game run with the protection of he law, but Lorimer does his best not to let its unsavory nature rub off on him. His genteel lifestyle is his armadillo's shell. Trouble is, what's beneath it isn't very compelling. Neither are the plot complications Boyd puts Lorimer through. We can see that the various pieces (the suicide Lorimer stumbles upon; the co-worker who takes a shine to him; the arson case Lorimer is investigating) will eventually fit together, and that keeps us reading. But you never feel like there's anything much at stake. Boyd's atmospheric vagueness can be exotically entertaining in his short fiction, as it was in his last collection, The Destiny of Nathalie X, but here he doesn't seem to be possessed by the subject or his story. Armadillo is like an exceptionally literate and halfhearted thriller. Boyd doesn't even seem to have fully taken in the current moment. Lorimer is the sort of self-absorbed materialistic protagonist you'd expect in a novel about acquisitive '80s yuppies. Like everything else about Armadillo, his purchased sophistication feels half-right and terribly, terribly vague. -- Salon From Michael Shelden Witty and exquisitely complicated. . .The tale combines a touch of Dickensian realistic comedy with a Kafkaesque sense of modern urban terror. -- The Baltimore Sun

Thanks Karen....I take it back...this sounds like it would be a better movie than anything else he's been in lately.Rock musicians, beautiful women.... au courant(sounding like Ben ;-)).The multi-plex crowd would go for it. Along way from Mr. Darcy

...and embroiled with the beautiful married actress Flavia Malinverno Anyone care to venture casting suggestions for this part? Sounds like she's dark and sultry and... Italian? ************** Susan: I have already begun to think on this, and I have a perfect choice. Did anyone see Sopranos last Sunday? If you did, you know EXACTLY who I am talking about, right? Her real name is Sofia Milos, and she was an absolutely gob smacking lady! I still don't know how Tony resisted her in the goddess's temple! I bet teaming her with Colin would get him past all those closed mouth kisses he prefers on screen. [I'm already ducking the missives] She was also Richard's Italian wife in Caroline In The City. Murph

(Murph) [I'm already ducking the missives] We don't do that here (well, not like other places). I know who you mean. Very Sophia Loren-like. Mama mia! BTW, did you notice the bit set in the Party City on Route 17 in Hasbrouck Hts?

(Murph) [I'm already ducking the missives] (Eileen)We don't do that here (well, not like other places). ~~~~~ OT True, Murph. You know us better than that. Which is why I only belong to Spring. What's more everyone is welcomed here...no one is vetted.

Aishling and everyone elso...great scoop re Armadillo. Now I know what I'm doing tomorrow, hot footing it down the library to hand in Maid of Buttermere and get Armadillo out...that's always assuming there are no other Firthlettes in town! Will post a book report when I get through it! "Evelyn- no one likes Charlie Gould and along comes Tracy. " Gould isn't my absolute favourite, mind you with such a smorgesbord to select from I have great difficulty in deciding. No there's nothing for it I'll just have to sit through my collection again. What a chore ;-D

Eileen says: BTW, did you notice the bit set in the Party City on Route 17 in Hasbrouck Hts? ******** Was that where it was? I've never been in there, but have passed it many times. Used to go to the Crow's Nest nearby when it was owned by a friend of a friend. Murph I was only kidding about the missives. I know all here are gentle and kind. I hope this graphic works..."I SHALL conquer this, I shall!"

Armadillo mmmmmmm, sounds like really good stuff. Now if my beloved ABC plays its cards right, we might just be one of the first to see it. Sorry to rub it in folks, I do not get much of a chance to brag but we have already seen DQ here and us convicts deserve a break every now and then. I have a confession to make, I watched A Circle of Friends's 3 times before I realised it was Colin playing SW (shame on me). Why doesn't she read the credits I hear you ask???? I did eventually when it kept bugging me trying to figure out where I had seen this guy before. It took me ages to come to terms with it being him in that role at all. I was quite disillusioned by him after my discovery, as he played a dirty old man type character. Hope I have not offeneded anyone. I had to watch P&P a number of times after COF to fall in love with him all over again. Not that I rely entirely on a fix of P&P to get the adrenalin going but it does help to soothe the way until the next dangling carrot comes along. As for Nostromo, I can safely say that I did recognise Colin in this role. Aired again on my beloved ABC, I thought Colin looked absolutely delectable and played a strong yet vulnerable character. However, the overall presentation of the series reminded me of a Clint Eatwood spagehetti western. Again hope I have not offended anyone!!!!!!

BTW Murph, love the picture it works just fine. Maybe you can conquer it with a hairdryer and the heat turned up to the highest level??????

I bet teaming her with Colin would get him past all those closed mouth kisses he prefers on screen. (Murph) Ah, so you've noticed (except, possibly in P&P!) There was a nice little interview with Ruth Gemmel in which she mentioned she was a bit nervous about the love scenes in FP, but it was easy about this to Colin because he was very sympathetic. She did mention that he didn't kiss "properly" and that her boyfriend was very relieved and said "Oh, Mr Darcy's a crap kisser". You can guess what the headline was!

It gets worse - just received a reply to my letter to BBC Scotland, from Sharon Dempsey - "Thankyou for your letter.... We do not have a confirmed transmission date for this programme yet, but anticipate that it will be towards the end of this year." Why, why, why its been ready for ages. Just days ago Tracy was told the end of the summer.

DQ....end of summer/September-ish/October...perhaps? What geniuinely puzzles me is the lack of a confirmed transmission date. It's been in the can since September, and by all accounts it's very good, it's produced by a BAFTA winning team, and it stars Colin Firth!! No reason to delay it. One thing I can predict...Colin will be 40 by the time it's shown! One good thing about the Armadillo project is that I'm sure SB will fight to protect Colin's best interests...somehow this hasn't happened in his recent projects !!

(Murph)I was quite disillusioned by him after my discovery, as he played a dirty old man type character. Hope I have not offeneded anyone This just goes to show what a great actor he is, he could fool even you. Well, maybe he should do some more dirty old man roles because he�s so good at it!! One thing yet about Simon, he�s disgusting but there�s more to him than that. I also feel a little sorry for him. I think Colin gives away that Simon has a bad conscience and that Simon is aware of his own creepish character but can�t do anything about it. (Bethan)She did mention that he didn't kiss "properly" So what is that supposed to mean, "not properly"?! :) This seems to be typical of all the greatest screen lovers. Wasn�t Clark Gable reputed to be a lousy kisser too.

I guess kising is very intimate, and if he's a shy (and married!) man he would definitely prefer the "aim left of centre, mouth closed" approach! :-)

(Murph)I was quite disillusioned by him after my discovery, as he played a dirty old man type character. Hope I have not offeneded anyone ********** Elena: I don't remember saying that, but then I don't remember saying a lot of things! To whom was I referring? Murph

re Elena's posting - Murph, I belive it was Maureen, not you, apologies if I am wrong.

Maureen, you're welcome to crow all you like about DQ and this fantastic sounding new project if it plays on ABC first. Just remember, we'll be demanding the video. Shall we call him Lorie? Aishling, thanks so much for sniffing out the news for us. I love the Internet - there's always someone awake somewhere in the world. Karen, can always count on you to get us the details. I shall be a good girl and go to my library today as well. (Bethan) I guess kising is very intimate, and if he's a shy (and married!) man he would definitely prefer the "aim left of centre, mouth closed" approach! :-) I don't think he's that shy. Guess he's just being polite. Little does he know how much his female costars admire him and wouldn't mind a little less professionalism. )(Maureen on Nostromo) However, the overall presentation of the series reminded me of a Clint Eatwood spagehetti western. Again hope I have not offended anyone!!!!!! Oh heavens no. Thin skin won't work here at all. Besides, I agree with you on this one - it is like a spaghetti western right down to the music. But those Sergio Leone/Eastwood films are pretty good so I take it as a compliment to the production, warranted or not. (Karen) Charlie in that dinner party scene toward the end when they try to thank Nostromo, but only Emilia know how to do it. Doncha just love how Colin looks in that waistcoast (no jacket) and isn't his shirt open at the top? Delish. Ummm yes, Karen. Looking good. He's just a little bit drunk in this scene, I think, but not enough to miss what's happening between his wife and N. I'm afraid though that I can't think of one COF scene where I find him appealing, though I can always make up excuses for his actions. (Eileen) Re: Simon Westward. I admire his taste in literature too. Maybe I�m a pervert but I could never resist that terrible scene where says "what about....this one"! :-D (Nita) I have always wondered what "this one " could be! :) Nita, have you ever seen The Hour of the Pig? ;-)

(Maureen) Sorry to rub it in folks, I do not get much of a chance to brag but we have already seen DQ here That's OK, we'll be seeing it shortly. I expect by the middle of the week. ;-) However, the overall presentation of the series reminded me of a Clint Eatwood spagehetti western How very apt! ;-) It was an Italian co-production, but I'd have to lay the blame on the supporting characters. So many of them look as though their dialogue had been dubbed and, of course, those pygmy horses. (Bethan quoting Ruth Gemmel) he didn't kiss "properly" Argh! Maybe that's why I focus on that shoulder-grinding action? Less-than-satisfactory liplocks. (Elena) Colin gives away that Simon has a bad conscience and that Simon is aware of his own creepish character but can�t do anything about it. I definitely agree with you, Elena. But I'm always defending Colin's characters. To me, he appears as though he'd really like to go on with Nan, but that responsibility to his family/estate won't let him. There is that one scene with his sister(?) when she's proposing "suitable" matches for him, where he looks disgusted and semi-rebellious. I think he would like to make his own choices, but feels he cannot.

it's produced by a BAFTA winning team, and it stars Colin Firth!! No reason to delay it. If UK shows it, the sooner we'll get it in the US.But telling our A&E, Bravo and PBS that it got rave review in Australia, will fall on deaf ears. Bethan, I'm sure there are enough copies of DQ floating around in the UK that you should be able to see it. ~~~~~~~ (Heide)I don't think he's that shy. Guess he's just being polite. Oh yeah? Didn't you see him with Catherine Zeta-Jones in "Out of the Blue" with the tongues going?Not exactly a chaste kiss.

Just noticed that next week the BBC are airing the BBC Scotland drama "Monarch of the Glen" which is listed after DQ in the forthcoming productions on the BBC Scotland website. Obviously no problem with setting a transmission date here! I've got a suspicious mind, I know, but there has to be a reason for the delay in showing DQ...there's not even a provisional date. But I'm blowed if I can think why! Any Sherlocks out there?

Oh, and yes, Catherine Z-J, I quite forgot. Certainly no chaste kiss here! Bethan, I'm sure there are enough copies of DQ floating around in the UK that you should be able to see it. I'm sure now that I'll give in to the temptation, but I was holding out for the pleasure and anticipation of seeing it "live"!

I wonder if perhaps it is "politically corret", you know David & Goliath scenario, just a thought.

(Murph)Elena: I don't remember saying that, but then I don't remember saying a lot of things! To whom was I referring? Sorry Murph, obviously I meant Maureen!! And sorry Maureen, didn�t mean to slight you. (Heide):(Eileen) Re: Simon Westward. I admire his taste in literature too. Maybe I�m a pervert but I could never resist that terrible scene where says "what about....this one"! :-D Heide, it really was not Eileen who thought she was a pervert, it was me!! :-D

Colin Firth with (as suggested) Sofia Milos. Does this mean CF will have to get a gladiator outfit? I could go for Charles Gould. He looks good on a horse, has the most wonderful sun lightened hair, and I thought CF looked good with a full beard. Gould is also a terrific character, idealistic, dynamic, but ultimately corrupted. Although Charles Gould is English, he does have some characteristics of an American archetype, which may explain why the American Holroyd is willing to invest money in Gould's enterprise. The archetype to which I refer is the man who starts with little or nothing becomes a powerful capitalist, but loses something of his basic humanity in his basic ascent. That could someone of any nationality, but it reminds of those Taylor Caldwell novels, and she was American. RE: Open mouth kissing with Catherine Zeta-Jones, maybe it was her tongue that pryed his lips apart, and he was to polite to pull away. I wouldn't blame CZ-T if that's what she did. Who can blame her?

(Elena) Heide, it really was not Eileen who thought she was a pervert, it was me!! :-D Thanks, Elena. Did I get it right this time? ;-) (CherylB) Although Charles Gould is English, he does have some characteristics of an American archetype, which may explain why the American Holroyd is willing to invest money in Gould's enterprise. Interesting. Though a product of English imperialism, I do think Charlie had good intentions at the start. Just needed that filthy euchre to realize his dreams. Reminds me of one scene when Holroyd and Gould first come to the silver mine and Holroyd grabs Charlie by his lapels. CG looks at him with this blank expression but promptly dusts off his jacket after he's released. You know he's thinking "crass American" but he knows where his money's coming from.

(Heide)I don't think he's that shy. Guess he's just being polite. As a private person he may be shy but as an actor, NEVER. He�s also a very polite person in private but as an actor he�s only what is needed for the role. If he wasn�t kissing RuthG "properly" then it wasn�t needed in FP, and it really wasn�t, only RG was needing a proper kiss from him it seems (no wonder!). Anyway I�m sure he�d be quite ready to kiss one�s head off if it was necessary for the part he�s playing. (Heide)have you ever seen The Hour of the Pig? ;-) He wasn�t exactly shy there either.

(Heide) Nita, have you ever seen The Hour of the Pig? ;-) Yes, but only once. Why?

Who cares whether he can kiss properly or not???? Just the lip to lip contact would be enough, which is an opportunity that I doubt, I would ever have the chance to experience. If the truth be known it is probably Ruth Gemmel who cannot kiss. Karen pygmey horses and dubbing thats excatly what Nostromo looked and sounded like. Well at least the parts Colin did not appear in. Heidi, no compliments to the Clint Eastwood spahetti westren makers, sorry. The dubbing in those movies was of a particularly poor quality. You could almost duck out to the loo after the characters move their lips and be back in time hear what they were saying. What did he appear in with Cathrine Zetta Jones???????

I think Ruth Gemmel's comment about not kissing "properly" just meant that for on-screen kissing he preferred the simulated kiss approach, ie closed lips etc, head slightly turned away, which most professional actors use, rather than the real thing which is generally inappropriate. Of his off-screen kissing abilities, I'm sure she's have no knowledge!

BTW, from what I remember of the article, RG seemed to like him a lot!

Evelyn - the ISBN for Armadillo is0-14-027944-x "Elena - I�m sure he�d be quite ready to kiss one�s head off if it was necessary for the part he�s playing." LOL! You're quite right, unfortunately for us the majority of the parts ODB has played over the years have not called for excessive bouts of tonsil-hockey and in FP it's the comparisons in the two relationships that are the issue and not...shall we say the mechanics. That's not to say that I prefer it that way...I'm all for a bit of gratuitous bed/freezer/mine/cottage-floor-in-front-of-roaring-fire action myself ;-~~~~

(Maureen) What did he appear in with Cathrine Zeta Jones? A television drama called Out of the Blue. It wasn't particularly good, but it had that good line about the mouse. ;-) Anyone remember? About the poor-form kissing, let's take a closer look at Valmont's whirling and twirling scene with Meg. How did he perform there?

(Bethan)Of his off-screen kissing abilities, I'm sure she's have no knowledge! LOL!! The girl can only dream. BTW, from what I remember of the article, RG seemed to like him a lot! Don't they all? :-) Anyone know of any instance where a leading lady/costar did not care for him? Hmmm..... (Karen) About the poor-form kissing, let's take a closer look at Valmont's whirling and twirling scene with Meg. How did he perform there? Is there much kissing going on in that scene? I just remember little pecks. Perhaps his upraised shoulder is blocking the more passionate ones. (Heide) Nita, have you ever seen The Hour of the Pig? ;-) (Nita) Yes, but only once. Why? Goes back to our COF question...what sexual position was Simon showing to Nan? There are a variety of ones to choose from in HOTPIG. Alas, Richard shows poor form in the kissing scenes with Samira in this film. Much more energy with Maria. (Tracy) unfortunately for us the majority of the parts ODB has played over the years have not called for excessive bouts of tonsil-hockey Yes, 'tis unfortunate. Seems he did put a lot more work into those scenes in his earlier films. Inexperience? That's not to say that I prefer it that way...I'm all for a bit of gratuitous bed/freezer/mine/cottage-floor-in-front-of-roaring-fire action myself ;-~~~~ Amen!

(Tracy)That's not to say that I prefer it that way...I'm all for a bit of gratuitous bed/freezer/mine/cottage-floor-in-front-of-roaring-fire action myself ;-~~~~ . Hear, hear.

RE: Open mouth kissing with Catherine Zeta-Jones, maybe it was her tongue that pryed his lips apart, and he was to polite to pull away. I wouldn't blame CZ-T if that's what she did. Who can blame her? Am I stupidly ignorant and naive? (All right, not everyone has to agree so fast!) I thought these things were controlled by the director.

This probably belongs on Darcy Drool board, but since we were talking about kissing....I was looking (Okay, drooling)at one of my favorite pics of P&P and" me thinks" I see Mr. Darcy's lips parting just a wee bit before they kiss. Waddaya think? (DVD courtesy of Meluchie)

LOL!! (IAN) I thought these things were controlled by the director. Mmmm, so maybe Colin needed to rehearse more with the director? Huh? just kidding I suppose if the actors only wanted to do closed-mouth, slightly-to-right/left-of-center kissing with lots of burrowing in the neck region, could a director say "Cut!! I want to see some *real* action here. Get those mouths open. Get those tongue jousting. I want to see your tonsils." Don't know. Would hate to think that Colin's a lousy kisser, IRL or on screen. But on a fun note, do read today's Times review of The End of the Affair. I'd post some comments on 127 but am not in the mood for Rafe butt jokes right now. Maybe later. ;-)

Colin Firth has signed up Yippee, this is music to my ears. I go away from my computer for the weekend and look what happens! Think I'll go away more often ;-). Thanks for this news Aishling, its brightened my day, and I just know I'll be in a good mood now no matter what.

Lovely Evelyn thank you for such a drooly pic. Wasn't this the "supposed" scene that had to be reshot time and time again to get right (too much tongue or not enough?) and gave away to crew etc an inkling of their affair? Thanks for your scoop too Aishling. Just been cheered by lovely a review for Valmont ("film of the fortnight") saying ODB more than gives John Malkovich a run for his money etc etc Probably written by a woman!

(Karen)Would hate to think that Colin's a lousy kisser, IRL or on screen. Hehe, THANK GOD Livia isn�t going to tell us the facts about his IRL abilities, I�m sure that such information would make us just *explode* with envy.(Just an innocent guess....;-)

Karen, I saw the Rafe review. O-uch! Made some of the Avengers reviews seem quite flattering! :-)

Still having posting problems...have to be short or lose the connection. Thoughts on "Armadillo"...SB said that Colin agreed to do this some time ago. I wonder if this means that all those other projects are just queueing up waiting for his signature! And on the subject of kissing, all those projects require some demonstrable action/expertise in this area! Scope for future study! :-) Wonder if "Armadillo" will be a mini-series...most thriller-type dramas adapted for television tend to be two-parters at least, not a 100 minute film.

STOP PRESS******* Just watching Sam Mendes on "South Bank Show", he is being interviewed on a bare 3DOR set by Melvyn (Maid of Buttermere) Bragg. The bed etc is gone but the taps and sink unit is there and plenty of views of our favourite seats Ladies. Sadly it is TOO MUCH to expect ODB to walk casually by but it is so familiar a setting tyo see on TV for me that there is a palpable sense of anticipation!! Will keep you posted. :))

Some lovely shots of outside the Donmar showing 3DOR posters (but not up close) and then the foyer and the audience going up the stairs for a performance. Guess it must have been filmed towards the end of the run but midweek as the foyer is looking more empty than we would be used to!! Heady Stuff.

HI All, I know some of you here and I have always had a very hard time trying to post. So I am giving it another shot. I was at the Amazon site to order Armadillo and there are 2 books. One is not due for release until April. The jacket of that one looked like it could be Colin. Not sure but it made me think it could be a companion book for the production. The URL http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/query/%28keyword%20%3D%20%22armadillo%22%29/book/bq=1/102-8696833-4703213. I was wondering what you might think? Thanks Mickie Boylan

Mickie, thanks, but that is for the trade paperback which is coming out in April, as I reported a couple of days ago.

Have finished watching the programme. Interview with Alan Cumming at the Donmar so guess it was filmed on the day that (Tracy? Cathey?) reported seeing AC come down with Colin after a matinee. Do we have a date for that? Loads more Foyer shots and also outside with a crowd bunched on the pavement. For a split second I thought they were going to be clustered around O DB, but no such luck. 3DOR of course did not feature (unlike the Blue Room) because it was not directed by Sam Mendes, interestingly enough the credits thanked another Firth "Tim"? "Ian?" any ideas? I think Maria should do a deal with producers of SBS to cut in some of her lovely shots of ODB and his dimples. Now THAT would be Oscar material!!

Boyd's social satire centers around Lorimer Black, the scion of a gypsy clan who has transformed himself into a dashing and cultivated insurance adjuster. One day, instead of meeting with the business associate he expects, Lorimer is greeted by a hanged man. From then on the hapless hero is swept into a web of intrigue involving rock musicians, beautiful women, ominous job firings, and something called the Institute of Lucid Dreams Yes, yes, but does he get to dance??? I am back from Spain and would like to thank Aishling for the scoop, Karen for all the reviews and everyone else for some good laughs. As far as favourite parts, I will go with Lord Wessex, loved the hair, the singing, the dancing, the kiss and he gets to ride. And, my man Geoffrey is tops as well. :-D

(Lizza)....Interview with Alan Cumming at the Donmar Thanks Lizza for the "live" report. But why Alan Cummings? "Cabaret" was a Donmar production. But , I believe, he played it only on Broadway...with Natasha R. Both got Tony's. What did they talk about?

Oh yes, meant to comment that I agree with you, Bethan. It would seem likely to be a two-parter. Most thrillers need that break for a cliffhanger to get people excited about them.

Evelyn "Cabaret" was featured and N.T and A.C. were interviewed about it and clips shown from the Donmar production and Broadway , indeed "The Blue Room" featured in the same way. What I really want to know is .....did Melvyn Bragg and ODB get to have a discussion off camera about TMOB? Just off to check my video worked, it has been playing up lately so I am not hopeful :(

Oh My goodness it went through. Eileen and Heide and Karen -I am so shocked that it went through. I did not think I could get through so please forgive that first post if it sounded too pushy. I don't know everyone here so I will introduce myself-(which I should have done from the beginning) My name is Mickie I teach 2nd grade upstate NY. I have a web site for Jonathan Firth but I like Colin Firth as well. I am in my late 40's and have enjoyed reading the posts here for years. I just had such a hard time posting. Every time I tried it was rejected so I was a lurk only person. I am still in shock that after all this time it took my post. Well I hope it will take this one too. Thanks and nice to finally be able to "speak" over here. Mickie

Congratulations, Mickie. Posting here is a breeze once you get started. I met Mickie in October at the Fever Pitch showing in Montclair, NJ. Would be oh so nice to have Colin on the cover of a book again but I wouldn't count on it. Heck, I'm pessimistic enough to not even feel confident this project is a go though everyone assures me Baz is never wrong. Well, there's always a first time! :-P Am reading the book anyway and it's quite good. (Lizza) Have finished watching the programme. Interview with Alan Cumming ... Loads more Foyer shots and also outside with a crowd bunched on the pavement. For a split second I thought they were going to be clustered around O DB, but no such luck. I feel so nostalgic already and it was just a month ago for you girls. What a great find for you, Lizza, to catch this programme. Have seen some photos recently of Sam Mendes since he's being touted for Best Director Oscar. Kind of reminds me of Paul McCartney when he was very young though not as cute as Paul. Something in the eyes. Welcome back Moon. And, my man Geoffrey is tops as well. :-D Ah, but can he kiss? ;-)

(Moon)And, my man Geoffrey is tops as well. :-D Ah, but can he kiss? ;-) Apparently not since KST leaves him for that stick as soon as she gets a moment out of his sight. Maybe Santa suits don't do anything for her, or maybe there was greater significance to yes, we have no banahnahs than we realized. To return to my question about directors--since I've seen a pic of Milos in the bed with Colin and Meg and since Davies and Colin talked about when Colin was supposed to be thinking that Darcy was supposed to be having an erection, it seems not unlikely that directors would have something to say about the kissing mechanics. Just wondering. Maybe it's unfair to pin it all on the actors. And since we agree that ODB is one of the greatest and most professionally accomplished actors now working, it seems logical to assume that can hold his own in matters osculatory as well. As for the P&P pic, looks as though JE is at chin level. And I recall that the carriage ride was so bumpy they had trouble making contact.

(Maureen)As for Nostromo [...] the overall presentation of the series reminded me of a Clint Eatwood spagehetti western. LOL! My sentiments exactly. When I saw poor Colin in a wide-brimmed hat riding one of those tiny skeletal ponies, his long legs dangling on both sides and nearly touching the ground, I started whistling "The Good, The Bad And The Ugly" theme and burst out laughing. It looked so farsical. (Bethan)She did mention that he didn't kiss "properly" (Elena)So what is that supposed to mean, "not properly"?! :) This seems to be typical of all the greatest screen lovers. Training for actors includes the correct technique of "make-believe" kissing, since obviously not every stage/screen partner is keen to do it "properly"... Apparently some male actors attempt "proper" kissing without their partners' approval and this is sometimes the cause of great rifts behind the scenes - even though it may look terrifically realistic in action. Colin chooses to behave with professional integrity - I wonder if that (among other things) could be why Nia Long said of him: "I think he's shy..." Also could he be employing the shoulder grinding action to deflect the attention from his lips? (Evelyn)Didn't you see him with Catherine Zeta-Jones in "Out of the Blue" with the tongues going?Not exactly a chaste kiss. When the script/director stipulates that something is clearly visible, there is no way around it. (Bethan)Just noticed that next week the BBC are airing the BBC Scotland drama "Monarch of the Glen" which is listed after DQ in the forthcoming productions on the BBC Scotland website. Obviously no problem with setting a transmission date here! Why don't we bombard the BBC with queries? (Evelyn)" me thinks" I see Mr. Darcy's lips parting just a wee bit before they kiss. Yes, but observe where her lips land after that: very low on his chin, missing his oral orifice altogether... He was sucking on her upper lip while she was engrossed in aiming for his lower one. A classic professional stage kiss and don't even try to allow any amount of clever publicity to force you into imagining anything else. Wasn't this the "supposed" scene that had to be reshot [...] and gave away to crew etc an inkling of their affair? See what I mean? ;-) (Lizza) lovely a review for Valmont ("film of the fortnight") saying ODB more than gives John Malkovich a run for his money etc etc Who, where? Lizza, and everyone, I beg of you yet again, please do remember to give your sources when quoting! Ta very muchly! :-) Firth "Tim"? "Ian?" any ideas? There's a playwright by the name of Tim Firth, I believe: no relation as far as is known. As far as favourite parts, I will go with Lord Wessex Have another look... ;-) http://www.geocities.com/threedeers/Wessex/Wessex.htm

Re: The Kiss He was sucking on her upper lip while she was engrossed in aiming for his lower one. That'll do in a pinch,I guess. *sigh* (Beats just the "grinding shoulder".)

maybe there was greater significance to yes, we have no banahnahs than we realized. LOL! So what was it, a bunch of keys or a crumpled hankie? Btw, a warm welcome to all newbies, including delurkers. Some people may have problems with posting as the way in is not always very obvious. One must register/log in as a poster, but once you overcome that hurdle, you become a fully fledged drooler-Firther/Firthian/Firthette/Firthist (choose your own rank) and everything else here is sheer joy (I think...;-p).

Mickie, welcome aboard! I know you'll like it here. Mickie is a terrific lady and a long-time friend. Check out her Jonathan site, which has JF's full blessing and that of his agent's. RE: the Nostromo ponies. That smallish breed of horse is indigenous to that area of South America, and so is technically accurate. But stupid-looking.;-) The P&P kiss--Colin said in an interview that the "we couldn't get it right" business was not true. "A chaste matrimonial kiss," and no big deal according to him.

That smallish breed of horse is indigenous to that area of South America, and so is technically accurate. But stupid-looking.;-) LOL - I can think of quite a few other things in life which are technically accurate and stupid looking... ;-) Colin said in an interview... Uh-oh... I adore that man, but can't always believe all he's saying... especially that he himself once said (in an interview ;-P) that his views may change fom day to day...

If there's one way to get Colin to have a look at the Internet, it'll be with Jonathan's encouragement and because of Mickie's JF site. Hopefully. Maybe.

That picture just sends tingles right up and down my spine. Thankyou for the picture Evelyn and thanks for the tingles CF and JE, well mainly CF.

Welcome Mickie! I have visited your site on several occasions and congratulate you on having the bene placido of both Jon and his agent. Thanks for another look at Lord Wessex Arami, he still looks mighty fine to me. I was also struck with the ridiculous vision of Colin the fantastic horseman riding that small horse. He should have brought his own horse from England.

(Arami)It looked so farsical. If you mean the housemaster, kindly use his proper name. It looked so Mr. Farquharson.

Welcome home, Moon! (Elena) Heide, it really was not Eileen who thought she was a pervert, it was me!! :-D Well...*this* time. (Tracy) excessive bouts of tonsil-hockey LOL--love that term. (Karen) About the poor-form kissing, let's take a closer look at Valmont's whirling and twirling scene with Meg. How did he perform there? Heide's right. There's not too much kissing in the whirly-twirly scene. However, there's a rather deep smooch when Tourvel returns to Paris and finds Valmont waiting for her. Not that I'm paying close attention to the kissing, mind you. (Heide) Alas, Richard shows poor form in the kissing scenes with Samira in this film I seem to recall a doozy between them during one of Courtois' dreams (just before Maria finds him having a 'good dream.' Again, not that I'm paying attention or anything ;-P How about my favorite 'taht' kiss in FF? There seems to be some action there (but don't know for sure as am not paying *any* attention). (Lizza) Wasn't this the "supposed" scene that had to be reshot time and time again to get right (too much tongue or not enough?) and gave away to crew etc an inkling of their affair? C'mon, everyone knows poor Jen couldn't keep a straight face when she saw that giant hat approaching (although it's alot smaller than the tall hat he wore in Camille, which resembles an inverted hot tub). All kidding aside, he does seem to keeps his mouth shut if given the option. Then he does the 'I'll move my head in the way' maneuver so you can't see (if you were paying attention, that is). Welcome, Mickie. It's nice to see you here. Pull up a chair and make yourself at home. Hope you're feeling well again.

(Lizza)....Interview with Alan Cumming at the Donmar Thanks Lizza for the "live" report. But why Alan Cummings? "Cabaret" was a Donmar production. But , I believe, he played it only on Broadway...with Natasha R. Both got Tonys. Alan Cumming was in the original revival of "Cabaret" at the Donmar (1993/94). He was incredible then and when they moved to NYC in 1998. Jane Horrocks played Sally Bowles in the London production. I saw it in London in January 1994 and was knocked out. It took several years to effect the transfer, because Sam Mendes was not prepared to give up the club atmosphere he had created in exchange for a Broadway run. They had a hell of a time finding a suitable venue. Chris

Thank you Chris (luvy)....and what other London news do you have for us re: Colin. For all newbies: Chris is the Firth fan that we are indebted to for alerting us to 3 DOR in Jan. 99 before it was announced .Without her, we never wuld have been able to buy up all those tickets for March!!.

(Karen)- Did Colin do his usual kissing style in SLOW? (Chris L)-Do you think that they will ever do 3DOR with a London cast in NYC? In case anyone is interested Some Jonathan Info. His latest projects: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Theater/3782/news.html Also a new picture. Jonathan in a tux. You must scroll down the page. Thank you Meluchie. http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Theater/3782/madding1.html Thank you Murph for getting everything up so quickly. The picture was taken at the Northern T.V.awards. Does anyone know anything about these awards? Thanks Mickie

Evelyn: Thanks for the JE/CF smooching pictures. Just to prove that JE knows how to do it... Murph Mickie is one of my dearest internet friends. Glad you figured posting out, pal!

Trying again...on JE: Murph

Just a friendly reminder: We have other topics at Drool, such as: Odds & Ends - for TRT, Ehle items and other things http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/127/new Jonathan Firth http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/102/new Please check the main Drool board for already created topics. This one gets filled up so quickly. ;-)

(Karen) We have other topics at Drool, such as: Odds & Ends - for TRT, Ehle items and other things To include:Bridget (casting),Donmar Productions,& Donmar News, baseball, football, soccer...(Arsenal), cricket.... Question for the Drool gods:....." kissing"too? :-D

What! Have you forgotten? Bridget is at #80. ;-)

Just in case you thought no one noticed, Karen, I like the new 'title' for Colin's picture on the main page. Very Valentine-ish. And musical, of course.

thanks Chris and Murph for your news and pics.

Lizza J - The date that Alan Cumming came down the stairs at the Donmar (after the matinee) was 20th January.

Hi again.. don't know what happened there - fat finger syndrome I think. Just thought I'd up date you on Armadillo progress.. I'm about half way through the book having started it on Saturday evening..unputdownable as you can tell. I won't go giving the plot away but I will give you a few highlights which, assuming that they are included in the screenplay will delight us all I am sure. * There is kilt action in a true Scotsman stylee i.e. no knicks! * Black is something of a chameleon so lots of scope for different looks including I'm afraid to say probably in the IRL sad pants area. * Haven't come across LOL yet but there are light moments. * Ditto re "action", but I'm only half way through as I say and he hasn't really got to know Flavia yet! There is a girlfriend and a past lover in flashback - but nothing too juicy. There is a lot to Lorimer Black and so I think he will prove the perfect vehicle for DB as it will enable him to display the versatility we all know he is capable of. The story moves quite quickly too and I feel that it could be a winner provided that the screenplay stays true to the book.

Mickie is the girl with him in that picture Paloma? Thanks Tracy, keep us posted on that kilt action. :-D

Welcome Mickie. As Arami noted you are able to choose your rank Firther/Firthian/Firthette/Firhist, although some people consider themseleves Firthfans. Personally, I'm a Sloberer, but I'm not completely uncouth, I do always post wearing a clean bib. (Figuratively speaking.) Will somebody please elucidate on what exactly are "pygmy horses"? I know that there are horses, ponies, and miniature horses. The last are really tiny, being slightly bigger than large dogs. No doubt only small children could ride them. So was CF galloping around on a pony in "Nostromo"? Cymbeline, you appear from your posts to be neither stupidly ignorant nor naive. I was being flippant in my statement about CZ-J forcing a bout of tongue wrestling upon CF, and his being too polite to fend her off. You wondered how much input the director has in the type of kiss between actors in a particular scene. That depends on the specific director. Many are very controlling, although some directors prefer to deal with actors as little as possible. They believe actors should know their jobs and do them with a minimum of coddling. Interestingly, some film directors who are very definite about what sort of kiss they want, aren't particularly interested in the emotion of the kiss, but rather the look of the scene. A screen kiss is very often dictated by the lighting and the camera angles. Dealing with actors is only a fraction of directing a film, and to some directors the least important part. The screen kiss of the classic American cinema was not so much a kiss as it was the suggestion of a kiss. The were several reasons for this, ranging from the Hollywood Production Code to the type of make-up used in film then. The kisses were so choreographed, big clinches, swooning gestures, and both parties lips chastely closed, but the actors faces were shot to best effect, none of the facial distortion involved in an actual kiss. However, they looked great, better than real life, which is exactly how they were supposed to look.

choose your rank Firther/Firthian/Firthette/Firhist, although some people consider themseleves Firthfans Correction: we are all Firthfans, of course. Special ranks are extra and not compulsory. We were called Firthers by the Pemberley site people and Firthettes is a recent addition cultivated by Ben and Mark as I recall. Myself, I have always been a Firthist from the Department of Firthology. ;-)

(Cheryl) Will somebody please elucidate on what exactly are "pygmy horses"? That's just our *affectionate* term for the breed of horse that was used in Nostromo. They are actually Paso Finos (fine step). We make fun of them (although their authenticity cannot be disputed), but they are a noble breed. Unfortunately, Colin's legs are too long for these miniature horses and somebody should've figured that out. ;-) Read here: http://www.pasobeat.com/pasoinfo/history.html

I watched DQ again today, I was paying particular attention to a kissing scene and I do not think he opened his mouth at all. Now this may sound really perverted but I had the remote on slow-mo, backwards, forwards but no sign of an open mouth. Now there could be a number of reasons for this; 1, techincal but if I explained this further I may give too much away. 2, Lack of chemistry between him and his co-star. 3, Her mouth practically covered half his face obscuring the view of his mouth, and 4, you might have to diregard all of the above as I think I saw what may have been drops of saliva, who it belonged to is any ones guess but we have a 50/50 chance of getting it right when trying to determine who it might belong to. Apologies too for an earlier posting where I mentioned some of the characters names in DQ. I recollect I wrote that there was a John but its Jim. Guess I fell victim to the heavy celtic accent. The word/term bollocks or (bowlorrrx) is prevalent throughout DQ, which reminded me a bit of FP.

The Bucket now has its Armadillo page, with Aishling's scoop and the background info on the book. http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/dillo.html

(Tracy) Black is something of a chameleon so lots of scope for different looks including I'm afraid to say probably in the IRL sad pants area. Hee hee! Thanks for the info, Tracy, especially for not giving away the entire book. I believe many are reading it right now. My library has it but I haven't decided whether to read it now or wait until after Armadillo is broadcast (thereby avoiding what I have come to call 'ATA syndrome'). Armadillo's author (Wm. Boyd) is writing the screenplay. That's no guarantee that it will stay true to the book, but it's a step in the right direction. (Maureen) Her mouth practically covered half his face obscuring the view of his mouth Ye gods. What a mental picture that conjures.

Great Armadillo page, Karen... Her mouth practically covered half his face obscuring the view of his mouth I think I saw what may have been drops of saliva, who it belonged to is any ones guess but we have a 50/50 chance of getting it right when trying to determine who it might belong to. Gross.

To UK fans, don't forget Valmont is on BBC1 tonight, 11.50pm - 2am approx.

and sorry, yes great page, Karen.

Here's the link to the Nia Long interview in the Evening Standard that we couldn't find the other day. No mention of childish or childlike. So the Empire article would appear to be the only one. http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/hottx/film/top_film.html?in_review_id=226565

The only Colin news I have is in fact old news (thank goodness!). As UK surfers may know, there is a commercial address directory on the web that sources its information from the UK electoral rolls (among other public info). As a result it has every registered voter's home address in it, unless the person has pro-actively requested deletion from the database. Very, very scary stuff. CF's Hackney flat address is up there. And since I consider this site to be a horrendous and dangerous invasion of privacy, no, I won't post the URL here! As for the Donmar, there doesn't seem to be any activity on a 3DoR transfer. Honestly, since it's a 100% American play (author, setting, characters), I can't see Equity allowing a transfer with a British cast. They'd lose DM and CF. Chris

Chris, what are the Equity rules? A majority of the cast? A certain percentage? With three actors, a majority does mean that two must go. (of course, I would replace the one American and leave the two British cast members.) Surely however there must be exceptions for small productions.

CF's Hackney flat address is up there. Chris, you are such a tease! Don't they forward mail to the new address in England? ;-) Well!!! Great Armadillo page, Karen. Loved all those covers. (Maureen) Her mouth practically covered half his face obscuring the view of his mouth (Eileen), Ye gods. What a mental picture that conjures. My thoughts exactly!

Chris - not that I was looking specifically you understand but I found the address too - but didn't want to be the first to admit it! For any other UK fans just a reminder that the Larries (Oliver Awards) are to be broadcast on BBC2 at 8 pm Sunday 20th..I'll be there cheering 3DOR on to victory...do I cheer in vain? Have now finished Armadillo! Sorry Moon No more kilt action I'm afraid! Am still not going to reveal the plot but I definately think this one could be a good move for ODB.

CF's address (even former) and other very personal data fits my definition of TMI (too much information). Feel free to keep it to yourself. Karen, I read a big NYT spread last year about the number of British stage actors working in the US. Am trying in vain to recall the details, but I think it works on an exchange, not majority, basis.

(Maureen)I watched DQ again today, I was paying particular attention to a kissing scene....Lack of chemistry between him and his co-star. Certainly no lack, on the contrary I think there�s a very good chemistry between them. And I don�t see it really as a *kiss* in the usual sense but just as an act of mutual understanding and sympathy between the characters. CF's Hackney flat address is up there. So? Somebody else lives there now I suppose. The main thing is: his new home address isn�t and won�t be there, I hope.

(Karen) Chris, what are the Equity rules? A majority of the cast? A certain percentage? With three actors, a majority does mean that two must go. (of course, I would replace the one American and leave the two British cast members.) Surely however there must be exceptions for small productions. US union rules are just like the UK. Everytime you want to bring in a non-union member it takes an act of god(dess). And of course you have to prove to the immigration folks that you aren't taking the bread out of the mouth of some starving actor (which you undoubtedly are). Case in point: the aggro around bringing the Almeida production of "Iceman Cometh" to Broadway. A substantial proportion of the cast had to be left home and replaced by US members. There are no hard and fast rules. There is a definite tit-for-tat attempted, but I don't believe there are any specific quotas. FWIW, there seem to be a lot more UK companies coming in this direction than the reverse, although a great many never see the lights of Broadway. They wind up as part of an "international Arts Festival" in Connecticut (Max Stafford-Clark's Out of Joint) or at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (the RSC). (Elena) CF's Hackney flat address is up there. So? Somebody else lives there now I suppose. The main thing is: his new home address isn�t and won�t be there, I hope. Oh please. Someone asked for "news" and I shared what I had. Let's not pretend that we are more interested in his shoe size than where he lives. On the other hand, his shoe size HAS gotten more analysis.

So we had "better act our shoe size , not our age" tee hee :) Tracy, the Larries will be announced before they are televised so you will know whether to cheer or not!

On the other hand, his shoe size HAS gotten more analysis. Shoe fetishes are more common and with proper counseling are treatable. ;-) Thanks Chris for the theater info. So there are no hard and fast Equity rules and basic immigration law kicks in. It's the same in most countries if you try to work elsewhere. Have to prove no one else can do the job. That being the case, then there's no point in bringing the Donmar production back to the US. The entire production essentially consists of 3 actors, a director (not even Sam the Man) and a set design. If you had to replace the actors, then IMO it's not the Donmar's production really anymore. A big white, stark set with a staircase is not going to sell any tickets.

(Luvvy)Oh please. Someone asked for "news" and I shared what I had. Let's not pretend that we are more interested in his shoe size than where he lives. Thanks for the "news" and also thanks for not posting the url here. Very interesting that this sort of a thing can happen. Suppose he actually lives in Hackney in that address?! Then it really is scary. I do not pretend one bit when I tell you that I don�t want to know where he lives and I hope that none of us does.

(Chris)Someone asked for "news" and I shared what I had. I was the one who asked...and I thank you for giving us news, and for not posting the address on a public board CF, unfortunately, has some over zealous fans...trust me...I saw them in action last November.I would not wish to inflict them on ODB. ~~~~~~ Interesting stuff about bringing UK casts to B'way. But when the cast of Cabaret came , they replaced Jane Horrocks with Natasha Richardson...who I'm sure holds British citizenship even though she lives in Connecticut.Closer and Amy's view were all Brit casts. TRT is coming with the whole cast (alas I wish they would replace three supportings actors....)Of course, Jennifer has dual. (sorry this is OT...I know better.)

(Chris L) there is a commercial address directory on the web that sources its information from the UK electoral rolls (among other public info)... Very, very scary stuff. UK electoral registration rolls are open to public inspection in every town hall and public library.

Yes indeed they are - its the same here in Australia. Everyone is listed in the electoral roll who lives in a certain area. I am sure as has already been said - the address can be omitted - I sincerely hope C.F. has now done that. Its far to scary as you say, there are some crazy people out there. Sean Connery used to live not far away from where my brother lives in Surrey and I believe he suffered some of that madness that occurs when you live in an ordinary street and an ordinary house not security controlled and that was back in the sixties when he was married to Diane Cilento.

Calling all Firthettes... I am FINALLY going to London, for a much needed break. I'll be there from 29 MArch to 7 April, and wanted all your advice on nice places to visit, eat, walk, etc.. Am also trying to get together with people for lunch/tea/dinner, if anyone's in the area. Good to see you all in full Spring -action... I've missed you guys.

Have a great Winter! I will not be there till Summer. (Karen), A big white, stark set with a staircase is not going to sell any tickets. ART seems to be selling out everywhere and that also has a a big white set with everyone fussing over a big white canvas. :-)

(Winter)... and wanted all your advice on nice places to visit, eat, walk, etc.. Have a good time, Winter....Say hello to The Donmar ...and Starbucks in the lower level ;-) And oh, the Penne Pesto at the Luna Nuova isn't bad.

Everyone: I received this e-mail today. Can anyone help this poor woman? I have no idea where to tell her to get CF in Italian. Murph ************************* please please please help me! I need film vhs about Colin in italian language!! I have "Shakespeare in love", "un mese in campagna"(a mouth in the country)and "il paziente inglese"(the english patient)only can you help me? my name is Roberta Rubegni, ciao ciao da Roma Italy my e-mail is: Roru72@freemail.it

"can you help me? my name is Roberta Rubegni, ciao ciao da Roma Italy " Would be nice if we could ask Livia(bg)

isn't she your penpal, Renate? ;-) Roberta with mucho amore por Colin and wanted to marry him.

Winter, try exploring www.thisislondon.co.uk for replies to some of your questions.

Maybe tell Roberta to consult the Roma electoral registration rolls?;-)

Gee, thanks, guys, for all your well-meaning suggestions!!!! If she is the one that wanted to marry CF, I'm not answering her note! Murph

(Murph) If she is the one that wanted to marry CF You mean I wasn't the only one who wanted to marry him!!! I'm all amazement ;-)

Cathey: I'd marry him too, if I wasn't old enough to be his mother. I don't think the age difference of 28 years would work. I really meant that the letter writer from Italy, did, I think, write some over-the-top-stuff to someone else around here. I'm sorry I forget who. Murph

Murph, I too think it is the same person who wrote that overtop wish for Colin. In Italian there must be Fever Pitch somewhere. I know it played there but I do not recall the title in Italian. (Mari), Maybe tell Roberta to consult the Roma electoral registration rolls?;-) ROTFLOL! Nothing is that easy in Rome.

(Murph) I'd marry him too, if I wasn't old enough to be his mother. I don't think the age difference of 28 years would work. Nonsense! Haven't you ever seen Harold and Maude? The real problem is the polygamy issue. How about we all become Mormons?

Where are you, Bethan? I miss your regular reports ;-) Winter (hope this is not too late): Little Venice is a nice walk when the weather is fine, and I vaguely remember that parts of Londinium where shot there. Can anyone help here? And don't forget your camera, the boats are very colourful. The underground was Warwick Avenue if I remember correctly (Bakerloo line?), next to Paddington. (Karen) isn't she your penpal, Renate? ;-) No, that was Gi ;-). But she actually contacted us via cf.com's guestbook. (Cathey) You mean I wasn't the only one who wanted to marry him!!! Oh, Cathey, don't write such things when I'm drinking my tea! It's now vaporized (expr?) all over the screen ....... ;-) Moon, I think the FP title is "Febbre a 90�" or something. Murph, as I recall she speaks almost no English, somebody who speaks Italian should talk to her. (Cymbeline) How about we all become Mormons? Oh goody. Rhymes with hormon(e)s. ;-P

Ann and all: I have your picture from Biz's article in the Daily Mail. It came today. Thanks! It is small and tough to make very clear, but it is a nice one, I think. Ann W's Picture Murph

Winter - I certainly hope the weather brightens up for you when you arrive. There have been freezing cold winds howling about the City of London over the last couple of days but very clear skies...all the better for getting a view from the London Eye which is the huge ferris wheel on the banks of the Thames. I've not been myself but it's fantastic apparently.. Just going back briefly on this address business. I agree with Chris that it is very, very scary to know that my own address, telephone number etc etc is there for all and sundry to see let alone anybody elses. You never know who is going to do what with that kind of information. You can have your details removed (under the Data Protection Act 1984) which I'm going to do and I hope that others (!) do the same. Anybody catch Valmont on Tuesday... well done BBC screening it in "widescreen" Hmmmm excellent choice...NOT. I don't know what they had done but for a vast percentage of the time the sides of the picture were missing (and I DO have a widescreen TV before anyone offers a "smart" suggestion) so you only got to see half DB, MT or ABs face. Still that aside it was great to see it again and I was quite encouraged to notethat it had been awarded **** out of 5 (perhaps opinions have changed over the years - I seem to recall that it was looked on unfavourably in the past).

Tracy, I also saw it, but encountered no problems. Ironically "The Times" (even naming my source, whatever next!!!:)) has a picture and article of Clive Wood today ("London's Burning" etc) who is currently starring as Valmont, touring production. Having seen ODB in the role so recently, I can't imagine that THIS Valmont could set hearts racing not worth peeling off all those undergarments for Ladies. (Apologies to Clive, he was an excellent Henry at the RSC some years ago) I'll stick to Colin's version of powder blue brocade. It is irritating that only John Malkovich's film role gets mentioned in comparison, but we are used to CF being left out by now.

Lizza - I didn't get to see Valmont "live" and had someone tape it for me - they have Digital CableTV so perhaps something went awry here. Anyway it didn't really spoil the enjoyment - I could watch DB twirling about in his fancy embroidered duds and strangely metamorphosing hairstyles (punting scene animated fringe LOL!) forever. Pah John Malkovich ...horrid, horrid yeuuch! Clive Wood (can't place him) as Valmont....nobody could do the role justice surely.

Lizza- have just found the Times pic of Clive Wood! DB has nothing, but NOTHING to worry about...It looks as if he's going for the ugly, old, letch Valmont in a Malkovitch stylee ;-D

(Murph)I'd marry him too, if I wasn't old enough to be his mother. It doesn't seem to worry "Rafe" Fiennes and Francesca Annis... (Cymbeline) How about we all become Mormons? Won't work. What if Colin is a RC now?

(Renate), I think the FP title is "Febbre a 90�" or something. as I recall she speaks almost no English, somebody who speaks Italian should talk to her. You are right about the title, Renate, I remember it now. If it is the same person who wrote that Christmas wish in Italian for Colin on Murph's site, she sounded very over the top. Murph, what a great picture, such a sultry look. BTW, you left Rupert Everett out of your 1960's page. He was born September 11, 1960. The day after ODB.

Renate, Thanks for your kind words! I've lots to say, but am struggling with problems with my Internet connection. I can browse, but have difficulties posting. Watch this space!

I'll see if this works...or whether I lose the entire posting. :-( Random comments.. Tracy, I agree with you that "Armadillo" will be a very good project...and Eileen, I wouldn't have any reservations about reading the book...this won't be another ATA. CF's character, Lorimer/Milo, is on every page..the story follows him...and will, I'm sure, be in every frame of the film (or mini-series?) And with Sue Birtwistle at the helm, his best interests will be protected. I can see why SB says he's perfect for the role. There seem to be many similarities with DQ....successful but idealisic, caring man, ultimately at odds with the world in which he works, attractive to women but pursuing some seemingly unattainable romantic ideal. Also there are shades of John Hatfield (Maid of Buttermere), more flawed, but also pursuing some romantic/spiritual ideal. SPOILERS..he has to say "I'm passionately in love with you" (shades of Mr Darcy) and, by my reckoning, there are four kisses, two "chaste" and two decidedly unchaste (although it's the women who take the initiative!)' It will be interesting to see if he follows the text! BTW some great characters in "Armadillo"...I'd love to see Timothy Spall play Torquil. On Television re Movies. Now that the Oscar hype is again engulfing us, I'm personally rather fed up with the whole hoopla, self-promotion, awards, Hollywood glamour scene. There's a lot to be said for producing a quality product for TV transmission, which will probably be seen worldwide without any hype. But for some reason being a "movie actor" seems to carry more kudos. On kissing...quoting from memory (and, Arami, the source was a tabloid!) the gist of Ruth Gemmel's comments were...she was rather nervous about the love scenes, but said that it was very easy to talk to Colin about this because he was sympathetic and "wasn't the kind of man who would find this funny". She then said he had obviously had a lot of experience of on-screen kissing, and unlike in the theatre, he didn't kiss "properly" (ie he used the professional technique which actors are taught). She then said her boyfriend was very relieved about this. The theatre comment puzzles me!! What goes on in the theatre? IMHO I think he'll always go for the professional approach (on screen!) Finally, DQ. Karen, why did they show it at the Cork Festival? It obviously can be shown on the Big Screen even though it's filmed in Super16. The only reason I can think for delaying the transmission for 12 months is that perhaps they want to show it at other UK festivals (Edinburgh, London). Ironically, it sounds better than many Brit movies that do get a nationwide release. Do you still have any leads on this, Karen? It genuinely puzzles me... a 100 minute film can be fitted into the schedules at 2 weeks notice...there's a lot of flexibility. And most commissioned programmes have a transmission date assigned before completion. A year long delay is very "unusual", to say the least! Will try to post...fingers crossed!

(Bethan) I wouldn't have any reservations about reading the book...this won't be another ATA. One would hope so! Thanks, but I was speaking in general. When I see any standard length movie based on a book I've enjoyed, I'm usually a bit disappointed because dialogue and scenes I thought would be in were left out or the storyline was markedly altered. Not so with a miniseries, which has time to delve into a book's finer points. So I think I'll wait (and wait and wait, probably) to see Armadillo through 'fresh eyes.' Since you bring up the kissing thing again, I'll mention a snippet in this week's Newsweek about Leonardo DiCaprio: seems he suffers from bad kissing disease. Sharon Stone, his costar in The Quick and the Dead, was quoted as saying "kissing him was like kissing my arm," or words to that effect. They had similar unflattering comments from several other female costars. Ruth's comments aside, let's hope we never anything like this written about ODB!

...you left Rupert Everett out of your 1960's page. He was born September 11, 1960. The day after ODB. Did anyone notice that Meg Tilly became 40 on Feb. 14 of this year? No wonder he was attracted -- she's a real Valentines girl!

Looks like 3DOR lucked out again chaps! So I shan't be bothering to watch! Bethan.."BTW some great characters in "Armadillo"...I'd love to see Timothy Spall play Torquil" I agree, there are some excellently drawn principles. Tim Spall could make a Torquil - but I think a better Lobby, what about John (Fast Show/ Cold Feet) Thompson for Oliver Rollo? John Thaw for Hogg? Hey lets just wheel all those sure fire BAFTA winners in there. Any room for David Jason..Dame Judi ;-) What I particularly like about Armadillo are the "Book of Transformation" and dream sequences which punctuate the book which offer stark contrast to "reality" and most of the comedic elements.

unlike in the theatre, he didn't kiss "properly" Poppycock. The same technique applies in the theatre.

Arami I have not heard the term Poppycock for years LOL, thankyou for bringing back some very fond and funny memories.

A great BIG THANKS to all those involved in "Operation DQ & Donmar Lobby". You know who you are.... Thunderous applause:*clap*, *clap*.Take a well-deserved bow :-)

For those who haven't seen Colin's Lifeline appeal for the Bushmen of the Kalahari, the entire video can be seen at the Survival organization's website. It does require use of Real Media's G2 player, which you can download for free using a button on the site. I'll give you two urls: Survival webpage Or direct to the clip (if you have G2): Click to View Clip I'll put the links up at The Bucket shortly.

Note: on the index page, the video is under the first drop-down menu, entitled Campaign News. Viewed without frames, you can get right to the Lifeline page via this url: Lifeline page Sorry for the confusion.

I wonder if a certain "Super Sleuth" talked Survival Appeal into uploading Colin's infomercial....Hmmmmm?

Mickie - you're here! I met Mickie in NY at a Firth gathering a couple of years ago. She's terrific, had me laughing the whole time. Posting to Spring - I've had the same problem, but I really think it's my PC memory or something because my server usually shuts down right in the middle of loading. But it worked tonight and I am so glad. Trying to catch up right now. Another friend told me about the Survival video being up. Just watched it. Thanks, Karen. Bye, Barbara

Despite my previous posting I decided to watch the Olivier Awards after all. There was a v short interview with SD & JE re TRT but I think somebody up there has definitely got it in for 3DOR..of all of the nominated plays it got the shortest mention of all!

Tracy -somebody up there has definitely got it in for 3DOR.., and yet there was quite a lot on "Good" and a short interview with Charles Dance and an excerpt from the play, it is too bad. OT I am afraid there weren't any shots of JE & SD in the audience Evelyn, just the short interview that Tracy mentioned.

Tracy -somebody up there has definitely got it in for 3DOR.., and yet there was quite a lot on "Good" and a short interview with Charles Dance and an excerpt from the play, it is too bad Must admit I sort of watched it too, although I hate award ceremonies. Why all the fuss about "Good" and Charles Dance?. And barely a mention of 3DOR...very puzzling (although predictable, says she cynically). 3DOR certainly got better much, much reviews than the other new plays nominated (along with Lady in the Van).

Could it be that none of the stars of 3DOR were going to be at the Awards Show?

Karen, thanks for this scoop (Survival film). I bought and had Real Player Plus on my system, but it messed up my DVD player. I will try with the basic version. I can't miss watching this! Murph

Karen, but Charles Dance was not there, at the Awards, I mean, just him up on a big screen.

Hmmm, I thought I'd read he was going to be a presenter. Shoots that theory! ;-)

I have a theory about this non-award! Call me a cynic if you like, but I notice from my 3DOR programmme that Carlton (an Independent TV company over here) appears to have an affiliation with the Donmar. I also note that it was the BBC Award for new drama...and the animosity between Auntie Beeb and ITV is well known! Aha.....elementary my dear Firthies...shame 3DOR has to suffer;-(

Tracy, you may have a point there... ;-) (Btw, who says Stephen Dillane wasn't at the Awards? He was there and shook hands with Henry Goodman.)

No one said SD wasn't at the Awards, I was there and said Charles Dance was not at the Awards.

Hi all: I'm reading Armadillo, and love it. You are introduced and led deeply into Lorimer Black's mind -- how he lives, what he dresses like, what he likes, what his family is like, why he cannot sleep. He is a marvelous fully realized character. The following is from his book of thoughts, which he calls the Book of Transfiguration. He is an avid armor collector. All these great unknown words led me to find some web sites and to do a page on armor. ************************* "270. The Current Collection: a German black sallet; a burgonet (possibly French, somewhat corroded), and, my special favorite, a barbute, Italian, marred only by the absence of the rosette rivets, and so ringed with holes. It was the strange music of this lost vocabulary that drew me first to armor, to see what things these magical words actually described, to discover what was a pauldron, a couter, a vambrace and fauld, or tasser, poleyn and greave, beavor, solleret, gorget and besague. I derive a genuine thrill when Ivan says to me: "I've an interesting basinet with letten flourens, and with, astonishingly, the original aventail�though of course the vervelles are missing," and I know exactly�exactly�what he means. To own an armor, a suit entire, is an impossible fantasy (though I once bought a vambrace and couter of a child's armor, and a shaffron from a German horse armor), so I settle instead for armor of the head, of helms and helmets, developing a particular taste for visorless helmets, the sallets and kettle hats, basinets, casques, spangenhelms and morions, burgonets, barbutes and another dream, this�the frogmouthed and great helms. - The Book of Transfiguration" Ivan HAS to be played by Timothy Spall! Murph A quick OT, because I think we talked about it here. Four Feathers will star Jude Law in the old John Clements role of the man who gets the four feathers from his friends. It was on Teletext the other day. The "Elizabeth" director will be doing this.

I'm reading "Armadillo" too, Murph. Actually, I'm more interested in Lucid Dreams, and the relationship to the story.

I've started a gallery of pictures from Donovan Quick. When finished you'll be able to click and move to the larger images as you've seen on Renate's or Elena's pages. Take a first look: Donovan Quick Gallery

Thanks Karen, they are great, but where is the cheeky grin and the two dear old ladies?

Isn't it the one on the far right in the second row? I also posted the full-size one on Topic 126.

Thanks!

Great pictures, Karen. Can't wait for the larger versions. Thanks! Murph

Thanks, Murph, they're not great quality, but beggars can't be choosers. ;-) Just need to rotate an arrow gif and then I can start. Tracy asked: Anybody know the title of the music was playing when the freezer-fondling was going on in Femme Fatale? Anybody know? Maybe I'll try fast forwarding my tape to the end credits later.

Looks great, Karen! That is just like me, always fast-forwarding to the next CF image. ;-D

Just realised that the BBC are showing "Femme Fatale" again tonight (he'll be pleased :-) )...part of a CF season? I'm wondering if there are quite a few people out there who are asking why we never see CF on screen. One of my work colleagues brought up the subject of TOTS (quite without prompting from me!) and said how much he'd enjoyed it...very true to the novella...but that his girlfriend was furious because she's a great CF fan and he was only in it for 5 minutes! Definitely the right time for screening DQ! Has anyone actually contacted the Head of Drama for BBC Scotland re this (Barbara McKissack). I just rang up general enquiries. BTW the conact name for BBC Worldwide (Americas) is Peter Phippen. There's a website at http://www.bbcworldwide.com Lots of jobs for CF in the paper! :-) The Refugee Council have advertised several adviser posts (�20,000 pa) in London, working with asylum seekers, especially orphaned children/young adolescents, of whom, sadly there are many. Thanks for the pics, Karen! BTW, does anyone know for sure that MLSF opens in May in the UK? Is it listed anywhere? (Doubting Thomas) Tracy, love your casting suggestions for "Armadillo"...Tim Spall for Lobby, I definitely agree. Do you think it will be a series? William Boyd usually writes single dram screenplays.

Quick & Pannick Bus pics, brilliant. Esp. like the flashback ones and the ending shot. Those have the best subtle facial expressions that say so much . CF at his best, folks.IMO

Bethan, I too thought it might just possibly be a CF season, so I checked next Tuesday late, but no CF film this time, oh well, it would probably have have been Playmaker ! BTW I forgot to mention that I got a reply from BBC Information re DQ, and here is an excerpt from their reply "Thankyou for your letter regarding DQ. I regret that I am unable to provide a date of transmission for the programme. Our future schedules are only confirmed two weeks in advance which means it is not possible to give details for programmes beyond this period......." So there we are but at least they no there are a few people very interested in DQ.

CAMILLE REMINDER Camille will be shown on the Romance Classics channel tomorrow, February 23, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. I can't tell if it will be shown again in March, as that month's calendar is not yet available at the website.

Back from Canada and the cold (and my pretty niece)it's a pleasure to read all the 200 plus posts (not counting other topics and email ;-)). Please bear with me if I comment on a few old ones. (Evelyn)Re: The Kiss He was sucking on her upper lip while she was engrossed in aiming for his lower one. That'll do in a pinch,I guess. *sigh* Shall I be the only one to say how different kisses can be great? Including closed lipped ones? The Kama Sutra also suggests kissing your partner's lower or upper lip (upper is best, it says). Most men are lousy kissers, IMHO, especially those that think all there is to kissing is sticking a big tongue in their partner's mouth, or getting her face full of blubber (sp?) (Arami)If there's one way to get Colin to have a look at the Internet, it'll be with Jonathan's encouragement and because of Mickie's JF site. Hopefully. Maybe. Not true. Livia told me they had already visited the Internet when I talked to her last year. Welcome, Mickey :-)

(GI)"Not true. Livia told me they had already visited the Internet when I talked to her last year." Gi, I wasn't around here last year/ Would you mind telling all the newbies here when and where did you have a chance to talk to Livia and what did she have to say?Any detail would be welcome. Thanks

Vera, I talked to her in London, last March at the Donmar, after the show. She was outside with some friends and I told her how much I admired her husband, and that many fans had come from all over the world to watch him play that night; I mentioned we had a site on the web that was dedicated to him and where we chatted sometimes, and invited her/them to join us if she wished. She was very gracious, and said they had connected to the Internet once before and done some surfing, and that she would try it again. I don't remember all the details but I posted them at the time, so if you like, search for the March posts. We all posted our comments then.

Thanks Gi Where were you in Canada?

The Donovan Quick gallery is open: Gallery

Karen, I've just visited the DQ gallery. It is wonderful. Thanks very much.

(Vera)Where were you in Canada? In Toronto, and in Collingwood for the weekend. If I had planned this more carefully (and more in advance) I'd have called for you ladies living in the area to meet me for tea or something. As it was, I was Springless, but had my time quite full with my family. A week is so short!

Great job, Karen! Thank you!

Yes, great job with your DQ gallery, O Karen, Queen of Snappies. I see you included the rear view mirror view. No hair wranglers on this set, obviously :-(. CAMILLE REMINDER VCRs are at the ready. Bethan, I believe it's May 5th for MLSF in the UK. You're going to love it.

From the London Theatre Guide Newsletter: 15 Years Ago: " Anthony Hopkins and Colin Firth had just opened in Schnitzler's The Lonely Road at the Old Vic." Did anybody see it?

No to my everlasting regret - I lived near London then and often went to the theatre - I believe it was even played at a local theatre - The Yvonne Arnaud in Guildford - I do remember seeing Anthony Andrews. But apart from watching him play soccer in a charity match and watching a couple of his early t.v. shows I didn't realise who he was - although I always liked his acting ability. But I do vaguely remember a long lanky player with a particular run playing in the soccer match. Anne H

This Sunday's Mobile Masterpiece Theatre on PBS Turn of the Screw. Finally! I saw this posted on RoP.

NEWSFLASH, Renee Zelwegger to play Bridget!!! see topic #80

(Moon) This Sunday's Mobile Masterpiece Theatre on PBS Turn of the Screw. Finally! Yes, Moon, TTOTS will be broadcast this Sunday at 9 p.m. It seems to be receiving favorable press (surprising, given how it was pretty much picked over by the British press, but that's happened before). TV Guide says "Jodhi May shines..."

Having just posted that, I see in my NY Times a not-so-favorable review that is more in tune with the British reviews.

I taped "Camille" yesterday on the Romance Channel...and viewed it last night...I take it all back....it's a lousy production,alright.Esp. the script. But he looks gorgeous.I guess I have a thing for Joe Prince and Armand...the kind of a guy that sticks by you "in sickness and in health".

Thanks Eileen...just read the NY times review...no mention of CF at all..but "Jodhi May, as the poor governess, spends most of the 90 minutes looking furtive, suspicious and slightly demented, as well as scared of her own shadow." That slightly better than the London Times which said she spent the whole 90 minutes with "mouth ajar". Ouch.They don't recommend.

I will add the few minutes Colin appears to my Camille tape. I can see Milos Forman casting him as Valmont after having viewed Camille. He does debauch� and sweet very well. He cetainly did get starring roles back then, on film and in the theatre. He probably thought he was on the road to major stardom until Dangerous Liasons sent him hiding in the woods of Canada. Now he does not get a mention in the NYT for TOTS and we are still debating whether he will play Mark Darcy.

Come on! He still gets starring roles in the theatre and I am sure would get more if he could afford it. He may well be being offered starring roles on film. Okay, not Hollywood. Valmont saw to that and it was not his fault. But the Maid of Buttermere is obviously an offer whether he accepts or not. And on TV he is obviously considered very bankable. He is a British star and is a household name here, at least to television audiences. That may not make him millions but it is where he lives and chooses to base himself. He may never be Anthony Hopkins. But he is a niche player who is never out of work. Think if he did land a multimillion paycheck for a role, I suspect he would flee to the Umbrian Hills and never appear again.

(Moon) Now he does not get a mention in the NYT for TOTS I'm OK with this--it was a lousy review, after all. Besides, his picture is there (the one we've all seen before, except they cropped the top of his head, puffy h**r and all).

3DOR was really a co-starring role, it was an ensemble cast. We hope he is offered a starring role in the theatre soon. Allison, it was just an observation, I agree with you. He is never out of work.

I'm curious to know what you think of TTOTS.

TTOTS seems a long time ago now, and excepting one bad review (the Times?) got uniformly very good reviews and 5 star ratings in the UK. I think reading the novella (which most critics had) does help. It's out on vodeo here soon as the "acclaimed" production!

(Bethan)I think reading the novella (which most critics had) does help. Probably. I side with the "mouth ajar" critics :-(

Hi, ladies ;-) I can't wait to see ODB in The Turn of the Screw although he only has a few minutes of show. Here is local PBS' introdution of it: This adaptation of Henry James' gothic tale -- which many believe to be one of the all-time great ghost stories -- is a psychological portrait of a new governess who attempts to exorcise the ghosts menacing the two small children in her care. Colin Firth, Pam Ferris and Jodhi May star. -------- They do list DB's name first on the main cast (for his few precious moment in the film ;-))

Karen, thanks so much for the DQ gallery, I only now had some time to look it through and enjoy it. Great work. (Allison)Think if he did land a multimillion paycheck for a role, I suspect he would flee to the Umbrian Hills and never appear again. Agreed! That�s what he would do I�m sure, and that�s what I have secretly feared, as much as I�d enjoy seeing him in a major role in a major film.

(Allison)Think if he did land a multimillion paycheck for a role, I suspect he would flee to the Umbrian Hills and never appear again. (Elena) Agreed! That�s what he would do I�m sure, and that�s what I have secretly feared, as much as I�d enjoy seeing him in a major role in a major film. Eek! That's a frightening thought, but it does sound reasonable. Therefore we must hope that ODB does lots more of that personally satisfying, but low paying stage work :-).

paycheck That should read paycheque of course! See what a bad influence you all are:-)

Mini newsflash! MLSF will be screened at the Bradford Film Festival on Wednesday 8 March at 8.15pm as part of "Focus America", sponsored by American Airlines, along with "The Insider", "The Hurricanne", Cradle will Rock", "Lake Placid", "Any given Sunday" "boys Don't Cry" and "Galaxy Quest". Good company, I think! The bad news (and I'm no longer finding this funny)is that in the comprehensive programme, they manage to completely miss out CF's name. MLSF is listed as starring Rosemary Harris, Malcolm McDowell, Tcheky Karyo and Robert Norman. The opening blurb also says "British talent is evident as always with Hugh Hudson as director of MLSF, rising star Emily Watson joining the stellar cast of "Cradle will Rock" and Alan Rickman in "Galaxy Quest". How come it's always his name? I actually read the credits for the other movies...no-one else is "overlooked". There are pics of Russell Crowe, Aln Rickman etc, but for MLSF there's a sweeping shot of a young boy on a beach, not the usual promotional shots which we've seen. The programme has gone out to half a million people, some of whom may be CF fans. I'm beginning to subscribe to a conspiracy theory!! Shall complain!

Firing my last indignant salvo.... Reading the blurb on MLSF they seem to be promoting it entirely on the David Puttnam/Hugh Hudson connection (which won't mean much to younger movie goers). It's as though "Colin Firth in a starring role" isn't worth a mention...and this is really what they should be stressing, not DP!! Puzzled as ever...

Please do complain, Bethan, this is too much.

In more positive mode!.. This is a terrific festival held at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, and MLSF is in great company... "special previews of acclaimed new films from the world's dominant film-making country". All the Oscar-nominated films are here ("Cider House Rules" opens). Lord Puttnam hosts the opening night on March 3. I'm sure he'll promote MLSF!

Bethan, do you have a telephone number so that we can all complain at the disgraceful ommission of the star of the film, again. Hope this doesn't repeat when it opens for general release.

Ann, on reflection (have simmered down now! :-)), I think it may be a genuine (but unfortunate) typographic error, as MEM and IJ are also omitted. But I'll ring up about it! Have to say that MLSF features very prominently in the programme...large accompanying photo (of the curling rink, not the beach) CF omission aside, I'm actually very pleased about this, and think it bodes well for the release of MLSF in the UK. It's been given a good slot..."The Insider" shows on Tuesday evening, then MLSF on Wed. evening, and "Being John Malkovich" on Thursday evening...no 1.00pm showings! I know this is a regional Film Festival, but they are showing some firtst-rate films, and i think it's a compliment to MLSF to see it included. Murph...do you want to include this in your News (for UK fans obviously). It's the first time MLSF has been screened in the UK. I think I've given all the details in my other postings. To recap, MLSF is being shown for the first time in the UK on Wednesday 8 March at 8.15pm at the Bradford Film Festival 2000 at the National Museum of Photography Film and Television, as part of "Focus America", bringing special previews of acclaimed new films from the US ("The Insider", "Hurricane", "Being John Malkovich" "The Cider House Rules" etc) BTW the date for MLSF is given as 2000 (1999 for all other movies). Has it been re-edited, again?

Fair enough Bethan, but I do think it would be a good idea for someone to point out the omission. Good for you.

(Bethan) I think it may be a genuine (but unfortunate) typographic error, as MEM and IJ are also omitted. I agree--must be a mistake. I find it hard to believe the star's name would be omitted in the same country where his 5 minute cameo provided the entire promotional approach for a TV movie. *scratching my head* I'm also surprised to see Any Given Sunday on the list. The sheer irony of Lawrence Taylor's or Jim Brown's role would be lost on the audience. Well, you do get to see Al Pacino yell and scream alot... It is a wide variety of films, most of which did/are doing well either critically or in the BO (except Lake Placid), so you're right, Bethan, MLSF finds itself in good company.

OT followup to the earlier discussion of transatlantic casting changes: (from What's On News http://www.whatson.com/wos/news/ ) Hit Plays do a Transatlantic Swap -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 25 February 2000 Stringent rules imposed by American Equity, the actor's union, have been bypassed in a deal that enables the West End hit The Real Thing to transfer to Broadway in March with its English cast in tact. Perhaps because it feels threatened by the worldwide reputation of English actors for excellence, American Equity has for many years blocked the wholesale transfer of London casts to Broadway. But in a conciliatory move this week, it has reached an agreement with UK Equity to allow The Real Thing to cross the Atlantic next month in exchange for Warren Leight's award-winning play Side Man, just opened at the Apollo, which consists of the entire Broadway cast, plus one new member of the cast, Jason Priestley, also an American, well known from the long-running soap, Beverly Hills 90210. One reason for the settlement was that both plays have exactly the same number of actors in the cast - seven - thus avoiding quota wrangles. Ron Kastner, the American producer of The Real Thing, admitted that American Equity are more intransigent on the subject of exchanges than British Equity. "They simply don't want English actors to take roles that could go to Americans," he said. Top producer Cameron Mackintosh has had a number of clashes with American Equity, notably over the casting of Jonathan Pryce as the Eurasian pimp in his US production of Miss Saigon in 1990. When he threatened to cancel the whole thing, Equity relented and after finally opening in April 1991, it recouped its $10.9m investment in 39 weeks. Trevor Nunn also had a run-in with the union last year after they refused to allow the leading players in his award-winning revival of Oklahoma to transfer, insisting on an indigenous cast. For Jennifer Ehle and Stephen Dillane, the stars of The Real Thing, a high profile Broadway run is bound to open up other career opportunities. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Eileen) Well, you do get to see Al Pacino yell and scream alot. Are you referring to Any Given Sunday or The Insider? Or doesn't it matter. ;-) Thanks, Chris. Equity's rules are quota-driven. Now, what 3 actor show is currently on or off-Broadway that could transfer to London? ;-)

MLSF is being shown for the first time in the UK on Wednesday 8 March at 8.15pm at the Bradford Film Festival 2000 at the National Museum of Photography Film and Television, Well that shoots down my theory of a big splashy Charity Benefit London Premiere.I have never heard of the Bradford FF...is that the museum on the South Bank in London? ~~~~ Thanks Chris.TRT for Sideman? I saw the latter on B'way. We got a better deal;-)

Don't deny us Brits Any Given Sunday because we won't get all the ironies; otherwise we might have to retaliate by making a film focusing on soccer and giving it incredibly limited release in the US (oh, no, done that already). Will America or Canada be more upset by "Jason Priestley, also an American"?

(Eileen) Well, you do get to see Al Pacino yell and scream alot. (Karen),Are you referring to Any Given Sunday or The Insider? Or doesn't it matter. ;-) Hard to tell with that Method actor. ;-) Thanks Chris!

(Karen) Now, what 3 actor show is currently on or off-Broadway that could transfer to London? ;-) Easy. Bash is already in London, and has gotten outstanding reviews. Wit, with Kathleen Chalfont, is going to London in April, I believe. I still say 3DOR ain't coming back to NYC, no matter who would be in the cast. It's played/is playing in cities across the country with local actors; nothing exclusive about it anymore. (Mark) Will America or Canada be more upset by "Jason Priestley, also an American"? Hee, hee. I think we Yanks definitely got the raw deal on that one, Mark, just as we get blamed for Jim Carrey (who I actually like, BTW). On the other hand, it *is* a rather loose border; maybe "What's On Stage" figures we all sound alike, so what's the diff?;-) And how come JP gets a US union card, when they count JE against the Brit quota? It's all smoke and mirrors, if you ask me;-)

Nobody chews scenery with quite the aplomb of Al Pacino. I never thought of Colin Firth as being a method actor, although he probably touched on the technique in some of his drama school classes. Stanislavsky never called it the Method; he called it the System. Lee Strasberg is responsible for the name "Method". When Stella Adler travelled to the then USSR to visit with Stanislavsky a few years before he died, she found that Stanislavsky didn't really approve of the changes Strasberg had made to the technique. Adler went back to New York and taught the real Stanislavsky method, er system. Many actors considered Adler a better drama coach than Strasberg. Then again, it is all relative.

To All: Bethan, I'll get the news up now on MLSF. Thanks. Al Pacino, who I grant can chew up the scenery better than anyone else I know, is restrained (for him) in The Insider. I was pleasantly surprised at how his role and Russell's blended and worked so well together. Plummer is terrific too. I can't believe they left him off the Oscar noms. Murph

Hello everyone. This is actually my first time posting on this board. But I have VERY important CF info for those of you who live in the US. On your local PBS station, Master Piece Theatre will be showing "The Turning of the Screw" on this Sunday at 9pm (at least they are here in NY on channel 13). CF is one of the main characters. So check out your local listings for your PBS station! Good luck finding it, and happy viewing!!! ~Liz K

WELCOME LIZ Thank you for posting your news. We all are looking forward to viewing all of TTOTS. Some of us who were in London in mid -January got a peak at the tape....but CF only has a 4 minute appearance. But hey, that's two minutes more than The Secret Garden. Stick around, we love newbies on Drool.

An FOFer found this yesterday: From The Independent: Rumours that Colin Firth, aka Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice and the object of Bridget's slavering affections, will play the love interest Mark Darcy remained unconfirmed yesterday. His agent said simply: "I have no idea." Murph

(Murph) From The Independent: Rumours that Colin Firth, aka Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice and the object of Bridget's slavering affections, will play the love interest Mark Darcy remained unconfirmed yesterday. His agent said simply: "I have no idea." Isn't that a hoot? Saw that posted over on the Bridget topic. Attention, Colin's agent: If you don't want to know what we think of you, don't read Topic 80. Welcome Liz! (Temporarily lost my Welcome gif but Karen's got a bunch.) Thanks for the news of TOTS. Keep on coming back if you want to know more about his other projects. Hope you keep posting too. I haven't decided which of my CF tapes I'll tag those four TOTS minutes onto. Perhaps I'll make up a special Cameo Tape and include those four minutes at the end of The Secret Garden. ;-) Let's see, what else can we include?

Thanks, Murph, Karen has already posted that on our BJD topic (#80). We've already roasted and toasted *hee hee* CF's agent. Welcome, Liz, from your neighbor in channel 13 country *waving to you from Jersey*

(Bethan) To recap, MLSF is being shown for the first time in the UK ................... as part of "Focus America", bringing special previews of acclaimed new films from the US Pardon me, MLSF and "Focus AMERICA"??? Obviously I missed something substantial. =8-o Has Scotland recently joined the US of A?

Evelyn, you asked where Bradford is. It is in West Yorkshire, about 7 miles from Leeds airport. Looks as though it mae be kind of close for someone. ;-)

Everyone: Sorry about posting the old news re BJD and CF's agent. I should have checked first. I'll hide over to #80 to see what is being said! Murph

Pardon me, MLSF and "Focus AMERICA"??? LOL! Renate, the sad truth is, American money funds the British talent... TEP, SIL - even P&P2 - can be easily claimed as American funded.

Hey, I didn't mean sad as in tragic, OK? American co-production normally guarantees American release, so that's not sad. And in view of the common language (of sorts...;-)) it makes perfect sense. What is sad, however, is the fact that the UK film industry cannot seem to manage anything above "small budget".

(Bethan)Looks as though it may be kind of close for someone. ;-) Do you plan to go, Bethan? (Arami)TEP, SIL - even P&P2- can be easily claimed as American funded. But SIL was poached as being the British Film of 1999 by ...was it Evening Standard award? Pretty cheeky;-)

Well, there must be some balance preserved here... some compromise is obviously inevitable on occasions... ;-P

Thank you for the welcome everyone. *Wave back to you Eileen!* I had no idea that his part was to be so short. Oh well...I am actually recovering from having all 4 of my wisdom teeth pulled (I look like a chipmunk who got away with grapefruits rather than acorns)...any glimpse of CF will be a welcome sight on the road to recovery. :) Thank you again for the welcome.

Grrr Have finished reading Armadillo. Another ambiguous ending, although this should be great. Lorimer is a man of 1000 faces and clothing styles. Colin is going to be delectable in this. Sort of reminds me of The Prisoner.

New pic of Jess on Ulrike's page: http://hometown.aol.com/fitzwilliamdarcy/index.htm

Neat picture. Where is it from? Sort of looks like a cornfield behind him. He never wears that outfit in the movie to my recollection.

Where is it from? From a German TV magazine, TV Spielfilm. And it is stampsize in print.

Wow! Girls, if you were thinking about skipping this picture, don't. Delicious. That movie was good for something.

Never ever skip anything to do with ODB.

Counting the minutes for Colin's four-minute cameo ;-)

Firth is now on the http://www.spring.net webcam.

Well...I saw it! I must say, despite the lack of...exposure (for lack of a better word)...that CF had, I thought it was a good old gothic tale of good and evil. But, as for CF, himself...what did you all make of the character? My mother and I thought that perhaps it was he (the master..aka CF) that was the evil one, and not the red headed man..whatever his name was..Peter Quint, was it? Anyway. I thought that CF's character was very fwd towards the girl...especially for an interview...But I do not believe that I have seen him smile so much in a period piece as I did in this one! My mother and I were oogling over him, and my father (who was watching it as well) was berating us for acting as such. He said "Elizabeth! You are 22 y/o, and you are acting like a love-sick teenager!" I replied, "He's only the best actor and the most handsome to ever act!!! So what if I am love sick over him!??!!" Anyway! :) enough of my rambling! what did you all think of it? either how he looked, acted or if you thought he was really the evil one, etc...

My TOTS Cliff's notes: The story focuses on Miss, played by Jodhi May. Miss, having heard that the governess union's dental plan now covers orthodontics, eagerly applies for a position in the household of The Master, played by Colin Firth. Firth, having more sense than the rest of us, leaves after 4 1/2 minutes. Having realized that she's failed the interview to appear on Who Wants To Marry An Irresponsible Millionaire, Miss nonetheless receives a lovely parting gift in the form of the home version of the game. Upon her arrival at The Master's country estate, she takes charge of his young niece and nephew. The children, caught in a dreadful 35-year time warp since their appearance in Mary Poppins, seem to be keeping mysterious secrets. Miss quickly assumes that they have been corrupted by the estate's former employees and subjected to unspeakable cruelties, like being forced to watch WWF Smackdown on Thursday nights. Quint, The Master's late valet, speaks not, but furtively and angrily peeks inside the home, perhaps looking for his agent. Tortured by apparitions and sadly lacking the fortitude of, say, Maria Von Trapp, Miss finally takes charge and decides to show the kids who's boss by issuing the ultimate disciplinary admonition, "I'll wring your neck." The End

Miss finally takes charge and decides to show the kids who's boss by issuing the ultimate disciplinary admonition, "I'll wring your neck." LOL, Mari! Your notes are a must for all students:-) BTW I have been experimenting with the UK's latest and most popular search engine *Ask Jeeves* http://www.ask.co.uk Yesterday I asked it an obscure question abour a little known medieval cleric and it came back with fabulously relevant hits. Today I asked *Who is Colin Firth?* and it could not tell me! What is going on????

Allison, Jeeves has answers to your question. It knows his bio, filmography, and can even direct you to some of Colin's webpages. Try again.

The Master's late valet, speaks not, but furtively and angrily peeks inside the home, perhaps looking for his agent. ROTFLOL! Mari! I tapped and will watch it tonight. I will keep your review in mind.

LOL Mari!! having heard that the governess union's dental plan now covers orthodontics If that was the case, why had they not started on Miles? ;-) I found his buck teeth more annoying than Jodhi's open-mouthed performance. Sorry, Liz, but I am more in Mari's camp on this one. I thought the production really lacked in the suspense department, among others. IMO Miss came off as a sicko (using the clinical term) and the whole thing was in her mind caused by some vague combination of sexual hysteria, compounded by her deeply religious upbringing. The children were not treacly sweet enough to suit me. I think the ones in the old movie "The Innocents" were far more creepy. Also, were you aware that Miss caused Flora to go mad? That was not explained. Miss ruined both children's lives. As to Master, he obviously didn't have the time to do wardrobe fittings. Ack, that collar. And the hair! Sorry, but that pouffy do wasn't at all flattering. Yes, he smiled alot.

As to Master, he obviously didn't have the time to do wardrobe fittings. Ack, that collar. I remember commenting on his collar back when his TOTS picture was posted here. Why doesn't Colin tell them? The only answer is that he is not aware of it himself! He does not have a taylor on Saville Row. :-(

...and there's still that wonderful voice!

BTW, Teletext has another mention of Relative Values, on a listing of upcoming films. Says to be released May 19, even though I'm told that's not the case anymore. Relative Values This star-packed film adaption of Noel Coward's play sees the return of Julie Andrews, ably supported by Colin Firth and Stephen Fry among others. The characteristic tippy-toed ennui of the stage play comes to the screen. Released May 19 tippy-toed ennui Eowww :-(

LOL, Mari! (Allison) Today I asked *Who is Colin Firth?* and it could not tell me! What is going on???? Jeeves is really Colin's agent. (Karen) Ack, that collar. And the hair! Sorry, but that pouffy do wasn't at all flattering. I found the hair alot less distracting than those 'Lee Press On' sideburns. He was very charming, though. Our satellite-feed MPT isn't broadcast until tonight. I managed to sneak away and watch CF's 4 minutes on a spare TV, but skipped the rest. Am undecided about watching the whole thing tonight. Evelyn is right--Jodhi looks *ahem* somewhat less than attractive, shall we say?

(Eileen) Evelyn is right--Jodhi looks *ahem* somewhat less than attractive, shall we say? You mean you found Mrs. Grose's comment that the Master likes "pretty young things" unrealistic? Miss Jessel looked like the woman who played the crazy Mrs. Rochester in Jane Eyre over 15 years ago.

(Karen) You mean you found Mrs. Grose's comment that the Master likes "pretty young things" unrealistic? Sorry, only saw the first 4 minutes.

Mari: You have outdone yourself! May I add a short review of the first 4 minutes? "Mr Firth, who played the Master very briefly, was apparently wardrobed in an outfit for a much larger actor left over from a road company of Wuthering Heights. His hair was done by Greg, of Greg's Hair Mania, Lodi, New Jersey. Mr. Greg, as he likes to be called, is hair stylist for The Sopranos." Seriously, it wasn't that good aside from his glorious voice, very boring actually. After the first 15 minutes or so, I switched to the 10th Kingdom for awhile which was kind of fun, and finally to a new book. The sound was great though! I'm asking Clive about that portrait you glimpsed when Miss first entered the house and climbed the stairs. CF really looked great in it. Murph Yes, Eileen, those stick on sideburns were unfortunate. They looked like temporary attachments. It gets me mad that the wardrobe and hair people didn't take better care of him.

Karen and all: I just finished Armadillo too. It is an odd kind of book. Poor Lorimer Black reminded me, by the end, of Griffin Dunne in After Hours. One sort of nightmarish, puzzling meeting after another. The party at his boss's palatial home is the example that best fits my analogy. I liked it though, and it will be a great part for CF. He is the voice and the centerpiece of the whole book. There isn't a scene in it where he hasn't a role. Ambiguous ending too leaves a lot for thought....or a sequel? Murph And if you ever had kinky dreams about CF in armor, this is for you (LOL)

LOL Mari...I don't want anybody making fun of Camille after this one;-) BTW saw that Susie Clegg was the script supervisor...didn't she do same for P&P. "You missed this time, Susie" As to Master, he obviously didn't have the time to do wardrobe fittings. Ack, that collar. Hey they put all the money into renting the house....the tailor at Oxfam missed out on that coat too. The former owner had a broader back. Nicky Dear took lots of liberties from the book. Do you realize that Quint was supposed to resemble the master? Are you really gonna buy this tape, Karen.? The jacket isn't the same as the ad.You musta liked Quint, he's featured on the front...not Colin. Don't get me started on Jodhi May...not just mouth ajar, but permanent scowl too. Who wouldn't have gone mad in that place...even without the ghosts? Did anyone notice the first painting on the staircase wall ? Much resembled "you know who";-) Must agree with London and NY Times...."skip it."

(Murph) Master very briefly, was apparently wardrobed in an outfit for a much larger actor left over from a road company of Wuthering Heights....After the first 15 minutes or so, I switched to the 10th Kingdom Isn't that the show that NBC used to recycle costumes from Leprechauns? After Hours. One sort of nightmarish, puzzling meeting after another. The party at his boss's palatial home is the example Good analogy. My most eagerly awaited segment has to be THE KISS. Even though Flavia is the initiator, Colin cannot do his usual pathetic excuse for a kiss in this one. (Evelyn) Do you realize that Quint was supposed to resemble the master? Does it say that in the book? Can't remember, but it would make sense, although that red-headed mean-looking guy didn't look like the smiling sweetie at the beginning. ;-) (Evelyn) Are you really gonna buy this tape, Karen.? The jacket isn't the same as the ad. *rant rant* Those dummies! Those marketing dummies at PBS!! Can you believe those *marketing dummies* at PBS thought they could come up with a better cover!! Am livid. Having Colin on the cover was the only chance anyone would buy this video. *moderately calmed down, but still out of my mind* Well, could still buy the PAL version from blackstar.com just for the box. Is only 12.99 and shipping is free; about the same as if I bought the PBS version. ;-) (Evelyn) Did anyone notice the first painting on the staircase wall? They shot past it so quickly. But looked like a better portrait than of Fitzwiliam Darcy.

I just had to copy this here. A comment from a guy at ROP who watched TTOTS. Amazing what people notice: "My two biggest complaints here were that the "ghosts" were too, um, corporeal. The original story makes them completely ambiguous, IIRC. But as clever as the jumpcuts were, that ambiguity slipped a bit as the program went on. One scene in particular--the camera draws back to show the two governesses descending the staircase; a light throws the shadow of the "ghost" against the wall. Unavoidable, but the wrong effect--the other times we've seen the "ghosts", it's been directly from the POV of one of the characters. Here, the 3rd person POV of the camera implies the ghost is real.

(Eileen) 'Lee Press On' sideburns. PFFT! (Good thing E-Z Wipe monitor cover is firmly in place this morning.;-) (Murph) His hair was done by Greg, of Greg's Hair Mania, Lodi, New Jersey. Mr. Greg, as he likes to be called, is hair stylist for The Sopranos." Too funny, Murph. Poor Mr. Greg is so accustomed to hearing "Greggie, I needa litta maw height in da crown" that he just caves I'm afraid.;-) Let us know what you find out about that delicious portrait. (Evelyn) Nicky Dear took lots of liberties from the book. Do you realize that Quint was supposed to resemble the master? Is that right? The guy last night was a cross between Red Buttons and Martin van Buren.;-) Is the book less ambiguous than this adaptation? Clearly, it pointed to Miss being the nutty one, yet she was able to describe people that she otherwise wouldn't have known the appearance of. And that housekeeper certainly didn't help things, adding fuel to the fire. Does the housekeeper realize she's nuts at the end, and if so, why did she leave Miles behind? And when Miles starts "speaking" to Quint at the very end, is he just trying to humor Miss, having realized that she's out of it? A belated welcome to Liz! Don't worry, honey, I'm sure there are others who liked the show. I'm actually going to give it a second chance tonight.

(Mari) The guy last night was a cross between Red Buttons and Martin van Buren.;-) Ha! Or do you mean Nigel Hawthorne playing Martin Van Buren. I think everyone looked like Martin Van Buren at that time... even Colin! Is the book less ambiguous than this adaptation? Yes. Does the housekeeper realize she's nuts at the end, and if so, why did she leave Miles behind? Mrs. Grose should not be taken as an authority on anything. She's a good-hearted, although ignorant country woman (remember, she couldn't read). She was easily influenced and probably believed in ghosts herself. She took Flora away because Flora was driven insane. And when Miles starts "speaking" to Quint at the very end, is he just trying to humor Miss, having realized that she's out of it? Am going to have to rewind to hear what he says, but thought he was questioning rather than speaking to Quint, like "is he there? do you see him" In the book, Miss sees "him" but Miles asks her, "is it Miss Jessel." He sees nothing.

LOL!!! Thanks Mari and others for making an otherwise mundane Monday morning more bearable. I think Henry James is turning over in his grave� didn�t the host of MPT say something to the effect that some of his writings before this had been disasters�something about a play being laughed off the stage�can�t quite recall. If he only knew�what they�ve done to the screenplay adaptation of his book. The only interesting thing about this movie was the one shot of the lady ghost standing on the bank (looked like she was missing her eyes) and seeing how they could best cover up Jodhi May�s bad skin.

It seems to me that Colin was driven to this project by reading the book only... I can't believe he is happy with the result.

Just before Christmas I was watching Richard & Judy (yes, very sad I know) when they were previewing the forthcoming Christmas Televisual Feast. They (or rather a journalist woman -name escapes me- but clearly a woman of taste) made a big hoohar about TOTS and specifically CFs performance, showed a clip ..basically most of ODBs performance and then rolled about on the floor it fits of hysteria at his wonderfully earnest line. "Let me place my confidence in you!" Cant think what they found so hilarious ;-D *tongue firmly lodged in cheek* (Eileen) 'Lee Press On' sideburns. He seemed to be trying his best to do an Elvis! Murph - And if you ever had kinky dreams about CF in armor, this is for you You can just imagine the puzzled look on Jupiter's face as this strange being bumbles about with the helmet firmly wedged ROTFLOL

Renate, thanks for the new photo of Jess ~ WOW!!

Am I the only one who thought TTOTS was okay? Plus the majority of the critics in the UK, plus a colleague at work who did his MA thesis on Henry James? He thought the adaptation mirrored the ambiguities of the book, and that it wasn't a ghost story but a study of sexual hysteria, with the relationship with Miles and infatuation with the Master being particularly relevant. He also commented on the ending...there's something significant about the actual direction in which the Governess is looking. I'll have to watch it again. And surely Jodhi May wasn't supposed to be beautiful? But if viewers found CF's performance funny...that really would be the worst thing for him, especially after all the quite unjustified hype. Viewers can be very fickle. I personally don't think he'll ever do another costume drama. I also think that he also would have expected DQ (completed in April) to be shown before TTOTS (completed in August and not intended originally for a Christmas slot) As it is, I think TTOTS may have been one cameo too many for him....after Darcy, viewers would expect to see him in a starring role. No more cameos, please...EVER!!!!

Well not much to add to the TOTS review except to agree on the Liberace big hair on Colin and those sideburns by Sally Hansen. I also hated way the director had him use the "thin grin" throughout his microwave performance. I think that gives him a weak look as though he has no lips. Good grief they had him in and out so fast I am surprised he wasn't conducting the interview during the opening credits. All I could hear in my head was the Darcy proposal in P&P- I could not even see this character. Too Deja Vu.

Actually, Mickie, I have to disagree, I don't think he was at all like Darcy, too much smiling and although I didn't like the hair the sideburns or the clothes I thought he was fine in his portrayal of the Master, too bad about the rest of it. CF is the only actor I know who is so different in every part, he can look so different and if it weren't for his voice or his familiar gait, helf you wouldn't know it was him, I guess that is his problem he is too good for his own good, and people don't recognise him, unlike RF, or Rufus Sewell or KB or R. Everett and many many more who just play themselves. Apologies for any fans of the aforementioned, only my humble opinion.

Everyone: The newest issue of Premiere (with Luscious Law on the cover) is dedicated to "Screen Lust," and they have a page on the best, the worst, the kinkiest, etc. One of the categories is "The Moment DVD Was Invented For." In it are listed moments like Gere bottomless in American Gigolo, Sharon Stone's flash in Basic Instinct. Why did I immediately think of Playmaker???? It's actually a neat page, running the gamit from Beauty and the Beast (Gene Wilder and sheep in "Everything You Always Wanted..,") to sexiest entrance in a film (Marlon Brando in "Streetcar" and Marilyn in "Some Like It Hot.") TEP outside the Christmas party won for "Best Quickie," and Joan Allen and Jamie Sheridan for worst quickie in The Ice Storm. We could do a whole Firth Lust Thing on this: 1. Sexiest Entrance 2. The Funniest 3. In Praise of Older Women 4. Sexiest Scene That Didn't Involve Sex 5. Gourmet Sex 6. Best Kiss 7. Great Moments in Voyeurism 8. The Moment DVD Was Invented For Wanna Try? Murph

Hello and welcome Liz. Your mother also like Colin Firth, my mother has no idea who he is and couldn't possibly care less. The sideburns, well they weren't really correct to period. They should have been larger, great honking muttonchop whiskers. Sorry ladies, it was the fashion -- or lack thereof. The costuming for the entire cast overall was exceptionally good -- upholding the reputation for British television drama period costume design and research. The film was not comparable to "The Innocents"; I hadn't expected it to be. "The Innocents" is still one of the most frightening movies I have ever seen. It is a very intelligent and psychological horror film. However, I had hoped this new production of "The Turn of the Screw" would have been better, since I do like the Henry James novella so much. I'm going to duck for cover after making this statement. We should have never seen the Master at all. His presence should be implied, in essence his presence is emphasized by his absence. Spoken of, but never seen, if you will. We should still percieve his implied presence as acutely as if it were a physical presence. But should never see him. Aside from that gaff the script was very good, actually quite accurate to Henry James. And I have read the story. The real problem with this production was the direction. The director appears to have spent all the time working with the children. They and their scenes were the high points of this production. Flora and Miles were innocents, they give the impression of possibly being in the thrall of evil, yet they could simply be nothing more than spirited children. Innocent in the sense of lacking the experience and knowlege to comprehend the extent of the corruption the may carry. Again it is implication. That was something the production did right. What was wrong with it? The tone. The film lacked a sense of ambuguity, or of psychological complexity. The characterizations were off. Mrs. Grose was physically a formidable women, but she lacked strength of personality and that was wrong. The performance was one of hand-wringing. The housekeeper was unlettered, but she was a country woman who was certain what she knew, and she was tough. As for Miss -- yeee -- well where to I start. Wrong, wrong, wrong. The Miss's sexual hysteria is an important component of this story, but it should have been repressed. No High Victorian household would have employed a young woman for any appreciable length of time to be in charge of children, when she was just so -- flighty. She should have had the outward demeanor of being sensible and controlled, but inwardly seething with religious conviction and sexual repression. The strength of "The Turn of the Screw" is its dichotomy. We should never be sure if there are ghosts afoot, or if the governess's own obsessions are the evil in question. Or both. In short, it was an oversimplification of one the most stunningly, pschycologically complex stories ever written.

I have to agree with AnnW, the Master did not remind me at all of Darcy. He was smiling way too much and trying to charm her. Darcy never tried to charm anybody. He never practiced enough. ;-) Bethan, as I recall, the reviews were very mixed in the UK on TTOTS and I have them up on The Bucket's page: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/tots.html#Reviews Most of the early December ones were very much based on the publicity materials sent around. The others nearer to the broadcast date seem to have really seen the program. How else do you explain such dead-on critiques as: (Paul Hogart, The Times) Perhaps it was because Jodhi May as the Governess went through the film with her mouth ajar and was clearly bonkers, but the hairs on the back of my neck refused to stand up. Her anguish was plain. Was she really seeing ghosts? Were the children possessed? "For heaven's sake, woman," I shouted at her, "phone a friend!" (Tom Howard, TimeOut) Sexual tension between the Governess and the Master is hinted at in the opening scene, yet this is then virtually ignored. Her increasingly unhinged behaviour seems absurdly melodramatic. The background to her character and the motivations for her behaviour are thin on the ground, and Jodhi May is not a good enough actress to suggest any. Ultimately, her blank bewilderment becomes increasingly irritating. (I won't do the ones about gaping jaws or cetaceans.) But there were quite a few positives, in their defense.

I have to disagree, I don't think he was at all like Darcy, too much smiling and although I didn't like the hair the sideburns or the clothes I thought he was fine in his portrayal of the Master I agree with you, Ann. He's first and foremost character actor, who looks different in every role, and is often not recognised until the credits roll. Which is why he'll never be promoted as a Hollywood movie star a la the pretty boys Jude Law, Rupert Everett, Joe Fiennes etc. I can't say I liked his hair, but that sort of extravagant bouffant style was very much in style in the late Victorian era (check out photos of Disraeli and Prince Albert), and certainly would have been appropriate for a rich and irresponsible bachelor, charming but very superficial.(Nice smile at the end though!) It was costume drama but it wasn't romantic and he wasn't Darcy. I guess what irked me most about TTOTS was the way it was promoted in the media, expressly to boost viewing figures to gain ITV executives their annual bonus. CF was "used". He must have seen it as just a reasonably well-paid one day's work, to offset the fact that post-August he wouldn't be earning anything (or just enough to pay his taxi fare!) But unfortunately something in which he is incidental was given more publicity than, for example, his role in 3DOR. And the public's perception (at least those who don't have the Internet!) may be that he's not getting offers of leading roles. Right, I've had my say! Not too serious, I hope! :-)

(I won't do the ones about gaping jaws or cetaceans.) That was Paul Hoggart of the Times, again,...he shot it down twice! Most of the early December ones were very much based on the publicity materials sent around. The others nearer to the broadcast date seem to have really seen the program. No, all TV previews are based on seeing the complete programme, not just publicity material. Reviewers get advance showings. Enough, I'll bow out of the discussion!

.basically most of ODBs performance and then rolled about on the floor it fits of hysteria at his wonderfully earnest line. "Let me place my confidence in you!" Closer to a seduction...as some reviewer put it. Did master's interview a governess in that manner?He lunged for her hands...I bet considered groping in that era. He must have seen it as just a reasonably well-paid one day's work, to offset the fact that post-August he wouldn't be earning anything (or just enough to pay his taxi fare!) Half day's work he said in his interview , Bethan. He shouldn't take cameo roles like this...it weakens his CV. And Bethan, I have a soft spot in my heart for the TIMES who panned TOTS..aside from being the only UK newspaper that has a world-wide reputation...they gave SLOW a very good review, when all the others were pretty disparaging. Jodi May was a caricature. But the house and grounds were gorgeous. As some one on RoP said, Henry James should be read ( I read it twice)not filmed.(I have the same feeling about BJD) Have to agree with Cheryl, the master never should have been shown...but then who would have looked at TOTS on Boxing Day without CF.They exploited him.

You're right Evelyn, they did exploit CF. He was used! The ignonomy of it. Seriously, he does deserve better. Well "Donovan Quick" was better. It was a terrific role, very dramatic -- which is his greatest strength. Possibly the best part he's had to demonstrate his ability as an actor since "Apartment Zero".

Well "Donovan Quick" was better. It was a terrific role, very dramatic -- which is his greatest strength. Possibly the best part he's had to demonstrate his ability as an actor since "Apartment Zero". Hooray for our side , Cheryl.Thanks to DQ, I will no longer have to say:"He did his best work ten years ago".

Did I start all these italics? Oops!! He shouldn't take cameo roles like this...it weakens his CV. Agree! They exploited him. Agree! (Hope he learns from this experience! Or his agent bins all offers of cameos!) It was a terrific role, very dramatic -- which is his greatest strength. Agree.... strong dramatic roles suit him. As some one on RoP said, Henry James should be read ( I read it twice)not filmed.(I have the same feeling about BJD) Rather reluctantly, I think I might agree with you about BJD. Sometimes, I'm very, very enthusiatic, and then I have my doubts.

What I like about CF is that he is completely modest, if the story calls for him to look gorgeous(P&P & SLOW) then he can looked gorgeous but if he has to have pouffy hair then pouffy hair it is even if it does him no justice, if he has to look scruffy and like an unmade bed(FP) then so be it, scared and war weary (Tumbledown), heavy and bumptious (SIL) and so on, he cares not for his personal looks as he has said in many interviews his face can be improved or not depending on the role, sorry to go on but I have so much admiration for this man and he is so under-rated.

The same scene between the Master and Miss was shown in The Innocents. Michael Redgrave played the Master. There was no sexual tension or seduction in that scene. He was as a reserved, disinterested type. Personally, I didn't like The Innocents. Deborah Kerr was much too old to be believable in that role. I replayed the ending and watched it again with closed captioning. Miles saw absolutely nothing. He even asked "if it was Miss Jessel because Flora told him that the Miss had said she'd seen her." Then Miss says, "Who is He?" Then Miles starts yelling "Quint, Where are you" But the best part of the closed captioning is how they categorize the noises. It is Miss is "panting" and "groaning" and "moaning." There are more sexual references in the closed captioning than by Jodhi.

As much as I personally like "The Innocents", it was still a flaw in that film to show the Master. It still is one of the smartest scary films I've ever seen. But as Karen noted it does have its faults. Yes, Deborah Kerr would never see 40 again and was too old for the part of woman Henry James describes as being 20, but she played the role beautifully. Those are the only things I find fault with in "The Innocents": Kerr's age and actually seeing the Master. Overall, I felt that adaptation mantained the aura of ambuquity.

Hey, I liked TOTS. Yeah, I know, there's always one. It's doubtful I'll watch again but for the first few minutes and I sure won't buy the video but it was beautiful to look at. Unfortunately can't say the same for dear Colin. He had one golden moment at the window, I thought, and that was that. I had a better time with the rest of the story. Having just finished reading it a few days before, I have no trouble saying that the Miss became mad as Miss Ferris had before her and the children were innocents - they saw no ghosts. But all is best to be left to your own interpretation. The program allowed the same interpretation but with a little more mercy than James's story.

(Heide), I have no trouble saying that the Miss became mad as Miss Ferris had before her and the children were innocents - they saw no ghosts. But all is best to be left to your own interpretation. The program allowed the same interpretation but with a little more mercy than James's story. Agreed. Another script error was that we did not get to feel anything for the characters and that lessens the impact at the end. Unfortunately can't say the same for dear Colin. He had one golden moment at the window, I thought, and that was that. I found his performance rather awkward, as if he were unsure of it himself, those smiles? Even that part by the window were he goes and smells a flower was like, "I am here by the window and the flowers are here, I should smell one." Not happy with this one. :-(

(Bethan)it wasn't a ghost story but a study of sexual hysteria, with the relationship with Miles and infatuation with the Master being particularly relevant. I found it lacking, especially in the infatuation department. (CherylB)We should have never seen the Master at all. His presence should be implied... (KarenR)(Tom Howard, TimeOut) Sexual tension between the Governess and the Master is hinted at in the opening scene, yet this is then virtually ignored. (Not having read the story) I'm okay with the Master appearing in the beginning, and think we should have had flashbacks all through - Miss's fantasies, shall we say. (Heide)the children were innocents - they saw no ghosts They saw no ghosts, but were they innocents? Aren't we supposed to wonder about this. There's a scene where Miles appears as not innocent at all but aware of some power he has. Unfortunately, I think he was not convincing. (Moon)I found his performance rather awkward, as if he were unsure of it himself, those smiles? Perhaps Colin was, but the Mastwer wasn't. I think he laid the charm rather heavily (well, he didn't have very long to do it...). It would have put me off, but then I'm not a 20 year-old 19th century children's teacher.

I had to spend this afternoon waiting for the Gas engineer to come to service our central heating...and so I thought I'd use the time to check up on a few things! 1. DQ (am still resisting the temptation to watch it! I hope to experience it "live") On the assumption that when it is shown on TV, it will receive some advance publicity, I phoned the BBC Drama Publicity Department (yes, they do have one!). Conversation went as follows: Could you tell me when DQ, produced by BBC Scotland, will be shown? Reply- How did you hear about it? Are you from the Press? No, I'm a member of the public. I read about it on the Internet. It's already been shown in Australia, so I was wondering whether we'd see it in the UK. Reply (annoyed) In Australia? How did that happen? Yes, it will be shown here, in the Summer. When in the Summer? Reply - June, July Make of this what you will. I wish I'd asked why they are not showing it now (just before the BAFTAs!) rather than the holiday period. 2. SLOW..... I rang my nice helpful independent video shop to ask about SLOW, and yes, they are getting it and they'll reserve a copy for me on Monday. But Blockbusters hadn't heard of it and said it wasn't listed. 3. BJD. I rang Working Title to ask when they were atarting filming , and was given the number of the BJD production office which is now in operation. When I rang the office, they couldn't/wouldn't give any info...just said that production was in the "very early stage". And then the Gas engineer arrived! Mixed bag of "news". But I'm looking forward to seeing SLOW again (which I genuinely liked!!). Particularly want to look at the so-called "amateurish" acting by the Nigerian cast...I thought that they were just as I remember from my days in Nigeria...their delivery and intonation is much more emphatic.

(Bethan)so-called "amateurish" acting by the Nigerian cast... They were pretty good IMHO... And Evelyn said they were not Nigerian (but for the actress playing Nimi's mother)...

Good luck with the Gas engineer. Don't let him open holes in your walls ;-) I swear this is to be taken only in a BJD-like context

Re: Sniffing the flowers in TTOTS......they're white lilies, I think. The Governess is subsequently shown looking at the same flowers on the country estate, and then (by association - thinking of the Master?) has her first "vision" of Quint. One reviewer described the vision of Quint as "representing the Master paying the wages of sin". (I couldn't follow this one) Also, why did Miss Jessel commit suicide? Was she pregnant? Was that such a dreadful crime? Wouldn't her erstwhile employer have helped her?

(Bethan)Also, why did Miss Jessel commit suicide? Was she pregnant? Was that such a dreadful crime? Wouldn't her erstwhile employer have helped her? I don't think he would have. Getting pregnant while in his employment and taking care of two children? She would have been dismissed in disgrace, and even if Quint would have married her she would have had to go.

(Gi) Unfortunately, I think he was not convincing. I didn't think the children in this version to be creepy enough. The ones in The Innocents were more phonily sweet and acted as though they had lots to hide. These didn't. I remember the other Flora did seem like she might have been possessed, and Miles was more charismatic and creepy. Bethan, busy day at the telephone. :-) Isn't BBC's reaction (where did you hear about it?) amazing! Did you try the Drama Department? (Bethan) the so-called "amateurish" acting by the Nigerian cast Only the mother is a Nigerian actress. The rest are British actors.

At least your afternoon was productive, Bethan. Reply (annoyed) In Australia? How did that happen? This is the second time I've read that someone at the BBC was 'annoyed' because the film has been aired in Oz. Since BBC Scotland sold its international broadcast rights (correct, Karen?), how come 'big BBC' is annoyed? Anyone know? Or are these folks too far down the food chain to have an adequate understanding of the situation? Re: BJD--sounds like a reasonable answer, since they've only cast one part and they're moving at the speed of fossilization.

Bethan - reply June,July these are nothing months, what a waste, I think I'd rather wait another couple of months and have it in the winter schedules, nobody is going to see it in June/July - but why aren't I surprised!

*slapping Ann's wrist* Since BBC Scotland sold its international broadcast rights (correct, Karen?), how come 'big BBC' is annoyed? Yes, broadcast rights are being sold on a country-by-country basis. And we've all received responses via email from BBC or BBC Scotland to the same effect: surprise that the show has already been shown in Australia and that BBC Worldwide (what they have to do with anything) was going to be checking into things. I'm going to make a call tomorrow to see what I can find out.

ouch!!

Particularly want to look at the so-called "amateurish" acting by the Nigerian cast...I thought that they were just as I remember from my days in Nigeria...their delivery and intonation is much more emphatic. No one in this group said they were "amateurish".The portrayals were done v. well and should have been.... two are from the RSC .Sammy lives in Sussex. All are British actors, except for Nimis' mother..And I'm still bitter about the poor reception that the British public gave that film. So much for UK CF fans who do a lot of grandstanding and don't go to the Box Office.

ouch!! Sorry, had a bad case of the Italics. Am walking around all slanted. ;-)

(Moon)where he goes and smells a flower was like, "I am here by the window and the flowers are here, I should smell one." Very iffy I thought and to be honest the lines didn't help, they weren't great were they, that wonderful voice tried its best with the shoddy material but I thought (and I'm ducking under the duvet to avoid the stones being thrown) that at times the delivery was a little too deliberate. Perhaps he was dragging it out to get a bit more of an earner, they do say time is money:-D

I found it lacking, especially in the infatuation department. Not having read the story) I'm okay with the Master appearing in the beginning, and think we should have had flashbacks all through - Miss's fantasies, shall we say. (Gi) I thought the opening scene should have been shot at a much more leisurely pace, perhaps showing the gauche young girl entering the palatial house, waiting in an entrance hall, being taken by a servant to see the Master in a more formal setting , and then a longer conversation, with pauses, and finally the Master accompanying her back to the entrance hall, taking her hand and smiling...that's how I would have directed it! Also, if I had been the director, the minute CF appeared on set, I would have smacked his bottom and sent him home to change...well, at least back to the Wardrobe Dept! Change the frockcoat, the loose fitting collar and shirt, the floppy tie, the trousers...well fortunately (unfortunately?) we didn't really see them, but I'll bet they were baggy! :-) I don't think he is at all aware of how he looks (this is not a criticism!!)

Now Karen - don't you go blaming me for this slanty business. It was Ok when I looked at my posting honest (if you don't believe me check out Wordpad!) (Bethan) - SLOW..... I rang my nice helpful independent video shop I wish I had a pet independent vid shop near me. Nobody I've asked Woolies WHSmith Blockbuster OurPrice etc etc etc seem to ahve heard of it...I may as well have been speaking Tharg-ish if you had seen the gormless expressions I got in response

No one in this group said they were "amateurish".The portrayals were done v. well and should have been.... two are from the RSC .Sammy lives in Sussex. No, it wasn't comments from the group, it was from a couple of the hostile youthful "reviewers"...quite uncalled for, I thought. I liked the performances, and, as you say, they were all professional actors. Aryon Bakaye (?) received a BAFTA nomination a couple of years ago.

..I don't think he is at all aware of how he looks (this is not a criticism!!) In the book Making of P&P ; "Colin Firth had a genuine interest in getting the wardrobe for Darcy right, which was a tremendous help." They had all color coats for him."...half way through the filming he told me 'I think I would now like a black coat'..." p.52

I didn't start the italics...but I'll close them now.

I may as well have been speaking Tharg-ish if you had seen the gormless expressions I got in response I had to spell "laughter" for the assistant at Blockbusters! SLOW may not be easy to track down. If you have problems, ring Hiflighers, who are distributing the video. Phone 0181 7422023

There has to be an exception to every rule, and boy was P&P exceptional!!, and so was CF as was the entire cast, nothing has quite lived up to it since, but generally speaking I think Colin is not too aware of his appearance, if only he knew how good he looked in period costume, oh well.

I will remember to close all my tags. I will remember to close all my tags. I will remember to close all my tags. I will remember to close all my tags. I will remember to close all my tags. You can tell I went to catholic school, can't you?

Bethan, good try at directing, but the script would be the first to be worked on IMO. Colin should really start to get a clue on wardrobe and give them some helpful hints such as: the shirt is too big for this jacket, the cut is all wrong on this coat etc.

Well the costume designer in TOTS should have been sacked for letting him go on looking as if he were wearing someone else's clothes. IMO he was miscast, anyway, he can't do swarmy and that's what the director seems to have wanted.Greg Wise would have been better.

"(bethan) I had to spell "laughter" for the assistant at Blockbusters! " ROTFLOL - I suppose they thought it was larf-ter.. in a 70's CarryOn stylee *grin* Oh the yoof of today, they weren't brung up and skuled like wot we wuz, guv'nor. Thanks for the 'phone number, I may have to use it as I think procurement of said item for me is going to be way beyond the capabilities of stores on Planet KentBackwater aka Sittingbourne. ;-(

Thanks for the 'phone number, I may have to use it as I think procurement of said item for me is going to be way beyond the capabilities of stores on Planet KentBackwater aka Sittingbourne. ;-( Poor guys at Optimum, they won't even get their money back on the videos at this rate.

"Colin Firth had a genuine interest in getting the wardrobe for Darcy right, which was a tremendous help." Evelyn, I was posting at the same time. Interesting. I can not believe that he is still taking an eager interest in his wardrobe. And that goes for his wedding day as well. Otherwise, I must assume he needs glasses.

Oh dear, all these italics, was it me? Poor guys at Optimum, they won't even get their money back on the videos at this rate. We are a nation of video renters. SLOW has an attractive cover and it should do well, provided it's available! ATA, believe it or not, is still going strong at our local Blockbusters! I think there could be some other light at the end of the tunnel for SLOW. I noticed the other day that the BBC were screening "The James Gang" which, along with SLOW, was part of the final slate of movies produced by Handmade Films. Like SLOW, it was part funded by the Arts Council and the BBC. It was picked up by Miramax (huh!), got a nationwide 200 print distribution (huh again!) and flopped totally (hah!). But any film with some funding from the BBC should be sreened at some point by the BBC and could reach an audience of several millions. (BTW I watched part of "The James Gang" and found it shallow and feckless...I guess Miramax thought it had yoof appeal!). I wish I had a pet independent vid shop near me. Nobody I've asked Woolies WHSmith Blockbuster OurPrice etc etc etc seem to heard of it. According to dim assistant at Blockbusters, they only get advance notice of mutiple copy-type videos, but if there are only one or two copies provided, the title isn't listed. SLOW may fall into this category.

Like SLOW, it was part funded by the Arts Council and the BBC. Art council, yes.Like you I thought BBC had funded it too, but when I saw it at Mr. Young's Theatre,neither Karen or I saw any BBC credit.Nor was it listed in the production notes.Though I swore Missan said that Saturday night in Brixton that it was BBC who had first wanted Whitney Houston.

Why when Colin was speaking did they keep the camera on her. It would have been much better if the had been on him. She just sat there with her mouth open for the most part. They showed very little of him. I love his voice but would like to have seen his expressions when he was talking.

Hi All: Re TOTS: I asked Clive about the painting on the staircase, and here is his reply: ************************* I'm pretty certain the picture of Colin on the wall of the Bly staircase was a real oil-painting painted specially for the film, either by the Graphic Designer or by one of the people who specialise in such work. As it was there before we shot Colin's scene. I'd guess the artist used a photo as a model. If I can find out any solid facts about the portrait I'll let you know, of course. ************************* Clive has been chosen to be on one of the juries for the BAFTAs. It is a big honor and I am so proud of him. I'll have to ask how it works as opposed to the Oscars. Or can one of you tell me? Murph

(Murph) As it was there before we shot Colin's scene. I'd guess the artist used a photo as a model. Thanks for the insider info, Murph. To me, the portrait in TOTS is a dead ringer for the photo we've seen from P&P in which Darcy is standing on the steps, outside Pemberley I assume. Does anyone know which one I'm referring to? I recall it clearly as it was the first pic I saw of him in People mag the week after P&P aired here, when I was on a desperate hunt for anything about this man!;-) Nice news for Clive re the BAFTAs. It looks like the BAFTA noms were announced today, with American Beauty picking up a ton of them. If anyone can find the full list of noms, please post on 127. Thanks.

Donovan Quick: For those who bought the rights to DQ, it was permissible after November 1999. Emails, letters or calls to HBO, WGBH, Bravo, and A&E would help as they are currently reviewing it. Make sure you tell them you wish you could see more Scottish productions, have no problems with the accent (think it's cute) and admire all the films coming out of that area. ;-)

(Evelyn)IMO he was miscast, anyway, he can't do swarmy and that's what the director seems to have wanted. What do you mean, he can't do? Can he not do anything? Heresy! ;-) (Moon)I must assume he needs glasses Yeah, rose-tinted ones. I'm glad he has some ;-b (Murph)I asked Clive about the painting on the staircase Does he think they would sell it? :-)

(Karen) Emails, letters or calls to HBO, WGBH, Bravo, and A&E would help as they are currently reviewing it. I wonder if they're referring to the American Film Market (which ends today), though I don't see DQ or any of CF's films listed on the schedule. (You'll like this, Karen: Binder is there with The Sex Monster--I guess he's trying to find a foreign distributor.) Interesting article in today's L.A. Times about a guy who has organized an auction for 15 films that haven't found a distributor. Sobering stat: of the 2,500 indie films made each year, only 50 get a distributor--anywhere. I'll post it at 127.

Like you I thought BBC had funded it too, but when I saw it at Mr. Young's Theatre,neither Karen or I saw any BBC credit.Nor was it listed in the production notes.Though I swore Missan said that Saturday night in Brixton that it was BBC who had first wanted Whitney Houston. (Evelyn) Actually, in retrospect, I don't remember seeing the BBC listed in the credits either, although I wasn't specifically looking out for it at the time. Shame! So it looks as though SLOW will only be seen via video rentals/purchases. I'm hoping to persuade the owner of my nice little corner video shop to put a poster of SLOW up in one of the windows! The shop is a veritable treasure trove...not your conventional blockbusters only store. Donovan Quick: For those who bought the rights to DQ, it was permissible after November 1999. Thanks for checking Karen, but now I'm even more puzzled by the BBC's failure to screen DQ. Any time January-March would be fine, especially with the BATFAs in April. The Drama publicity person I spoke to said that DQ would be shown "June, July" but that it hadn't actually been scheduled as yet. June/July is a graveyard for creative programming...lots of sport, people on holiday, no-one really watches TV etc. And normally programmes are automatically scheduled on completion (or before completion) and shown within a few months. It's a very straightforward process, unlike movie distribution. Nothing adds up here!!! IMO he was miscast, anyway, he can't do swarmy and that's what the director seems to have wanted. (Evelyn) He's more ideal husband material....it's surpring how many times he's married, about to get married, or actually gets married (on screen, of course!) I can not believe that he is still taking an eager interest in his wardrobe. And that goes for his wedding day as well. Otherwise, I must assume he needs glasses. (Moon) LOL! Although didn't he say that Joe Fiennes was the lucky one because he got to wear "dignified" trousers and an open-necked shirt. Now if Wessex had been slightly less buttoned up, it would have been a different movie!

RE. the Scottish accent in DQ...didn't the mega successful "Trainspotting" have subtitles?

(Mari) I wonder if they're referring to the American Film Market No, they weren't selling it the AFM. Besides, they had told me a month ago that they'd contacted WGBH and A&E. Yeah, I saw Sex Monster listed for viewings. :-( It's also on the shelf at Blockbuster in case you want to see it again. (Bethan) RE. the Scottish accent in DQ...didn't the mega successful "Trainspotting" have subtitles? Only during one scene in a club. DQ is not going theatrical and to arthouses - it was a financial decision. Therefore, television is a whole different thing. They have to play to the masses, who think MLSF is hard to understand. Right, Evelyn? ;-) Correct me if I'm wrong, but Bravo and the Independent Film Channel might be the only ones who show subtitled films on cable. Trainspotting will be on Bravo this month for the first time. Not sure about other "premium" channels like Cinemax, TMC, etc. Bethan, maybe the next time you call BBC you can remind them of this article in today's Hollywood Reporter: LONDON -- The government has warned the BBC that it must make more original programming and show fewer repeats if it is to justify the annual �200 million ($324 million) in additional annual funding pledged last week (HR 2/22). Culture Secretary Chris Smith said Tuesday that BBC chiefs were told the practice of showing endless reruns of classic comedies and rebroadcasting recently aired shows must end and the pubcaster must instead invest in new programming for both its main channels. Smith said the improvements were expected in return for the pubcaster's 10% increase in annual funding, which is designed to boost the BBC's presence in the digital era. The new financial settlement will give the BBC about �2.4 billion ($3.6 billion) a year and is guaranteed until fiscal 2006-07. ~~~~ Tell them to stop sitting on the original programming they have already funded and to show it!! ;-)

(Bethan) RE. the Scottish accent in DQ...didn't the mega successful "Trainspotting" have subtitles? (Karen) Only during one scene in a club. I don't recall any, but will bow to Karen's memory. In any event, you might be interested to know that Ken Loach's films get subtitled here--at Ken's insistence.

Bethan, did you tell whoever at the BBC Drama Department, that DQ was very well received by both the critics and fans in Australia. I agree I just don't understand the BBC not screening DQ, it is a sure-fired hit and would make many more CF fans in the UK, very hard to fathom their thinking.

One scene was subtitled in Lock Stock & 2 Smoking Barrels, but all of Ratcatcher was. None of The Big Tease was subtitled, yet the audience laughed.

A little piece of good fortune came my way this weekend, although when I relate the circumstances I'm sure that it will send shockwaves in the Firthdom about the perception of ODBs work. Always with an eye for a bargain I went into a store which is in the throes of closing down - [The chain (John Menzies)has recently been taken over by a larger one (WHSmith) and we already have a Smiths in town. Imagine my glee when I noticed that they were selling all CDs for �1 yes �1 and videos �3 ...baaaargain! Inspecting the CDs made me realise that all the good stuff had already been taken to the other store and the dross was left behinbd (with the coverless, caseless, broken residue of the good stuff) and so I assumed the same would be true of the videos..and it was but for one shining exception. There amongst the -1001 things to do with parsnips and Bobby Charlton on Hairstyling efforts was.......Nostromo. Seemingly in perfect condition, I opened the box..2 sealed cassettes part 1 & 2 present. Odd. Priced at �19-99 but selling for �3. I had half a mind to stop an assistant and demand it be taken to the other store and sold full price immediately *grin* but I didn't I profferred my 3 quid and gambolled away with my prize. Courage dear ones I'm sure it was an oversight - surely no-one could fail to see that they'd be turning up in droves to purchase this meisterwork ;-D

LOL! I am sure it was in the leftover/reduced bin mainly because of the BBC label on the box. You have hit "silver."

Karen -LOL! I am sure it was in the leftover/reduced bin mainly because of the BBC label on the box LOL also! You could well be right. Not that we have a downer on dear old Auntie at the moment noo,noo,noo,noo,noo *Scots accent* perish the thought!

(Evelyn)IMO he was miscast, anyway, he can't do swarmy and that's what the directorseems to have wanted. (Gi)What do you mean, he can't do? Can he not do anything? Heresy! ;-) (Bethan)..He's more ideal husband material Agree with Bethan. Even in SLOW when you know he's looking for a chick to have an affair with, he never comes across as a sleaze ball. Ya sorta' side with him.In SIL he was not swarmy..ambitious, yes. But one never disliked him. (Sorry to disappoint you kids, I've never believed he could do "Heinz 57". But what does best is unparalleled.) ~~~~~~~~~~ (Karen)Make sure you tell them you wish you could see more Scottish productions, have no problems with the accent (think it's cute) and admire all the films coming out of that area. ;-) OK, OK, for you and Colin...anything. But God forgive me for lieing

Bethan, did you tell whoever at the BBC Drama Department, that DQ was very well received by both the critics and fans in Australia. I agree I just don't understand the BBC not screening DQ, it is a sure-fired hit and would make many more CF fans in the UK, very hard to fathom their thinking. Ann, I'll ring back again in a couple of weeks and ask specifically why they're delaying until "the summer", when we're all watching Wimbledon or heading off for two weeks in Lanzarote! I agree it's a puzzler. I always thought that because of the track record of the director and screenwriter, DQ would have an excellent chance of a BAFTA (TV) nomination for Best Single Drama, if it was up to standard (which by all accounts it is!!) And that's what really puzzles me...the BAFTA run-in season (for movies and TV) is October thru' February. DQ has been in the can since September....all they had to do was show it!! (Like, tonight...there was absolutely nothing on the BEEB tonight! Is there ever?) It's a mystery! (Sorry to disappoint you kids, I've never believed he could do "Heinz 57". (Evelyn) Me neither! What was that Anthony Minghella word..."uxorious"? Seems more appropriate!

As for CF not being able to do swarmy, or was that smarmy? Well he can do a lowlife; let us not forget Ross in "Playmaker". And although well-born, the Vicomte de Valmont was pretty sleazy, in an upscale sort of way.

And don't forget that Master of Sleeze, Simon Westward! Murph

Absolutely. He was a low form of life -- like cyanobacteria, better known as pond scum.

Alan in Out Of The Blue was rather smarmy, as was CF's character in The Deep Blue Sea. And who could forget good ole Charlie Holroyd.;-) RE: the BBC's scheduling (or lack therof) of DQ. Maybe a stupid question (but hey, if I don't know, I ask;-)--would the average English viewer have any difficulty with the Glaswegian accent? Certainly, you'd have more occasion to be exposed to it than we in the U.S., but I was just wondering . . .

(Cheryl)As for CF not being able to do swarmy, or was that smarmy? Well he can do a lowlife; let us not forget Ross in "Playmaker". And although well-born, the Vicomte de Valmont was pretty sleazy,in an upscale sort of way. (Murph)...Master of Sleeze, Simon Westward! Yes, I know all those roles were supposedly smarmy(thank you Cheryl) in the script, but he never convinced me.He always played these characters in such a plausible way,that I commiserated with them."I felt their pain";-) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (Bethan)What was that Anthony Minghella word..."uxorious"? I think it's "unctuous".("Uxorious" has to do with being submissive to a wife!) Let's use that word...it sounds so erudite!Just like Mr. Minghella:-)

(Evelyn)he never comes across as a sleaze ball. Ya sorta' side with him.In SIL he was not swarmy..ambitious, yes. But one never disliked him. Don't you think that's because we are just a tiny little bit prejudiced in his favour?

Mari: would the average English viewer have any difficulty with the Glaswegian accent? Generally English viewers can handle all UK accents: bear in mind that sometimes scripts are written to ensure that local dialects aren't used to the extent that other UK viewers wouldn't follow them. Occasionally, an accent is used deliberately to confuse; a whole BBC series was based around the filthy Rab C Nesbitt, a comic character with a Scottish accent so impenetrable that some viewers would only catch about 20% of the words/sentences. And a recent ad I saw in Geordie was obviously pitched beyond the understanding of Southerners.

(Nita) Don't you think that's because we are just a tiny little bit prejudiced in his favour? I agree, Nita. To the world at large (excepting us loyal Firthfans ;-P), Wessex was your requisite bad guy. I saw SiL in the theater several times and that's how he was perceived by those around me. I think that's why the US critics ignored him, too. I enjoyed the performance. Despite some familiar moments, it was "fresh" and of course there's my favorite line, "now, pay attention, nursey..."

SIL had some classic moments - CF as Wessex ran the gamut of film styles, a bit of swash buckling (never was a swash so ably buckled or should that be buckle being swashed), musical -who can forget the exceptional vocal talent (strange warbling sound like David Bowie on horseback!)and even a bit of stapstick...moment after wedding when playbill blows into Wessex's face - all of which were played to great effect. Despite casting him obviously as "the Baddie" I believe that SIL was a better showcase than FP (which has its moments) for his comedic talents - what say you?

Interesting question, Tracy. SiL was a better showcase in terms of worldwide audience, that's for sure. I thought one of the funniest parts was when Viola starts to greet Wessex with the mustache still on, but the laughs were appropriately hers. It's hard to beat the scene in FP in which Paul sets the napkin on fire. He played it so perfectly!

SLOW on video in UK This month, SLOW is released on video for rental. (That's why to buy it now would cost over the odds at the moment: the price will go down in due course.) The fact was greeted in a number of magazines: I had a quick look through some of them and can report as follows: Total Film, April 2000 (btw, why are those magazines dated well over a month ahead of the actual sale time?): no review, the title is just listed among "other releases". Time Out (London weekly, current edition): A tiny pic of Matthew and Sammy on the wall accompanies a short so-so summary and the names of the stars. Empire, April 2000: again, a so-so rating due to script weaknesses - despite of the colourful community interest and beautiful scenery - however, "Firth is charismatic (and Long believable)". Radio Times (a radio and TV weekly owned by the BBC), current edition: the film gets the prominent top place on the "Video" page, the main headline: "Love lessons: Emma Norman enjoys seeing Colin Firth in a romantic role", a large photo of Matthew and Nimi smiling at each other in bed: three stars rating and the following encouraging conclusion: "Firth leaves the rest of the cast at the starting gate in the acting stakes, but with such great vibrancy, colourful costumes and humour, it pays to overlook the film's shortcomings."

talking of accents. I once went out with a boy from Glasgow - I am from Surrey, Southern England it was disastrous, neither or I understood a word each one said! But then I got to know some others and gradually got used to the accent. As for Geordies, I worked in Immigration in Aust. and was one day at the counter - a man came in and asked something or other - I understood not a word. I called one of the others over who could speak various languages and when he came back to the inner office came over to me laughing himself silly. But your a pom, he said, the man came from Newcastle and you didn't understand him!!!!!!

(Mark) Generally English viewers can handle all UK accents: bear in mind that sometimes scripts are written to ensure that local dialects aren't used to the extent that other UK viewers wouldn't follow them. Thanks, Mark--that makes sense. Anne, I enjoyed your anecdotes also; reminds me of the saying about "countries separated by a common language." :-)

Arami, thanks for scanning the SLOW video reviews. The "Radio Times" review is very heartening....obviously Emma Norman likes Colin (and why not?)! But I'm sure a lot of CF fans read the "Radio Times", more so than any of the other film and TV mags, and will be keen to see CF in a romantic role. (Blockbusters, take note!!) Re DQ and the accents...I agree with Mark. And also we are accustomed to seeing Glasgow-based drama on our screens. The Clyde accent can be difficult, but once you're tuned in, it's okay. SIL... I enjoyed the performance. Despite some familiar moments, it was "fresh" (Eileen) I saw SIL when it first came out, but have only recently acquired the video. And after "studying" the video, I really appreciated his performance...he makes the most of the material. Have to say that I'm also prejudiced in favour of Wessex. Okay, he was rather cash-strapped and regarded marriage as a business contract (which it was in those days). But he was understandably annoyed when his fiance started dallying with another man and was also anxious that she made a good impression on the all-powerful Queen of England. Otherwise he seemed enterprising (sound business interests in Virginia),wasn't entirely humourless "Bless me, and I thought that was a horse", didn't have a wife tucked away somewhere, and seemed genuinely perturbed at the end.. "what is to be done?". Even Viola seemed quite pragmatic about it all "If not you, why not Wessex?" If he hadn't drowned, I think they would have been quite happy together! Hardly an A-list Baddie!

If he hadn't drowned, I think they would have been quite happy together! Recalls Murph's sequel. Do you still have that one tucked away somewhere, Murph? ~~~~~~~~~~~ Re: Films with Glasgow accents...they are made obviously for UK audiences. I only watched DQ because of you-know-who.Otherwise, I steer clear of them like the plague.

Carrie must be starting up a new website. There's a pic on her main page of Colin I've never seen before. Anybody? http://www.firthfrenzy.com/

Karen, that's the photo from the infamous Tatler interview. September of '96, I think. RE: Wessex. He didn't actually drown, just in Will's imagination.

Just a little snippet from the Baz Bamigboye column today,with the lack of Firth news at the moment, any little bit is welcome. "Watch out for... Julie Andrews, who displays marvellous comic timing in the film of Noel Coward's Relative Values. That's the one about a title oaf (EA) who brings home a Hollywood starlet (JT) to meet mummy (Ms. Andrews), at the family pile. Director Eric Styles gives the film which opens in the summer, a glossy lustre and peppers it with Fifties songs. Sophie Thompson, Colin Firth and Stephen Fry are also spiffing. ...." Hopefully we will get some news soon as to future projects.

I think that CF can do very well at playing villains. Remember the baddy very often gets all the best lines. It's just that we, as his loyal fans, give his character the benefit of the doubt. He's not bad, he's just misunderstood. We may even entertain the fantasy of reforming the bad boy.

There's a pic on her main page of Colin I've never seen before. Anybody? (mari) that's the photo from the infamous Tatler interview. September of '96, I think. You like that pic? Looks like something out of Madam Tussaud's .

The pic at Firthfrenzy: Oh, yes, the famous Byronic/Hamletic pose, with lots of make-up ("Im a real queen about this", surely you must remember?) and modelling some expensive garb. Lower down, one of the huge, brand new, shiny Gucci boots is showing the sole and I was the firth ever in the world of Firth frenzied to decipher the shoe size therefrom. It has been since confirmed, not least from nearly pressing one's face against his boots during the opening scene of Three Days of Rain at the Donmar... ;-D

Mari: Karen, that's the photo from the infamous Tatler interview. September of '96, I think. ********** People either love that one or hate it. There was discussion I remember about how hostile the interviewer was to CF. It must be up somewhere - perhaps on Meluchie's articles pages. I personaly liked the picture. It made him look, as Arami says, byronic and brooding -- so totally unlike the real man. I always want to put an Edna St. Vincent Millay sonnet next to it. Today, it would be Jude Law instead of Colin in a pose like that. Talk about press!! Law deserves it though, IMO. Murph

If I were a website editor, I would feature the pic of Colin on the beach in Santa Monica..the one barefoot,with the biiiiggg grin (Harper's?) right on the front page... With the caption.."Hold on to your hat, you ain't seen nothin' yet...."

The article is up on Meluchie's site, but the picture isn't there. http://members.xoom.com/firthfiles/articles/96TatlerUK09.html BTW, I don't think the interviewer was at all hostile. Harriet was in "deep drool" The woman was falling apart: He laughs, devastatingly. Odd. My legs appear to be turning to jelly.

Director Eric Styles gives the film which opens in the summer, a glossy lustre and peppers it with Fifties songs. Sophie Thompson, Colin Firth and Stephen Fry are also spiffing. ...." (Ann) RV is getting a reasonable amount of pre-publicity. I wonder what sort of release it will get? Selected nationwide perhaps? I've not seen any mentions of MLSF...from what I can make out this will be a strictly art house release. I had a final shot at getting some info about a release date fot DQ. Quite bizarre, really. I phoned the Drama dept of BBC Scotland. Was told initially that it had no transmission date as it was in post-production but we'd probably see it in the summer or "sometime this year" (thanks a bunch!). I asked "why 'the summer' as this is normally the dumping ground for material that isn't very good." Reply: "Oh, it's still being edited, so we don't know how good it is. I'm sure it will be good". A-aargh!! I'm not an investigative reporter, or I suppose I should have gone for the jugular..." You lie, madam!" But why they can't set a date is beyond me. There has to be something more to this. David Blair, the director, has won two BAFTAs in the last three years in the Best Drama category. The closing date for this years BAFTAs (TV awards) is mid-April. DQ should be shown now. But surely the director, producer, the BBC itself, should be promoting it? Not me!

Sorry! Have I closed the italics?

Good try, Bethan, and why does it still need editing, if it can be shwon in Australia why not here?

(BBC stooge) Reply: "Oh, it's still being edited, so we don't know how good it is. I'm sure it will be good". (Bethan) I suppose I should have gone for the jugular..." You lie, madam!" The polite response should have been: "Would you like me to send you the review from the Irish Times or those from the Australian papers, when it was broadcast there in January? Now give me somebody who knows their !@#$ from a hole in the ground! ;-) About RV, it looks like there will be huge publicity for this film. Julie Andrews is really being showcased and will be trotted out to appear everywhere. While the Teletext said it will be released in May, I've been told it's been pushed back to June because of Cannes.

Evelyn asked if I still had my version of what happened to Wessex and Viola. I do, and you can start the tale here. It begins down toward the bottom of the page. There are several parts: Viola and Wessex In The New World Murph

Thanks Murph. It's a lovely story ,and I wish it were archived someplace.

I like that picture too, Murph. He did come of a bit conceited in that interview. Did anyone else think so? And, he put his feet up on the table at the chintzy St. James. What was that about? the Lady in me was a bit put off

(Moon) He did come of a bit conceited in that interview. Did anyone else think so? I didn't think so...a lot was made about his demeanour, it is well documented - his hatred of being interviewed so perhaps he had had just one interview too many that day! It was probably all a reaction to the woman interviewing who seemed so be somewhat schizophrenic in her approach. She seemed to alter her stance from outright hostility to fawning in the extreme. If this was "deep drool" then what stage are we in then....drowned I think! Has anyone caught the wavfiles on firthfrenzy? There were a few I'd not heared before and one in particular which is taken from the A&E interview where he is talking about P&P he comes across as so amiable - a stark contrast to the "posing, stuffy reserve" portrayed by Tatler. (I would attempt a link here Karen-- but I'd probably end up attaching the entire web ;-D ..I know my limitations).

Heres the full Empire (April) write up on SLOW: "Its the old Romeo and Juliet scenario - boy meets girl, they fall in love, but their families think it's an unsuitable match � but this time set in the South of France. Garden designer Nimi (Nia Long), a member of a claustrophobic Nigerian community falls for Colin Firth�s British (and married) comic book writer. While It�s hard to fault either of the leads � Firth is charismatic, Long is thoroughly believable � what�s missing is chemistry, coherent plot and a reason to have shifted the action to such an unusual location. Not bad, just a bit dull. ** (Fair)"

DQ...The polite response should have been: "Would you like me to send you the review from the Irish Times or those from the Australian papers, when it was broadcast there in January? Now give me somebody who knows their !@#$ from a hole in the ground! ;-) (Karen) Next time, I promise! All I want is a date!!! Just tell me September 2001 and I'll be happy! Seriously though, I just can't understand why "no transmission date" has been set and why they need to lie about it. Very "iffy". Programmes are always given a transmission date, normally within two or three momths of completion, For example, Channel 4's "Anna Karenina", completed January, is being shown in May. Normal procedure. All I can suggest is e-mailing the BBC at regular intervals..."Show us DQ...made with tax payers'(ie our) money!! I'll stop going on about this (bo-o-ring, I know), but I thought that after the blips of MLSF and SLOW, DQ was one hundred percent, cast iron, foolproof,"let's get it in to screen". Perhaps they want to promote the video sales, by putting it to video first before screening?? (This has happened in one or two rare instances) Thanks Murph for your romantic sequel.... beats the original! About RV, it looks like there will be huge publicity for this film. Julie Andrews is really being showcased (Karen) Goody!! There are so many movies around that publicity and hype do matter! Moon) He did come of a bit conceited in that interview. Did anyone else think so? More tense and ill at ease, I think. There was some comment about him lighting up a cigarette and then becoming more relaxed. The power of nicotine (hopefully no longer needed)! This was the first article about CF that I'd ever seen. I remember it well, because we were on holiday in Dublin and browsing in the newsagents I spotted his name on the cover of the Tatler. Eureka! And the very next day I discovered the Internet. We were staying on the UCD campus and my sons went to a half day "Fun on the Net" course. I joined them at the end, and typed in "Jane Austen", and then, (greatly daring!!) "Colin Firth". And WOW! The man existed! :-)

Question...if Firth is "charismatic" and Long is "thoroughly believable" what chemistry is missing? And, as I've said before, there is a strong West African community in Marseilles and the Southern France seaports.

if Firth is "charismatic" and Long is "thoroughly believable" what chemistry is missing? The one needed to make the reviewer's brain work, obviously.

(Tracy)A&E interview where he is talking about P&P he comes across as so amiable - a stark contrast to the "posing, stuffy reserve" portrayed by Tatler. The Tatler interview was in Sept. 96 and the A&E TV interview was in Nov.'98. We all know that he changes his views often.Particularly about P&P.

(Arami) The one needed to make the reviewer's brain work, obviously. LOL. I have yet to see the piece sp can't really pass comment..tomorrow is THE day it gets released over here to rent so perhaps, if I badger Blockbusters enough, by Christmas I may have seen it ;-)

(Bethan) Have to say that I'm also prejudiced in favour of Wessex/.../wasn't entirely humourless "Bless me, and I thought that was a horse", didn't have a wife tucked away somewhere, and seemed genuinely perturbed at the end.. "what is to be done?"/.../Hardly an A-list Baddie! (Cheryl) It's just that we, as his loyal fans, give his character the benefit of the doubt. He's not bad, he's just misunderstood. Have to agree with Cheryl here. We're prejudiced toward Wessex but to the audience-at-large, he was a) trying to kill the hero and b) taking Viola away from her true love--A-list baddie all the way, right or wrong. As was pointed out, Wessex did have some great lines. Unfortunately, 'bless me...' is so hard to hear the effect is diluted. There are plenty of other laughs, though. 'That dog!' Re: The Mystery of BBC and DQ--sounds to me as though the staffer Bethan spoke with was working with old information. Either that, or they're editing (dubbing) some of the dialogue?! (Tracy)A&E interview where he is talking about P&P he comes across as so amiable - a stark contrast to the "posing, stuffy reserve" portrayed by Tatler. (Evelyn) The Tatler interview was in Sept. 96 and the A&E TV interview was in Nov.'98. We all know that he changes his views often. Particularly about P&P. Very true. Colin was quite charming in the A&E interview (nose pulling aside). Two years after the fury, who wouldn't have developed a clearer perspective (and a consistent, pleasing answer to the inevitible question)? When I first read that Tatler article, I thought the author had an ax to grind. It was so different than the scads of other stuff written about him at the time, which was surely the objective.

Just thought I'd let you know the Career Timeline site has a new DB pic and link to Dolores' TOTS page. Lots of bouffanty hair, Elvis sideburns and outsize suiting going on here and a shot of the portrait referred to in response 281 (Murph). If you can discount the apalling costumery there are some really nice smiley pix of the Master here (and unfortunately one or to of JM - who is displaying her full range of expressions here i.e. mouth closed and mouth open ;-D)

Someone should tell that webmaster how to spell "Persuasion".

SLOW is in Blockbusters - no problem. I like it! Lots of dialogue I missed first time round. CF and Nia both charming. Sammy very sweet and innocent. Supporting cast good. My second-time round impressions more favourable (and I enjoyed it the first time). Only problem...the video tape label came off and my VCR jammed and now, most annoyingly, won'tplay any tape. GRRRR!!

(Bethan)Lots of dialogue I missed first time round. I bet it didn't improve.(I've seen it 3 times) ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bethan, can we hope to get a report of the MLSF UK premiere at the Bradford FF tomorrow night?Since it's taking place in your own backyard? How lucky can you be!!

I've been meaning to ask, what was the name of the town where the family traveled to in East is East? The town where the father took the family to arrange his son's marriages? For some reason Bradford sounded familiar...and there was that sign. Bradistan or something like that?

My second-time round impressions more favourable (and I enjoyed it the first time). Only problem...the video tape label came off and my VCR jammed and now, most annoyingly, won'tplay any tape. GRRRR!! LOL, Bethan! To think how much you suffered for SLOW before you finally saw it, and now this! Exchange that tape!

Karen, I'd answer your qustion but East is East hasn;t come out here yet. GAAAH! Tracy, I've been trying to get a hold of you, but your email address doesn't seem to take the messages I send. Email me at jesperan@ucla.edu Thanks!

I confess I haven't seen East is East yet, but Bradford is almost certain to be the town you mention, as it has the highest percentage Asian population of any town in the UK.

The No. 1 boxoffice British movie of last year, sort of, and you haven't seen it? Bad! ;-) Thanks, I knew it sounded familiar.

Colin mention in an Independent article about the influence of actors, called "Are Thespians the Rulers of the Modern World?" Not worth reproducing in its entirety, but here's the paragraph (hardly worth doing): There are, presumably, a few bright actors, but, on the evidence of television chat shows, most of them are fearfully second-rate when required to talk without the help of a writer. According to a recent book, Fame: The Psychology of Stardom, by Glenn Wilson and Andy Evans, some of them are even so vulnerable that they fall victim to what is known as "possession syndrome". So Charlton Heston found that he became rather odd while playing the mad Captain Queeg in The Caine Mutiny. Daniel Day-Lewis confused the ghost and his real father in Hamlet. And ever since Fever Pitch, Colin Firth has been an avid Arsenal fan.

There are, presumably, a few bright actors, Darn, I thought they were going to use Colin as an example of one of those few. Instead he gets branded as an Arsenal supporter which somehow seems to mean having a lesser IQ. Am amazed they didn't trot out the old Mr. Darcy connection but then Colin's never confused himself with a Regency buck. That's only for film reviewers and a fair number of tunnel vision fans. ;-)

MLSF Premieres tonight in UK All those phone calls to Miramax really paid off,Bethan. Buena Vista put it within your proximity. http://www.nmpft.org.uk/whatson/bradfilmfest/america/life.asp ~~~~~~~~ That Museum looks interesting too. Pity it's so for tourists. Wonder if they have any of CF productions in their holdings. The Museum for Film and TV in New York City has LE.

(KarenR)And ever since Fever Pitch, Colin Firth has been an avid Arsenal fan. Wot? You tellin' me I missed my chance to go to the Donmar in full Arsenal regalia, as I meant to but thought better (worse) of? Gaaah!

(Bethan) SLOW is in Blockbusters - no problem. I like it! Me too..I couldn't believe it I went in and asked and .......the tape was handed over. *faint* I have to say that from the reviews and sundry other comments I was sure that I wouldn't like it. But I was glad to be proved wrong. I suppose the story was a little thin but it was positively obese in comparison with some of the other stuff that CF has done. There were some good scenes between Sammy and Matthew, the rapport here was wonderful, I particularly enjoyed the fact that Matthew was speaking to Sammy as an equal ..all lads together. Those scenes had some great lines: "a bad sign, Clarks sandals - always followed by a father with a shotgun" and "rabbits" (!?). Of course Colin was fab in it but then he always is, NL's performance was OK but her accent did wander a bit. The only sad thing is, I've got to hand it back tomorrow ;-(

He's now an Arsenal fan. Everybody needs a hobby.

Hey, gang, we're in the big time now: Colin was an answer on Jeopardy (U.S. game show) tonight. Clue was: Actor Colin, or a narrow body of water, something, something . . . The contestant (male) got it right--$500 and on a Daily Double, no less! (Tracy) I suppose the story was a little thin but it was positively obese in comparison . . . LOL! Tracy, I love how you turn a phrase.

The contestant (male) got it right--$500 and on a Daily Double, no less! Now that's a new standard for greatness if I ever heard one... Being famous means... you're a Daily Double answer on Jeopardy! LOL! And why shouldn't he be?! ;-)

Tracy, ask your Blockbusters if you can buy a "frequent renters" ticket for SLOW? Let's hear some of your favorite scenes, lines, clothes, scalp shots, whatever. ;-) (Mari) Colin was an answer on Jeopardy (U.S. game show) tonight...$500 and on a Daily Double, no less! Grrr!! What was the name of the category? *Breech* that Geographical Gap?

Grrr!! What was the name of the category? *Breech* that Geographical Gap? LOL, Karen! I bet Colin prefers to be in the geographical category to the Austen one. ;-) (Tracy) I suppose the story was a little thin but it was positively obese in comparison . . . (Mari),LOL! Tracy, I love how you turn a phrase. Quite true, Tracy. We have been denied long enough! That is one reason I look forward to SLOW. :-)

I have just remembered! Anything from Bradford? Did no one go? Any news in the local papers?

Karen and All: Alberta from the FOF list sent this today. "I have just arrived home after the seeing MLSF at the Bradford Film Festival, What a wonderful film. The Film festival really was fantastic, films from far and wide all shown in one city and a Northern city at that. Bradford is set among the Yorkshire Moors, a far cry from London. We battled a severe gale to get over the moors, but it was really worth the effort. Colin was wonderful and even my husband who is not a CF fan laughed all the way through it. Now for the video. Best wishes. Alberta." I wonder if they saw Stephen W in their scary trip over the moors? Murph

...Anything from Bradford? Did no one go? Any news in the local papers? I could not find a Bradford newspaper on line.Would Bradford have a Chamber of Commerce? I'm about to call American Airlines....they sponsored the FF;-)

Three Cheers for Alberta!Wonder how far she had to go to brave the gales over the moors. Now there's a fan...right up there with Susan! Pl ask her Murph, what the audience reaction was.I'm banking on UK on making this a big hit.

I wonder if they saw Stephen W in their scary trip over the moors? Wrong moor, I think, Murph. SW was in the west country so it would have been Dartmoor or Exmoor. .(Evelyn)I'm banking on UK on making this a big hit. Don't hold your breath! I have not heard a word about it in the press. (Karen).I'm banking on UK on making this a big hit. The only paper I know anything about (I am an ignorant southerner, sorry Bethan;-))is the Yorkshire Post. I shall go and check if that is online.

Ooops! What went wrong there? That should have been: Something from Karen about Bradford newspapers The only paper I know anything about (I am an ignorant southerner, sorry Bethan;-))is the Yorkshire Post. I shall go and check if that is online.

Thanks Allison...see if you can find out anything of a review...we're all eager to hear. I have not heard a word about it in the press I have great faith in Lord Puttnam;-)

Just to add to Murph's report. More from our FoF on the scene: The theater was less than half full (BUT that may have been due to the weather--will ask). They handed out audience rating cards and of course she wrote "wonderful" all over it. The guy collecting them said that was the reaction from all the cards he had seen. (Evelyn) I have great faith in Lord Puttnam;-) I do too. The guy was over here giving interviews and promoting it as best he could. You have to support your own work; the squeaky hinge gets the grease these days.

she wrote "wonderful" all over it Pfft! Unprepared ;-)

The Yorkshire Post is "sort of" online. Nothing about cultural activities or reviews. Have read interesting article about a liposuction malpractice case though! ;-)

Thanks Murph and Mari for relating MLSF report from Bradford FF.. Mari...pl.ask Alberta about the demographics of the audience.Impt. for young people to like this. They go to the movies in UK.Did they all laugh at the right places?

re MLSF at The Bradford Film Festival - Apparently Colin's name was hardly mentioned in the publicity just a small mention in the programme. RH was the main star. Hope this isn't how it is going to be when it goes on general release. BTW please remember that it was Bethan who alerted us to the fact that MLSF was showing at the Bradford F.F. in the first place and that not everyone is a free agent, thankyou Bethan for alerting us to the fact that MLSF was showing at the Festival and please let us know if you read any reviews from the Festival for MLSF.

Apparently Colin's name was hardly mentioned in the publicity just a small mention in the programme. RH was the main star WOT?Is this the way it is going to be publicized in the UK? With Malcolm Mc Dowell probably getting second billing? Those of us who viewed it in the US clearly saw "starring Colin Firth" in the opening credits.(With an accompanying rush!)What's going on here? Are you just going to stand by and watch them publicize it that way? Steal the film right under him? Hang the reviews! Get moving on reversing that publicity.

How do you suggest it be done, Evelyn?

Call Buena Vista International (they are the distributors) and ask them who is handling the MLSF publicity. Then talk to the Marketing director and tell them what you heard re: the cast billing of MLSF at the Bradford FF. (Of course, it is all hearsay, since we do not know anything concrete!)

David Puttnam is a minister in the Blair Government - Colin is not considered to be politically reliable!! Could be you know - but it is pretty stupid not to name him the star which he was. Also he is so popular with so many women in the U.K. that they would flock to see them. It'll be interesting to see what Buena Vista have to say.

I believe Bethan has already been in touch with the Bradford Film Festival people and pointed out the error of their ways, we shall see. I

Okay, some facts about the FF and MLSF, as it's in my neck of the woods. One. CF, MM and IJ were were all omitted from the cast list in the main programme, which was sent out to all enqurers and also included free in the Yorkshire Post and Bradford Telegraph and Argus. I phoned up the FF Programme organisers to complain, and they said it was a typographic error..the cast list took up two lines and they'd "lost" one line. But it did mean that the casting of MLSF was de-emphasised, but promoted for most other movies. Two. The Pictureville at Bradford has a seating capacity of over 300 (unlike the two other venues used in the FF which only seat 100). If it was half full, this was a good turnout for a badly promoted film (I've been there with an audience of about 20!). It was a very cold and blustery evening, and mid-week. Three. I phoned yesterday to ask whether MLSF will be screened again at the Pictureville, and it will, when MLSF opens officially in May. I asked if it had a good audience reaction and was told "Yes, very good indeed!" Four. I wouldn't call opening at the Bradford FF a "premiere"...more a preview. The Pictureville is not the Curzon in London. The Curzon has the second largest seating capacity after the mega Odeon Leicester Square. It's currently showing "Topsy Turvy" and has shown "Onegin" and "The Winslow BOy". All of these were heavily promoted in the UK, especially "Onegin", and included talk show appearances by cast members, clips on TV, and interviews with directors, plus the usual magazine coverage. If MLSF's opening was put back to secure an opening at the Curzon, I would expect them to promote it. And David Puttnam really does promote! I can't see CF doing "Parkinson", but he'll *have* to do press interviews. Five. The main paper for Bradford is the Telegraph and Argus, which is sort of online, (search thru Yahoo). Six. The screening of MLSF was on the same night as an important Parents' Evening re my son's GCSE progress and A level choices (both landmark exams in the UK education system). My husbabd actually agreed that if we got away in time we'd go straight to Bradford as he didn't mind seeing MLSF with me (we usually try to catch a movie at the local FFs). But we didn't finish til well after eight, and even I couldn't justify going to see the second half of a film!! Sorry, for once, it seemed as though there was "no problem"! But we will go in May. Seven. Got a refund on SLOW as it janmed my VCR (Now thankfully working again) and have rented a copy from Blockbusters. Will post at 98 over the weekend, butthe more I see of SLOW the more I like it. I missed a lot at the screening. I like the performances and (would you believe!) most of the dialogue, especially between Nimi and her mother, and, surprisingly, Matthew and his wife.

Thanks for all the above, Bethan.

Eight. Thank you, Bethan, for all the additional information. Shame that everything associated with the film's promotion got screwed up and that you weren't able to see it. (AnneH) Also he is so popular with so many women in the U.K. that they would flock to see them. Unfortunatley, that remains to be seen. Back to something Allison mentioned yesterday, was Master of the Moor really supposed to be set in the West Country? I assumed it was Yorkshire as well.

Also he is so popular with so many women in the U.K. that they would flock to see them. They sure didn't flock to see him in SLOW.....which bombed at the box office.

. I wouldn't call opening at the Bradford FF a "premiere"...more a preview. My dictionary says "Premiere= First public performance".(It does not mention Pictureville excluded). Preview would have been at Mr. Young's.....IMO

Mention of Colin in the Guardian's section on World Book Day and an article on Britain's Top 50 Authors: But the most remarkable coup was by Jane Austen as the only classic writer to reach the top 10. She came eighth, ahead of Dick Francis, the world's bestselling horror writer Stephen King, Danielle Steele, Tolkien, Wilbur Smith and John Grisham. The poll was carried out at 4,000 bookshops and libraries, in schools and on the web. Its results were heavily slewed towards parental and children's book purchases and the book-buying tastes of young people. If only adult votes had been counted, Austen - helped by television adaptations including a shot of Colin Firth in wet, semi-transparent underclothes - would have come fourth.

Back to something Allison mentioned yesterday, was Master of the Moor really supposed to be set in the West Country? I assumed it was Yorkshire as well. They (not Colin) had, what sounded to me like west counrty accents eg his wife and his old childhood friend (forgot his name, the one who roams on the moor).

Austen - helped by television adaptations including a shot of Colin Firth in wet, semi-transparent underclothes Aargh, here we go again. Thanks to all for the MLSF updates. What a shame about the billing. Too bad you couldn't get there, Bethan, since CF's so rarely in your backyard.

Naulls was the friend. Tried researching any clues from the story but got very nowhere. Couldn't find Vangmoor (even in a database of Dartmoor locations), anything to do with "foin," Knamber, Whalby, etc. Only thing was Naulls family references in Grimsby. No Cornish names or place names.

Thank you all for the reports. (Evelyn) I have great faith in Lord Puttnam;-) (Mari) I do too. The guy was over here giving interviews and promoting it as best he could. Why do I seem to recall him not doing that? At some point were we not complaining that, when he said he was giving up his career in the movies, he did not think of mentioning MLSF, and all everybody was connecting him with was Chariots of Fire? Mind you, it may be my memory failing. But where Colin is concerned, I almost believe in conspiracy theories.

(Gi) Why do I seem to recall him not doing that? Hmm, that's what I was thinking also. I recall at least one article in which Puttnam went on (and on and on) about politics, with a teensy-weensie little mention of MLSF. (Gi) I almost believe in conspiracy theories Hee hee! Sideways reference to your *other* favorite movie star... ;-D

Most of Puttnam's interviews talk about "horrible Hollywood" (get over it) and politics and education. Usually MLSF is tossed in as "his last film." I think he likes to use the opportunity to promote this film to discuss *his* favorite topics.

Well, Puttnam did give some interviews to the papers here; a couple of them ran "sidebars" featuring him with the film's review. I also remember a brief one in Parade (nationwide Sunday newspaper supplement). He was also featured in a Roger Ebert column when the film screened at Cannes. True, they were often about his pet subjects, but at least the film's name was still getting out there. Ok, I give up, he's an opportunist.;-)

One more thought on Puttnam: producers are not generally the ones expected to be out there beating the bushes for their films. That falls to the directors/stars.;-)

Absolutely, it's not a producer's job. MEM and McDowell were the only ones to do any promoting here in the flesh or in print. Aside from Puttnam using this opportunity--his Last Hurrah--there was probably a little "if you liked Chariots of Fire, give this a shot" mentality given the Puttnam/Hudson pairing. And who didn't like Chariots of Fire?

Colin is not considered to be politically reliable!! Excuse me - utter nonsense. they said it was a typographic error..the cast list took up two lines and they'd "lost" one line Sack the stupid illiterate typist/printer/proofreader! seriously, the standard of printed media in this country makes me wanna weep. My dictionary says "Premiere= First public performance"... Preview would have been at Mr. Young's.....IMO And IMO, at Mr Young's it was a private screening; preview is an unofficial first public performance; and premiere is an official first public performance.

On Box Office success....I think, with rare exceptions, the only movies that make it here are those that appeal to the 14-23 age group. Films are often much more successful through video rentals, Sky movie channels, and screenings on terrestial TV. And this sort of success is recognised..alomg with critical success. Box office returns aren't the only measure. BTW I noticed in the opening credits to SLOW that it's a BSkyB co-production. Does this mean it will be shown on Sky? I managed to watch SLOW again ( thank goodness we have a VCR upstairs!) before returning it tomorrow. Again, I have to say I really do like it very much. It's made for video watching (and re-winding!) and infact I appreciate it more on the small than Big screen. CF has never looked more handsome...it's so nice to see him with his natural colouring. The love scenes are played with great tenderness. And there are some lovely performances from all the cast. The women are great! Good photography as well. And now I understand all the dialogue, I like the screenplay. Am I the only one to enthuse about this? I hope everyone gets a chance to see it on video soon. One little thing I noticed...he wears a wedding ring in the opening scene, but never again.

Karen (and all): Right next to the article on World Book day (and thanks for the tip) there is one on Rupert Brooke, and a new tell all book just discovered written by a former lover. It is interesting, and for those who have heard "One Before Last," that pool is mentioned in the story! Does everyone know that CF did an audio tape in 1987 where he played Brooke? I have a link on my news page. NEWS Murph

The link does not seem to work, but if you follow Karen's, you will get to the Brooke article, or try the revised one below. Murph - again I typed the wrong URL. Here is the right one: News

I am sorry to have to disagree with you - why I will not discuss on an open line. E-mail at ommin@icenet.com.au.

(Bethan) Am I the only one to enthuse about this? Perhaps enthuse is not the word, but I did thoroughly enjoy SLOW. The photography is great and the setting, simply gorgeous - that house, the view...wonderful!! The other items on view weren't half bad either? I was a little surprised (as it has a 12 rating over here) that a single F word was kept in, not that I'm prudish or anything, but I suppose apart from that there was nothing else in the film to warrant a higher rating. I don't recall ever hearing the word in films I watched at the cinema when I was 12 and no I'm not that old! Necessary? Not totally, although it did illustrate Matt's frustration with the Nimi-Fola situation and struck a chord with Nimi's brother(?) who vehemently agreed with Matthew's "f*** Fola!" outburst. The colourful supporting cast were well drawn I thought and I had no problem with the dialogue. Rev Fola's mother - LOL! There was one scene between the two mothers which was so polite and deliberate but deep down you just knew that wanted nothing else than to slap the living daylights out of each other. Brilliant! I've just seen it the once ... I'm just going to have to rent it again, and agin most probably.

ODB gets a brief mention on the Editors comment on the Letters page of this weeks Radio Times (11-17 Mar)..(that's two weeks running guys - steady). Blink and you'd miss it: "For RT readers Pride and Prejudice (the Colin Firth wet shirt version) is the yardstick by which all dramas are measured." - and it goes on about another drama of no consequence. But hey, it was a mention!

Does this perhaps explain why DQ is to be shown in the "summer months - from today's TIMES Culture TV pages about a series starting today:- "Dirty Work. BBC1 9.30pm. The low ratings achieved last year by both Life Support and Jack of Hearts has increased the pressure on the drama departments of BBC Scotland and BBC Wales, already accused of only getting high-profile commissions because the corporation feels obliged to broadcast a quota of non-English work on BBC1. So this new Welsh series is a key test of Celtic credibility: if even a show starring Neil Pearson and written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran flops, future series from the so-called "national regions" face the likelihood of being banished to the summer months. ....."

future series from the so-called "national regions" face the likelihood of being banished to the summer months. ....." Argh! To make all decisions on the basis on two programs' ratings? Puh-leez! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Speaking of BBC, here's its review of the SLOW video: Strapline: 'How to find the right man, at the right price' Writer Matthew Field (Colin Firth) retreats to the South of France where he's befriended by seven-year-old Sammy. Confusing the new arrival with his comic book hero Saracen, Sammy sets out to get Matthew partnered-up with his unmarried mother Nimi (Nia Long). Nimi isn't entirely unreceptive to the gruff Matthew but neither of them has reckoned to the desires of Nimi's Nigerian community that wish for her to marry the local priest. This sets the scene for some vague comic moments amongst some feather-light drama. Shot in stunning French locations with some beautiful costumes this film does have considerable charm. The young Sammy adds to the warm glow with an enthusiastic performance that won't cause tooth decay unlike some other child actors. The one niggling problem is Colin Firth who plays essentially a rather miserable old grump. Granted he's a good-looking grump but why the feisty Nimi should be drawn to him takes some persuading. This is a light and enjoyable confection that could do with a tighter scr pt but is nonetheless quite good. *** Best line: 'A Beautiful girl is like a banana leaf'

That review must have been written by a man. Hey, we feisty women are always drawn to good looking grumps . But I always wondered why Matthew was initially drawn to Nimi. That part of the story was unconvincing to me, unless he was just looking for a place to park his salami. With Lizzie, he saw someone intelligent and spunky. With Heloise, he saw someone gorgeous and talented. With Nimi, she wasn't shown in a particularly good scene when he first saw her. So I didn't see that initial attraction.

So girls, was Matthew a miserable old(!) grump? Would it make a whit of difference? (Tracy) "For RT readers Pride and Prejudice (the Colin Firth wet shirt version).. Bad, bad. ..is the yardstick by which all dramas are measured." Good, good. I'll never fault Radio Times for their promotion of P&P - love those photos they published - but this is always fodder for the Janeites when they grumble about this production. As if the whole thing was about that white shirt. I mean we did get to see him get out of the bathtub too. ;-)

It probably started off as "trying to get what you can't have."

hmm, maybe I should try that :-)

Your study materials should be old Doris Day movies. SLOW is nothing more than a rehash of that old classic Pillow Talk. ;-)

The one niggling problem is Colin Firth who plays essentially a rather miserable old grump. Granted he's a good-looking grump but why the feisty Nimi should be drawn to him takes some persuading. I cannot believe this!! "Miserable old grump"...excuse me, please, but are we watching the same video? One of Colin's major problems (and it is a problem) is that most reviews are written by men, who just can't/won't understand why he appeals to women! SLOW has really grown on me (I returned the video, reluctantly, yesterday). I liked it when I saw it in London but thought perhaps I wasn't looking at it critically enough. I mean, the Gurdian thought it was a "mess"! But the more I looked at it, the more I liked it. I love the scene when Matthew tells Nimi that he is frightened because he needs her (stammering, tears in his eyes...he does this so well) No "miserable grump" here! And the scene when Matt and Sami are playing at "being men" and Sami "shoots" Matthew and he falls backwards off the wall (just look at the look of pure delight on Sami's face!) The film has great charm, the dialogue is frequently amusing ( I liked Matt's line to Sami "Stop looking like an Oxfam poster", also the exhange when Matt asks Sami what his mother is like "She likes you to keep your room tidy" "Oh, it's that bad is it" "And to wear a uniform" "Hmmm, that'll come later". Anyway, at least the reviewer acknowledges that CF is good looking. To be honest, he is so outstandingly good looking in this, that he could be as miserable as sin and still be attractive! future series from the so-called "national regions" face the likelihood of being banished to the summer months. Reinforces my disbelief that the BBC were even thinking of showing DQ in the summer..it truly is the dumping ground for programming. So if Neil Pearson flops in the ratings, a film starring the actor voted the most popular on the history of the BBC, scripted by a BAFTA winner and directed by a two-time BAFTA winner, and already shown in Australia to good reviews will be shown in July, when everyone is on holiday or in the pub! The logic of this defeats me!!! There's a lot about DQ I don't understand...the BBC must know it's a surefire winner...why aren't they treating it as such? I'm almost subscribing to Gi's Conspiracy Theory (Bury this movie!!) :-)

Lottery movies: 9 hits, 121 misses Vanessa Thorpe and Antony Barnett examine why lottery-funded films have become a byword for mediocrity Film Unlimited Sunday March 12, 2000 The Observer It sounded promising. Colin Firth was on board. The screenplay had a glamorous location in the south of France and the central plot had all the right credentials, concerning, as it did, an imperilled and steamy love affair across the racial divide. But if you have not yet seen the feature film The Secret Laughter of Women , if you have not even heard of it, then you are not alone. Although the film won a lottery grant of just under �1m, its box-office takings last year came to only �2,832 in this country. The critics were not ecstatic either. A typical review in the British magazine Total Film commented: 'The fairytale relationship follows a disappointingly predictable trajectory, with Firth giving an anaemic performance in a poorly written role.' Government figures released to The Observer this weekend reveal that this unpleasant twist to the end of what should have been a lovely story is not an isolated incident. A lottery grant is starting to look more like a blight on a film's chances of audience popularity than a boost. Of around 130 feature films that have received backing since lottery money came on stream in 1996, only nine could be counted as any sort of success. Many have faltered at the final hurdle and are still awaiting distribution deals, others are permanently on hold. Perhaps the most painful figures to read, though, are the large sums that went into films that have won big cinema releases and which were far from enjoyable to watch: this year's critically panned Fanny and Elvis , for example, with a grant of more than �1m, or the upcoming Kevin Spacey film, Ordinary Decent Criminal , which also had a �1m grant. For many within the industry the sad roll call of silver screen turkeys is directly attributable to the cosy clique of producers and financiers who are in charge of handing out the grant money in Britain. They may well have been keen to support the constantly threatened, home grown production business with a windfall of lottery money, but in doing this, it sometimes seems large amounts have gone to projects on little more than the recommendation of a friend. Rupert Preston of the independent film distributor Metrodome sees lottery funding as a force for mediocrity, not excellence. He also thinks it is ultimately a business irrelevance. 'Good films, like our own Human Traffic , for example, tend to emerge anyway, without any lottery help. We did ask for a grant for that one but we were told, no, because it was all about nasty drugs.' Even the more obviously commercial bets, such as last spring's romantic comedy This Year's Love , can make it through without calling upon public funds. 'It is a scandal, to be frank. Many of the lottery-funded films don't even get a distributor,' says Preston. 'All this money is spent and then no one actually sees them, whether they are any good or not. A vast amount of money has been spent; I would say around �30m for each of the three big film franchises that were set up to hand out production cash, and then another �70m at least which has gone direct into production itself.' Most lottery money was granted through the film panel at the Arts Council, a now disbanded collection of appointed producers and film finance experts who inevitably had connections with several of the production deals that they funded. Colin Levanthal of Hal Productions, for example, was a member of the Arts Council panel and his film Mansfield Park , a joint BBC Films venture with US giant Miramax, was one of those to benefit. It received a �1m grant and, while it has been welcomed by some critics, it is hard to see why a commercial project with such big backers should receive public funds. Premila Hoon, the doyenne of British film finance, was also an Arts Council panelist at the time she was orchestrating the film investments made by Guinness Mahon. This company put money into two fairly successful recent projects, Wilde and Shooting Fish , which had also received big lottery grants. Both Leventhal and Hoon declared their financial interests at the time. The producer of the Oscar-nominated documentary film One Day in September , John Battsek, is critical of the funding structure. He believes it is helping from the wrong end. 'It is first-time, independent producers who have the hardest time breaking through. These are the people that would like to keep the British business going and who are prepared to risk money on a good script. The scripts themselves, to be honest, will always come through if they are good enough - although it might also be worth making grants to young screenwriters,' he said. Battsek, whose brother Daniel runs British distribution for Disney, believes the common complaint about distribution is a red herring. The wider deals, he argues, will come to the best movies. 'On the other hand, it is hellish becoming a producer unless you already have a private income. If you are in the established producers' loop you can just continue to make films without any of them being any good. I don't actually like to think about that.' Yet it may all be about to change. The British public film funding bureaucracy is on the brink of the biggest reshuffle ever. Following the report of the government advisory committee, The Bigger Picture, the various commercial and public funding routes for films are to be combined in the Film Council. Rather less radically, many of the personnel will remain the same. The body will be chaired by Alan Parker, the film director who chaired the government advisory panel, and Stewart Till, his vice chair and former business associate, will be a council member. Other council members, including Colin Leventhal, will transfer directly from the dissolved Arts Council film panel. Tina MacFarling of the Film Council emphasises that many of the strategies for organising funding may be changed, but she defended the history of the lottery awards. 'When this money was given to the industry it was not thought it should be given direct to film projects, it was just for capital projects. This was because they wanted to create some sort of continuity, so that producers did not have to keep starting afresh,' MacFarling says. The industry analyst, Mark Smith of Film Digest , sees the problem with inter-connecting deals as intractable. 'It is a very, very small industry in this country,' he says. 'The companies making these films employ four or five people only, so everyone always knows everyone else. Having said that, there is no shortage of people who want to break into it and can't.' The low takings in British cinemas for many of these films do not reflect the total income since, as Smith points out, recently British films have made more in France than they have here. The sums also exclude eventual returns for TV screenings and video and DVD sales. The low taking figures simply show that British audiences did not come to see these lottery-funded films. Why? Well, Smith suspects that the old industry rule of thumb that if you made 10 films, one of them would pay for the other nine has now been distorted. Public money has brought dodgy projects forward and lengthened the odds still further in a risky business. Smith's colleague, David Hancock, adds that across Europe, public film funding is being withdrawn. 'I would like to see the method of repaying public investors improved here, too. The problem is that they are often the last in the chain to recoup when a film goes into profit.' And of course there have been relative box-office successes. The acclaimed Mike Leigh film Topsy Turvy had a grant, so did The Ideal Husband , Hilary and Jackie , Hideous Kinky , The Land Girls and Plunkett and Macleane. There have been true critical successes too. Films like Sara Sugarman's Ratcatcher of last year, which would not have been made without the lottery. But Ratcatcher is the exception. It might have been better if The Secret Laughter of Women had remained a secret -and the same can be said for many others on the lottery funding list. Remember these? The Lost Son Starring Daniel Auteuil and Katrin Cartlidge, 1999 Summary: A French detective (Daniel Auteuil) working in London is hired to find the missing 30-year-old son of a wealthy couple. The film was based on Eric Leclere's 1995 original screenplay written in collaboration with his wife, Margaret.Directed by: Chris Menges, Scala Productions. Review: The Observer Peter Preston: 'This, in essence, is a stylish French film noir translated to NW5.' The Guardian Peter Bradshaw: 'It ends with absurd violence and melodrama, and the paedophilia motif looks tacky and dubious.' Lottery grant: �2,300,000 UK takings: �49,302 Downtime Starring Paul McGann, 1998 Summary: A thriller set in a lift shaft in rain-lashed tower block in Newcastle. While the cops and crowds congregate below, former police psychologist Rob tries to coax a potential suicide in from the ledge. Directed by Bharat Nalluri, in his second feature Review: Variety 'If the script had remained centred on the apartment block through to the end -- and developed loose ends like the roaming gang members, the character of Kevin and the poorly written Jimmy (which squanders Georgeson's talents) -- the movie could have laid claim to being a successful genre-bender. As it is, it's a game try...' Lottery grant: �768, 898 UK takings: �28,135 Amy Foster Starring Rachel Weisz and Ian McKellen, 1998 Summary: Set amid the craggy cliffs of nineteenth-century Cornwall, Amy Foster charts the passionate affair of a young servant girl (Rachel Weisz) and her immigrant lover, Yanko (Vincent Perez), the sole survivor of a capsized ship bound for America. Based on the powerful short story by Joseph Conrad, the film is an epic, passionate and tragic tale about courage, individuality and the resiliency of the human heart. Director Beeban Kidron. Writers Tim Willocks. Review: On the net 'As a love story it has all the ingredients of a girls' dorm fantasy.' Lottery grant: �2,000,000 UK takings: �48,711 Beautiful people Starring Charlotte Coleman, 1998 Summary: A manic comedy set in 1993 London as the Bosnian war rages, the film features the entwined lives of a motley assembly of Brits and Bosnian refugees. Trimark Pictures. Directed by Jasmin Dizdar, first-time director and screenwriter Review: The Observer Philip French: 'Most of the characters (particularly a Tory backbencher and a band of skinheads) border on caricature, but the picture is cleverly patterned and fairly amusing.' Lottery grant: �553,823 UK takings: �116,966 � Copyright Guardian Media Group plc. 2000

Hmmm! Shame, just when I think SLOW has a chance, it gets kicked in the teeth again. And just when it's out on video release. And how typical that they have to pick a review calling CF's performance "anaemic"...which it emphatically wasn't. Why not pick "charismatic" or "charming?" The video cover quotes a favourable comment from "Sight and Sound" magazine, which is a serious movie magazine, and should outweigh the rather crass "Total Film". Also, from what I recall, (and I do read about movie distribution) most of the films listed above had a select nationwide release, which means that they would open in 40 plus cinemas, not 2. But quoting the Box Office figures don't help SLOW, or Colin for that matter, especially in a world where bankablity matters. Doesn't enhance his leading romantic man credentials. Anyway hardly anyone reads The Observer!

Speaking of BBC, here's its review of the SLOW video: Where and when exactly was it published (broadcast?), please?

miserable old grump Miserable Old Grump...what are they talking about? The character was dismissive on occasions but never a grump.. And even if he were a little out of sorts I put it down to the fact that the hair-wranglers were not doing their job properly ;-)! That performance was anaemic was it? Mmm, heaven knows what wonders the man could do with a few iron tablets in him then.

It was published here...exactly...although it's difficult to determine a date. My guess is March 8 or 2 ;-) http://www.bbc.co.uk/movies/stayingin/top5-video.shtml

Not terribly keen that the Observer's reporter chose to make Colin the poster boy for loser Lottery-funded films. :-( its box-office takings last year came to only �2,832 That's gross? Argh, how could anything only take in that much if it played for several weeks in London and Peckham, then two weeks in Manchester and sort of one week in Bristol?

its box-office takings last year came to only �2,832 It was a full house at the BFI on Friday and even the dumpy Ritzy on Saturday night had most of the seats taken. Ya think they factored in the 300UKP Spring paid to see it at Mr. Young's?

Hardly, and they wouldn't count the London FF either.

I'm very dubious about those figures...my maths isn't very strong, but with four/five screenings daily at each of those venues, that works out at an average of one person per screening. ABC Panton Street seats about 150 for each screen, and when I saw SLOW I certainly wasn't the only one there!!! I think SLOW and Colin are the whipping boys for the Lottery Fund inadequacies, and it makes for better reading if the facts are wrong! As a matter of interest, "An Ideal Husband" and "Plunket and Macleane" each took about �1million at the Box Office, mainly over 2 weeks, before being withdrawn. But they showed at 300 screens, which works out at about �1600 per screen per week. Not an impressive average. (�3000-ish in 2weeks) They also got big ads in the press, interviews with the leading actors in glossy magazines, trailers on Sky TV and (I presume) trailers in the theatres. Unfair to compare with SLOW, which got nothing!! BTW, the secret of major movie success....look like Matthew Field, speak like Matthew Field, dress like Matthew Field....but in a Universal backed Hollywood movie that automatically shows in multiplexes worldwide and gets vigorously promoted (ie Mark Darcy in BJD!) And, bite the bullet, and do just one chat show! Can't fail! :-)

(Ann) from today's TIMES Culture TV pages about a series starting today... So this new Welsh series is a key test of Celtic credibility: if even a show starring Neil Pearson and written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran flops, future series from the so-called "national regions" face the likelihood of being banished to the summer months. ....." Though according to what Bethan's been told, DQ has *already* been banished to the summer months--so much for the article's reference to 'future.' Perhaps if this series does well, DQ will be moved to a more amenable time? (Bethan) And how typical that they have to pick a review calling CF's performance "anaemic" Aargh, that was my reaction as well. But I suppose the author couldn't have pushed his point (movie was a waste of money) if he praised CF's performance. Ha! We know better. It is disappointing to read about the BO take, however, accurate or not. BTW, how did TTOTS fare in the ratings? The reviews were mixed; I'm wondering if the CF-focused advertising campaign made any difference.

To All: I just checked the RV site, and there is less info there now than before, plus a new kind of boring look. Just the words. Nothing else to click on for more info. http://www.relative-values.com/ Murph

How bizarre! For about a week now, I was getting: Not Found The requested URL /rv.css was not found on this server. But I just tried to go there with IE and it went through. How very bizarre that Netscape hasn't been able to open it. See what you mean about just a title page. Could be soon.

Karen: You are right. I just tried in Netscape too, and got your message. Bad web design on the part of the company doing it. Hope you are right about the "soon" part. Murph

It looks like they're in the process of overhauling the RV site. Here's a note I got from them today (and I wonder what the "competition" prizes will be;-) ****** The waiting is nearly over! The Official Relative Values website will be launched shortly. Features of the website will include: - In-depth information on the film, the story, cast and crew. - Trailer and Video Interviews with cast and crew. - The chance to get your own @relative-values.net email address. - A Relative Values Community area. - Competitions, News and lots, lots more. You will be among the first to be informed of the launch of the Relative Values website - we hope you enjoy visiting what we have created for you! Till the launch, The Relative Values design-team.

I'll see your email and raise you one!! They wanted to know where I got my images and the trailer. Nah nah nah nah ;-)

You are one up on them, Karen. The chance to get your own @relative-values.net email address. How about: the-martini-set@relative-values.net

I didn't get one! I must be in RV limbo. Murph

Hoorah!! Videoflicks, a Canadian videoseller, will have Fever Pitch at a sell-through price ($29.99), beginning April 4. This is down from the $90 price it came out at last year and is NTSC. Does not say anything about DVD. Here's the site: http://www.videoflicks.com/VF2/9996/9996141.ihtml

Thank you very much, Karen. I found Hostages over that that site!!!

Thanks Karen and Ming, it was helpful for me too! Big grin.

Thanks for the video flicks info on FP, Karen. Time to replace my conversion. Do you or anyone else know where to order the SLOW video? I know it's still high priced, but if split among enough people . . .

SLOW can be ordered from blackstar.co.uk or choicesdirect.co.uk. There's free shipping anywhere in the world for both.

I've enthused a lot about SLOW...I guess it won't be available in the US, and so I would definitely say "Go for it" and order. It's made to watch on video....I appreciated it far more, and liked it more. CF is, IMHO, better looking in this than in anything he's done (though haven't seen DQ or MLSF). And, remembering our discussion, re kissing, he kisses his wife (CG) ve-r-y enthusiastically...heads for the chin as usual, and then actually changes direction... :-)

heads for the chin as usual, and then actually changes direction... :-) Ah, that's an improvement in his acting technique: makes you believe (and not just imagine) he actually does it... :-) As he's getting older, he's also more relaxed about these things.

(Bethan) he kisses his wife (CG) ve-r-y enthusiastically I noticed that too...very encouraging this change of style :-)

Meaning perhaps that he may one day play an old lecher convincingly? ;-)

Meaning that he's definitely showing signs of loosening up in the osculation department ;-P I don't think he could ever play the old lech convincingly, marvellous actor though he is..far too handsome, you don't see many handsome lechers about these parts :-D

Romance Classics will show Camille again, Wednesday, March 22, at 5:30pm. *cough cough*

News? I'm afraid I'm a bit of a movie anorak, which means that I actually like reading what's on where type listings, epecially independent cinemas. Anyway, I spooted that SLOW will be screened again at the Ritzy Cinema in Coldharbour Lane EC2 (I'm sure you remember it well, Evelyn!) at 3.45pm this Sunday 19 March, followed by a Q&A session(presumably with the director/producer).(Phone 0171-737 2121) But it may be the last opportunity for anyone to see it on the Big Screen...interesting that they're re-screening it...to promote the video? If you've got a moment Murph, perhaps you could put it on your news page, just incase anyone is interested? Chance for a fairly intimate chat with the producer/to ask if it will be shown anywhere else? :-)

I wouldn't be adverse to seeing CF play a moderately young lecher now. Okay, so there aren't really any handsome lechers, this would be the movies -- not reality. About CF's improved film kissing technique, maybe coasting into 40 is making him more relaxed. You're as young as you feel. Maybe he feels younger now than he did 15 years ago. Since I don't get Romance Classics, I can't get choked up "Camille" being shown.

coasting into 40 is making him more relaxed. You're as young as you feel. Well, I can only judge from personal experience... Hands up those who feel almost as young as you were 40 years ago - but not quite so silly! ;-)

(Arami) Hands up those who feel almost as young as you were 40 years ago - but not quite so silly!;-) Hey, Arami, 40 years ago I was still in my crib. But, I'm happy to report that I'm no longer incontinent, can now chew solid foods, and as this very note indicates . . .am still a *very* silly girl!;-) ;-)

LOL! (Or should that be no comment...? ;-P ;-))

Ritzy Cinema in Coldharbour Lane EC2 (I'm sure you remember it well, Evelyn!) at 3.45pm this Sunday 19 March, followed by a Q&A session(presumably with the director/producer) A Ritzy Experience is not to be missed esp with those two clowns! Awwww...wish I could make it;-)

If you've got a moment Murph, perhaps you could put it on your news page. (The SLOW screening) ******************** Thanks for the scoop, Bethan. It is on the page now. I pray this is OK to go here ---I also have the interview on my new BJD page where Fielding talks about Zellweger's casting. It is not as negative as the media made it sound. You can read it here: http://www.geocities.com/firthfan/jones/bjjones.html Murph Murph

Sorry - too many "js" in the URL. Here is the right one. http://www.geocities.com/firthfan/jones/bjones.html Murph

If you've got a moment Murph, perhaps you could put it on your news page. (The SLOW screening) ******************** Thanks for the scoop, Bethan. It is on the page now. Psst, Murph...tell 'em to bring paper for the loo

Murph, if you'll check the Bridget topic (#80), you'll see that the negative comments came from an online chat and were taken out of context. The link and all the other articles are posted there.

The BBC has announced its spring/summer programming. No Donovan Quick mentioned.On the drama front, former Ballykissangel star Dervla Kirwan heads a strong ensemble cast in Hearts and Bones - the story of a group of friends from the Midlands who are trying to make lives for themselves in London. The investigative genre is given several new twists as Robert Lindsay, last seen as Fagin in ITV's Oliver Twist, stars as a lecturer with a double life in Hawk. Ex-EastEnder Patsy Palmer lights some family fireworks in McCready and Daughter, while Paul McGann stars as Fish, a civil rights lawyer trying to balance life and work.You can read the rest of the "highlights" at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/entertainment/newsid_683000/683763.stm

Thanks for this Karen! So it's not the summer (which is good in a way), but I shall defintely phone again about this. I've been told that we'd "definitely" see DQ in the summer, that it's "still being edited", and that they only have details of schedules about two weeks before transmission. Infact, the BBC schedules its programmes on a seasonal basis, and whilst they may not be able to give an exact date, they would normally be able to reliably indicate which season. DQ hasn't even been given an approximate scheduling...it's just listed as "not scheduled". I shall pursue this!! Seriously, I don't like being fobbed off with obvious lies!! I want to know why it has not been scheduled nearly six months after completion. Shall assert my rights as a tax payer (we pay for the BBC!)

nearly six months after completion More than.

how can it not have been edited if it has already been shown on Australian TV. Go to it Bethan, we are with you in spirit!!

Not finished editing!! We saw the film in January and there was no way it needed editing (expect the Glaswegian accents!) If they mess it about they will ruin it. The BBC want their heads read. Please continue to complain - it was such a well made and well acted film I cannot believe they are holding up on this. Interesting the recent head of BBC Scotland has just become head of the ABC - I wonder if it had anything to do with us seeing DQ.

I have emailed BBC Feedback twice already asking about it. The first time about a fortnight ago. No response. An acknowledgement, yes, but no reply. Next I think we should email all known UK showbiz gossip columnists with the bare facts.

Well, I 've had a shot at getting info on DQ (and BJD see #80). I have to say that my job (or at least part of it) involves getting information, sometimes media related...and compared to everyone/thing else, CF is brickwall territory. Breaking into the Pentagon would be easier. I tried BBC Productions who first of all just gave me the General Information number (useful for fobbing off enquiries). I said that Information couldn't help me, and surely they had up to date info on their drama productions. Nope, they didn't, not on DQ anyway. She then gave me another number which turned out to be BBC radio (!) and then I got the number for BBC Scotland Drama. I asked about DQ's scheduling (didn't have to explain what DQ was) and was told it was listed as pre-transmission. Why hadn't they scheduled it "oh they must be looking for a suitable slot for it" (Absolute rubbish...it's just a one off programme...they can find slots for everything else apparently). I turned a bit bolshy then and said something about unnecessary delays and it looked as though it was being dumped. Reply "there is nothing sinister about this". Again asked if I was from the Press. Finally I tried BBC Drama (Publicity)...I asked about the scheduling of Donovan Quick. Obvious instant recognition. Curt response "Mmm, it's moved to the Autumn" "Any date?" "No". End of call. Not exactly customer friendly.

Oh well, you tried Bethan. If it were Robson Green or John Thaw, it would be shown within weeks of being completed, oh well, I guess that's the fun of being a CF fan, we really have to wrok at it, but it's worth the wait in the end.

In addition to Bethan's information, I've been told that it will definitely not be on during the next three months and that they are hoping it too will be slotted into the fall schedule. Working on a couple of other DQ-ish things. ;-)

At least autumn is the right time for quality drama - but what a ridiculously long wait! And why?

No one can answer the "why" question. But you're not going to get a lot out of BBC now. Didn't I just read a day or so ago that a reorg is in the works and pinks slips are going out? Can you really expect people waiting for word on their jobs to even care or be civil to you on the phone? Hardly.

Bethan, British Telecom should recognise you, even if the BBC doesn't ;-) I know many have pondered over why we (Australia) got DQ and nobody else, but it really is a mystery. We usually get BBC programs, but well after they have aired in UK. If you change your mind about wanting a copy, I can help.

No one can answer the "why" question It was rhetorical. :-) many have pondered over why we (Australia) got DQ and nobody else, but it really is a mystery. We usually get BBC programs, but well after they have aired in UK. Could it have been some monumental slip-up or some such thing?

Monumental slip up! Perhaps our new head of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (late of BBC Scotland) brought it out surriptiously for the joy of C.F. fans in Australia!!!!!

I like Ann's assertion. Perhaps the head of ABC, when he was at BBC Scotland viewed DQ as a project he for which he was very proud. Since DQ was getting such a runaround from the BBC; he felt that since he'd had a connection to the film, he'd now use his position at ABC to get it aired.

The info below is from Pam of the FOF. She called CF's agent. This means, I think, that we have no idea right now what project he is going to do, including Armadillo. The End of April makes a May 1 start to the filming of BJD a little tight! - Murph ******************************* 3/22/00 - According to Colin's Agent: There are 3 projects being considered at the moment, but NO contracts are signed at this time. They do not expect to be able to announce anything until roughly the end of April. As to Armadillo, and the reports in the press, the reply was "what is Armadillo? I've never heard of it !!" and when I asked if the press were wrong about this, the answer was "yes ", as....NO CONTRACTS ARE SIGNED.

What? No lucid dreaming, no man in armour, no swashbuckler? This is not to be borne! I thought Armadillo was an official announcement! What happened? :-( Thanks again, Murph.

All I want to say is that the first contract he should sign right now is with a new agent!

From what I recall about the report on "Armadillo" it said that Wiilliam Boyd was writing the screenplay at the moment. Baz B. is usually reliable. It could mean that Colin has agreed informally with Sue B. to do it (I mean, there was a report 2 years ago that HF was deloghted because CF had "agreed" to do MD. Having the actual contact on the table means there must be three projects with the completed scripts..and just the business side that needs tying up. I don't think CF's agency release info until he is actually on the set!

Perhaps CF is supersticious... Doesn't like to talk about things before they really happen - contracts signed, schedules agreed, ecc. I know I am like that.

Sorry, but it's not Colin's agent's job to announce his signing onto a new project and then naming it. That belongs to the company producing the project.

(Karen) it's not Colin's agent's job to announce his signing onto a new project and then naming it. Very true. They're not going to give a caller info before a project is announced to the press. But I do think their info on timing is credible. So, if they say we're not going to hear of a project announcement for at least another month, I'd tend to believe it. And if that's the case, it does make for a tight BJD schedule, as Murph said.

"until roughly the end of April." When on your calendar does "roughly" begin? ;-)

When on your calendar does "roughly" begin? ;-) Depends what kind of week I am having. ;-) it's not Colin's agent's job to announce his signing onto a new project and then naming it. That belongs to the company producing the project. True. But he can always be informative and say please contact the company for the details or confirmation. The agent benefits when an important role for one of his actors is announced because it very often leads to more roles. He could call another company and say Colin has been signed to do this film (name), which should do very well and he is interested in working on your future project (name), etc.

It is not unheard of for contracts to get signed AFTER all the shooting is incomplete (see the South Bank Show profile of Ian McKellen). c

Sorry, let me try that again: It is not unheard of for contracts to get signed AFTER all the shooting is COMPLETE (see the South Bank Show profile of Ian McKellen).

In addition to Bethan's information, I've been told that it will definitely not be on during the next three months and that they are hoping it too will be slotted into the fall schedule.....Working on a couple of other DQ-ish things. ;-) (Karen) Sounds promising! Do let me know. I've given up on this (at least until October, when I shall return to the attack!} But several things puzzle me. Even at pre-production stage, the BBC must have known they had a good project on their hands...BAFTA winning team plus CF. Why didn't they automatically slot it into the Autumn 99 schedules? And what is all this problem about "slotting it in"! ("hoping" sounds very tentative). It's a 100 minute drama, for goodness sake, not a 20 episode version of "War and Peace"!! I've also wondered how it was shown (and why it was shown) at the Cork Film Festival. Was there a special print? Are they showing it at London and Edinburgh FFs? Have to say I'm very disappointed with the BBC over this. Keeping DQ on the backburner for 18 months is ridiculous. TOTS was made in August and scheduled almost immediately for a prime time slot on Boxing Day. Absolutely no problem. Keep on emailing, Arami! True. But he can always be informative and say please contact the company for the details or confirmation. The agent benefits when an important role for one of his actors is announced because it very often leads to more roles. He could call another company and say Colin has been signed to do this film (name), which should do very well and he is interested in working on your future project name), etc. (Moon) I do so agree, but this is Colin's agent we're talking about!! I think that information on CF's projects is always last minute (for some reason). But it's good that he's got three projects which he must consider worth doing. I'd also be pretty sure that "Armadillo" is a distinct possibility. It may just be at the "chatting with friends" stage, and SB and WB are both mates of CF. Saw WB on TV the other day..he's a very nice bloke. Very articulate and pleasant. Sometimes writers like to have an actor in mind when they work on a script. (Didn't Andrew Davies say that CF would be a marvellous MD...let's hope his screenplay prevails over RC's!) Finally, spotted a good (but brief) review of MLSF after its Bradford FF showing. Praised for its insight, warmth and humour, and as proof that the British film industry is isn't dead yet. Several of the bigger movies got less favourable reviews. Actually the British film industry is almost dead...a company set up by the Government to raise �150 million for film finance collapsed after 4 months, causing a lot of projects to grind to a standstill. If CF has three on the go, he'a a lucky bunny. (Sign for all three, Colin!)

Carrying on briefly in news reporter mode, but more on the the "real" world. There's been a lot in the press recently about refugees in the UK, and some distinctly hostile reporting ( "send 'em "home") on occasions. The problems faced by most of the refugees are undoubtably real...they're not freeloaders...but apparently in some areas of London there is a growing hostility towards them. A volunteer aid worker has been beaten unconscious in South Hackney, and, increasingly, refugees are being threatened with violence.

....Actually the British film industry is almost dead.... ...If CF has three on the go, he'a a lucky bunny.(Sign for all three, Colin!) I don't mean to rejoice in the demise of an industry , but this might mean that he'll do more stage work in the West End (which pays more than the Donmar) along with TV.

Keep on emailing, Arami! I've still had no reply. I'm seriously considering giving the details to the "gossip" editors: Bethan, if you agree, could you help me with the relevant e-mail addresses? Baz? Who else? The might just feel like making enquiries or at leat public comments about this "mystery". There's been a lot in the press recently about refugees in the UK, and some distinctly hostile reporting Someone has been assaulted by a foreign beggar who was annoyed by a refusal to contribute... TV reporters have filmed organized gangs of cheats operating as beggars... Some other refugees have been caught selling contents of their comfortably equipped flats provided by local councils. There are also reports of groups and individuals specializing in smuggling illegal immigrants for money. These cases make headlines and there is an inevitable backlash. It must be a great worry for the Refugee Council and their volunteers.

Not sure if this has ever been posted here. Thanks to Kay and to Carrie: From Big Issue, Sept '99, 8th anniversary issue. 8 of Colin's favorites: Album: 'Return of The Grevious Angel' - by Gram Parsons CF says: "Emotional laxative for an Englishman" Film: ' Goodfellas' CF: "Banal characters made riveting, a real achievement" Book: 'The Sound and The Fury' - by William Faulkner CF: "The spell of this story is partly in the way it reveals itself so slowly. You start out totally confused and end up completely captivated by its beauty." Holiday: Loch Fyne in Scotland CF: "It's impossible to get uptight there. Friendly people and fantastic Kippers" Politician: CF: "Nelson Mandella" TV Show: 'The Larry Sanders Show' CF: "Retort to anyone who thinks Americans lack irony" Food: Moulakhie CF: "It was cooked for me by a Palestinian friend. I don't know what it is but it's green and I can't get enough of it." Football Team: CF: "Arsenal"

NEWSFLASH Colin is Mark Darcy! According to The Observer, CF is Mark and Hughie is Daniel. Will post the article at #80.

(mari)Not sure if this has ever been posted here(...) From Big Issue, Sept '99, 8th anniversary issue. 8 of Colin's favorites I at least had never read it, great fun, must try some of those ;-) And thanks for the newsflash, it helped make my day! :-)

It made my week! 8-D

Is anyone planning to go anywhere near this place between June and the end of August? You may want to pop in to ogle Colin's Darcy pants. ;-) Period Costume from Film and Television at Paxton House Northumberland, Scottish Borders, Berwick-Upon-Tweed http://www.paxtonhouse.com 28 May 2000 - 28 Aug 2000 A stunning display of costume worn by Kate Winslet, Nicole Kidman, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Colin Firth and others in the most popular period films and television drama of the past decade. On display for the first time in the north.

Bridget page is up at the Bucket: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjd.html

Terrific page, Karen!! Murph

Thanks, Murph. Now, if we only had a little more info. ;-)

(Arami)Is anyone planning to go anywhere near this place between June and the end of August? You may want to pop in to ogle Colin's Darcy pants. ;-) Thanks Arami... Did I read it right? Is the exhibit called....."Hidden Assets"? ;-)

I thought they were quite apparent.

Hi all, does anyone know what has happened to topic 126??? It appears to be missing, or I need my eyes testing. Thanks for the info on BJ Karen, isn't is exciting that we will actually get to see him as a modern day Darcy???? Wish I lived in Notting Hill!!!!!

(Maureen)Hi all, does anyone know what has happened to topic 126??? It appears to be missing, or I need my eyes testing. As far as I know, it is still there, only no one has posted in it in the last few days.

It's there, Maureen. Go to your address at the top of this screen and just change the number from 129 to 126. Hit Enter and then go post something there. I like to see a lot of action.

You might think this item from The Times has nothing to do with Colin. Think again. ;-) ANTHONY POWELL, acclaimed as one of the greatest English writers of the 20th century, died yesterday at his home in Somerset. He was 94. Powell wrote more than 20 novels, but his fame rested principally on his 12-volume sequence, A Dance to the Music of Time, published between 1951 and 1975. It told the story of an English aristocratic family from the First World War to the 1970s, centring on the character of the ruthlessly ambitious antihero, Kenneth Widmerpool. Powell's death removes the last link with a generation of writers born the decade before the First World War and sometimes referred to as the Brideshead Generation. [...] [about A Dance the Music of Time] With its witty covers by Mark Boxer it was a special work about a special world - the world where Bohemia met Society. But this was a real and richly comprehensive English world, full of soldiers and musicians, mad socialist peers and arts dealers, girls, girls and girls. The two Powells of which this universe spun were the narrator, Nick, a man of loves and sensibilities, and the other extreme of human character the utterly unselfconscious bully Widmerpool driven by the grotesque force of will but of all the characters the most wordly successful. ********* So, has everyone figured it out?

No. I'll come back tomorrow when I'm sure someone will be able to tell me. I'm not very good at thinking ;-)

So, has everyone figured it out? Not a clue, though I loved DTTMOT. Wildmerpool was one of literature's great creations but what has he or it to do with ODB?

I watched that series, and thought it brilliant - but to do with Colin - no idea, I have pondered long and often during the day and have to admit to being flummoxed.

It would not have something to do with an old thing he did for television, would it?

The only link that I can see - in the Television version Stringer, I think it was, was played by Paul Rhys who was with CF in Tumbledown.

Wasn't Anthony Powell at Eton with the spies Burgess and Maclean (sp?) on whom the main character in "Another Country" was based? You've really got us thinking!

Yes, it's pretty obscure, but I don't think more so than your connection, Allison! *hee hee* Anthony Powell's name was actually posted here at Drool. I will go find the actual message and post it at 98. Old Eagle Eyes herself should know this one. ;-)

The only link that I can see - in the Television version Stringer, I think it was, was played by Paul Rhys who was with CF in Tumbledown It can't be that. Everybody and his dog was in the television production of DTTMOT! I'm sure I could come up with 3 names without breaking a sweat. That list would begin, of course, with Julian Wadham (TEP). Looking at the IMDB I also see Joanna David (P&P), Harriet Walter (HoTP), Carmen du Sautoy (LE), and Rupert Vansittart (P&P). But since that's not the answer, what is?? c

Ah! But I did it without looking up IMDb:-) Karen, I now have to go away for almost two weeks not knowing for sure if CF will be MD or what is the CF link with Anthony Powell.

Ok, I've posted the link on #98.

Review of My Life So Far at the British Shadows on the Wall website. Not so hot. Only 2 stars. Reviewer cannot relate to that lifestyle or life. :-( http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/rcline/swmylife.htm However, great review of the Blackadder Back and Forth film (3-1/2 stars), which I've had linked from my Bucket site in case you hadn't seen. http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/rcline/swblabac.htm

Review of My Life So Far at the British Shadows on the Wall website. Not so hot. Only 2 stars. Reviewer cannot relate to that lifestyle or life. Really? What a sad life he/she leads. I am sure they will have no problems relating to all that "trailer trash" the UK seems so keen on lately. ;-)

From me to the BBC: "About a couple of weeks ago I emailed BBC Feedback asking about BBC Scotland feature film "Donovan Quick". I'd like to know when this film is going to be shown in the UK - since it has already had the world premiere on the Australian TV. I had a brief acknowledgement from you and a promise of a reply to follow soon, but I have not heard from you further." From info@bbc.co.uk to me on Wed, 29 Mar 2000: Dear Ms [NAME MISSPELLED!] "Thank you for your e-mail regarding 'Donovan Quick'. Please accept our apologies for the delay in replying. We know our correspondents appreciate a quick response and we are sorry you have had to wait on this occasion. This drama was made in conjunction with Pandora Pictures who also have the distributing rights for the programme and that is why your friends have had the opportunity to view it. There are no plans to broadcast the programme within our current schedules. However, please be assured I have registered your interest. Thank you once again for taking the time to write. Regards Damian Whyte BBC Information

Thanks for trying Arami, about as helpful and informative as the reply I received, I just wish they would tell us WHY it is not scheduled to be shown in the near future!!+

This drama was made in conjunction with Pandora Pictures who also have the distributing rights for the programme But what about BBC rights.....if that was my tax money, I'd be hopping mad. Don't you have a representative"congressman"....have them call BBC for you...I guarantee you'll get an answer.

The reply was obviously prepared (inexpertly) by an office junior using a standard reply form. Representatives of the people in UK (members of Parliament) would not consider such a complaint as particularly serious or important compared with other, more pressing matters. There are various other consumer/viewer/taxpayer bodies, associations, committees, which are more appropriate for such enquiries. I might perhaps continue this game for a little longer if I had nothing else to do, but as it is, I don't think this particular approach is worth the trouble.

Representatives of the people in UK (members of Parliament) would not consider such a complaint as particularly serious or important compared with other, more pressing matters Ours have big staffs who sit around doing nothing...some of them interns who would be v. eager to give PBS (our BBC) a call.They like causes;-)

I'm pretty sure we'll see DQ in the Autumn (that's what BBC Drama Publicity told me). To be honest, that's the *only* time for good drama, especially the 9pm slot on Sunday. I'd much rather it was shown then and made an impact. Arami, you're very favoured to receive a reply to your email! I think I'll email the Beeb (again) and suggest that they show DQ on the 5th anniversary of the first showing of P&P. (Not a bad idea, actually!) Doesn't time fly!! I'm hoping that CF may lift his head above the parapet in the UK in April. If MLSF opens early May, it should be getting some promotion soon (and he's the one to do it!). BJD and MD would be an added PR bonus, plus RV in Cannes.

Bethan, Perhaps they have had another look at DQ and realise that they have a "hit" on their hands and having delayed it for so long have now decided to air in the Autumn months which as you say are the best for good drama and I like your idea of suggesting they show it on the 5th Anniversay of P&P. (What an impact that series has had that people are still loving it and discussing it 5 years later).

But what about BBC rights.....if that was my tax money, I'd be hopping mad It is! Well It's my licence fee...and I am quietly seething in a very British stiff-upper-lippy kind of way! Bethan - I do agree, Autumn would be a better time for scheduling it especially that 9.00 Sunday slot! Has it really been five years! It just shows you how quality lasts!

Hi All: Go to #80 for some NEW news on BJD. Murph

Arami, you're very favoured to receive a reply to your email! I actually emailed them twice: the second time to the complaints dept! quietly seething in a very British stiff-upper-lippy kind of way Yes, most Brits aren't very good at banging their fists on the table... Has it really been five years! It just shows you how quality lasts! Yes, and still the one thing they remember best is that wet shirt and breeches... A few days ago I found another reference to Colin/Darcy's wet garments in a paper - we must accept now that this particular image has irreversibly become a yardstick of well deserved popularity every time there's a reference to TV costume drama.

The wet shirt and breeches have shown up quite a bit in articles about the BBC's forthcoming broadcast of Madame Bovary, i.e., the Frances O'Connor and Greg Wise outdoor romp.

Thats an interesting thought - re they have got a hit on their hands. I have talked to quite a few people re - D.Q. and have not yet heard an adverse criticism of it. Perhaps the BBC got a good report from our ABC!!

we must accept now that this particular image has irreversibly become a yardstick of well deserved popularity every time there's a reference to TV costume drama. P&P as a costume drama has become the epitome and yardstick to which every other one is compared. The Dallas Morning News in their TV reviews about forthcoming costume dramas (The Aristocrats, VF,Madame Bovary...)...invariably says: "..don't expect this to be another Pride and Prejudice."

(Bethan) I'm hoping that CF may lift his head above the parapet in the UK in April. Hee hee! It's been a long few months, hasn't it? I selfishly hope he's well-rested and ready to work, work, work for the rest of the year!

Hi: That photo I mentioned a week or so ago - the one the new FOF took of the P&P Darcy portrait? Well, I received and scanned it today. It is up here: http://www.geocities.com/firthfan/portrait.html Arrow down to the last two pictures. Murph

Thanks Murph...think Colin posed for it?Hardly resembles him. The crotch looks padded....

Kept an eye on the papers last week....no real news, but a few tidbits. Sam Mendez has turned down an offer to direct a mega million Dreamworks production, as he wants to work with his "family", the Donmar. Instead Dreamworks are investing in the Donmar theatre and in a new production company Donmar Films. Mendez' next production is "Twelfth Night", with a "homegrown" British cast. Also, a lot in the press about how the globalisation of the movies means that Brit actors are very unlikely to be cast in lead roles, even when the role is English, or Scottish. I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for MD and BJD (although I'm sure he's got it). I think, without being too cynical, that they may have brought HG in as "insurance" because CF doesn't have a big enough "name" for the global market or to head the billing. I wonder what CF's other projects are. Despite the delays over DQ, I still think there's a lot to be said for quality primetime TV. There are just far too many movies out there, and, (in the UK) too small an audience.

Bethan, are you no longer reading #127. The Mendes info was posted there.

Thanks, Murph, for showing us that portrait (and need I add that lovely fellow in the damp white shirt). I agree, Evelyn, the more I look at it, it looks less and less like Colin. Definitely not painted by Reynolds. ;-) I still think it would be fun to search out. It's not a bad idea to post Colin-related news here as well. Not everyone goes to 127. Keep digging up the news, Bethan, et al. One of these days it might actually be good.

Thanks Murph! Imagine her surprise to see the portrait in a shop window?

The portrait of Darcy - the actual prop used in the BBC TV adaptation - was acquired by Sue Birtwistle at the end of the filming. So now the mystery has finally been unravelled. Contrary to various surmisings, Sue did not hang it over her own mantelpiece... but obviously gave it to Colin's mum.

Article in the Sunday Telegraph...The BBC is to set up a new Film unit, so that the BBC can become a world player in making successful movies. The unit is to be headed by Alan Yentob, will have a large budget, and will harness the talents of Sam Mendes and Anthony Minghella. The Telegraph mentions that Alan Yentob is a friend of Richard Curtis and that he (AY, that is) will have full creative control. As Alan Yentob went to see CF in 3DOR, and CF has worked/is friendly with all the other names mentioned, maybe there will be something in it for him. In the next month or so, we'll have the chance to see CF in two movies in the UK, which hopefully will both get some publicity (absolutely crucial these days...unsung is unheard) and remind people that he has a movie career!! The BBC have apparently made two films recently, "Mansfield Park" which has not had good reviews, and "Love Honour and Obey" with Jude Law. I've seen a couple of reviews for "Love Honour and Obey" and they're absolute stinkers (SLOW looks good by comparison) but no doubt it will get a lot of promo and a national release. I'm coming to the conclusion that in the UK it's not the quality of the film that matters but the amount of publicity it and the "stars" receive. Some blowing of one's trumpet is a "must"!!!

The Telegraph also says that Alan Yentob will have authority over the BBC's drama and entertainment programme (and for the first time will have a seat on the BBC's Executive Committee, which gives him a direct say in running the BBC.) This means that DQ will be on his "slate". By all accounts he's a very likeable and accessible man (unlike some others in the BBC hierarchy), rather disorganised (wears odd socks and jumpers inside out!) It might be worthwhile emailing him (presumably ayentob@bbc.co.uk) to ask about DQ (UK and USA) and perhaps mention that you'd seen CF in 3DOR, were impressed by the performance and how pleasant he was etc, and it's about time we saw more of him on the BBC. The article mentioned collaboration with the US, so the US and other overseas markets are important. There may well be no response, but it can't do any harm. I just feel that UK drama is being hi-jacked by yob trailer-trash culture/Hello magazine "celebrities" at the moment!!

(Bethan)(wears odd socks and jumpers inside out!) That makes Colin look positively dandy by comparison ;-)

Sunday Times' article about the BBC reorg (to be announced tomorrow) has a pic of Lizzy and Darcy at the top. The Telegraph must have a scoop on the film unit, as the Times' mention of Yentob is more in keeping with what's been written for the past few weeks, i.e., being moved out of the day-to-day running, while he contemplates outside offers. ;-)

I'm coming to the conclusion that in the UK it's not the quality of the film that matters but the amount of publicity it and the "stars" receive. Not just the UK, Bethan,All Over!!No matter who is the star...he/she has to get out and plug it(at least go to the premiere;-)).Lots of good films never even get seen....ask SD...he's got several we've recently discovered.(He's another one who hides behind the "privacy mask".)

I'm coming to the conclusion that [...] it's not the quality of the film that matters but the amount of publicity it and the "stars" receive. Where have you been all your life, Sleeping Beauty??? ;-) ;-) ;-)

The New YorK Times today has this story on its front page. I have only excerpted part of it. I bet Colin is up in arms! See the last quoted paragraph - The Refugee Council's Nick Hardwick. - Murph ********************************** April 3, 2000 Britain Raises the Barriers High Against the Asylum Seekers By SARAH LYALL LONDON, April 2 _ In the latest effort by a West European government to stem the tide of immigrants flowing into the region, many of them from war-ravaged, post-Communist Eastern Europe, a sweeping law takes effect in Britain on Monday that aims to make the country far less attractive to asylum seekers. Last year, more than 70,000 people applied for asylum here, compared with about 5,000 just before the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. And with a backlog of more than 100,000 people and their families waiting to hear whether they qualify for asylum, the Labor government has been under intense pressure to act decisively, even to the point of including provisions in the new law that many of its members might well have criticized as draconian a decade ago. Under the law, asylum seekers will be given vouchers redeemable for goods worth about $58 per person per week, instead of cash welfare benefits. Instead of being able to settle where they want, asylum seekers with nowhere to go will be sent to one of 13 designated areas around Britain, some far away from refugee support networks. The government has also pledged to speed up the asylum process, and to close most avenues of appeal for rejected applicants. And it is imposing steep penalties, of about $3,300 per passenger, on drivers caught with foreign stowaways on their cargo trucks.... ....Although the Conservative opposition has continually attributed the increase to what it contends is a too-soft immigration policy, proposing that many illegal immigrants should be automatically detained and deported, refugee groups point out that the reality is far more complicated. "The figures are higher than last year but so are the instances of human rights abuse, political persecution, internal conflict and turmoil raging around the world," Nick Hardwick, chairman of the Refugee Council, a London group that works on behalf of refugees, said recently. "This period also contains a European war described as the greatest humanitarian disaster since the end of the Second World War by the NATO spokesman, Jamie Shea," he added, referring to last year's conflict over Kosovo. The full story is here: http://www.nytimes.com/library/world/europe/040300britain-immigrate.html

Hey...the Okies from Fenokies will take'em...we need people;-)

The BAFTA craft award shortlist was announced. I can understand why the costumers and hair stylists from TTOTS were not nominated. ;-)

Do you think it was the press-on sideburns which had the unfortunate look of being some kind of pair of matched millipedes? Or could it have been that ill-fitting frock coat, that no man of the Master's social class would have taken out of the tailor's shop?

Perhaps the costume designer was striving for the category: Best Designer for the "One Size Fits all Costume";-)

Since things have been pretty quiet, here's a publicity pic that I ran across just recently and it's for Fatal Woman (really, that's what is printed on it): Yummy though. ;-)

He looks a bit grey-green here.

Don't ask me how I know this, but Playmaker will be on television in New Zealand on Thursday at 1.30 a.m. on TV2. Here's the description: Made-for-TV erotic thriller about a struggling actress (Jennifer Rubin) under the influence of her acting coach's (Colin Firth) bizarre training methods. Gets more interesting as it goes along. (1hr 50min)

That's a pretty pic. His chest does look a little mossy but the face is just fine. Don't ask me how I know this Why? Too embarrassing to admit typing PLAYMAKER in the Search box? Made-for-TV It was? Surely not for USA TV. Gets more interesting as it goes along. Oh yeah. I was hooked by the time she donned that lousy disguise.;-)

(Heide) I was hooked by the time she donned that lousy disguise.;-) That was a disguise? I thought she had been accosted by a crazed milliner.;-) Sorry, I like this flick. It's so bad that it's wonderful in a campy way, and CF does a good job despite the story's shortcomings. He gives great shower.;-) ;-)

Playmaker was made for tv. Cable TV (as no major studio would pick it up?) I thought it was better in the beginning, tanked towards the end. (but then again, I always watch it drunk!)

(Laura)(but then again, I always watch it drunk!) So it's you who has been in the Chat Room under a pseudonym;-) Actually, I thought Playmaker had been released as a film in the US ...limited, I am sure.I met the producers at the "Wilde" Premiere.... Did not mention..."Oh, I've seen a previous production of yours....";-)

(Mari) He gives great shower.;-) ;-) LOL! Wasn't it you who said Ross had "nice auburn curls. Nice head hair too"? (Evelyn) I met the producers at the "Wilde" Premiere.... Did they have paper bags over their heads? Did not mention... You didn't ask about stand-ins, stunt doubles (in the riveting mountain bike scene) and so forth? Shucks. P has its moments, though, doesn't it? ;-) I like it better than coughcoughCamille.

(Eileen) LOL! Wasn't it you who said Ross had "nice auburn curls. Nice head hair too"? Yup. Busted again!;-)

On the topic of hair in "Playmaker", I'd describe the hair on his head as being auburn. As for the other curls in question, they were more of a chestnut color. Oh nuts -- I just couldn't resist the bad pun.

ROTFLOL, Cheryl - methinks you've been watching this movie far too much ;-D

You didn't ask about stand-ins, stunt doubles (in the riveting mountain bike scene) and so forth? Shucks. Am I glad this crowd wasn't around at that time....you guys would have drawn up a set of questions and had me bring the P. discussion folder!!

hee hee, at least it would prove to him that we aren't just fixated on Darcy. ;-)

(Evelyn)you guys would have drawn up a set of questions and had me bring the P. discussion folder!! You betcha!:-D

From BBC News (5/4/00) Colin's on permament public display!! [btw, why didn't we know about this? would've been better than the Dome's exhibits!] [caption: Colin Firth set a standard for period drama heart=throbs] BBC magic moments showcased Morecambe and Wise: One of many classic BBC moments Doctor Who, Bill and Ben, Rowan Atkinson and Morecambe and Wise are among dozens of stars highlighted in a new exhibition from the BBC. The BBC Sight and Sound 1950-2000 takes visitors through 50 years of BBC radio and TV programmes and news events. It focuses around four specially-compiled films featuring many of the best-loved names and programmes in the corporation's history. The films also highlight some of the key news and sporting events covered by half a century of BBC News. Matthew Bannister, Director of Marketing and Communications, opened BBC Sight and Sound as part of BBC Experience - the permanent public display at Broadcasting House. He said: "With such a wealth of outstanding material from the BBC's past and present archives, this is a great new BBC experience for every age and interest. "As well as renowned comedy, drama, factual, sport and children's classics, visitors will recapture some of the most memorable events of the past 50 years, as recorded by the BBC." The four films - one for radio and three for television - are shown in four "rooms". Each room reflects different decades through the use of period television sets, radios and artefacts from each era. Other classic BBC programmes revisited by BBC Sight and Sound include comedy favourites Hancock's Half Hour from 1956 and Dad's Army, which started in 1968. From the 1980s and 1990s, Absolutely Fabulous, Blackadder and Goodness Gracious Me are highlighted. Recent memorable drama series selected for the exhibition include the 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The 1966 World Cup is one of the jewels of the BBC's sporting back catalogue. While news events from the Queen's Coronation to the millennium celebrations are also featured. BBC Experience was opened by the Queen in 1997 and currently attracts more than 100,000 visitors a year. It was recently voted best small attraction of the Year by readers of top travel trade magazine, Group Travel Organiser. Consumer magazine Holiday Which? ranked it top in its group of indoor visitor attractions, awarding it four stars.

... [btw, why didn't we know about this? would've been better than the Dome's exhibits!] It shouldbe a Dome exhibit.The Best of Britain! LOL about BBC still touting P&P even after all these years and countless period dramas since....and yet it was not deemed worthy of a BAFTA.Shocking!

[caption: Colin Firth set a standard for period drama heart=throbs] (Karen) would've been better than the Dome's exhibits!] Mmmm . . .and that photo could have gone nicely with the "things that have washed up on Britain's beaches" display.;-)

Whoo! Definitely on the agenda for the next visit. that photo could have gone nicely with the "things that have washed up on Britain's beaches" display.;-) LOL, Mari. Would indeed look lovely next to the driftwood and old tyres.

(Mari) "things that have washed up on Britain's beaches" display.;-) (Heide) Would indeed look lovely next to the driftwood and old tyres. ...and reels of MLSF, due to wash up in a few weeks. Am not surprised to see BBC exhibit featuring P&P2. On sale here in the US is "50 Years of the BBC" (or something to that effect) which features Darcy on the cover.

Screen Daily has posted a likely list of Cannes films at their site. Official announcement is in another week or so. Relative Values is not there.:-( Do we know who is distributing RV in the U.S.?

Yeah, I read that too. Argh. Doesn't look like it's going to be there. Also read detaied article in either Variety or THR (actual paper paper) about all the submissions. Didn't see it listed there either. No one has picked up US distribution yet, and the company that has it hasn't decided whether to do it themselves or not. Waiting to see how it does in UK, which will be btw June 9th or 16th.

If there are any Simon fans out there, I have new pages on COF - Mickie sent me a bunch of DVD captures. Thanks, Mick! http://www.geocities.com/firthfan/cof/cof1.html Murph

Oooh, DVD captures are wonderful. Thanks, Mickie and Murph.

(Karen) No one has picked up US distribution yet, and the company that has it hasn't decided whether to do it themselves or not. Darn. I thought with Julie in the lead, this one would be a slam dunk. I don't know why but I thought for sure I'd be seeing a new CF film on the big screen this summer. Let's hope for a good reception in the UK. There's always Londinium, a sure thing for wide distribution if there ever was one.;-) Murph and Mickie, the COF captures are great! Thanks. But would it have killed you to superimpose my pic over Saffron's face in The Car scenes?;-)

Karen says re RV: No one has picked up US distribution yet, and the company that has it hasn't decided whether to do it themselves or not. Waiting to see how it does in UK, which will be btw June 9th or 16th. ******** I thought too that this would be pretty big, but not to even be sure it will be picked up here in the US? UGGHHHHH! Murph

Thanks Murph...how clear those DVD's are. The hotel is my fave....I know he has to be a cad...but why is it I don't dislike him?

I know that several months ago there was talk of Fever pitch being released in the US and that it ended up in New York, at least. Has it been released on video here yet? I keep on searching at my local, but to no avail. Help! Thanks - I know that the women (and men) here will have the answer to my question. I always enjoying lurking and reading the latest. KateMcQ

The films for the Cannes FF are announced on the 18th, but RV, to me, doesn't seem to be a typical FF candidate. Perhaps it will be shown out of competition, or at a special Charity preview. Although there's a lot of hype about Cannes, very few films shown there do anything at the Box Office. I think that RV will get a very select release in the UK. But I do expect to see some promotion, interviews with JA etc. I'm not being defeatist here, but any movie that isn't aimed at the 16-25, predomonantly male, market, has zero chance of box Office success. RV would do well on video, and extremely well if shown on terrestial TV. Mansfield Park, despite being promoted as raunchy, has bombed completely, and has been withdrawn after one week.(had poor reviews though)

Kate, you can order Fever Pitch in North American format (NTSC) from Videoflicks in Canada for $29.99 US dollars. Has anyone checked US sites yet for availabilty? No matter, Canada's close enough.

(Bethan) Perhaps it will be shown out of competition, or at a special Charity preview Since I was told it was "submitted," that would not mean a charity preview. But it never meant "in competition," which I agree RV is not typical Cannes FF fare. Remember there are other categories for screening: Directors Fortnight and Un Certain Regard. Among the films tipped to be in the Miramax-Ethan Hawke Hamlet, Merchant-Ivory The Golden Bowl, and The House of Mirth. (Bethan) Although there's a lot of hype about Cannes, very few films shown there do anything at the Box Office. That's particularly true of the films "in competition." Most are the epitome of "art house" films and you really have to seek them out. I just saw Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai, which was shown last year at Cannes. Re: Fever Pitch This release can't be sold by US sites; would be illegal. So you have to buy from Videoflicks or other Canadian sellers.

I'm not being defeatist here, but any movie that isn't aimed at the 16-25, predomonantly male, market, has zero chance of box Office success. I keep telling you...that's the only group that Pays Money..like$$$..at the Box Office.The rest are "renters". If you were a producer would you risk your money on a film no one was gonna pay to see?Only Miramax does that...and makes it up with "Deuce Bigalow." ~~~~~ Even without the sex and recycling Fanny Price and making her like Lizzie, or throwing in the slave trade to make it relevant, "Mansfield Park" , IMO was a dog. Further more I didn't even like the book.Poor Austen choice. Andrew Davies is writing the screen play to "Northanger Abbey".Good luck.

The more I read the more depressed I get re: quality film. In my opinion T.V. is the only way to go for people like Colin and of course Jane Austen, Charles Dickens etc. Eventually maybe the rest of the populace will return to the cinema but I doubt it. Not with video's and dvd's to be seen in the safety of ones home. It amazes me how well MLSF has done in Australia. Apparently it is still showing in two cinemas in Adelaide and was on for nine weeks here in Perth. Fever Pitch was in three cinemas, two of which were blockbuster ones. The other a main cinema in the centre of Perth. Perhaps it is safer here than in the U.K. to visit the cinema - also we have many more. A question for you in the U.K. is it the critics that damn a film, are they young and only give a good write up for their particular choice? Our main critics are well into middle age and films are considered for all ages and they are just in all genre of films, and I have yet to see one of Colin's films get less than 3 and one half sta s.

Ladies - Thanks for the information. I don't understand the US distributors - there's definitely a market for the movie - albeit small. I'll try vieoflicks.

Very long article in The Observer - all about Colin!!! Mentions BJD, DQ, MLSF and RV! Hoorah!! Some press for the poor boy. ;-) http://www.newsunlimited.co.uk/observer/life/story/0,3879,157249,00.html

Here's the article: True Romance Fame has come full circle for Colin Firth. He won the heart of very woman in the country as Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. Now he's set to play Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones's Diary. A case of art imitating art� but without the sideburns William Leith Sunday April 9, 2000 The Observer Colin Firth! Mr Darcy! You cannot mention one of these names without the other following immediately. Both have been changed immeasurably, in the public eye, by their relationship with the other. Before the Firth treatment, Mr Darcy was seen as a dour, mildly unpleasant, if misunderstood character in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Before he was Darcy, Colin Firth was a tall, well-built English actor with an expressive face and a string of smouldering, half-forgotten characters behind him. He'd been Robert Lawrence, the wounded Falklands veteran; he'd been Valmont in the Milos Forman film of the same name; he'd been a nutcase in a Ruth Rendell crime drama. And then, in 1994, he was cast as Mr Darcy. What was so special about Mr Darcy? Women loved him. For a great part of the BBC's version in the story, he hung around in the background, not saying much. Firth did a lot of his acting with his eyes. Other characters talked a great deal about him while he was absent. Unlike a lot of male heroes, he was a mystery. He was in no way a feminised wimp. Late in the day, burning with passion and unfulfilled sexual desire, he jumped off his horse into a pond and emerged, his shirt dripping. What people remember is those mutton-chop sideburns flying through the air. For the entire Bridget Jones generation, this was a superb antidote to the dull, whining, noncommittal New Man of the 90s - and he didn't drink lager and go on about football all the time. Since then, Firth has become part of the zeitgeist. He has entered the language. After Darcy, of course, he was playing a 90s football fan - the Nick Hornby character in Fever Pitch. Next, rumour has it, he will play Mark Darcy in the film version of Bridget Jones's Diary. The official status of the rumour, according to a spokesperson from Working Title, the film's production company, is 'unconfirmed'. Still, it's pretty exciting. Bridget has already interviewed a fictional version of Firth himself in the second Bridget Jones book, The Edge of Reason. In the world of Colin Firth, art is beginning to copy art. At the moment of Darcy, Firth, who was 34, was wondering how much time he had left as a romantic lead. Having accepted the part, he said, 'I don't know how much longer that sort of character will be available to me.' Afterwards, he was stunned at the way people identified him with the character. 'I felt as if I'd lost my whole personality,' he says. He tells me: 'It's been very strange, this idea of Mr Darcy appealing so much to women. Because obviously, as you can see, I don't carry that around with me. I'm not so Mr Darcy every day of my life. If people expect to see a saturnine, dark, smouldering tall aristocrat, they are going to be disappointed.' At rest, Firth's face is set in a sort of handsome grimace, he looks easily haunted. The mouth turns slightly down; the bones of the face cast shadows. But his expressions change with almost no effort; as an acting tool, this is a highly strung face. One slight touch on the happy pedal and he beams; an iota of misery and he glowers. 'I never saw myself as Mr Ugly, but I'm not that handsome,' he told me. 'I can sort of be made to look quite a lot better or quite a lot worse.' I first meet Colin Firth, now 39, on the set of Donovan Quick, a forthcoming BBC television film in which, as usual, he plays an intense, edgy fellow who hides behind a mask of English reticence. He is genial and welcoming, and speaks in that unusual, slightly old-fashioned voice which is perfect for costume drama. That's his actual voice. In person, Firth is not at all like Darcy. There is no sense of menace. Firth's character, obsessed with the tyranny of a national bus company, starts his own. Firth spends the day patiently approaching the bus, and entering the bus, and entering the bus, over and over. He takes instructions from the director, David Blair, with absolute humility. Before we meet again, I catch him several times on TV. He's prolific, having made more than 30 films, and you can often get a glimpse of him late at night, in a youthful guise. Sometimes he has a caddish moustache. Early Firth looked jittery and worried. The mature, smouldering Firth came later. Firth is very English; he plays people who hide their emotions. He often appears melancholic. Firth himself had an unhappy childhood. He once said: 'I'm very suspicious of people who romanticise their childhood.' Firth is married to Livia Guiggioli, an Italian documentary maker. Nick Hornby describes her as 'joke-perfect: PhD, beautiful in that sultry Italian way, funny and vivacious'. She is also, he says, 'very good for Firth, because she's absolutely not in any thrall to him'. She 'affects to be completely mystified' by the Mr Darcy situation. For three years in the 90s, Firth lived with the actress Meg Tilly, whom he fell in love with on the set of Milos Forman's Valmont. They have a son, Will, who is now nine. We met again, recently, in a film production office in London's West End. Again, Firth is impeccably warm and charming. He wears neutral clothes; his hair is on the short side of bouffant. Firth's hair is either quite short or quite long, never very short or very long. His characters are always outwardly respectable. He tells me he is about to go to Los Angeles to spend time with his son. He says, 'Los Angeles can actually be quite a relaxing place, but the minute you try to invest anything in it, it grabs you and starts to play games with you.' He already sounds like a character in a film. Another reason he is going to California, Firth says, is for 'my own personal relaxation, which is doing very little indeed'. He lived in Canada with Tilly, three hours inland from Vancouver. 'I'm too much of a lightweight for it,' he says. 'It's wilderness. Serious wilderness. It's not a trip to Wimbledon Common. And I rather fancied the quaint idea of the wilderness. It's really the middle of nowhere.' The move, he says, had been Tilly's decision. 'She found the place. I had a kind of reclusive impulse at the time, but not that reclusive. It was too wild. If you go north from where we were, there'd be nothing but woods and grizzly bears, until you get to the Arctic Circle. I found that oppressive. You couldn't even go for walks. There were instructions about going for walks. You take a flare and a map and a blanket and a bell, because within 20 minutes you can get lost by going round in circles.' Firth is gentlemanly, affable. With his deep, old-fashioned voice, he talks as if he were in a smoking room, holding a brandy bubble. We were quickly on to the subject of his childhood. Having been born in Africa, where his parents were teachers, he came to England at the age of four. Then, after stints in Billericay and Brentwood, the family moved to St Louis, Missouri, for a year. Firth was 12. When they came back to England, it was to another town, just outside Winchester. The young Firth felt unsettled. The year in America, he says, 'didn't feel like a very good thing at the time. It was probably a very good thing. I had a very bad time there.' The year abroad had done something to him. 'American kids,' he says, 'were a hell of a lot more sophisticated. I was barely out of grey shorts. I'd come out of primary school, where my classmates had grass-stained knees and collected football cards.' The American kids, on the other hand, 'were more like something out of Woodstock. I was like something out of Just William. They had slogans on their backs that were to do with the Vietnam war. I felt like a geek. I made up for it with a false cockiness. Before I got rejected, I would tell someone to fuck off. Someone would say, "What's your name?" and I'd say, "Mind your own business."' This was how he started: the first serious acting he did was to pretend he was tough, when he was not. Looking at his facial expressions, at the layers of stoicism and reserve, one gets a sense of somebody deeply, quintessentially English. Firth's face was once described in The New York Times as 'strangely neutral'. Unlike Jude Law, or Ralph Fiennes, he does not easily slip into American; being in America as a child only made him more English. The English actors he likes are Albert Finney, Donald Pleasance and Sir Anthony Hopkins - men of elusive emotions and inner struggle. He tells me he went back to his American school in the 90s, and found, to his relief, that it was 'pretty nasty. The place was horrible and had the atmosphere of a reform school. It made me realise that it wasn't all me.' He had acted in pantomimes and school plays since the age of five. 'School plays,' he says, 'were always something where I was definitely praised and in demand; that wasn't true of most aspects of school life for me.' He wasn't the first to be picked for the football team, or particularly academic. When he was 14, he made 'an official announcement to myself' that he wanted to be an actor. After the unsettled childhood, he didn't have a pleasant adolescence. Firth saw the Winchester of the 70s, full of squaddies, Hampshire lads and public schoolboys, as a place seething with menace. 'People will laugh at this, this is going to sound hilarious to some people, but I've felt more threatened in a town in Hampshire than I've felt in central Los Angeles,' he tells me. At school in Winchester, and later at drama school, he resented the fact that people thought of him as posh. He felt conflicted; at school he roughened his accent. Talking about his school clearly makes him uncomfortable. He says, 'Every time I mention school, the headmaster writes to my parents.' This is odd. Here is Colin Firth, the man who played Valmont and Mr Darcy, still under the spell of his old headmaster. Here, perhaps, is a clue to other Firth characters - the evasive, squirming Geoffrey Clifton in The English Patient, the walled-in schoolboy Communist Tommy Judd in Another Country. Was Firth a bad boy at school? Referring to his old headmaster, he says, 'If ever I've suggested that I was, that's what he takes issue with. I was just quietly resistant, in a way. He had a lack of respect for me because I was neither an identifiable wild rebel nor someone who toed the line in a meaningful way.' Firth saw himself as a 'loner', a 'quiet opter-out'. He 'didn't really like the system, I didn't like the education. I didn't fight it very courageously. I just didn't go along with it very much.' As a teenager, he got into some fights, which 'tended to be with close friends, rather than strangers in the street'. He grew his hair long, wore beads and listened to progressive rock. He 'went the hippie route', and felt, he says, like a freak. Nick Hornby says that when Firth was preparing for his role in Fever Pitch, which is about a guy who uses football as an emotional crutch, he 'found the things that were about him... I know he really identified with all that rootless Home Counties stuff, the suburban need to belong.' Firth tells me plainly: 'I didn't like my life while I was at school. I can honestly say I don't feel that I was very happy at school ever.' At 16, the long-haired Yes and King Crimson fan found his feet; he went to sixth-form college. Suddenly, with his flares, his interest in books and rock music, he 'slotted in very nicely with the in-crowd'. But 'academically, it all went to pot'. When punk came along, Firth was not a convert. 'Progressive rock,' he says, 'had become so pompous, and that pompousness suited me, because I had become so well acquainted with it. There was so much snobbery. It was my sanctuary from the laddishness that I didn't fit in with.' He stuck to flares, too - the grandiosity of the late hippie period had become his identity. Once again, he was an outsider. Not feeling like a future heartthrob, Firth moved to London in 1978 to 'get near theatres'. He was miserable. This must have seemed like a last chance, a shot in the dark. He took a job answering the phone for the National Youth Theatre. He had no friends, enjoyed reading Kafka. He 'made tea' at the National Theatre's wardrobe department. He auditioned for a place at the Drama Centre, and got it. Christopher Fettes, who taught Firth there, says that 'as a boy and a young man, Colin was a person of conspicuous intelligence. Real intelligence. It is very rare to have the privilege of training people for the theatre who are by nature poets. And Colin is.' At the Drama Centre, Fettes explains, 'there is an insistence on the Stanislavsky Method'. The approach, which is Russian, is based on using your inner demons to express the emotions of your character; you turn your own frustration into someone else's. Fettes explains that while this approach 'simply doesn't suit the Anglo-Saxon temperament in many, many cases', Firth 'responded to the training on every level, right from the early stages'. Firth was taught the Laban theory of psychological types, and put through the paces of 'Russian emotional freedom and Jewish introspection'. He came to know the 'reality of the inner world'. Fettes says that 'when he was a boy, one saw a potential Paul Schofield in him'. The Drama Centre mounted a production of Hamlet, something they had not done before, and have not done since. Firth played the title role, and was immediately cast as Guy Bennett, the role eventually played in the film by Rupert Everett, in the West End production of Julian Mitchell's Another Country. Firth works best as an old-fashioned Englishman; he's harder to imagine as a foreigner or a contemporary type with an estuary accent. You can't quite see him as Ralph Fiennes's Nazi in Schindler's List, or a Tim Roth druggie. Nor can you see him as a wimp in a romantic comedy, as played by Hugh Grant. He is deeply English; he has managed to use his own troubles and frustrations to play unsettled, seething Englishmen. 'I've not been a peaceful person,' he tells me. Sometimes, he says, while acting on stage, he feels 'waves of loathing' emanating from the audience. Firth is happier to talk about his family background. He has a brother, Jonathan, who is six years younger and also an actor. Jonathan, he says, is 'a real gentleman. I'm much more of a talker. I find him a much more stable and self-contained person.' Whereas Jonathan is 'wry', Colin says of himself: 'A lot of things hit me without me seeing them coming. Disappointments would take me by surprise.' Colin, says Nick Hornby, 'laughs a lot, and likes to make people laugh'. He listens to a lot of music, including opera, and reads a lot. He loves Faulkner, which I wouldn't have expected. His parents met in India; his mother was three and his father was five. His mother's parents were missionaries, although 'they weren't the sort of missionaries who went around converting the natives and bashing people over the head with Christianity'. His father's father was also an ordained minister. You can see where his accent comes from; it's not the cut-glass Sloane accent, but something older, with a whiff of the Raj. Talking to him, you can sometimes see his Imperial cad in The Turn of the Screw; all it took was a pair of mutton-chop sideburns, and the transition was complete. After leaving the Drama Centre, Firth has never been out of work. After Another Country, he had, he says, 'cornered the market in wet, sensitive, naive young chaps'. He was still worried about what he thought of as his 'neutral face' - with such a face, he told one interviewer, he would do better in intense roles. In 1987, there was a breakthrough of sorts - he landed the role of Robert Lawrence, a disabled Falklands veteran, in Tumbledown. This was a chance to be madly intense, and Firth revelled in it. 'I lived with him,' he says of Lawrence. 'And he was a goldmine. An articulate soldier who will talk.' Firth began to identify with Lawrence. He poured himself into the role. He even began to have nightmares about the Falklands war. When he looked at the camera as Lawrence, Firth says, 'his face was in my mind's eye. His face on me.' Firth pauses, and his expression changes. Sometimes his demeanour can appear to change instantly, without apparent effort. He said, 'At the time, I loved to think I was making this incredibly reckless sacrifice for my craft. If I was screwed up at the end, so be it. Now I can see that that was glamorous to me. I wasn't really suffering at all.' There was more intensity. In 1989, Firth was Adrian LeDuc in Apartment Zero, a psychological thriller set in Argentina; Firth studied Argentina, becoming fascinated with the place. He told one interviewer about how he saw tango as a metaphor for Argentina's political situation. Playing neurotics, he said, was 'a laugh'. By the mid-90s, he was a respected leading man, but not quite a star. He'd approached the title role in Valmont as 'the claw in the velvet glove'. Valmont flopped. In 1994, he played a nutcase in Master of the Moor, the Ruth Rendell mystery. And then came Darcy. Firth was offered the part of Mr Darcy in the television production of Pride and Prejudice; it changed the pattern of his career. The role, in which he spends most of the story glowering in the background, and then jumps fully clothed into a pond, made him into a star, and an official heartthrob. After Darcy, Christopher Fettes says, 'there was hardly a woman in England who wouldn't crawl on her knees to Moscow for a touch of his nether lip'. I ask him about Darcy jumping into the pond. Firth says, 'Originally I was supposed to take all my clothes off and jump into the pool naked. The moment where the man... is a man. Instead of a stuffed shirt. He's riding on a sweaty horse, and then he's at one with the elements. But the BBC wasn't going to allow nudity, so an alternative had to be found.' There were meetings. What could Darcy do with the pond, fully clothed? 'The alternative,' Firth says, 'went via underpants, which, actually, were not historical. He would never have worn underpants. They would have looked ridiculous anyway.' In the end, the inevitable decision was reached. As Firth put it, 'If you can't take them all off, just jump in.' The trouble was that Firth himself, as Bridget Jones was to discover, was not allowed to jump into the pond. Firth tells me, 'There's a thing called Wiles disease, which means you can't be insured to jump into a pond, because you can get sick from rat's piss. So we got a stuntman to do the actual dive.' A stuntman did the dive? So those mutton-chop sideburns flying through the air were not Firth. 'Everything is me, except there's a very, very brief shot of the stuntman in midair. Everything else is me.' Darcy, of course, is not a confused, post-feminist wimp. He is not remotely noncommittal. He was the best televisual real man for ages, and appealed directly to the growing constituency of lonely thirtysomething women. In Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, the heroine manages to get an interview with him, and asks him about the 'wet-shirt shots'. Then she asks about his next film, which, he tells her, is 'about moss'. I go to see the film about moss, My Life So Far, in which Firth plays a quaint Scottish aristocrat who has invented some new uses for sphagnum moss. He starts off nutty, and begins to smoulder as soon as Ir�ne Jacob appears on the scene. There are some great Firth moments, with the camera closing in on the hyper-expressive face as the tormented eyes slide around. He's also in a film called Londinium, as a man who is 'terribly gentlemanly but suddenly violently irascible' - a touch of the John Cleeses - and has a camp part in Relative Values, a film based on the No�l Coward play, alongside Julie Andrews and Stephen Fry. Firth says he is going to go off on holiday and read some books. 'I'm going through a big Graham Greene phase,' he says. He is an admirer of Ralph Fiennes, and would have loved Fiennes's part in The End of the Affair. 'He's got it covered,' says Firth. It could get quite exasperating, actually. He keeps eating up the things I'd like to do.' Firth twinkles again and laughs. Five years later, it is clear that Firth's tenure as a romantic lead is far from over. It might not be long before we see him in the clutches of Bridget Jones herself. Is that too much to ask? � My Life So Far opens on 12 May nationwide and Relative Values is released in June ~~~~~~ "camp" part in Relative Values? Should've asked him the infamous Peter question. ;-)

Many, many thanks, Karen! Well spotted!! Am off to buy a copy of the Observer, to see if there are any pics. Sounds like a magazine article. Some new stuff there. So Livia is a documentary maker and has a PhD (and beautiful!) And his granfathers were ordained ministers. Have wondered about that. Missionaries were not always ordained. Love the comment about his old headmaster writing to his parents ...probably thought CF was a model student! Interesting cooment on RF as well...I've often wondered if Colin wanted those roles (who wouldn't?)

Thanks, Karen!! This story made my day. It�s been such a long time since the last big interview. Btw ain�t it great that Colin loves Faulkner, I could�ve bet on it. Funny though that all the old stuff about Darcy & the pond, Lawrence, Meg & grizzly bears, bad boy at school, Drama Centre etc. was again recycled but there was nothing about his latest success, 3DOR. rumour has it, he will play Mark Darcy in the film version of Bridget Jones's Diary. The official status of the rumour...is 'unconfirmed'. Aha! This means: he�s IN!

Thanks, Karen. Such a great article. It really captures a lot of the personality of the man himself, and seems to be completely updated. One of the best I have read about him. A great find, and so needed right now. Perhaps (we hope) it is a prelude to the official news about Mark Darcy. xx Murph I have it on my pages now, if anyone misses it for some reason.

Ohhh! Wonderful! Thank you, Karen, for finding this. I've also put it up the link on cf.com. Perhaps the best article about him ever, and for sure the longest. This author (can't believe it is a man) has studied his subject almost as thoroughly as any Firthologist around here, but obviously had better access to the sources ;-) PS: Meet you in Moscow.

Sorry I posted in the wrong topic: Thank you Karen...what a super interview. Sad when he talks about Ralph Fiennes doing all the thing he wants to do. When I saw The End of the Affair, I could have wept thinking of Colin in that role. ~~~~~ Would someone pl. explain this to me...: "Firth was taught the Laban theory of psychological types, and put through the paces of 'Russian emotional freedom and Jewish introspection'. He came to know the 'reality of the inner world'. ~~~~~ He likes opera..(Livia?) He sounds v. happy :-)

Did anyone catch Stephen Fry on Parkinson on Friday? RV was discussed, apparently JA has particular skills in "farting" as disclosed on air! Luckily given that vein of humour, SF declined to mention our DB.... luckily for us? Also read an article in current Radio Times on Jack Dee, he is 38 and spent an unhappy time at a comprehensive in Winchester. Just wondered if he and CF had come across each other before Londinium? Typically the article mentioned all JD' acting roles/recent projects, except the one I wanted to hear about!! Anyway the Observer has more than made up for that, thanks Karen for breaking the news. Had a scoop of my own today... blockbuster's single copy of SLOW was actually available to rent, it's normally out. So I am off to enjoy some Matthew close ups.

Luxuriously long article. Loved it and that it provoked so many long time droolers to respond. We back a winner, even if he doesn't get those Ralph Fiennes parts. How many of us cringed at this from the author..."Darcy appealing to the growing constituency of lonely thirty something women.: Ouch!! (Renate) Meet you in Moscow. I'll be there in kneepads. ;-) (Elena) but there was nothing about his latest success, 3DOR. Unless this was a veiled reference to it...."Sometimes, he says, while acting on stage, he feels 'waves of loathing' emanating from the audience." LOL! Surely, not. (Lizza) RV was discussed, apparently JA has particular skills in "farting" as disclosed on air! Luckily given that vein of humour, SF declined to mention our DB.... luckily for us? Dear God, yes. Some things are better left unsaid. Not that it would make a whiff of difference. Any photos to the article, Bethan?

Blockbuster only has one copy?! Tut! My local has three copies...last time I checked, they were all out. Which is good news.:-) I'm very partial to Matthew. I just hope that when CF plays Mark Darcy (see, I'm no longer saying "if"), they'll let him appear with his natural coloring, and not dunk him in black. He looks years younger...and I like auburn! I've got the original Observer article....it's in the Magazine, a four page spread, with about ten pix of CF, most of which I'd seen before. But there are new shots. There's a large colour photo of CF and Sophie Thompson from RV, and a B&W shot of CF standing in front of scenery boards. There are also two photos next to each other, of CF with Meg Tilly, and with Livia. The Meg Tilly shot is the one in which she wears glasses and he looks like (IMHO) Kurt Russell. The Colin/Livia shot is the best I've seen of them together...he has his arm round her and they're both smiling. And I can't scan! But if these photos don't appear soon via some other more IT literate source, I'll have a go!! I think that male journalists produce better interviews with CF. He seems more at ease with them. I like the bit about his parents meeting when they were aged three and five. Real childhood sweethearts! And the comment that "a lot of things hit me without me seeing them coming. Disappointments would take me by surprise". He's had his fair share of ups and downs. And , reading the small print at the end, I'm glad to see that MLSF opens "nationwide"...May 12 though, not May 5!

Meant to add...copydates for newspaper colour mags are normally about 2 months before print date, so I guess he must have gone to LA immediately after 3DOR ended, and should be back in London now. Also, the interview seems to have been conducted in 2 stages...the first, when he was filming DQ about 12 months ago. The interview must be linked to the release of MLSF....my guess is that MLSF was originally scheduled for release last summer in the UK.

This can't compete with the Observer article, but I post it nevertheless ;-) http://www.d.umn.edu/~molson2/mst3k/unitedse.html "The United Servo Academy Men's Chorus Hymn" from The Starfighters Music & Lyrics: Kevin Murphy Transcribed by Matthew Olson and Alana Olson [On the Satellite: A choir of uniformed Tom Servos stand in formation behind Tom, the director.] MIKE: Welcome, my friends. We are very fortunate to have with us today the United Servo Academy Men's Chorus, directed by the United Servo Academy Men's Choral Director, Vice Brigadier Sir Thomas Bullhead Servo, conducting them in the United Servo Academy Men's Chorus, um, Hymn. TOM: [to the chorus] Alright, eyes front, three and... CHORUS: Here's to the guys and gals who like to fly, Flying so high with some guy in the sky. Skyrockets in flight, Afternoon delight, Captain High at your ser--vice. TOM: Would you like to fly in my beautiful balloon? Take these broken wings and learn to fly me to the moon. Sail on silver bird, Have you ever heard that the bird is the word? CHORUS: In a big country Dreams say with you, "Come along with me Lucille, In my merry Oldsmobile. We are kids for saving Earth, We are fans of Colin Firth. Off we go to yonder blue, We really move our tails for you. TOM: [Chorus "ahhs" harmony] 'Cross the wide Missouri! [music ends] MIKE: Ah! Ah, fantastic! Absolutely fantastic! That was the United Servo Academy Men's Chorus. And that sonorous tone you heard has to be due in large part to the fantastic conduc-- [chorus, under direction of Servo, begins singing "Hinky Dinky Parlez Vous"] What are you doing? What are you doing? Please Stop that music. Please, please do not, do not continue with this Vice Brigadier Sir Thomas Bullhead, I implore you, stop the music! Stop I say! Stop the music! Uh, Sylvester, can you get an engineer in here please, in Studio A? I apologize ladies and gentlemen. I want you out of my studio! Stop this music right now! Out, Out! Raus, Raus!

Thanks for the article, Karen! I'm going to start calling you "Scoop";-) Bethan, we'll anxiously await word of any new photos. I guess I'm being picky about this article but . . .they couldn't even get his place of birth right! Not even the right continent--sheesh! Spelled his wife's name wrong, too, and the dates on the Tilly relationship are not quite right. Speaking of which . . .the part about the Canada "wilderness" is waaaay exaggerated. Probably recycled from old stuff; CF seems to have a wicked sense of humor and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if he fed this "living in the wilds" stuff to some city slicker journalist way back when just to see if they'd be gullible enough to print it and they've been repeating it ever since. Lots of nice new quotes, though, but do they have to keep rehashing the school stuff? I *never* read this type of thing ad nauseum about other actors. Odd, as others have said, that there's no mention of 3DOR--but that would have been at odds with this writer's apparent agenda in presenting him as an actor who is limited in his ability to do anything but "repressed Englishmen." Not sure Colin would agree with that; I sure wouldn't. Less versatile than Fiennes? No, no , no. Rafe has had the breaks and the opportunities--and to his credit, he's made the most of them. Not surprised to hear that he's longed for the Fiennes-type roles. Keep at it, Colin, it may happen for you yet. And he's studied The Method, Moon!;-) "Sometimes, he says, while acting on stage, he feels 'waves of loathing' emanating from the audience." His perception is so sad--the truth is so much to the contrary. Well, I think I've learned moe about Wiles disease than I've ever wanted to know.;-) And Faulkner again? 'Fess up, Colin: that's a copy of "Tuesdays With Morrie" I see tucked under your arm.;-) Glad to hear he's been spending the past months with his boy. Now back to work, Colin!;-) Very interesting stuff--thanks again, Scoop.;-)

Nice to see you back again, Lizza. Watch our darling Matthew a few times for me. (Renate) PS: Meet you in Moscow. *hee hee* I'll be taking a breather in Glasgow enroute to Moscow, looking for my little nutcase Donovan, if you please. (Evelyn) When I saw The End of the Affair, I could have wept thinking of Colin in that role. pass the Kleenex. At the Drama Centre, Fettes explains, 'there is an insistence on the Stanislavsky Method'. The approach, which is Russian, is based on using your inner demons to express the emotions of your character; you turn your own frustration into someone else's. Fettes explains that while this approach 'simply doesn't suit the Anglo-Saxon temperament in many, many cases', Firth 'responded to the training on every level, right from the early stages'. Think this pretty much *nails* the discussion of whether Colin is a "Method" actor. As it was pointed out, that terms (capitalized) usually refers to the Actors Studio technique associated with Lee Strasberg and others, but it was based on Stanislavky's methods of "inside out acting." Here are the links to additional info on it, but can't find any mention of the Laban theory of pschological types. Will keep hunting. http://www.theatrgroup.com/Method/ Nice to see that Livia now has a profession. And we all snickered when one article referred to her as a "producer." Am amazed however at all this space (emphasis) being given to his childhood and the overall characterization of its being "unhappy." That's seems so unusually open. Hmmm BTW, there are tons of color photos with the magazine spread and Ann's DH has scanned in a page with the one we haven't seen yet. I'll put it up in a tad. I should be able to scan in the others tomorrow myself. :-)

I've put up the Colin and Sophie T pic on my Relative Values page: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/rv2.html Hmmm, that "campy" definitely has me worried.

Thanks, Karen! I will thank you everywhere you post this article. ;-) And he's studied The Method, Moon!;-) It is official! Mari, loved your comments, I see just like you. ;-) Can you imagine Colin going around the house singing Ridi Pagliaccio ?

Hmmm, that "campy" definitely has me worried. Yes, we will probably hate it. ;-) Then again, he may end up taking away some roles form Rupi. ;-) Thanks for the quick scan Ann and Karen.

Thanks Scoop, Ann 'n James. Moxie looks glam...Peter looks 'different'...and the shirt collar doesn't fit again. ~~~~~~ My dictionary says: "camp"..[Oh No]...exaggerated effeminate mannerisms exhibited esp. by homosexuals. Exaggerated, affected, outrageously artificial, or out of date as to be considered amusing. Also..."loose-limbed sensuality which was sometimes macho and sometimes ..." We'll love Peter anyway...and we know IRL he" isn't"..So..who cares...

Adrian in AZ was slightly camp...reminded me at times of Felix Unger (The Odd Couple). But it's one of his best performances. In the brief clip I saw of RV, CF's voice was reassuringly deep....all three or four words!

I thought it was really refreshing to find an indepth article that for once didn't mention Jennifer in connection with Darcy, maybe the next one will spare us Meg in all her silver lame^ glory. (ouch!) Bethan, the one of him with Livia has been shown before. IMO I think it was just when he had given up smoking because his face appears much fuller. It was so much leaner and more boyish on stage. I agree it is most curious that 3DOR is not all mentioned, given its Olivier nom. At least we can all rest easy in our beds---------- the "wave of hate etc" was not emanating from any audiences we were in! Maybe hate and longing became confused in Walker's mind!!

Thanks a million for that article, Karen. At last, something new to dissect! ;-) (Moon) Mari, loved your comments, I see just like you. ;-) Me three. Refreshing as it was to read new material, I must admit it always irks me when some of the details are wrong. Then again, maybe everything else we've read is wrong and this is right (as was mentioned, the author had direct access to a rather credible source--ODB himself). Sooo, Livia's a documentary maker, then?! And did indeed finish the elusive PhD (perhaps accounting for that year in Umbria)!? And CF as MD is still an 'uncomfirmed rumour'?! (Karen) Am amazed however at all this space (emphasis) being given to his childhood and the overall characterization of its being "unhappy." That's seems so unusually open. Hmmm You think (or are you being ironic)? Seems this is a recurring theme which dominates every one of his in-depth interviews. There was that piece early last year--can't remember where, but it was British--in which Colin discussed his St. Louis experience, how rough his classmates were compared to him and the 'swagger' he developed. (Lizza) maybe the next one will spare us Meg in all her silver lame^ glory. (ouch!) Hee hee! Welcome back dearie (you too, Renate). I remember this pic from another site. Fugly outfit! At least we can all rest easy in our beds---------- the "wave of hate etc" was not emanating from any audiences we were in! Yeah, what's up with that? Loathing, Colin? Hardly! (Evelyn) My dictionary says: "camp"..[Oh No]...exaggerated effeminate mannerisms exhibited esp. by homosexuals. Ohno, indeed! It's Jack from Will and Grace! Ahhhhhh! It'll be a scream to see CF play a part like this (*if* we get to see RV here in the US). Oh, well. Off to read some Graham Greene. ;-P

Bethan - I've got the original article too and have just been reading it again so that I will have something vaguley interesting to contribute. Here goes! I especially like the quote "After Darcy...Christopher Fettes says (Fettes taught CF at The Drama Centre BTW.."there was hardly a woman in England who wouldn't crawl on her knees to Moscow for a touch of his nether lip"" Obviously Mr Fettes underestimates the power of the man - methinks he is blissfully unaware of the cosmopolitan nature of the Firthbase and I am sure that if knees were not an option that we'd get there somehow ;-D

(Evelyn)We'll love Peter anyway...and we know IRL he" isn't".. Unfortunately, we do not know what he is or isn�t IRL, to be quite honest. Anyway, I don�t mind seeing him in a campy role, on the contrary, I�m very curious to see it. (Lizza)the "wave of hate etc" was not emanating from any audiences we were in! I think Colin is talking about Walker here and the negative feelings that Walker was supposed to stir, among other things. In other words, he is hoping to have made such an impact.

(Karen) True Romance(Article) by William Leith ...(CF quote)'But the BBC wasn't going to allow nudity, so an alternative had to be found.' Thank goodness for that, or there would have been a small earthquake in the vacinity of Winchester from Miss Austen doing 360's in her grave. Nudity -- in "Pride and Prejudice"! How crass and obvious. Jane Austen wrote comedies of manners; she was an astute and ironic observer of social conventions. The whole idea of nudity is just so -- untoward. Some decorum, please. I don't even want to talk about the film version of "Mansfield Park". I enjoy the book greatly. Some Janeites consider it to be her finest novel. That is their take on the book. I found Christopher Fettes a bit disconcerting, from the tone of his comments I felt CF might be dead or dying. They sound like something from a eulogy. Okay, that is rather harsh. Revision: Fettes's comments come across like a speech from a testamonial dinner. All that's missing is the rubber chicken and the gold watch. Maybe he's pitching for a job as CF's publicist. So CF is something of a Method actor. What form of the System does the Drama Centre teach? Is the truncated form made famous by Lee Strasberg? Or the more fully developed Stanislavsky System taught by Stella Adler? Perhaps the Drama Centre offers its own take on Stanislavsky? (These are just rhetorical questions.) CF doesn't seem as fraught and intense as the general idea of a Method actor. Perhaps it's his Englishness. Has CF ever done Chekov? MLSF did have Chekovian qualities, but has he ever actually done Chekov? It would be interesting, as Stanislavsky originally started his methodology for application to the Chekov plays presented at the Moscow Art Theatre. I'm flummoxed by Nick Hornby's quote concerning Ms. Giuggioli, what does he mean that she's "joke-perfect"? It seems a very strange way to describe someone. Is it British slang? (Mari) Probably recycled from old stuff;...Lots of nice new quotes, though, but do they have to keep rehashing the school stuff? I *never* read this type of thing ad nauseum about other actors. It may be that CF doesn't like tallking about his life in detail. He may prefer to keep his private life private. (Part of his charm.) The journalist, William Leith, may well have had to write an article which was, more or less, a certain number of words and had to resort to padding the piece. Or the old information may have been his editor's idea. (Lizza) RV was discussed, apparently JA has particular skills in "farting" as disclosed on air! Luckily given that vein of humour, SF declined to mention our DB.... luckily for us? (Heide) Dear God, yes. Some things are better left unsaid. Not that it would make a whiff of difference. Snicker, snicker. Puns -- I love 'em.

"Joke-perfect" means, I think, absolutely perfect, perfect beyond belief. (Karen) True Romance(Article) by William Leith ...(CF quote)'But the BBC wasn't going to allow nudity, so an alternative had to be found.' I'm not very sure about the BBC not allowing nudity. They seem to show little else but nudity at the moment (having just seen "Madame Bovary. Most bizarre!) Andrew Davies was quoted as saying that he wanted Darcy to jump in naked, but that Colin Firth "wasn't up for it" (ie wouldn't do it). Sensible fellow...clothes on can be far more erotic than clothes off!

(bethan)I'm not very sure about the BBC not allowing nudity. They seem to show little else but nudity at the moment (having just seen "Madame Bovary. Most bizarre!) Nudity in Madame Bovary is apropos to the story. Obviously Emma didn't like making love with her clothes on (as with the good but uptight doctor), thus her infidelity. Darcy diving into the lake was not even a part of Pride and Prejudice, so his doing so naked would have been merely salacious...and inappropriate . Personally, I find that scene more emotionally appealing than sexually so - more about Darcy's emotional suffering than his sexual deprivation (IMHO). I like Fettes' comment about Colin being a poet. Wonder if it's true.

Andrew Davies was quoted as saying that he wanted Darcy to jump in naked, but that Colin Firth "wasn't up for it" (ie wouldn't do it). It wouldn't have been Colin Firth, but a stuntman doing it, anyway. *** An uplifting start to the chorus of the hymn of the Firth-faithful, (thanks for the find, Renate!): "We are here to save the Earth we are fans of Colin Firth..." Anyone care to contribute? ;-)

(Mari, Moon, Elaine, more or less) Me three. Refreshing as it was to read new material, I must admit it always irks me when some of the details are wrong. Hey, he gets points from me for getting Will's age right (I think). Thank God, your questions on the System were rhetorical, Cheryl. I'd hate to get into another one of those discussions where we all show off how very little we really know. Nice picture of Peter, I think.;-) Karen, thanks for finding this article so early.

Great article Karen, hope he does play Mark Darcy, I received BJsD Saturday and I love it.

Ok, Variety is reporting it! ***** Tuesday April 11 3:18 AM ET Colin Firth may get lead entry in ``Diary'' By Adam Dawtrey LONDON (Variety) - Colin Firth is being lined up to play the romantic lead opposite Renee Zellweger in Working Title's film adaptation of ``Bridget Jones' Diary,'' with Hugh Grant as his rival. The casting of Firth, who played supporting roles in ''The English Patient'' and ``Shakespeare in Love,'' is peculiarly apt. His character, Mark Darcy, is based on Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen's ``Pride and Prejudice,'' whom Firth played in a BBC television adaptation. Firth's smoldering incarnation of Austen's hero obsessed the Bridget Jones character in Helen Fielding's original novel. The film, directed by Sharon Maguire, starts shooting May 1. Financing and distribution is split among Universal Pictures, Miramax Films and Canal Plus. Reuters/Variety

"We are here to save the Earth we are fans of Colin Firth..." Wasn't this heard on Mystery Science Theater 3000? (Maureen) I received BJsD Saturday and I love it. Make sure you get your hands on Edge of Reason as well. Even if it wasn't so funny, one has to love a book in which the words "Colin Firth" are used so frequently. Talk about free publicity!

Thanks Mari....is this pretty official?..I mean, can we start the party?

(Evelyn)"Mansfield Park" , IMO was a dog. Further more I didn't even like the book.Poor Austen choice. Andrew Davies is writing the screen play to "Northanger Abbey".Good luck. I didn�t like it either. These are my two least favourite JA books. (KarenR)He is an admirer of Ralph Fiennes, and would have loved Fiennes's part in The End of the Affair. 'He's got it covered,' says Firth. It could get quite exasperating, actually. He keeps eating up the things I'd like to do.' Well! We thought so and have been exasperated accordingly ;-) Firth studied Argentina, becoming fascinated with the place. He told one interviewer about how he saw tango as a metaphor for Argentina's political situation. Perhaps I should have danced on the sidewalk ;-) (Evelyn)He likes opera..(Livia?) Why Livia? Perhaps he liked opera first, and then Livia. He sounds v. happy :-) Does he? (Renate)"The United Servo Academy Men's Chorus Hymn" Renate, that was so funny, what *is* it all about? :-) (Moon)Can you imagine Colin going around the house singing Ridi Pagliaccio? Yes I can! Especially when he finds that Ralph had nicked another role he wanted. (Elena)Unfortunately, we do not know what he is or isn�t IRL, to be quite honest. So? You don't believe after Meg, Jennifer, Livia and little Will, he is definitely hetero? Skeptic lady, you! ;-) I think Colin is talking about Walker here and the negative feelings that Walker was supposed to stir, among other things. In other words, he is hoping to have made such an impact. I hope not, because he hasn't... I expect he was talking about some other play...

(Evelyn)...is this pretty official?..I mean, can we start the party? Break out the hats and noise-makers, I say:-) Don't think there's any turning back for him at this point. (KarenR)He is an admirer of Ralph Fiennes, and would have loved Fiennes's part in The End of the Affair. 'He's got it covered,' says Firth. It could get quite exasperating, actually. He keeps eating up the things I'd like to do.' (Gi) Well! We thought so and have been exasperated accordingly ;-) Sorry, but I refuse to blame Rafe for this state of affairs. If Colin really wants to start being in the running for these types of parts, he knows what he needs to do.

Gaah, sorry for messing up the tags. I've gotten out of practice:-(

You don't believe after Meg, Jennifer, Livia and little Will, he is definitely hetero? I�m not suggesting or believing that he is or isn�t, just idly pointing out the fact that we don�t really know anything about this or any other private things or feelings of his, we only know what we�re shown and told. He sounds v. happy :-) Does he? I also think he sounds v. balanced and sound. Only a very balanced and secure person would analyze his past the way he does, or talk in public about being exasperated because a colleague of his keeps eating up everything he�d like to do. It�s an amazingly candid confession.

darn

Only a very balanced and secure person would analyze his past the way he does, .. And on'n on'n on.... (Psst...you're almost 40..."Get Over It")

Forgot...IMHO ;-)

Agree with Susan. 'Tain't Rafe's fault Colin doesn't get those roles. Besides, I think this quote 'He's got it covered,' says Firth. It could get quite exasperating, actually. He keeps eating up the things I'd like to do.' was said with tongue firmly planted in cheek. Sounds to me like he knows just what he wants to do and is moving very securely into (sob) middle age.

(Evelyn)He likes opera..(Livia?) Why Livia? This is the first time I've seen opera mentioned as one of his choices of music (though I'm not surprised as the chap is obviously very eclectic). I guess Evelyn wonders whether this may be Livia's influence. Well, we know absolutely nothing at all about Livia's likes. I expect he was talking about some other play... Possibly "Chatsky", his previous theatre work. The actors were praised, but the play was not very well received and he played an unsympathetic character. I also think he sounds v. balanced and sound. Only a very balanced and secure person would analyze his past the way he does, or talk in public about being exasperated because a colleague of his keeps eating up everything he�d like to do. It�s an amazingly candid confession. On the other hand, maybe that's the effect he hoped to achieve: you (we) think he is what he appears to be: balanced, secure, philosophical, analytical, poking fun at himself... More at peace with himself and more confident... beginning to act mature. Less scatty perhaps (he used to be known for that). Or in other words, he has a better control of himself. But whether he really is so vastly different - I wouldn't know. Elena is right on this point. We only see what is shown to us. :-)

Oh, b.........!

I get an error message when I try to post at Topic 80, so excuse this for being in the wrong place. I thought you would like to read it. - Murph 4/12/00 - From Popcorn.com - Colin Firth Makes 'Diary' Date Mr Darcy to play Mark Darcy. Confused? Read on. In a bizarre case of art imitating art, Colin Firth is set to play the romantic lead in 'Bridget Jones' Diary'. The quirk is that Firth's character in the film, Mark Darcy, is based on Jane Austen's Mr Darcy - the character Firth himself played in 'Pride And Prejudice'. So post-modern. 'Bridget Jones' Diary' is set to begin production on May 1, with Firth starring alongside alongside Renee Zellweger (currently working on her - yikes! - English accent) and Hugh Grant. Grant will play Firth's love rival in the film, which has been adapted for the big screen by Grant's writing buddy Richard Curtis - the two previously collaborated on 'Four Weddings And A Funeral' and 'Notting Hill'.

Thanks, Murph. Looks like Topic 80 went on tilt when we got to 2000 messages. Try the new Bridget topic # 131.

From This is London (11/4/00) - has a mention of Colin and SD (BTW, for those interested in RF's Shakespearean productions, check out The Times and an article about Linus Roache) Stage fight for theatres by Alison Roberts London's theatrical chatterati have a big fortnight ahead of them. On Wednesday, the first-night crowd will traipse to the Gainsborough Studios in Shoreditch to witness an Almeida Theatre production of Richard II, starring Ralph Fiennes. (Handy tip: don't wear your Manolo Blahniks: it's very muddy and the Portakabin loos are distinctly unglamorous.) The following week, a revival of Peter Nichols's Passion Play opens at the Donmar Warehouse - and, yes, Sam Mendes will be there, fresh from Oscar triumph, if a little bored with shaking people's hands and pretending, poor boy, he's known them all his life. Still, anyone who's anyone in London's theatre world will fight for tickets to these two events, if only to rub shoulders with the other anyones, and thus prove that they're definitely a somebody. Between them, the Almeida and the Donmar have got London's fashionable theatrical set sewn up. This is largely because they're both quality venues, each of them with a track record of fine, accessible and innovative productions. And it's also because they're natural expansionists, run by determined directors (Mendes at the Donmar in Covent Garden; Jonathan Kent and Ian McDiarmid at the Almeida in Islington) intent on colonising the West End and beyond. Success is undeniably sexy. They are, however, quite different beasts. Should you wish, for example, you could divide them by average audience member. At the Almeida, the clientele is older and smarter. They might be celebrity academics or Left-leaning lawyers, arthouse types who'll eat, post-play, at one of those cosy little restaurants opposite the King's Head on Upper Street or head south to St Johns in Clerkenwell - the kind of people who can't quite bring themselves to throw out their old black polo neck. What they like about the Almeida is its intelligence, its casual - if somewhat uncomfortable - atmosphere and its proximity to their Islington town house. At the Donmar, meanwhile, the audience is much more student-like, a mixture of late twentysomething postgrads (who'll sit in a Soho coffee bar afterwards) and media-based culture vultures (who'll eat pretheatre dinner at The Ivy). They wear Levi's, liked the idea of Sam Mendes commissioning a musical from Alex James of Blur - sadly, it never materialised - and, rightly, worshipped Alan Cumming in Cabaret. Oddly, given these (admittedly broad-brush) audience profiles, the Almeida is the more artistically daring of the two venues. While the Donmar generally sticks to Anglo-American plays and musicals, the Almeida isn't afraid to stage an international repertoire. At the same time, both venues have big plans for the future - both are light on their feet and, thanks to long-term success, can afford to take the risks they might have baulked at before. If you can divide the two theatres by audience-member, you can equally divide them in terms of ambition. Fundamentally, both theatres want to run their own customised version of the National Theatre (that is, to stage more than one production at the same time, to run a mini-empire). They can do this by producing one show at headquarters and another couple at outposts in the West End. This isn't a case of simply transferring a successful play from original venue to West-End house - it means doing it all yourself, without the services of an intermediate producer. This way lies world domination. Can they both pull it off? First of all, they need to attract the box office-busting playwrights and actors who'll pay the rent, leaving respective artistic directors free to plot the next push into Lloyd Webber territory. Both venues have glamour on their side, though the Almeida is still the heavyweight in this respect, supported by the big guns of British theatre, including Diana Rigg, Harold Pinter, Michael Gambon (with whom McDiarmid, who's also an actor, recently starred in Tim Burton's spooky thriller Sleepy Hollow). The Islington duo can also count on their network of Hollywood friends: Fiennes, of course, Juliette Binoche (who adores the Almeida), Cate Blanchett, Liam Neeson, and Kevin Spacey, whose appearance in The Iceman Cometh proved how star-struck we really are. Spacey has since taken a place on the Old Vic's board. It's perhaps no coincidence that the Almeida will move there early next year while the Islington base undergoes minor refurbishment, adding a south London outpost to its existing network of venues. But Spacey, of course, is equally devoted to Sam Mendes. Together they made a movie, American Beauty, which won five Oscars. Mendes doesn't need to work at attracting Hollywood stars to his theatre (should he desire it), since they're lining up to work with him. And given the sensation caused by Nicole Kidman in The Blue Room, who can blame them? On the home front, the Donmar's best friends include playwrights Patrick Marber and David Hare, actors Colin Firth and Natasha Richardson, and increasingly impressive director David Leveaux. Mendes's theatre relies less upon the really big stars of British theatre (though Helen Mirren and Nicholas Hytner both feature this season), often preferring sparky young actors whose work shows potential - Stephen Dillane, for example, gave his best performance yet in the Donmar's revival of Stoppard's The Real Thing. The Almeida has the greater experience, having already run a second home at the Albery Theatre and having redeveloped the Gainsborough Studios. Indeed, the Donmar is pretty open about studying the battle plans already drawn up by its Islington cousin: staff talk about following the Almeida blueprint in a downsized form. Significantly, though, the Donmar has money on its side, thanks to what Sam Mendes calls "quite small" gifts from Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks film company and a New York theatre producer who wants first-look rights for Broadway transfers. The Almeida, meanwhile, is still wholly reliant on Arts Council funding. But it's not really a competition. There's lots of room in London theatre for rampant ambition: we're lucky like that. In any case, the more fashionable first nights the better - someone's got to keep the theatrical chatterati off the streets of an evening.

From The Scotsman (11/04/00): Sphagnum opus COMING shortly to a cinema near you, My Life So Far, starring Colin Firth, who is struggling to avoid being typecast as Mr Darcy. Having played him to acclaim in Pride and Prejudice, Firth is expected to sally forth to play Darcy's modern-day namesake in Bridget Jones's Diary. In his latest movie he is cast as a Scottish aristocrat who has invented some new uses for sphagnum moss, which must have had Hollywood's moguls drooling at the thought of mega box-office returns. Apparently, the aristo starts off nutty then smoulders, which must be difficult if there is a lot of moss involved. Sphagnum should not be confused with his elder brother Stirling, not to mention Moss Bros or Mossad.

Is this Scottish humor? It sucks...

(SusanMC)Sorry, but I refuse to blame Rafe for this state of affairs. If Colin really wants to start being in the running for these types of parts, he knows what he needs to do. Not that I blame Rafe either (nor do I believe Colin does), but things may not be as easy as they seem...

Sphagnum should not be confused with his elder brother Stirling, not to mention Moss Bros or Mossad. (Evelyn), Is this Scottish humor? It sucks... I thought it was pretty funny, Evelyn. Strange, yes, but funny. I wonder if Colin wanted Rafe's part in the Avengers? ;-)

I am waiting for one of our theatre "litterati"...Arami, Cheryl, Chris(Luvvy) to pl. give us the scoop on the following from Sunday's Observer interview: "Firth was taught the Laban theory of psychological types, and put through the paces of Russian emotional freedom and Jewish introspection. He came to know the 'reality of the inner world'...." It could give us a good insight into his style of acting. Thank you.

Rudolf Laban (1879-1958). Hungarian creator of movement training theory as applied to dance, acting, etc. The Russian/Jewish reference is to Stanislavski, I would assume. The two get paired based as they are on the exploration of "the discovery and control of the actor's sensations, feelings and emotions".

Chris has given us a good link to the discussion of Stanislavski's Method, as I recall. It's a rather elaborate and exhausting technique based on the actor attempting to "become" the person portrayed, to the point of living, thinking and feeling as if the actor were that other person. Colin's description of his experiences while (and after) playing Lawrence in Tumbledown made it obvious to me that The Method has had a profound influence on his approach. By his own admission, his efforts have on occasion caused him to suffer, sometimes more than he expected, which scared him. That's what he meant when he was quoted questioning himself: "Is acting really worth it?" I think that he has since revised the intensity of his personal input and attempted to put a sensible distance (yet without any discernible detriment) between his own emotions and those necessary for creating a convincing and satisfying (as opposed to merely satisfactory) illusion on stage or screen. (Stop me, someone, I could go on like this for ever... ;-))

We know you can, dear, but you've controlled yourself admirably :-)

:-P ;-)

From that This is London article you posted the other day, Karen... At the Donmar, meanwhile, the audience is much more student-like, a mixture of late twentysomething postgrads (who'll sit in a Soho coffee bar afterwards)... Whad'ya think, ladies. Better than the Lab-owning, Volvo-driving women of a certain age typecast?

(Arami)(Stop me, someone, I could go on like this for ever... ;-)) No, no, go on. I like to know about this stuff. Thank you Chris & Arami. And Karen who emailed some interesting sites on the Laban Method. Next time I see him on stage, I'll have a greater appreciation of his portrayal.

(Evelyn)And Karen who emailed some interesting sites on the Laban Method. Are those un-postable, Karen? I'd be interested...:-)

Sure, Gi, happy to provide here as well, but first a bit of info about the Drama Centre, where Colin was trained:Drama Centre London was founded in 1962 and it is of historical interest that in those turbulent years it was one of the very few examples of a successful student revolt. It represented a response to the creation of a National Theatre that was to make demands on the actor hitherto without precedent. It was and is a true example of conservatoire training since it made available to students in the UK a selection of the work of major innovators in theatre practice from both sides of the Atlantic. These include * The Moscow Arts Theatre * The Actors Studio of New York - Lee Strasberg * The H.B. Studio New York * German Expressionism - the work of Rudolf Laban and the traditions of the European Modern Dance * The work of Louis Jouvet at the Conservatoire de Paris For all this its character reflects the traditions of the English theatre and it bears in substance a striking resemblance to the approach of Joan Littlewood at Theatre Workshop.Here are some of the things I've found on Rudolf Laban: The description of a Ph.D research project entitled, "Applications of Laban Movement Studies to Actor Training: Designing an experiential and theoretical course for training actors in physical awareness and expressivity." http://www.towson.edu/theatre/tcphd.html A Guide to Labanotation: http://www.rz.uni-frankfurt.de/~griesbec/LABANE.HTML The Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies - I liked the motto at the top "move observe understand evolve: and the quote from Laban on the index page, "We need an authentic symbol of the inner vision to effect contact...we need...to think in terms of movement." http://www.limsonline.org/index2.html There is also this place, which has lots of links: http://www.laban.org/ If I've left out any good ones, Evelyn, that were in my email, feel free to post them.

HISTORIC ASPECTS OF MOTION AND SPACE Biography of Rudolph Laban RUDOLPH LABAN was born in 1879 in Bratislava, Hungary, which is now part of Czechoslovakia, (now the capital of the Sovak Republic). Even in his earliest years he was facsinated by observing people�s movements. His desire to understand physical and mental effort led him on a long course of study, experiment and research. Architecture first attracted him, but did not hold his interest. He went to Paris, Berlin, Vienna and other centres of learning to seek further knowledge of the arts and sciences essential to the student of movement. He was led from the academic to the practical in search of indigenous and cultivated activity - to the American Indians , the natives of Africa, the peoples of the Near East, and the Chinese - in order to study at first hand their national habits and the manifestations of their power. Ballet naturally claimed his major attention and in time he became Director of Movement in the Berlin State Opera and one of Europe�s most famous choreographers . Reacting against the artificiality of the theatre, however, he sought expression of his art and philosophy amongst the ordinary people, and all over Europe centres were established in his name for the craftsmen who came to seek advice on their own working problems and on the strains and stresses involved in their various occupations. In these centres they found the bodily awareness, understanding and relief in courses of movement that were provided especially to meet their needs. Unable to work under the Nazi regime, which looked upon his teachings of harmony and fulfilment through re-educating the sense of rhythm and movement as a threat to its own discordant philosophy, Laban and some of his pupils sought sanctuary in the U.K. Remarkable developments followed in that country, where previously very little awareness existed of the common basis which movement provides to both dance and work. During the war Laban turned to industry and established the Laban-Lawrence Industrial Rhythm, which comprised new approaches to selection, training, placing, investigation of working processes and assessing job capacities based on his researches into the natural rhythm of man�s movement. This development was made in association with F. C. Lawrence, who as a management consultant included in his practice these new methodes which offered a vital contribution to the solution of the difficult problems that constantly arise in the management of men and women in industry. Early in this century, at the beginning of his career, Laban began to develop a system of movement notation for the purpose of his investigations which he called "Kinetography" (known as "Labanotation" in the U.S.A.) and published in 1928. This found world-wide recognition and is now practised in connection with a variety of human activities by scientists and artists alike. In 1959 the International Council of Kinetography Laban was founded by the leading experts from both western and eastern countries. Important in Laban�s concepts and development of movement principles are his examinations of spatial relationships occuring in static and dynamic space-forms. He presented an introduction to his subjekt in his book Choreographie, which was published in 1926 in Germany but has been out of print for many years. During his later years he developed conciderably his studies of space harmony and left a manuscript on the subject called "Choreutics". This was published posthumously in 1964. In connection with investigations of human capacity in industry during the 1940's, Laban envolved the effort graph explained as a means of recording kinetic quality of performance (as opposed to spatial forms). In the further development of its use it has become an essential tool for recognising personality traits through observation and analysis of effort phrases in a person�s movements. In the field of therapy the application of his effort analysis has produced remarkable results. Through his study of mind-body relationships and the psychological effects of certain movement patterns, he was able to achieve improvements in many emotionally disturbed people as was as in those with physical limitations. Significant of fast-growing interest in Laban�s concepts was the forming in 1942 of the Laban Art Movement Guild, today flourishing association of international repute. After the war Laban devoted much of his energy and time to dance as an educational force. In 1946 Lisa Ullman, who had been his close associate for a number of years, founded the Art Movement Studio in Manchester, which became the trainingcentre for movement study and educational dance baced on Laban�s concepts and findings. Laban lectured regularly at the Studio, at the same time visiting various universities and educational establishments as guest lecturer. He was also for many years co-director with Esme�Church of the Northern Theatre School at Bradford and contributed to the training of many people who are today well known and successful in the world of drama. In 1953 Laban moved to an estate in the Thames Valley at Addlestone Surrey, where there were facilities for housing not only his work and archives but also the Art of Movement Studio. In 1954 the Laban Art of Movement Centre was formed as an educational trust to perpetuate his work and to promote and provide education in the art of movement in accordance with his theories and practice. Laban put his collection of materials at the disposal of the Trust to make accessible to the public the wealth of charts, manuscripts and models which resulted from his explorations and discoveries. After the publication of Effort in 1947, Laban wrote and published Dance and Movement Notation. Laban continued working at Addlestone Modern Educational Dance, The Mastery of Movement and Principles of until his death 1958. With the wide facilities at Addlestone, the practical application of Laban�s findings to the many fields of human activity in which movement plays an important part have been carried on extensively, and his principles are today recognised as an important basis for the movement education of children and adults. Macdonald and Evans, September 1972

Brief mention in 5th paragraph. Indie drives soccer club documentary to goal By Adam Dawtrey LONDON (Variety) - The independent film company Icon Entertainment Intl. is backing a feature documentary about Manchester United, the world's richest soccer club. American sports documentary filmmaker Bob Potter is directing the movie, which follows England's most successful team through the current season, which runs from last August to May. The film is scheduled for world premiere in October in Manchester. Potter's company, Bombo Sports & Entertainment, will co-produce the film with Icon. It marks another attempt by the film industry to cash in on the huge global following for soccer, and for Manchester United in particular. `Best,'' Mary McGuckian's biographical film about the club's most famous past player, George Best, will be released in British theaters this summer. Working Title Films is preparing ``Busby's Babes,'' about the airplane crash that wiped out the exceptional Manchester United squad of the 1950s, and other versions of that same story are also in the works. Yet soccer has a vexed track record at the box office -- recent British films such as ``Fever Pitch'' and ``The Match'' died on their theatrical release. Such is the box office stigma attached to the game that FilmFour is changing the title of its upcoming Mark Herman comedy, ``Season Ticket,'' to avoid any soccer connotations. Nonetheless, Manchester United, the current European champions and the world's richest club, has a huge global fan base. It is also a club that stirs passionate aversion in supporters of rival teams. The documentary, provisionally titled ``Manchester United the Movie,'' will follow the team to the world club championships in Tokyo and Rio De Janeiro, as well as tracking its performance in the English and European competitions. Reuters/Variety

Yet soccer has a vexed track record at the box office -- recent British films such as ``Fever Pitch''and ``The Match'' died on their theatrical release. Oh....but I thought FP was not a film about soccer, but a romantic comedy about relationships and obsessions... ;-) *winkie* *winkie* smallAnd it didn't die in the UK...but was poorly released in the US

Looks like E! Online expanded and updated its Firth file after the BJD announcement. We knew most of this, but check out his son's name *sigh of relief for those who may have thought it was Willy Tilly* ;-) Also, I didn't know about the Apt. Zero award. Colin Firth Birthdate: September 10, 1960 Birthplace: Grayshot, Hampshire, England Occupation: Actor Quote: "I don't think a great many things are achieved by crudely exerting yourself upon them. Still, I'd love to do cartwheels and the fireworks and the pyrotechnics. I would love to dazzle. I just don't have a great capacity for it." --Harper's Bazaar, May 1996 Claim to Fame: Played Tommy Judd in Another Country (1984) Significant Other(s): Wife: Livia Giuggioli; born 1970; married June 21, 1997 Jennifer Ehle, actress; born 1970 Meg Tilly, actress; born 1960; together 1989-94 Family: Grandparents: missionaries; worked in India Father: David Firth, history teacher; born 1934; traveled to various locations to teach; became history lecturer at King Alfred's College, Winchester Mother: Shirley Firth, teacher; born 1936; lecturer on comparative literature at Open University Sister: Kate Firth, voice coach; born 1961 Brother: Jonathan Firth, actor; born April 6, 1967 Son: William Firth; born 1990; mother, Meg Tilly Awards: 1988: Seattle Film Festival: Best Actor, Apartment Zero 1989: Royal Television Society: Best Actor, Tumbledown 1998: Screen Actors Guild: Cast in a Theatrical Motion Picture, Shakespeare in Love"; shared with cast mates Factoids: Had nomadic childhood, living in England, Nigeria and St. Louis, Missouri Education: The Drama Centre, London, England

Many thanks to Karen for the links and to CherylB for the text on Laban.It looks like a very complete system supported by a very complex annotation method. To me it's like the card game, bridge: I'm glad to know what it is about but would not dream of pursuing the subject in depth ;-)

Significant Other(s): Jennifer Ehle, actress; born 1970 Can't they forget her? Meg's relationship is different..several years and produced an off-spring. Poor Jennifer has to go around like "the scarlet letter" . Fergodsake they were only together for less than a year. I don't see other stars where they enumerate girl friends.

(Evelyn) Fergodsake they were only together for less than a year. Hey, we were together for less than a minute and I'm telling everyone DB was my significant other. ;-) Thank God for those Donmar pictures. I'm scratching my head over this: Claim to Fame: Played Tommy Judd in Another Country (1984) They couldn't think of anything else? Neat find, Mari.

(Evelyn)...And it didn't die in the UK...but was poorly released in the US It was barely released in the US. It would be more accurate to say that it played in a few theatres within the international boundaries of the United States. It had no American release to speak of, not at all. (Mari) ... (from Firth entry) Claim to Fame: Played Tommy Judd in Another Country (1984) (Heide) They couldn't think of anything else? Maybe it was a favorite film of one the compilers. I once read a review of "Another Country" in a video guide which described CF of then being "at his most luscious."

Well, for once Darcy wasn't mentioned (though that role is certainly his claim to fame - so far). Odd considering BJD.

I don't see other stars where they enumerate girl friends. They have so very little on his personal life that they obviously tried to pad it up a bit. (Mari) ... (from Firth entry) Claim to Fame: Played Tommy Judd in Another Country (1984) (Heide) They couldn't think of anything else? Pathetic. Hey, we were together for less than a minute and I'm telling everyone DB was my significant other. ;-) LOL! Was? Was? ;-)

Ok, in comparing other actors' summaries on the E! Online listings, it seems there's a method to their madness. "Claim To Fame" appears to be the actor's first major film role, not the one for which he or she is best known. For example, Tom Cruise's "Claim to Fame" is "Taps" from '81, and Julia Roberts' is "Mystic Pizza" form '88. Also, I should have mentioned that in addition to the bio info I posted above, there are other links there for Colin; one is called "Credits," which takes you to a semi-complete list of his film work (through MLSF). "Video" links you to the movie trailers for ATA, MLSF, SIL, and TEP. "Goods" links you to posters on sale for SIL and TEP. So all in all, it's a nice page. Just go to www.eonline.com and search on Colin Firth. Evelyn, I do agree that it's weird to list Jennifer, but there again, they've done it to all of them and some of the lists are, ahem, rather lengthy. You should see the list of Significant Others for Julia Roberts--guys are lined up like dominoes, going all the way back to Liam Neeson in '88.;-)

OK, checked at the Cannes sites and seached through the press release (which is in French) for Relative Values. Not there. So I think the June 9th opening should be the one.

What about premieres? I should think there should definitely be something for both MLSF and RV in London.....fairly soon for MLSF, perhaps the end of April? They have so very little on his personal life that they obviously tried to pad it up a bit. (Arami) I've always wondered about the (anonymous) girlfriend who irritated him by watching too much television, and who took the television with her when she left (his own words!). Obviously a live-in relationship! Looks like E! Online expanded and updated its Firth file after the BJD announcement. We knew most of this, but check out his son's name *sigh of relief for those who may have thought it was Willy Tilly* ;-) (Mari) The start of each decade seems particularly significant in his biodata...1960, 1970, 1990.... what of 2000, I wonder?? William Firth sounds like a very solid sort of name!

Am perhaps being greedy, but I'd like to know about the other two projects CF was considering. He's got the whole of July thru' September free! BJD is a great project in terms of exposure....everyone will know about it and (hopefully) see it. But I was impressed with the potential of "Maid of Buttermere"...great leading (dramatic) role, and "Armadillo". Hope there's more to come. BTW what happened to Pat O'Connor's "The Lion in Winter"? An ideal role for CF (not Anthony Hopkins!)

(Bethan)I've always wondered about the (anonymous) girlfriend who irritated him by watching too much television, and who took the television with her when she left (his own words!). Obviously a live-in relationship! All we know for certain is that she wasn't an actress.

(Bethan)I've always wondered about the (anonymous) girlfriend who irritated him by watching too much television That wasn't Jennifer ...she doesn't watch TV either.... Has a TV, though, ... enjoys "Playstation"...pays her license.

(Arami) but I'd like to know about the other two projects CF was considering. You are putting far too much stock in what the person at the agency said. Armadillo seemed the most likely to be a "real" project and it was supposed to be done during the summer. Even though I absolutely *hate* the idea that The Prisoner is being made into a movie, No. 6 is a role for Colin.

Sorry, that quote should've been attributed to Bethan.

Evelyn or Karen, do you know who we should telephone regarding the Premiere for MLSF, then perhaps Bethan and I could try and find out a few details.

the (anonymous) girlfriend who irritated him by watching too much television That wasn't Jennifer ... No, it wasn't. It wasn't an actress.

(Ann)do you know who we should telephone regarding the Premiere for MLSF, then perhaps Bethan and I could try and find out a few details. Bethan going to a Premiere in London?? You gotta be kidding.... Watch your email....

Newport Film Festival (6-11 June 2000) is taking volunteers. No other info at their web site www.newportfilmfestival.com at this time.

You are putting far too much stock in what the person at the agency said. Armadillo seemed the most likely to be a "real" project and it was supposed to be done during the summer. (Karen) Oh I dunno, call me an optimist but I think that both "Armadillo" and "Maid of Buttermere" will eventually happen. We just seem to work to more unpredictable timescales in the UK...just look how long it's taken for BJD to be up and running...they were going to start shooting last summer. Postponements and blips are the norm. Both are ideal projects for CF, and good projects are ve-r-y thin on the ground for Brittish actors who like to work in the UK!! Just watch this space...:-)

British...I can spell, can't type!

(Bethan) Just watch this space...:-) For what? What do you know that you aren't telling us? ;-)

....and good projects are ve-r-y thin on the ground for Brittish actors who like to work in the UK Is that another limitation?..Does he have to work justin the UK?

(Evelyn)Does he have to work just in the UK? No, he doesn't have to -- it would seem that lately he prefers to do so.

Just watch this space...:-) Yes, I've been watching this space - getting smaller and smaller. CF will be extremely pleased, his ears must be burning much less these days.

From today's Hollywood Reporter (last paragraph): Lola Films U.K. on an Endeavor By Cathy Dunkley Endeavor has signed Lola Films U.K., Spanish producer Andres Vicente Gomez's ("Belle Epoque") London-based sales and production company, to represent the North American distribution rights to its first four English-language films and act as a general consultant for the company. Sergio Aguero, the Endeavor agent who specializes in international affairs and indie financing for the company, said the deal was indicative of the company's desire to grow its international division and called its business plan "the most ambitious film program ever by a Spanish company." Lola Films U.K. was set up last May to produce bigger-budgeted, more commercial English-language films. Lola Films is Spain's leading independent production company. Endeavor will rep domestic distribution rights for Lola Films U.K.'s "Girl From Rio," directed by Christopher Monger and starring Hugh Laurie; "Off Key," the $10 million-budgeted parody of the three tenors to be directed by Spanish director Manuel Gomez Pereira and starring Joe Mantegna and Danny Aiello; "The Dancer Upstairs," to be directed by John Malkovich and starring Spanish heartthrob Javier Bardem in an 800 million-peseta ($5 million) production based on a script by Nicholas Shakespeare; and "Gaudi Afternoon," a 900 million-peseta ($5.6 million) comedy long in the works, with Susan Seidelman at the helm starring Judy Davis, Lili Taylor, Marcia Gay Harden and possibly Juliette Lewis. Other English-language films in the works include Carlos Saura's "The Maid of Buttermere," a romantic period piece set in England at the turn of the 19th century, written by Raymond Khoury and starring Colin Firth.

Now who will call his agent for a confirmation? ;-)))

Oh goodie, I love the sound of this movie. What does "in the works" mean Karne, has he signed do you think?

sorry about the spelling of your name, Karen, I am all excitement!

(Ann) What does "in the works" mean You won't be seeing it shortly. ;-)

Probably means that he's read the script and indicated an "interest." Nothing more.

I hope they don't pay him in "pesetas" ...he'll have to bring a duffel bag!

(Evelyn)I hope they don't pay him in "pesetas" ...he'll have to bring a duffel bag! Hahaha :-( As long as they pay him, why should he care?

I'm agog at that line about The Maid! I took the page off, believing it would never happen. To me Armadillo has more of a chance - Sue Birdwhistle and all. Thanks again for the scoop, Karen. HAPPY Passover and Easter to all here. You are all the greatest! Murph

and to you too Murph, and all fellow droolers.

There's a very good website for Lola films at http://www.lolafilms.com Check out Projectos y rodayes, Internationale and Email. The Hugh Laurie film "Girl from Rio" seems to have already been shot/or will shoot from November. There are contact emails for the London office....why not ask them if CF is indeed starring in MOB? If they get a few email enquiries, someone may strike lucky and get a response! And Lola films will know that there's some enthusiasm for the project. I think this is a terrific leading role...if I had to chose between Mark Darcy and John Hadley/Hope, I'd go for Hadley...but I hope to see both!

Bethan, the Lola site is also in English. BTW, Maid has been listed there since December 1999 as a future film in preproduction.

(Murph) I took the page off, believing it would never happen. This is no more information than was available before. So let's not get too excited.

Confirmation of CF's actual involvement in projects seems to happen about a week before filming starts! I think the signs are very positive for MOB, but, as with BJD, maybe a little patience will be required. :-)

(Bethan)if I had to chose between Mark Darcy and John Hadley/Hope, I'd go for Hadley...but I hope to see both! There's a better chance of your seeing MD (and he getting paid!). Lola Films??Might be a little problem in distribution.! I hope this is a television film (like DQ)...better chance of people seeing it. Ole!

happy easter to all. Lets hope its a good one, and the Maid of Buttermere will happen.

From The Times: Lottery cash fails to lift British films MORE than 200 British films, including Mansfield Park, Love and Death on Long Island and Metroland, have been made with the help of National Lottery finance. But less than five per cent of these have been hits, an official analysis of UK box office returns suggests. One of the worst performers has been Stephen Poliakoff's Food of Love, released last October by Film Four Distributors. The film cost �2.1 million to make and had an �800,000 grant from the Arts Council. So far the film has taken �1,507 at the box office. ~~~~~~~ Phew!! *wiping forehead in relief*

Yes, I agree, at least it wasn't Slow. I wonder why so many have failed. We havn't done so well in Oz. either. I suppose nothing about them appeals to the 18-25 male. And yet apparently MLSF is still showing in Adelaide and it was here in Perth for nine weeks with a good attendance. Its a mystery!

(Bethan) I think this is a terrific leading role...if I had to chose between Mark Darcy and John Hadley/Hope, I'd go for Hadley...but I hope to see both! Agreed. I love CF in really dramatic parts; I think that they allow him to display his greatest strengths as an actor. That's just my view though. Yet the chance to see him in both projects would be even better. More of CF in the movies is always a good thing.

Have reproduced the Observer article from April 9, 2000, complete with pics. It's a beaut. As Bethan said, there are a couple of new pictures aside from the one from Relative Values. I'd say that first one was shot when the reporter visited him on the set of Donovan Quick and we know how incredible he looked in that one. Haven't got a clue about the b&w serious pose though. Observer article

Agreed. I love CF in really dramatic parts; I think that they allow him to display his greatest strengths as an actor. Yep! Definitely! Thanks for reproducing the Observer article, Karen! I'm hoping there'll be something about MLSF in the monthly magazines and daily papers in the next two weeks (but why are all magazines all "wrapped up" these days...can't browse!) There was a preview of new films on Radio 5...they actually mentioned MLSF, gave it a good review..."excellent performances from Robbie Norman, and from the cast of adults MEM, MMcD, RH and IJ". But NO MENTION of CF!!! He is the lead, right, and it's a good performance, yes? Why do the reviewers keep on doing this? I honestly think it's irresponsible and prejudiced reporting. I remember one (tabloid, male) reviewer described CF's performance in SLOW as "the most insipid peformance ever seen on screen" and then made some crack about how without his wet shirt, "Mr Darcy's" attractiveness was nil. I don't see this kind of malicious "reviewing" in the US or Australia!

Whew!! Sorry, I'm still fanning myself. Those pictures are...well, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. He looks like an angel in the first one and that Darcy photo? Shows damp Mr. Darcy at his finest. Thank you, Karen, for lifting my spirits on this dreary Saturday.

WOWThat's some pic. Thank you Karen, Thank you Observer!! What a nice surprise from the Easter Bunny! Two of those pics are new. Livia's isn't...SIL premiere in NY?It's his premiere suit, anyway. What's with the 3/4 coat? Moda Italiana? Maybe he's been modeling for Gucci;-) I looked all over The Bucket for it. Are you going to post it there too?

Maybe our male reviewers resent his good looks!! Would explain their apparent reluctance to even mention His Name! Although I think that many male actors get a very bad press in the UK....Ken Branagh, Hugh Grant (pre-Notting Hill) and Rupert Everett (better press recently) have all been regularly savaged by the reviewers. One nice thing I heard on the radio (good source of info these days!) was part of an interview with Richard Curtis, in which he said that he thought that BJD was going to be even more successful than 4 Weddings and NH...said it had all the right ingredients and was delightfully entertaining. Something to look forward to!

Thanks for The Observer spread, Karen. The top pic is actually from another Observer article (by Andrew Billen) that ran in March '97, around Fever Pitch time. The black and white one with the longish jacket is yummy--looks to me like it may be from the same photo shoot as the Italian L'Uomo spread; I call it The Hard Day's Night photo shoot as it's all black and white and in some of the pics it looks like he's being chased down the street!;-) Do you know the one I mean? He looks very boyish in RV. The SIL premiere pic with Livia looks like a slightly different pose from one I've seen; very sweet pic of the two of them.

.Ken Branagh, Hugh Grant (pre-Notting Hill) and Rupert Everett (better press recently)have all been regularly savaged by the reviewers. Add Rafe Fiennes and the High Fidelity director.

I bow to your vastly superior skills in photo identification, Mari. However, was said picture 13-1/4" x 14-1/2"? Mmmmmmm L'Uomo? Looks right. The SiL premiere one is a different pose. In some cases (DQ, TEP, wetshirt, and the Meg one), I didn't need to scan them, but the SiL one was slightly different from the one I had. Evelyn, I will put a link in from the Bucket. Have been working on some stuff.

And Joe Fiennes, and Alan Rickman, and Stephen Fry, and Anthony Hopkins...well, the list could go on and on! I think a lot of British actors prefer the US because they don't receive needlessly destructive criticism and that's why they leave the UK. Several Brit actors won't do theatre any more because of the severity of the reviews. I actually hope that CF really succeeds in the US, maybe through BJD, and perhaps does some theatre over there if he can get a work permit. I'm sure he'd get a much warmer reception...it pains me to sound unpatriotic, but critics and the press in the UK really do seem to enjoy putting the boot in. Strangely enough, actresses get much more civilised tratment!

From The Sunday Times: Greg Dyke really does intend that the BBC eschews classic adaptations and opts for the new. The self-styled queen of the bonnets, Sue Birtwistle, who made television dramas of Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Wives and Daughters, is to produce a drama based on William Boyd's novel Armadillo. Boyd himself will adapt his darkly comic contemporary book about London for the BBC. I hope Dyke gets to see it. He recently told me that his kids controlled the zapper in his house and were forever changing what dad was watching. Don't they know he's the director-general?

Ah! Thanks a million, Karen! How come you spot all the good news, and whenever I hear/see anything relating to CF, I always get so-o-o annoyed (he's been left out again, he's not appreciated, etcetera, etcetera.) In future, I shall close my eyes and ears, and check only The Bucket!!! Seriously, despite Colin's agent ("Armadillo...never heard of it"), it seems to be definitely on, and I'm sure that SB and WB will have been chatting to Colin. He's an Ideal Lovely Lorimer! And it is a strong dramatic role...very funny too. Can we hope for a series...or at least a 3-4 hour adaptation! Good for the Beeb! Happy Easter everyone...I've a busy few days ahead, and hope that everyone has a very nice break!

Thanks Karen, for the Observer treat. Great presentation, and the clearest RV picture I've seen so far. Here is another L'Uomo pic - the smoking one: Happy Easter! Murph

Mari and Murph, I've been looking at the L'Uomo pics and I don't think the one in the Observer is from that shoot (backdrop, shirt, hair all different). Interestingly, most of the articles in the Life magazine identify the source of the photos, but Colin's article does not. (Bethan) He's an Ideal Lovely Lorimer! Agreed, this part is perfect for him and I'm positive that he has committed to appear in it for SB.

(Bethan) Although I think that many male actors get a very bad press in the UK....Ken Branagh, Hugh Grant (pre-Notting Hill) and Rupert Everett...And Joe Fiennes, and Alan Rickman, and Stephen Fry, and Anthony Hopkins. So many of these names you mention have been in films with Colin. Does anyone else play the Degrees of Separation to Colin game when watching a film? As I was (barely) watching Dunston Checks In yesterday on TV and saw Rupert Everett make a fool of himself, I was also busily counting how many diverse performers have just a one degree separation from Colin...Jason Alexander, PeeWee Herman and Faye Dunaway to name just a few. Anyway, a fun way to spend time while watching a bad movie.

Thanks Karen....I too think "Armadillo" will be a great role for him ..perfect casting. And I'm glad it's not another costume drama ..get outta that stuff, Colin nobody goes to see them! ~~~~~~ (Bethan) In future, I shall close my eyes and ears, and check only The Bucket!!! Good luck. She posts the stuff here and then I can't find it later;-) What happened to that NEW button you had, Karen? ~~~~ I too don't think the new pic is from L'Uomo.Sideburns longer in old one. Nor the first pic either.He looked younger in FP ones...hair curlier. New one more mature...yum:-)

(Evelyn) then I can't find it later;-) What happened to that NEW button you had, Karen? What can't you find? Anyway, I've added the New button to the main page that links to a summary type page of additions, which is still a work in progress... Isn't everything?

Thank you ..I like the table of contents by projects,the "New" button on front page and the separate News Page. Now, I'm all set :-D

Mari ..Looks like E!Online expanded and updated its Firth file after the BJD announcemnet. It's times like this that I really miss Helen's FAQ. I went back to an old printout from maybe late 1998 and she had listed 2 more personal awards for CF not mentioned by E!Online, plus 19 awards for the productions he had been in. Had even mentioned & quoted the hymn in the host segment of "Starfighter's" as episode # 612, shown in 1994. (and that Stephan Dellane had played with Colin in 'Hostages" and "Widowing of Mrs. Holroyd"!) What a resource that was! Wish there was a way to revive it! (did Helen go to London by any chance?)

Great job, Karen! I too don't think the new pic is from L'Uomo. I agree. I think it is a later picture. The one with Livia is from the LA SIL premiere. Looking forward to RV. Have they confirmed the opening date? Is Armadillo confirmed for CF? I love that picture, Murph, very sexy. :-) KJ), It's times like this that I really miss Helen's FAQ. She was my first source of CF info years ago. Helen, if you are reading, you did a great job. It is thanks to you that so many of us were able to search out his other films and become such afirthionados.

Thanks for reproducing the Observer article, Karen. (Evelyn) Nor the first pic either.He looked younger in FP ones...hair curlier. I agree with Mari. This pic's [the first one] been around for awhile. I've definitely seen it before. It's from his brown phase. ;-) Is Armadillo confirmed for CF? No. (KJ)(Moon) It's times like this that I really miss Helen's FAQ. Wasn't it Ellen's FAQ?

Wasn't it Ellen's FAQ? Quite right, Eileen. We become so good at copy/paste, that we sometimes overlook major details. (Evelyn) Nor the first pic either.He looked younger in FP ones...hair curlier. (Eileen), I agree with Mari. This pic's [the first one] been around for awhile. I've definitely seen it before. It's from his brown phase. ;-) Wow! He had brown phase! I liked his open white-shirt phase best. ;-)

Sorry, we appear to be a little late. :-( FILM NOTES; Film Footy Fetish The Washington Post; Washington; Apr 14, 2000; Desson Howe MOVIES AND SOCCER are, let's face it, two of the greatest pastimes in life. All right, fine, in my life. So imagine my bliss--and hopefully yours--at the prospect of watching a film festival about soccer this weekend. I refer to the Footy Film Festival, a Sunday night (showtimes always at 7) series through May 14, which will be held at the two best soccer-watching bar havens in the Washington area: the Rock in Chinatown (717 Sixth St. NW) and Lucky Bar, just south of Dupont Circle (1221 Connecticut Ave. NW). Soccer aficionados congregate regularly at these bars--festooned with wall-to-wall video screens-- to watch live soccer from around the world. Footy kicks off this Sunday at Lucky Bar with 1997's "Fever Pitch," an adaptation of Nick Hornby's other cult novel (you've heard of "High Fidelity," I trust). In David Evans's English-made movie, yet to be released in the United States (for shame!), Paul (Colin Firth) is obsessed with his favorite soccer team, the London club of Arsenal. But when Paul meets Sarah (Ruth Gemmell) he discovers that, unlike soccer, relationships aren't played out in seasons. Also showing with the movie: "Goal: The Story of the 1966 World Cup," a compilation of the highlights leading to England's ultimate World Cup victory. I don't think I'm giving anything away there. April 23 at 7 at the Rock, it's Mary Giese's "When Saturday Comes" (1997, 94 minutes), in which a working class lad (Sean Bean) from Sheffield, England, gets the chance to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a professional footballer. But he's beset by a cynical, unsupportive father (Pete Postlethwaite), hard-drinking friends and a lifetime of bad habits. The movie's shown with "Gole! Story of the 1982 World Cup." (England didn't win that one.) The rest of the schedule: April 30 at the Rock: John Huston's "A Minor Miracle" (1982, 87 minutes), which stars Brazilian soccer star Pele in a sad tale about an orphanage threatened with closure. The movie is shown with "The Boys From Brazil: Brazil World Cup teams 1930-1986." (Come to think of it, England didn't win that one either.) May 7 at Lucky Bar: Bill Forsyth's "Gregory's Girl" (1980, 88 minutes). In this Scottish charmer, teenage footballer Gregory (John Gordon Sinclair) loses his star position in the school soccer team, and his heart, to Dorothy (Dee Hepburn). He is demoted to goalie. The movie's shown with "Argentina Campeones: The World Cup 1978." (Okay, fine, rub it in: England fell a bit short.) May 14 at the Rock: A cult classic! In John Huston's "Victory" (1982, 94 minutes), set in a POW camp inside Nazi Germany, the new camp commandant (Max Von Sydow) challenges Michael Caine's allied prisoners team to a soccer match. The captives see the game as an opportunity to hatch a daring escape plan. Team members for the Allies, include real soccer stars Pele, Bobby Moore and Osvaldo Ardiles. And keep your eyes peeled for Sylvester Stallone. Also shown: "The World at Their Feet: The World Cup 1970, Mexico." (Um, you know.) A festival pass is $10, which includes snacks and admission to one or all movies. Only a limited number of passes will be available. Seating is first-come, first-served. For more information, check www.soccer-nation.com, which not only gives you festival times and film descriptions, but also provides a whole world of information about international and domestic soccer league and cup games. Calling busboys or bartenders at the Rock (202/ 842-7625) and Lucky Bar (202/331-3733) will only be useful for directions. ~~~~~~~~ Can you imagine watching Fever Pitch at a bar! Would be fun. :-)

Fever Pitch and Gregory s Girl together would be fun.

KJ)(Moon) It's times like this that I really miss Helen's FAQ. (Eileen)Wasn't it Ellen's FAQ? Sorry, my memory for names has always been bad, but in the past few years, it's become atrocious ... Ellen Armstrong, of course. Thanks, Eileen. There is still a useful site with her name on it, but now consists mostly of links to other CF pages. I always just wondered how she got such widespread info. Rivaled your fantastic skills, Slouth Karen. Hey, how about a *Karen's FAQ?* (Kidding ... just keeping that thing updated must have taken enormous amounts of time!!!)

"Karen's FAQ" -Still its a very good thought, KJ!!

(Eileen) This pic's [the first one] been around for awhile. I've definitely seen it before. It's from his brown phase. ;-) I printed it down from the FoF Scrapbook last Sept. Meluchie lists it as from The Independent on Sunday but with no date. (The URL image name implies it's from the Observer, though) Brown-phase Colin It's source is labeled on the second page of the offscreen images collection: Offscreen Images, p.2

Are you sure you people didn't work for the CIA?? ;-) ~~~~~

Just to update you all, Ellen Armstrong is battling cancer at the moment, so keep her in your prayers. She took down FAQs when Colin had been quoted in a paper about the intrusions of fans - Something about someone even knowing where he lived, I think. Someone else refesh my memory here. Anyway, Ellen felt he would not have approved of her site, and so removed it, much to our sorrow. She still has a Faq page for Steven MacIntosh. Murph

CIA??;-) Noooo... Like Eileen, the image rang a bell. You people will only find out about it if I have the time [and consciousness] to: a) search my own files b) check to see things are still there c) compose a post and d) have access to an online computer. (obviously, today, I had all 4). ButIgottagetsomeworkdone. ;-) (Ann W)"Karen's FAQ" -Still it's a very good thought, KJ!! It may be a very good thought to you and me, but more importantly it would have to be a good one to Karen herself -- and I am NOT making a request; only selfishly expressing some wishful thinking which logically led to comparing their skills and usefulness! [Neck and neck, I think] **Heehee** KJ

I am so sorry to hear she is so seriously ill. She had done so much for Colin in her time. I'll think of her. Thank you for letting us know, Mary. Mary Murphy ... Ellen felt he would not have approved of her site, and so removed it, much to our sorrow. For the longest time, the site contained only the quote to which she was reacting (it still does...), but she later refurbished it with an excellent list of hotlinks to other sites: Ellen Armstrong's Colin Firth FAQ   Colin.Firth.Com links to Ellen's FAQ on their own links page: Firth.com Links:

Have run across a really interesting (and funny) article from last March (pre-Oscars) about the making of SiL, going back to its inception and through its Julia Roberts phase. Perhaps some have already read it, but I don't recall it. The article mentions Colin during the first go around in casting for the lead and really reinforces who wrote it (the Norman vs. Stoppard thing). http://www.spring.net/karenr/articles/newsday31499.html

I have never read this article.Wonder where it appeared originally? Thanks Sleuth. LOL at Joe Fiennes quote:"Wonder who will see this movie"? We all wondered the same thing before it opened...remember?

It was in Newday on March 14, 1999. Ran across a writeup of Colin's appearance in Winchester on behalf of asylum-seekers in 1999. Not sure if it's been posted before. Since it is shorter, I'll put it up here, but here's the link: Asylum article Colin Firth highlights asylum-seekers' plight Colin Firth, the actor who played Mr Darcy, in the TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, was in Winchester on Saturday to highlight the plight of asylum-seekers. He took a high-profile role in Voices in a Strange Land, an event organised by the Winchester Action Group On Asylum Seekers, (WAGAS) at King Alfred's College. WAGAS has successfully campaigned for the release of 20 asylum-seekers from Winchester Prison. The Winchester actor became passionate about the subject seven months ago after reading an article in a national newspaper about a 19-year-old asylum-seeker who had fled torture in Nigeria. He was then held in a British detention centre where he alleges he was tortured by Group Four. Said Firth: "It is disgusting that we have a gap in our system where this kind of thing is possible, where the authorities can do this with impunity," he said. "These people are not all freeloaders. If you have an Iraqi dissident who's had the guts to get out of Iraq and come over here, does that sound like a sponging freeloader to you?" The three-hour event was packed, with latecomers turned away. They were treated to poetry readings by Yugoslav writer Miroslav Jancic and former Nobel Prize nominee Esmail Kho'i, as well as dance from the Congo and Kurdistan, and singers from Somalia and Iraq. "It is a drop in the ocean," said Firth, "But we are just trying to raise awareness."

.....19-year-old asylum-seeker who had fled torture in Nigeria. He was then held in a British detention centre where he alleges he was tortured by Group Four. Who is "Group Four"? They sound violent...

Evelyn- Who is "Group Four"? They sound violent... Far from it Evelyn, they're a private security firm who used to be content with driving about in armoured trucks delivering cash to banks, more recently they've gone into the "detention" business over here in the UK and I believe are responsible for our first privately run prison. They are especially well know for their ineptitude..having lost (as in letting escape!!) a few potential inmates on the way to jail! I've not heard any torture allegations before..but that doesn't necessarily mean it didn't happen!

Is Armadillo confirmed for CF? (Eileen) No. Depends what you mean by "confirmed". If you mean "confirmed" as by his very cautious agent, then no , but Baz B. in the Daily Mail is always very accurate, and if he says that Colin has agreed, and SB wants him, I think it's a cert. And it is an ideal role for him....the narrative focuses entirely on him (so we'll see a lot of him!), it's funny, poignant and there's an abundance of interesting character parts....ideal for a TV series. IMHO, CF has got a very good trio of projects lined up....BJD which will be popular/entertaining multiplex fare and will be released worldwide, MOB will will give him the opportunity (long overdue) for a strong dramatic role ( the sort of role that normally goes to RF!) which could get critical attention and awards, and then "Armadillo", which will reach a huge TV audience, especially if it's advertised as re-uniting the P&P team of SB and CF. Thanks for the account of the Refugee event in Winchester, Karen. Wasn't it organised by Colin's mum?...I'm sure I read that somewhere!

As you can tell by my original response, I don't use the term 'confirmed' as it relates to the author of a gossip column (accurate or not). Of course, everyone is free to believe what they want. After Flashman (we were told TV Times was also very accurate), I've become skeptical about any of CF's projects until they are reported by parties more directly connected to the project. Once burned... Thanks for these articles, Karen. Too bad the Winchester Asylum article didn't mention what CF did--only that he took a high profile role. Hmmm--could he have read from the phone book? ;-D (Tracy) more recently they've gone into the "detention" business over here in the UK and I believe are responsible for our first privately run prison. Uh-oh, the trials and tribulations of privatization. If the allegations are true, perhaps Group Four staff were trained by the NYPD.

(Bethan)IMHO, CF has got a very good trio of projects lined up.... BJD,A,MOB... (Certainly more impressive than the last batch....TOTS, BL,RV, L.) I'm proud of you Bethan...on the strength of your optimism I've ordered MOB.

As you can tell by my original response, I don't use the term 'confirmed' as it relates to the author of a gossip column (accurate or not). Of course, everyone is free to believe what they want. After Flashman (we were told TV Times was also very accurate), I've become skeptical about any of CF's projects until they are reported by parties more directly connected to the project. Once burned... (Eileen) I wouldn't describe Baz B. as a gossip columnist...he's a well respected journalist who writes about entertainment, and he normally gets his information straight from the horse's mouth. So if he quotes Sue Birtwistle, I'd be pretty sure he's spoken to her and it's an accurate report. I firmly believe CF will do "Armadillo"...no prospect of burning here! :-) Now, even "Flashman"....I'm not holding my breath over this, but the reports had to be more than just conjecture. There was definitely an ongoing "Flashman" project, although I read somewhere that it had been "shelved". The production company mentioned - Carlton - had produced "Sharpe", also 19th century military history, and the locations cited seemed feasible - Wales (Snowdonia often doubles for Afghanistan) and across Europe. Joanna Lumley would be great casting. It's obviously a hugely expensive project for television, and sometimes projects do take years to get off the ground! I'm stretching my optimism here, but it could still happen...2001? I'm proud of you Bethan...on the strength of your optimism I've ordered MOB. (Evelyn) Ah! Optimism is infectious! One reason I feel very hopeful about this, is that it's completely right for CF, and there are so few roles like this. And anyway MOB is a very good read, whatever the outcome! (Certainly more impressive than the last batch....TOTS, BL,RV, L.) What's BL? :-) I think "Londinium" was definitely a "hey, I want to stay at home and put up some more shelves for Livia" choice. But (perhaps?) it may be better than we think ...and I definitely want to see CF and the beautiful IJ falling for each other (compare MLSF!) RV will be lightweight, but I'm sure the cast will put a lot of gusto into the performances...it has to be very watchable!

(Bethan) I wouldn't describe Baz B. as a gossip columnist Then one of your fellow countrypersons did. I read that term here--I don't know Baz from a hole in the ground. Whatever, believe what you will. Different strokes for different folks.

(Bethan)What's BL? :-) 1.BL is my term for Blackadder. Have you seen it? 2 L: Putting up shelves for Livia should not be a criteria for a serious actor to select a project.And I have seen "The Sex Monster"...have you seen it? I have seen MLSF...and L. will not be MLSF...have you seen it? 3.RV will be good , but he will not have the billing stature as in the new projects. evelyn*who travels far and wide to see his films*...even the bad ones;-)

Any word on a London premiere for MLSF?

I've not read anything about MLSF...but I don't see the same range of papers that I used to see. The promotion (and premiere, if there is one) normally seems to occur a couple of weeks before the opening. So perhaps there may be some interviews/articles this weekend. Or maybe the Observer article was "it". 2 L: Putting up shelves for Livia should not be a criteria for a serious actor to select a project.And I have seen "The Sex Monster"...have you seen it? No..the title is rather offputting! But I did see a series (on BBC2) that Mike Binder directed (didn't write though), and liked it..."American Gothic". I'm joking about the shelves...I hope he really liked the script...but the chance to be home-based may have tipped the balance!

Been briefly in touch with Nan over Easter. She sends her love to all droolers. Hope you still remember Nan, oldtimers? For newbies, Nan is/was one of our hosts (moderators) and a ferocious drooler herself. She is nearing the end of an extremely tough computer technology course at the NYU, for which she has given up drooling for two years... Hopefully she'll be back among us later in the year.

Does anyone know what's happening to MLSF in the UK? I received the May programme today for the Bradford NM of Film & Photography (where they held the Film Festival). No mention of any showing of MLSF, although I had been assured that it would show in May. So, showing initiative, I phoned the Curzon Mayfair (thought I'd ask about a premiere and confim the opening date) I was told that they "had thought that they were getting MLSF" but there's "a question mark" over it. It's not listed, and the Curzon are showing "Sunshine" and something else throughout May. Huh! I thought the Miramax spokesman said the reason they postponed the release of MLSF for nearly a year was to secure an opening at the Curzon Mayfair!!!! Thoroughly downhearted, I phoned two other independent cinemas in Leeds and Manchester, which normally get all the art house releases...and MLSF is not being shown in May or June. So what's happened?? If anyone can confirm it is opening on the 12th and where, I'd be eternally grateful! :-)This is one disappointment too far!!! Glad to hear news of Nan...I hope all's going well with the course!

Has anybody called Miramax or Buena Vista Intl (the UK distributors)?

I'll give BVI a ring tomorrow.....:-) It was too late to contact them today. Hopefully, all will be resolved!

Sorry to hear about Ellen's illness, I hope she wins this fight. And glad to have news of Nan, please tell her, Arami, how happy we'll be to have her back :-)

I cannot believe they have postponed MLSF yet again - it has been shown all over Asia and has been popular here in Australia - in fact I heard it was still showing in Adelaide. It is coming out on video here in a couple of weeks - it just does not make sense. I watched SLOW last night - I have converted my sister-in-law!!

According to popcorn.co.uk it is still scheduled to be released on the 12th May, fingers crossed.

From the horse's mouth... I've just phoned BVI and asked about MLSF.(Better to find out than to jump to conclusions and get irritated, which is what I normally do!) It does open on May 12th, but it's London only and Scotland. I asked which cinemas and was told that "one hasn't been booked yet (only one!!!)..check your local listings." I said I thought it was the Curzon (although I don't think it can be) and the reply was "well, it may be". I asked about a nationwide release....reply was "no" but "after 2 or 3 weeks perhaps some rep theatres may be interested in booking it...it's up to them". Now the good bit...I asked where it was opening in Scotland...reply "everywhere". Perhaps to a Londoner, Glasow and Edinburgh is "everywhere", but hopefully MLSF may get more exposure north of the border! There's no premiere, and no money budgeted for promotion. But I'm wondering if it may have an informal gala type/charity opening in Glasgow...it's a possibility, yes? Anyway, there you have it! Could be worse. But I'm surprised that BVI aren't trying for the rep theatres...perhaps there aren't enough prints!

Hi All: Mickie called Colin's agent yesterday, and was told that though he hadn't yet signed on the dotted line, Armadillo is still very much under consideration. Murph

Murph, as there isn't a script yet, Colin wouldn't have signed anything. However, Baz's info would likely still be accurate about Colin committing early on to the project. That's done without a formal contract and gets the higher-ups interested in a project, gets it funding, etc. Bethan, that's the crummiest news yet. (putting it nicely) What is going on? They don't even have the confidence to give this movie a decent opening. I'm... speechless... :-(

so am I, looks as if I will be meeting up with Aishling again in London, seeing Sunshine tomorrow.

(Bethan)...perhaps there aren't enough prints! How many did we think were doing the US tour? ;-)

There is an ad in today's Evening Standard to win free tickets to the premiere of MLSF to be held at the ABC Shaftesbury Avenue on Monday 2nd May!!! Phone 0901 111 0152 if you want to win a free ticket. "CF in wet shirt will be attending" !!!!!

That should be Tuesday 2nd May!!!

Wot! And just after I'd had that miserable conversation with BVI..."no premiere, no promotion, no money, haven't booked a cinema, etcerea" Well, that was totally accurate, wasn't it? And the ABC Shaftesbury Avenue...that's an excellent venue. In the heart of the West End and bigger than the Curzon, I believe. This can't compare with Allison's news, but the National Museum of Film and Photography in Bradford are showing a special screening of "Lost Empires" in TV heaven, a special theatre (seating about 40) for viewing archived TV drama. It's on June 15 and free. I'll check if it's the CF version...I don't think there's been any other adaptation.

"CF in a wet shirt!" LOL! He should be in Mark Darcy mode though, as they'll just have started shooting BJD!

Wonderful news, Allison! So who has phoned and gotten their tickets? :-) Special screening of Lost Empires? My oh my. Must be an all-day event with a break for lunch/dinner. It runs... what... 6 hours??? There couldn't possibly be another version. Has to be Colin's.

"CF in wet shirt will be attending" Is this your quotation Allison, or was this part of the Ad? LOL! I hope you go even if you do not win the tickets. It is worth it.

Go to Empire Online. At the upper left is an ad for asking questions of Stephen Fry. When you click on it, this is what you will see (also a pic from Londinium. The next subject of Empire's Public Access interview - the one where you the readers get to ask the questions - is none other than the prince of the withering one-liner, Stephen Fry. Fry, the star of stage, small and big screen, raconteur, renaissance man and web head, has accepted the challenge to answer questions from Empire readers. So if you've ever wanted to know what he thinks of Hugh Laurie's Hollywood success, whether his most recent co-star, Julie Andrews, has any deep dark secrets or how he knows so much about the internet then this is your chance. The best questions will be put to the man himself when we interview him in a couple of weeks time and Fry's answers will feature in an upcoming issue of the magazine, as well as here at Empire Online. Send your questions to: empire@ecm.emap.com OK, ladies, this is where we will shine. Julie Andrews' deepest darkest secrets? Who cares! Moon, your prayers have been answered. Let's get this rolling... ;-)

Here's the url for Empire Online, but you need to send the questions to the email address above. http://www.empireonline.co.uk/

(Karen) Wonderful news, Allison! So who has phoned and gotten their tickets? :-) I'll be phoning as soon as I've stopped typing this! ;-D *fingers crossed*

(Karen) Wonderful news, Allison! So who has phoned and gotten their tickets? :-) I'll be phoning as soon as I've stopped typing this! ;-D *fingers crossed*

Arggghhhh! "I'm sorry all lines are now closed" ;-(

Good for you Tracy, I am afraid I can't make the Premiere but if it is only playing in London,and who knows Bethan, even that may be wrong (incidentally I think it was disgraceful that BVI misinformed you so badly, obviously the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing), then I will certianly go to London to see it, in the first week just in case it disappears after the first week!!

Well - time for me to think about a trip to London again... :-)

"I'm sorry all lines are now closed" Are you sure you dialed the right code? ;-)

From the weekend Financial Times, "Unmissable Events" Tuesday, May 2 I do not pretend to be an oracular source of information on the novels of Jane Austen. However, I do not recall her having written many novels set in Bermuda. Nevertheless, her sailor brothers did make it over to this pleasant island; so what better, or sunnier, place to hold a Jane Austen summit? Today is the start of a week-long, mid-Atlantic meeting of US and UK Jane Austen fanatics. Indeed, if the heritage TV mob run out of Jane Austen novels in which to cast Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, they might like to look at the life of Jane's brother, Charles, who married the governor of Bermuda's daughter. This should offer plenty of scope for smouldering glances beneath the swaying palms. UK Jane Austen Society, 01420-562469. Talking of Colin Firth, you might catch him at the premiere tonight of My Life So Far. It is the first film by David Putnam and Hugh Hudson since Chariots of Fire, and is a poignant period drama set in Scotland during the first world war. My Life So Far premiere, ABC Shaftesbury Avenue

(Arami) time for me to think about a trip to London again... :-) Yes, yes. Go, go. Colin at the premier? Even if he's in a dry shirt what an event! What possessed him to finally do something regarding this film, d'ye think? Good luck ladies. (Ann) (incidentally I think it was disgraceful that BVI misinformed you so badly, obviously the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing) Yes, and his agents, located in the brain that's in the tail we all sit on, don't know anything at all. I'm sorry but after reading Mary's report from Mickie, they're even easier targets than before. ;-) Thinking of my question for Mr. Fry that doesn't have anything (or very little) to do with Julie Andrews. Thanks, Karen, for the url.

(Heide) Thinking of my question for Mr. Fry that doesn't have anything (or very little) to do with Julie Andrews. Don't think we should ask, "is Peter gay?" Right? ;-)

(Karen), Moon, your prayers have been answered. Let's get this rolling... ;-) My prayers will be answered when Colin agrees to do this, not Stephen. We can not just ask him questions about Colin. I do not think Empire will use them. We could suggest to Empire to do the same with Colin--at the insistance of sooo many who basically ignored SF and wanted to know all about CF. ;-) Don't you think? :-D

I was in such a rush yesterday to give you news of the MLSF premier that I did not have time to fill in all the details (or read them). In the small print at the bottom of the ad it says "The winners will be the first 50 enries drawn at random after the competition closes at 2.30pm today, Friday 28th April". That is ridiculous! The Evening Standard is only available in most shops from 1pm, though it can be bought at central London tube stations before that. But Who would have got round to reading the back pages and have put in their call by 2.30pm. Typical. Tracey, I think you should phone them on Tuesday when they open again and complain and demand a ticket! I think I might send them an e-mail of complaint. About that wet shirt....it says: "Colin Firth, Mary Elizabeth Mastroantonio, Malcom McDowell and David Puttnam amongst others will be attending this charity premier in aid of RADA.

Have just got back from seeing "Sunshine" at The Curzon Mayfair, and there was a preview of MLSF, (he looks so cute in that knitted swimsuit!), which opens there on the 12th May. Incidentally so far the reviews have not been good for the film or Colin, Film Review gave it 2 stars out of 5 and said of Colin "Firth has made a career ot of playing somewhat stoical, reserved young men, but the role of Edward stretches him beyond his limits" what rot! Empire gave it 2 stars out of 5 and spoke of "Firth being stilted" or something like that. However, I will be going back to the Curzon in two weeks time whatever the critics say.

I don't think somehow that the reviews for MLSF or CF are going to be good...I saw one in Total Film (2 stars) which said that the movie had been on the shelf for three years (not true,) that the young actors were unattractive (cruel), described it as a "weary wallow in nostalgia" and then picked on CF for special criticism. I just thought "oh, stuff you" (or something ruder!) I've no intention of paying any attention to the reviews. As I've commented before, British film "reviewers" seem to relish savaging British films and actors...which is probably why we barely have a film industry!

Ann, did you say that MLSF showing at the Curzon in two weeks? I'm confused....why did they tell me it wasn't showing there?!! Talk about being on the receiving end of wrong information! BTW I can think of quite a long list of roles in which CF isn't a "stoical, reserved young man"!!

Bethan, yes it opens there on the 12th May, there is a lovely poster outside the cinema, MLSF, "Coming Soon". A good area for Colin Firth & RF fans I would think, from what I saw today. (Ladies in Volvo's!)

Oh you poor things! I think MLSF was better received here by most critics than yours. They are a pathetic lot. How are the reviews for The Last September, another similar film which just opened this past Friday? Anyone to crucify in that one? Having read a review of Hugh Hudson's "I Dreamed of Africa," there appear to be many of the same criticisms ("meandering pointlessly although beautifully shot"). in aid of RADA. That is who you call for tickets!!

Ann it is quite miserable what British reviewers do to films made there. It is beginning to look like filmmakers are afraid of showing any films there that are not in the 18-25 male venue. I am sure I would be. I will if the Telegraph, Guardian or Times trash it write to the reviewers and suggest they are lacking in finesse and education! Here in Australia it was well received as it was mostly by American reviewers who I sense do not pander to the young male element. Perhaps one day they will realise what they have done when they grow up!

These initial reviews are all in the monthly movie magazines which, to be honest, I wouldn't normally look at even if you gave me a copy. The reviews in the quality press may be more perceptive, but a lot depends on the individual reviewer. I like reading reviews (goodness knows why!) but a couple of years ago there seemed to be a major shakeout, and the Telegraph, Guardian and Times all replaced their "older" reviewers. There's been a marked sea change since then, and I find, almost invariably, that the films I think I'll like always get trashed. The Daily Mail (Chris Tookey!) is okay. The worst is Ann Bilson in the Sunday Telegraph. "Mrs Dalloway" with Vanessa Redgrave is a case in point...got poor reviews, no-one went to see it, but it was shown recently on TV and I thought it was beautiful...and so did quite a few of my colleaues at work. I think that in the UK, television is the better medium for more thoughtful, slower paced drama...audiences do tune in, and TV critics are much more supportive (and ver 25!)

Typical. Tracey, I think you should phone them on Tuesday when they open again and complain and demand a ticket! It's definately worth a try! 12th May is not so long to wait though - I think I can just about bear it! *teeth gritted* I would agree with all of the above comments re the reviewing tactics in our movie mags - I sometimes wonder whether they've actually seen some of the films they're pulling to bits. It seems as if only a certain type of British film ever gets the thumbs up - anything with a 'Ewan' in, and/or one which portrays 'real people' in the inner cities beating the s*** out of each other. Not typical Colin fare! Like Bethan, I'm waiting hopefully for sensible comments from the quality press to redress the balance. But IMHO the only opinions that count are those of my dear co-droolers who can always be relied upon to speak their minds - in a totally unbiased way of course ;-))

Of course we are discerning, sane people! But honestly the reviewers in the U.K. do not seem able to see good acting if it's put in front of them and pointed out. It is so in the junior pages in the main newspapers here in Oz! The good reviewers liked MLSF and perhaps the only way is to point out to these juniors they have appointed that they have no discernment and are incapable of observing a good film when they see one, I too loved Mrs. Dalloway and thus should rely totally on us in regard to anyting to do with C.F. I have seen MLSF thought it was brilliant, his acting supurb but my D.H. did not see what I could see, the eyes, the lips, the expressions! But as for D.Q. he thought it was one of the best films he had seen in a long time. Interesting eh.

My sister saw MLSF on video, said she didn't like it much (her husband did) and that "CF again plays a loser"... For what it's worth...

I agree that the newspaper reviews for MLSF will likely be much better and much more perceptive. I have to wonder if these film mag reviewers, no doubt geared to the youth market, have even seen the film, based on their comments. Edward is *not* a stoical reserved young man, the child actors are *not* unattractive, and the film is *not* a weary wallow in nostalgia--quite the contrary. Edward is a real paradox, an outgoing child-man who leaps before he looks, caught between his impulses and his adult responsibilities; there is real growth in his character by the end of the film, and CF gets it just right. I can't say enough for Robert Norman, who is absolutely convincing as Fraser--he has real talent. And to think that the film is just misty nostalgia really misses the point--there is a real poignancy and bite here as the characters, unbenownst to them, are coming to the end of an era; the incidents shown in the film are all illustrative of the larger encroachment of the outside world during this time period. Can you tell I love this film?;-) I'm very happy to hear they're having a premiere and are doing something to promote it.

Of course the young reviewers do not like nostalgia in the UK. They want to get rid of the monarchy! MLSF deserves good reviews because it is a good film. The acting is also top notch. (Tracy), It seems as if only a certain type of British film ever gets the thumbs up - anything with a 'Ewan' in, and/or one which portrays 'real people' in the inner cities beating the s*** out of each other. I am so sick of those films! Refresh my memory please, what does RADA stand for?

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Telephone: 020-7636 7076 Couldn't find a number for their Friends of RADA

(Tracy), It seems as if only a certain type of British film ever gets the thumbs up - anything with a 'Ewan' in, and/or one which portrays 'real people' in the inner cities beating the s*** out of each other. Ah, then perhaps those reviewers will enjoy Armadillo. ;-) A bit of violence though perhaps not enough to suit. Certainly a gritty role and I hope we are lucky enough to see Colin play it. The kilt scene alone should attract comment. (Gi) My sister saw MLSF on video, said she didn't like it much (her husband did) and that "CF again plays a loser"... LOL! You know she'd get an argument here. ;-) This won't turn you off from judging yourself, I trust. Need I mention another kilt scene?

Wonderful to hear that there is going to be a premiere...(Thank you Harvey.) And RADA is a prestigious benefit. Should get lots of stars and good press. Who is going to the London Premiere from Drool?

(Heide) This won't turn you off from judging yourself, I trust. Surely not! As long as I get to see it sometime...

(Mari) I'm very happy to hear they're having a premiere and are doing something to promote it [MLSF]. Ditto. I was mystified by BVI's "information" (shades of the BBC's handling of DQ). Am sure CF was quite delighted to read that he'd be attending the premiere in a wet shirt. ;-P (Bethan) I don't think somehow that the reviews for MLSF or CF are going to be good... MLSF reviews weren't good in the US, but most were good for CF's performance in it (except the one which said he looked like Tim Robbins). Some reviews improved when the film was released on video. British film "reviewers" seem to relish savaging British films and actors Oh, yes. I still chuckle when I think about that flaming "celluloid toilet paper" commentary. (Evelyn) Wonderful to hear that there is going to be a premiere...(Thank you Harvey.) D'ya think the 'long arm of Harvey' is involved here? I was under the impression that Miramax handed everything over to BVI and that was that. However, considering Miramax now has a vested interest in BJD...hmmm.

(Eileen) MLSF reviews weren't good in the US, but most were good for CF's performance in it Think back, Eileen, the film had great reviews here from most of the major city papers--NY Times, LA Times, Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert), Philadelphia Inquirer, Houston Chronicle, Hollywood Reporter, etc., and lots of the mid-size cities too. Trust me on this, I had over two dozen of 'em all lovingly packaged into that scrapbook which CF said he never received, and which I told him must have gone into that industrial strength shredder at his fan-friendly agent's office.:-( Oh, now I'm ticked off all over again.:-( (Heide) Ah, then perhaps those reviewers will enjoy Armadillo. ;-) . . .The kilt scene alone should attract comment. Personally, I'm all anticipation over the LSD/toss the TV scene.;-)

(Mari) Personally, I'm all anticipation over the LSD/toss the TV scene.;-) You're a baaad girl. I suspect it will be very dark.

(Mari) Think back, Eileen You're right, of course. I was thinking about Time and Entertainment Weekly. Those reviews were unfavorable and those publications have national circulations. The local, favorable reviews you mention were undoubtedly responsible for bringing in the audience since the film was afforded no publicity.

(Mari) Personally, I'm all anticipation over the LSD/toss the TV scene.;-) How about the scene when he's searching in the fridge for something to eat late at night? Potentially much more revealing! I suspect he'll wear pyjamas!

(Eileen) The local, favorable reviews you mention were undoubtedly responsible for bringing in the audience since the film was afforded no publicity. Agreed. Too bad the cast didn't pull a Patrick Stewart (will post on 127). Basically, he denounced the Ride Down Mt. Morgan producers after the curtain calls at the Saturday shows, for not promoting the play. (Bethan) How about the scene when he's searching in the fridge for something to eat late at night? Potentially much more revealing! I suspect he'll wear pyjamas! Yes, thereby scandalizing poor Berbuda! Poor, lucky Berbuda.;-) The second time I think he wears Stella's terry-cloth robe, which should be a sight. I finished the book over the weekend, and enjoyed it very much. I like Boyd's writing style--very descriptive, witty, and with vivid characters that pop off the page. With him adapting his own screenplay and Sue B. at the helm, this should be a terrific project. Am feeling just a bit concerned over the gel-haired look, though.;-)

I'm guessing that no one called Rada and offered to become a "friend." OK, so is anyone going to *happen* to walk by the ABC Shaftesbury tomorrow evening and *happen* to have his/her camera in hand and *happen* to get a photo of...erm... anybody who might *happen* to show up for the premiere? ;-)

(Evelyn) Wonderful to hear that there is going to be a premiere...(Thank you Harvey.) (Eileen)D'ya think the 'long arm of Harvey' is involved here? I was under the impression that Miramax handed everything over to BVI and that was that. However, considering Miramax now has a vested interest in BJD...hmmm. I don't think BVI was deceiving Bethan....they might only be doing the distributing and Miramax the Premiere...like they did SIL.

is anyone going to *happen* to walk by the ABC Shaftesbury tomorrow evening and *happen* to have his/her camera in hand... Well, don't look at me! I'd love to do it (and I'm famous for my camera work ;-)), but the prospect of two-and-a-half hour train journey there and back for the sake of a few glimpses - or not, as the case may be, depending on the position of various barriers, bodyguards, the limo halting place and all the associated angles, and it also might rain... I'm afraid the Donmar experience made us all a little blas�...

(Arami) I'm afraid the Donmar experience made us all a little blas�... You are so right....those West End stage doors in the dark side alleys...in the cold and rain :-( Let's pray he keeps going back to the Donmar:-)

From Tuesday's Independent: `MY LIFE SO FAR' IS PUTTNAM'S FAREWELL TO FILM INDUSTRY DAVID PUTTNAM will bring down the curtain on an era in British film making with tonight's London premiere of My Life So Far. The opening of Lord Puttnam's last film will be attended by a celebrity audience, including a heavily pregnant Cherie Blair and the stars of the film, Colin Firth and Malcolm McDowell. The movie reunites Puttnam as producer with the director Hugh Hudson, the Oscar-winning team that made Chariots of Fire in 1981. Hudson said yesterday: "David insists this is his last film. He is busy and content as a working peer. I feel very sad about it. David has been seminal to the British film industry over the last 25 years. He gave me, Alan Parker, Ridley Scott and Adrian Lyne our first films. So he can spot 'em. "I will do my utmost to persuade him to change his mind, though I don't think I will succeed. Making this film with him was the most joyful working experience of my life. In Hollywood, now, you're just a product supplier. You don't have fun any more. But this was a very British film, and a very personal film for us." My Life So Far is the tale of a young boy's coming of age in an eccentric Scottish household in the 1920s. It reveals the comedy and poignancy under the surface of an entire family in crisis as established relationships are threatened by the arrival of an enchanting outsider. The spell of childhood is broken for 10-year-old Fraser Pettigrew when he is forced to look at this family, particularly his father, through newly adult eyes. The film's screenplay, by Simon Donald, is based on part of Sir Denis Forman's autobiography, Son of Adam. Sir Denis, who became head of Granada, approved the concept for the film. Filmed entirely on location in the west Highlands of Scotland, the film was financed by Miramax Films and the Scottish Arts Council National Lottery Fund.

...and there's another mention of SLOW, the poster child of ill-placed public monies, in the Guardian...a not-so-subtle reminder for the new Film Council being launched today. "Although the deluge of cash sparked a boom in filmmaking, the lottery will be more remembered for turkeys like Rancid Aluminium and The Secret Laughter of Women. � The Secret Laughter of Women, starring Colin Firth, cost �3.3m but took just �2,832 after getting a lottery of grant of just less than �1m."

How did they expect SLOW to make any money if they didn't show it anywhere - it wasn't that bad.

I am really cheesed off with the Guardian quoting SLOW as the all time turkey....and they always say "starring Colin Firth"! Grrrrr!!!! Do they say "Rancid Aluminium" starring Rhys Ivans (?) and Joe Fiennes. Bet they don't. Also Rancid Aluminium opened in 200 cinemas, SLOW in two, and I really wonder at the accuracy of those figures...on the day I saw it I'm sure the cinema was half full. And SLOW is a rather nice little film...beautiful cinematography, charming principals, and well acted by the supporting cast. And a little boy who is sweet and polite. One thing I can guarantee is that the new Film Council won't make movies like this (or MLSF) any more! Good for Cherie! (Didn't someone spot her in the audience of 3DOR?) Maybe there'll be photos of her in tomorrow's papers amd a mention for MLSF!

Grrrr!! Again. To answer my own question...today's issue of the Guardian has just popped through the letterbox. Six turkeys are listed, but the only actor mentioned is "Colin Firth" ( although all the others starred well known actors.) And to drive their point home, there's a colour photo of CF and Nia Long (the bed picture) with a caption about it being the all time loser! Someone at the Guardian really has the knives out. I hope BJD makes millions!!!

is anyone going to *happen* to walk by the ABC Shaftesbury tomorrow evening and *happen* to have his/her camera in hand... I am tantalisingly close tonight! I have a meeting in Covent Garden at around that time. I'll walk past the cinema on my way but I shall not be able to hang around. Great publicity that Cherie Blair will be there. The only problem is that the only photographs in the paper tomorrow will be of her not ODB.

Have tried to contact Guardian from Oz. No luck, I object strongly to their knocking down of Colin as a tall poppy - Secret Laughter of Women was not that bad - in fact I thoroughly enjoyed the film. Perhaps some of the U.K. ladies could send in a complaint using me too as someone who objects to an obviously biased criticism. I don't understand what is going on in the U.K. and why Colin Firth is a whipping boy. Must be jealousy.

I may email the letters page, although I'm very busy for the rest of today, and it would have to be succinct and witty ...and there are other points I'd like to make about the new policy for the Film Council. On a brighter note, RADA and Cherie Blair will make the MLSF premiere very high profile. Should be well attended by celebrities and those in the arts world. And the papers should pick up on it.

I can quite understand why CF keeps such a low profile in this country, I am dreading the Guardian review for MLSF. It also makes me so mad when Journalists distort the facts or fail to mention certain facts such as SLOW only being shown in a very limited number of cinemas and cities. I guess its best to ignore these people, at least we know the facts, unfortunately there is not much we CF fans can do, we are a very small number in the UK.

Well, how do you like that? Colin goes to a premiere only once every year and a half or so, but each time he does, the wife of a head of state shows up! You pick your spots well, Colin!;-) Very nice send-off for the film with Mrs. Blair coming. Yes, I do recall that someone spotted her at 3DOR--she must be a Firth fan, which shows good taste. And didn't her father come to one of the protests that CF took part in? RE: the Guardian--granted, SLOW is not a great film, but there is nothing offensive about it, which I gather is not the case with some of the other films mentioned. It certainly doesn't deserve to be continuously singled out. For what it's worth, I am sending them an e-mail protesting their distortion of the facts and calling into question their racial motivation.:-(

(Allison) I'll walk past the cinema on my way but I shall not be able to hang around. No matter, so long as you keep your eyes peeled. Look for the brown suit--no, maybe he'll bring out the ensemble he wore at the SiL premiere (black, dark shirt, yellow tie). Looking forward to whatever details you can furnish, Allison. Thanks. (Mari) And didn't her father come to one of the protests that CF took part in? Was it the Sainsbury's shopping spree (aka toilet brush pic ;-)) or the chain wrap in front of Parliament? See, Ev, the steel trap's getting rusty!

I guess its best to ignore these people, at least we know the facts, unfortunately there is not much we CF fans can do, we are a very small number in the UK. Actually, I think there are still a very large number of women who like him in the UK, but it's not easy to be a "fan" as such...he's not like a soap star and his work isn't always very accessible and of course, he's very private! Am supposed to be "working at home" but have drafted a mental email amd shall send it!

Pushing the Guardian to one side and focusing on the positive!....Cherie's presence at the Premiere is really quite complimentary. Her baby is apparently due late May and I read somewhere that she's given up all public engagements. This must be a one-off.

From Excite: Cherie in star turn at charity premiere Cherie Blair, with just weeks to go before the birth of her fourth child, has made a public appearance in London at the premiere of a British film featuring a Scottish family. A beaming and relaxed Mrs Blair mingled with Hollywood stars at the charity premiere of My Life So Far, at central London's ABC Shaftesbury Avenue cinema. She arrived with the film's director-producer team of Hugh Hudson and Lord Puttnam, whose collaboration on the project is their first since they made the 1981 Oscar-winning Chariots of Fire. Mrs Blair, dressed in a cream dress topped off with a matching wool frock coat, smiled at the waiting crowd and signed autographs before watching the premiere which is in aid of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Colin Firth, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Malcolm McDowell, who star in the film based on the autobiography of television executive Sir Denis Forman about a young boy's coming of age in an eccentric Scottish 1920s household, also attended. Neil and Glenys Kinnock plus model Luciana Morad, mother of Mick Jagger's child, and American actor Billy Zane were also among the guests. The film opens in the UK on May 12.

Who were the Hollywood stars...aside from Billy Z? :-o Hmmm, maybe I should turn on the BBC or ITN news here.

From The Times (pic was of Cherie and Puttnam: Puttnam's latest is for the whole family LORD PUTTNAM was accompanied last night by Cherie Blair, the wife of the Prime Minister, to the British charity premiere of My Life So Far, his latest film. The film reunites the director-producer team of Hugh Hudson and David Puttnam for the first time since they won the Best Picture Oscar for Chariots of Fire in 1981. It is based on the autobiography of Sir Denis Forman, the television executive, and is the tale of a young boy's coming of age in an eccentric Scottish household in the 1920s. Lord Puttnam, 59, said he was inspired by its message about the importance of families, "which is not a popular subject these days". He said: "For anyone who has been in a relationship, it is very powerful." He added that it is not "a Sound of Music celebration of the family". While he expected it to be his last film, he said that he has "never said never". Among the celebrities who attended the premiere were Colin Firth, one of the film's leading actors, and Claudia Schiffer, the supermodel.

From The Times (pic was of Cherie and Puttnam: Naturally, why would you photograph the star and the best looking man there :-(

At least they mentioned him! End of the Invisible Man syndrome?

Sorry - was on holiday for a week and did not get through enough posts yesterday to find out about the premiere so I did not go along for a gawp. Cherie and Claudia are a couple of surprisingly A-list female celebs to be attending a somewhat low-key premiere, IMO. Bewitched by the leading man, I wonder? (remember Cherie loves BJD - I once posted a titbit about Cherie buttonholing HF to say how the book had been a major bedroom distraction)

(Mark), Cherie loves BJD - I once posted a titbit about Cherie buttonholing HF to say how the book had been a major bedroom distraction) Except for that one night. ;-)) You would have been our perfect rep./spy last night Mark. Thanks, Karen and Mari for such quick reporting! Is Billy Z a Hollywood Star? In any case, that FF matching and no picture? :-(

'Fraid I have little to report. I went to the cinema just before 7pm. There were some camera men and a few (very few) fans waiting. Nobody famous or unfamous seemed to be going in and they were not expecting celebs for a while. I could not stay as had to get to a meeting. Will go and buy ES today and see if it has any more pictures. We may have to wait a few weeks for the ES magazine. These things are often shown there. Sorry no more exciting news.

A friend told me that Cherie Blair and DP were on GMTV this morning at the Premiere, pictures of Colin & MMcD, Colin wore grey apparently and looked very happy, can't believe I missed it, sorry.

I did see them on GMTV news. Reporter was talking to Cherie Blair and MMcD with Colin in the background talking to another reporter. MMcD was being very complimentary to CF, great British actor etc. and speaking loudly over his shoulder to where Colin stood. Colin then chipped in and laughing said "Is Malcolm boring you with how it all started". Right Ann, he was wearing a grey suit. I did set the video for the next news but news reader talked over a very short clip although they did manage a very nice close up of CF.

Excellent! Thanks, Aishling. Anything notable about his appearance? Hair color? (It is rather early in the BJD shoot for anything definitive.) Thanks, Allison and Mark, for reporting in.

I did mean to mention his hair. Looked natural colour but a bit longer than when we saw him in Jan.

Ah! What time was the GMTV news? I actually recorded GMTV from about 7 to 8.! I looked at a bit and assumed there was nothing there. I shall have another look. The man from Sky is crawling over my equipment at the moment so I will not be able to view just yet!

7.30am. There was a much shorter report at 8.30 when I had set my video.

Woohoo! News, news! It looks like a small reprieve from the Invisible Man Syndrome, Gi (but he's gonna have to get used to this when BJD publicity drive starts). Hmmm...has the grey LA premiere suit emigrated from the condo closet? Did he wear a black shirt? Thanks for your reports, ladies.

The Grey Suit has seen several premieres....TEP,SIL in NY...where else? Aishling, could you see Livia? Was there a crowd In the lobby? Thanks Allison and Mark ..(I just knew Mark would have been there...)

(remember Cherie loves BJD - I once posted a titbit about Cherie buttonholing HF to say how the book had been a major bedroom distraction) } Obviously not too much of a distraction if she's due to deliver in a few weeks time... I still haven't seen MLSF. And if I recall, I don't think the Boston Globe gave it favorable reviews. I believe they called it mundane.

I have it all on tape! 7.30 and 8.30. I have had a quick look and he seems to be wearing dark grey suit, darkish grey shirt and silver tie. Looking very smart. No sign of Livia but he was only shown being interviewed.

There didn't seem to be many people in the lobby. I didn't see Livia. But it was a very short report.

Thanks Aishling and Allison for the reports! (Allison)dark grey suit, darkish grey shirt and silver tie. Looking very smart. Mmmmm, the Regis Philbin monochromatic look--very elegant. Wouldn't mind seeing some snappies if someone can manage it.:-) I wonder if Billy Z. wore his hair for the occasion?;-) And how's this for a dubious claim to fame: "Luciana Morad, mother of Mick Jagger's child." Gee, I thought Jerry Hall did all the premiere work in the family; she was at the Cannes shindig last year for MLSF/AMFAR. Oh, I get it now, she probably told Luciana that it was a good movie.;-) Sorry to be rude, but some of these people just make it so darn easy!;-) Laura, for shame, not seeing MLSF! The Boston Globe review was absolutely glowing--Jay Carr wrote it--Karen posted it here I believe. Trust me, I know 'em by heart.;-)

Thanks for the reports, ladies! Mark, good to see you back, hope your holiday was great. (Mari)Wouldn't mind seeing some snappies if someone can manage it.:-) Ditto here :-)

There was a report in the Daily Telegraph...big pic of Cherie and David Puttnam. Can't remember the exact wording, but it said that the stars of the film (CF etc)attended. You could sort of see a crowd of onlookers in the background, and I think the report said that Cherie chatted to the crowd. It's not mega publicity, but for a small British film it's pretty good! And I would think that many attending might be well known in the arts world (perhaps people like Sue Birtwistle?) but not the "celebrities" (soap stars, Posh Spice, Madonna etc) who get the press coverage. There was also quite a lot on the news about the plans for the new Film Council (thankfully no mention of SLOW!) They'll be supporting populist commercial films that draw the crowds in on Friday night, and not the sort of dramas that belong more to television. Well, good luck to them!

Also had to compete with another premiere of sorts. The Sex Pistols documentary (The Filth and the Fury) preemed at a theatre in Islington last night too. Probably not going to attract the same crowd. ;-D (Mari) Mmmmm, the Regis Philbin monochromatic look Thought I'd just read that Rege's look is actually Chris Tarrant's and is a program spec.

Thanks for all your exciting and up to the minute reports Ladies, not quite the vanishing man--- yet!! Billy Zane, am I right in thinking he was in Femme Fatale and also his sister Lisa Zane? Or am I suffering from "reading too much totally irrelevant gossip in the dentist's waiting room" syndrome? Johnathan Firth is on the front of next week's Radio Times, I didn't recognise him. His hair seems much lighter. It is to publicise the Summer series/programmes on offer. I am afraid I didn't note what he is in, vainly looking for some DQ mention!! No prizes for guessing the outcome of that one.

Naturally I meant Jonathan! Something about his appearance in FMTMC demolishing with "one rapier" thrust the "only Colin Firth's younger brother syndrome." Or something akin to that (sorry Arami :)) You will have to go and check your local newsagents too!

Yes, Lizza, both Billy and Lisa Zane were in FF with Colin. Billy's claim to fame however is Titanic and the recent, and deservedly maligned, made-for-TV movie Cleopatra (Marc Anthony). ;-)

(Mari) I wonder if Billy Z. wore his hair for the occasion?;-) *snort* (Lizza) Billy Zane, am I right in thinking he was in Femme Fatale and also his sister Lisa Zane? 'course. Bet FF is listed on top of each of their resumes...(not!)

Yes, Lizza Billy and Colin were in FF. Thanks for your reports! I am not crazy about a grey suit with a silver tie, very bland. Then again, I do not like suits with black shirts either. I hope we will more news on this premiere, and photos, snappies, anything! Also had to compete with another premiere of sorts. The Sex Pistols documentary (The Filth and the Fury) preemed at a theatre in Islington last night too. Probably not going to attract the same crowd. ;-D I confess I would go to both. Saw them live in San Francisco, have spoken to John Lydon aka Johnny Rotten. They were bang-on! ;-D

I wonder if Billy Z. and CF and buds. (They *did* spend some quality time together in that FF wading pool.;-) You generally don't see BZ's name on the list of premiere regulars. Lisa Z. still acts, but I understand she has a pretty good singing career going, mostly club dates. Lizza, good to hear from you. Bethan, I think this is very good coverage. Except for the very biggest films, most premieres don't rate a mention in the mainstream press here. Seems like there was good coverage last evening. Very smart to have Cherie Blair there--all these mentions are good exposure for the film.

Yes, I agree...premieres rarely rate a mention, so this is good coverage. May also be something in my fave magazines....OK and Hello! :-) Lizza, I'm sure DQ is a dead cert for the Autumn. I hope it heads the BBC drama line-up for Autumn. I had time over Easter to watch it properly...IMHO it's very good indeed...excellent ensemble acting. And I understood every word!

Well done Aishling and Alison! I bought the London ES this evening, sure that there would be something of note therein...but no..it's only THE London paper after all! Will scour around for the colour supplements this week and post if any pics appear! Anyway decent pix or not and ES excepted, all this publicity for MLSF can only be good for ODB..no more wandering about in the darkness...it's limelight time!!

Thanks for all the news everyone. Wish I lived in London, I had no previous engagements on Tuesday night and could have easily attended. I thought Lisa Zane was Billy's wife at the time of FF and that they are no longer together??? Although now "sister" has been mentioned, they do look similar.

They are brother and sister.

Lizza - why are you sorry about that Jonathan Firth remark? I don't get it... UK chums, please remind me when ES publishes its weekly magazine? Would you believe: I've had a copy of today's ES specially hunted for me - and all for nothing!!! Grrrrr!

This fun bit thanks to an FOF, Martine: From the news clip at the MLSF premiere: Malcolm McDowell and Colin standing right next to each other pretending to be answering different reporters at the same time. Colin laughing and enjoying himself immensely. Commentary: The film's two male stars Colin and Malcolm McDowell enjoy working together: Malcolm: 'Except for Colin Firth who's a bit of a ... oh, no sorry ... Colin butts in: 'Yes. Malcolm McDowell is very very difficult to work with ... (They "see" each other) M : 'Oh Colin ... C : 'Daarling, how are you? M : '...brilliant actor ... one of the greatest actors of the moment - Colin Firth. C : 'Is he boring you about how it all started out?' CUT ************ Murph Actor of the moment... LOL!

Mickie has the Radio Times Jon Firth cover at her web site: http://www.geocities.com/~byebar/radiot2.html Murph

Radio Times Jon Firth cover at her web site: Thanks Murph...but which one is JF...the one standing with the high cheek-bones and straight bangs on his face or the one squatting with the soccer ball? I don't see any remote resemblance in either one to Colin.Sorry.

Thanks Murph! Evelyn Jon is standing. In the smaller picture he looks very much like Marco Van Basten, one of the greatest soccer players ever. His comment on stage acting was very funny. I hope it does not rub off on big brother. one of the greatest actors of the moment - Colin Firth. V. cute!

Nice reporting of the preview (I hope they got the charity funds they wanted.) Now to await the more wiespread reviews. I seemed to recall a mixed batch when MLSF first came out so went back for a quick reviews of the late July entries reporting MLSF reviews. 10 were strongly for. 7 Strongly against 3 had mixed feelings. So Don't be surprised if you see some awful ones in the UK. Seems you either "get it" or you don't.

(Karen)the recent, and deservedly maligned, made-for-TV movie Cleopatra (Marc Anthony). ;-) With Penelope Cruz as Cleopatra, yes I saw it... Aaaarrgh! Terrible. Also saw Eyes Wide Shut on video this week... I confess mine were quite shut after about 1h45m... I saw nothing to warrant all the fuss. No story, do acting, no photography... The scenarios perhaps? :-(

I tried to use the url from your post, Murph, and was "forbidden entry"... What was that about?

Leonor Varela (Brazilian I think) was Cleo.

Gi: Try this: http://www.geocities.com/jonfirthfan/radiot2.html Murph

There's a small item on Colin in today's Daily Telegraph (in the Peterborough column) Interviewed at the premiere of "My Life So Far" Colin Firth had this to say about the first day of filming of "Bridget Jones' Diary": "Day 1 : 12 stone (reportedly), no cigarettes, alcohol units 2, no arguments or hitches, filming going well (fingers crossed)" 12 stone is 168 pounds, which I think is about 73 kg. He's still off the ciggies, but must have had a beer! I like the account of the premiere...you never see CF goofing around!

Sorry-o. Karen's beaten me to it, and I've posted at the wrong place anyway. BTW no pic.

(KarenR)Leonor Varela (Brazilian I think) was Cleo. Oooops! Wrong actress. Thanks for the correction, Karen :-)

BTW no pic Good to know. I was going to ask before I went in search of the paper tomorrow.

(Arami) UK chums, please remind me when ES publishes its weekly magazine There are two main mags Arami, 'Hot Tickets' guide to Films, Theatre, Arts etc.etc... is free with the Evening Standard on Thursdays and the glossy ES (I think that's what it's called) which comes out each Friday. Todays HT has nothing in it but as MLSF is released 12th May it's probably worth seeking out next weeks. I'll be grabbing my ES copy tomorrow evening and will post anything of note! Hope this helps.

BTW have just accessed Liz's News & Updates page at http://hem.passagen.se/lmw/news.html Some nice snappies (courtesy Dolores) from SLOW there ...feast your eyes! Mmmmm :)~~~ Must rent that out...again, that guy at Blockbusters will be getting ideas!

Good to see a few mentions for CF and MLSF!! I'm quite hopeful about the publicity for RV as well...probably more so than MLSF. There'll be a premiere, and I think JA's first film in, what, ten years? will attract quite a lot of attention. Also it's distributed by Atlantic Alliance, who distributed "Sunshine" and, I think, did well...they got ten theatres in London, and ten independents nationwide. Plus advertising. I'm sure they'll do the same for RV...maybe another premiere for CF by the end of May? And maybe a showing at the Curzon again? Most Brit film get zero publicity (nothing at all for "The Last September" with Michael Gambon (I think Mari asked about this) which opens this week) so Colin's doing okay. Tracy, Matthew *is* a feast for the eyes...SLOW needed a few female reviewers!!

Arami, just a wicked reminder that I was doing my best to quote my source :} Tracy, thanks for SLOW tip.BTW I went into Virgin the other day to enquire about SLOW retail release, but they had no date as yet. Anyone else further on with that? Look forward to ES providing some scrumptious pics for us to feast our eyes on. I had an email from a friend today commenting on the fact CF was on TV and expecting I had seen it (I hadn't) do we know if the clips were on BBC as well as GMTV?

Thanks, Tracy. Hee-hee, Lizza: absolute accuracy is required only when quoting materials about ODB... :-)

(Bethan) 12 stone is 168 pounds, which I think is about 73 kg Yikes! He's a twig! Come on over to my house, honey, and I'll fatten you up. Seriously, that's a very good weight but I don't think another 5 or 6 pounds would hurt him a bit. I've posted at the wrong place anyway. I always come here first anyway. Please don't stop posting Colin stuff here too.

(Bethan) 12 stone is 168 pounds, which I think is about 73 kg (Heide)Yikes! He's a twig! Not really... He's not that much taller than my DH who weighs 68 kg at present :-)

At last! A Colin is featured in the Times Saturday magazine. I am rushing off for the weekend so will probably not have an opportunity to scan anything but I am sure others will be able to. It is by Jasper Rees(ce?)again. Interesting points: they are living in Barnsbury, a smart part of Islington (I drive through there at least twice a week), replying to whether they will have children Colin says "it'll happen",they spend July and August in Umbria with Will. The featured quote is "I want to be well thought of. I want to be prosperous. I want to be respected. Lots of other stuff which I am afraid I don't have time to type. I am sure some one else in the UK will be able to!

Thanks, Allison, have a good weekend! UK ladies, you are warned :-)

Too late, Allison beat met to it. Have not seen it yet, my hubby just rang to tell me about the interview with masses and masses of photos so he says, will see it lunchtime. Will be pleased to scan it Karen. Apparently RV opens on the 23rd June. James says there are pictures he hasn't seen before. Will post more later. Good ole' Jasper.

Allison has already alerted you all....he's on the front of the Times magazine, which was lying on the doormat this morning. I actually recognised the legs!! It's by Jasper Rees, who has interviewed him several times (must definitely be a buddy) and is very long, very perceptive...haven't had time to take it all in. One interesting story is how he and Livia went to see JE in TRT at the Donmar and found themselves sitting next to the Blairs. And he says that interviewers have focused too much on the so-called "misery" of his schooldays. He seems to spend a lot of time in LA with Will. Yes, please scan it, Ann....there's a lot to absorb! And the legs are great!

Is it accessible online....or perhaps the magazine content isn't available?

On MLSF ...."It's been quite a while since I've seen MLSF in any of its forms. I was attached to it because I enjoyed making it so much and I don't understand why people (harvey?0 felt it had to be repeatedly corrected. I don't mind saying that it wasn't broke in the first place. Partly what it suffers from is the randomness of a true story, because that's what it is" (Well said!) He apparently rents a house quite far out of LA when he sees Will and doesn't like the fear and insecurity of Hollywood..."you're better out of it really". Okay, over to you Ann....there's just too much in this article!

thanks for the Times tip, I don't usually buy it but as I live next door to the newsagent I'm nipping out now .....quite literally....Bye!

Ok chaps I'm back. I'm not promising anything spectacular here but here's one (hopefully) of the shots from the Times magazine! Hopefully if this works I'll post some more

If any kind soul would mail me a copy of the magazine I would be forever in your debt! I will gladly pay for mailing costs. Murph

Gorgeous treat in store Ladies. His photo is actually above the TIMES logo on the front page. Will reach millions that way!! What can I add that is new? he is mentioned as being "scruffy", not a fur trimmed parka in sight either! Also the problems he and Livia experienced prior to their wedding and being pursued by press at high speed thro' an underpass in Rome, which he likens to the Diana experience. Poor man. Sadly not much on the quality of his recent stage work, only a mention in brackets. And in the final paragraph he is said to have a "wintry" smile. Luckily we know DIFFERENT!!! And first hand. Jasper has obviously never been in the front row of the Donmar when ODB takes a curtain call. Thank you Ann for your scanning offer. Mine continues to be terminally ill. Go to it everyone.

You may all have seen this already but another snippet was that ODB was recognised thro' his living room window while reading at home and the passer by said "Look there's Colin Firth". ODB then comments that incident could never have taken place in Hackney because awareness of P&P hadn't penetrated etc. Personally I would be straight off to buy some nets Colin!

Ann: Please do scan in any pictures we haven't seen; I'll post them. Tracy: Saw your test message on 61 and here. You can't post from your hard drive. Send pic to me and I'll post. they spend July and August in Umbria with Will. Someone had better keep her eyes open. "I want to be well thought of. I want to be prosperous. I want to be respected. He wants it all. Sounds like he wants to be Ralph Fiennes. ;-) And he says that interviewers have focused too much on the so-called "misery" of his schooldays Didn't I just say this? ;-) Keep it coming, ladies. This is fantastic! Thank you all.

Karen, James says it will be easier to scan the whole article, pictures and text, is that alright and Murph I shall be pleased to send you the hard copy.

Tracy, I think his "wintry" smile is in response to Jasper's suggestion that if there's a sequel to BJD and they shoot the scene where Bridget interviews Colin Firth in Rome, then his brother Jonathan could play him. "There's a thought" he says with a wintry smile. Another tidbit...Jasper asks if he and Livia will be having children. He says "it will happen". "You don't want to be too old" I say. CF "No, I know. There does seem to be very little in between. You finally reach adulthood and you go through a time of being too young for everything - I'm notthinking about acting here. 'Oh, you've got plenty of time, it's all infront of you, you'll find that out later in life.' And then suddenly on a dime, you're past it, you're not young any more. There does seem to be a missing middle bit". Lots more like this....

How ever James wants to do it, Ann, is fine with me. then his brother Jonathan could play him. "There's a thought" he says with a wintry smile. Oooh, that doesn't sound good And then suddenly on a dime, you're past it, you're not young any more Melancholy kind of thought. Too old to play Shakespeare, too old to play other parts that he's wanted perhaps.

Another interesting bit about his age - "Agents have a way of reminding their clients of their age. Last year a fellow actor with whom he shares an agent told him about a casting he, too, would have espected to be up for. His agent told him it was for people in their twenties. Firth mentioned his actor friend was 35. "You're 38" the agent replied. "Suddenly I realised that it wasn't a lot between us, but I was on the other side of a fairly important barrier as far as casting is concerned." says Firth. "Then just to rub it in, my agent phoned me back about five minjutes later and said "They've offered it to your brother (Jonathan- 6years younger)". Wonder what role that was!

These tidbits are lovely, ladies, and most welcome since the Times Magazine has yet to be found online. Hope James didn't have any plans this Saturday. '-) (AnnW) James says there are pictures he hasn't seen before. What a love...even he is familiar with all of Colin's pics by now. (Bethan) he's on the front of the Times magazine, which was lying on the doormat this morning. I actually recognised the legs!! LOL!! Is he wearing fawn breeches? Good eye! As usual, Colin seems to be responding in his usual, wry, self effacing way. He sounds amused by the whole age thing. Healthy, happy and sound. Yeah!! Bring on more, please.

Here's another snippet: On the CF's determination to "wrong foot the audience to the extent that he sometimes even wrong-foots himself"..... 'One of my theories is that he actually courts anonymity in a project: that given a choice between two scripts, he will go for the one that makes it easier to cross Upper Street unrecognised. He does admit to a "tendency to withdraw". After P&P, big-time American TV beckoned, but he chose to do Fever Pitch. "There's a big part of this which is uncomplicated," he (CF) says. "I want to be well thought of. I want to make moneyfrom this. I want to be prosperous. Iwant to be respected. Like everybody else I want to have jobs that are inspiring and enjoyable amnd fun. With something as extraordinary as P&P and as unexpected as a cult attached to a character you've played, it is so diffucult to understand what it was that you did that wa apparently effective. But then you don't want to be percieved to be trying to catch lightning in a bottle twice. So I think I probably did consciously go in all sorts of different directions." '

Bethan, how on earth did you recognise the legs, they are covered in a greenish ill-fitting baggy pair of trousers, rounded off with an old pair of trainers (sneekers?).

Cult? :-(

Karen - I've had a very tentative stab at an impromptu web page at http://website.lineone.net/~turnip/ but if this doesn't work (and I'm sure I'll soon know about it) I'll send you the pics. BTW anyone else want a copy ofthe Times mag before I go out shopping?

Not that ill fitting Ann!!! They are combat style, Islington's urban chic? Also blue retro trainers. Go well with that parka! In the largest picture I thought he really looked a tad tired, around the eyes. That's where he differs from other "hearthrobs", no doubt they would have been calling in make-up to touch them up and cover any imperfections or dark circles. That's what I like about ODB, I am glad his kohl photoshoot days are over.

Nice one Tracy, thanks for doing that.

Tracy, I can only see two pics. The upper right and lower left. The other two have c:\ addresses. You need to upload those. But I sure do like that sexy, hand behind the back of head one, on the lower left. That is such a fashion shot type. *not complaining*

Any better now??

Yes, much better. *yum yum* Now that I see the cover of the magazine, it's mind-boggling. Definitely think Colin has woken up and smelled the coffee insofar as his career is concerned. *thank goodness* :-) and thank you, Tracy!!

Thank you all for all the snippets, this seems the best article we have seen in a long time. Can't wait for the whole thing. I can still see only two pictures Tracy. How do you get all four Karen? Vera

Glad I could help! Have managed to lay my hands (if only *sigh*) on two spare copies of THE MAG so if anyone wants a copy email me and it's first come first served! Must sign off now as am off out but will check back tomorrow

They are all there now. I have linked Tracy's page from The Bucket's What's New page and will reproduce the entire article when it is in my hot little hands. Try again, Vera, and hit Reload or Refresh as your cache memory thinks it already knows what is being displayed. Here's Tracy's page again: http://website.lineone.net/~turnip/

I could see all four photos! Thank you Tracy.

Thank you Karen, I can see them all now. He is as gorgeous as ever.

The Times also lists MLSF in its Metro section as one of next week's releases, so they should give it plenty of (favourable) cover. I am hoping that tomorrow's Independent or Telegraph might feature Colin in view of today and the earlier Observer article. Yeah Karen, he's certainly caffeine bound now!

Marvelous speed, Tracy. Thank you and all of you ladies who are pulling all these pieces together for us. Love the cover shot! (Karen) Cult? :-( Surely not us! ;-) Cults never struck me as having much of a sense of humor. anyway I took that statement as more of a recognition that he had done something right with that role. (Lizza) That's what I like about ODB, I am glad his kohl photoshoot days are over. LOL, Lizza. Now it's wrinkles and all and still so delicious.

I SAW them too. Thanks Tracy, Ann , Jasper.... everybody.. Who said ..."nothing ever happens on a weekend!!"

Bethan, how on earth did you recognise the legs, they are covered in a greenish ill-fitting baggy pair of trousers, rounded off with an old pair of trainers (sneekers?). (Ann) It's the way he's standing! And as Lizza says, I don't think the trousers aare all that ill-fitting! Well done Tracy...you've got the photos up very quickly. That's where he differs from other "hearthrobs", no doubt they would have been calling in make-up to touch them up and cover any imperfections or dark circles. That's what I like about ODB, I am glad his kohl photoshoot days are over. No touch ups here...or even make up. No vanity. Another quote "There's an enormous cult of personal archaeology into our own misery now. They want to know where all the wounds lie. And increasingly I realise that I don't think all the explanations lie in unhappy things. Some of the explanations are not to be found at all, You are just as likely to be formed by the positive things, the peaceful things....." He also confirms that he and Helen acted out CF meets Bridget in Rome interview in "The Edge of Reason". "Helen stuck the recorder on and went into Bridget and I did Mr Darcy, a rather serious actor who just wants to get on with the interview". Must go do some gardening. Brilliant weather again for shooting BJD!!

Thanks everyone for the wonderful news and article quotes. This sounds like a wonderful interview, one of his best. And Tracy, many thanks for getting the pics up--great! Ann, how cute is it that your hubby knew which pics were new? LOL! Will look forward to reading the full article. The "cult" will have plenty to dissect.;-) Off to shave my head and burn incense.;-) ;-)

Wonderful news at last! (Karen, my prayers have been answered!) Thanks Tracy for those pix, is he wearing balck shoes with light coloured laces? they spend July and August in Umbria with Will. Someone had better keep her eyes open. I am happy to hear this and will be looking out. ;-)

Is Will roughly the age of your litte Indiana Jones, Moon?

My little Nicky turns 9 in July. They would be excellent playmates and Nicky could even teach Will some Italian, to his father's content. ;-) I also have an 11 year old so Will could have two playmates. (I wish!)

It could happen, Moon, remember one of your boys once played with Bette Midler's daughter.

(Bethan)Jasper's suggestion that if there's a sequel to BJD and they shoot the scene where Bridget interviews Colin Firth in Rome, then his brother Jonathan could play him. "There's a thought" he says with a wintry smile. Wintry, was he? I'd have been arctic! Ann, as Evelyn would say, your husband is a prince :-) Tracy, good work! Love those pics (even though I hate trainers). Outlived Darcymania, has he? Little do they know!;-)

Hurrah! Newsnewsnews! Thank you Allison, Bethan, Ann and Lizza for your timely reporting. Special thanks to Tracy for the prezzie! *samooch* (Karen) Now that I see the cover of the magazine, it's mind-boggling. Definitely think Colin has woken up and smelled the coffee insofar as his career is concerned. *thank goodness* :-) I couldn't agree more. IMO signing on for BJD is evidence of this line of thinking. He's also more relaxed about revealing personal details such as in which part of Islington he lives, his plans for more kiddies, etc. they spend July and August in Umbria with Will. (Karen) Someone had better keep her eyes open. *hee hee* Our Moonsleuth is on top of things. Looking forward to more reports this year!

We are counting on you Moon for some Umbrian anecdotes!

Agree with your comments on his relaxed attitude Eileen. It's great he can admit to feeling that it's "healthy" for him to be doing Mark Darcy. Is it something to do with approaching 40 do you think? You will see there is quite a bit on the subject of age in the interview, don't want too many spoilers!

Murph, I've deleted your address from this very public board. email would be better.

Thanks, Karen. I should have thought. I will send it via e-mail. Two pals, Gill from the UK and Rai from the USA, have sent me scans and the copy of the Times article. Enjoy. I am still looking forward to the hard copy, Ann. It's a keeper! http://www.geocities.com/firthfan/timesmag.html Murph

(Karen) Cult? :-( (Heide)Surely not us! ;-) Cults never struck me as having much of a sense of humor. Anyway I took that statement as more of a recognition that he had done something right with that role. Nope...it's a cult...and I am happy to be counted amongst them;-) (Mari)Off to shave my head and burn incense.;-) ;-) And bring on the saffron robes;-)

Have reproduced the article from Ann and James' scans. Here you go: http://www.spring.net/karenr/articles/times060500.html

Thanks Murph, Karen, Tracy. Great Work! I really like this article, it�s one of the very few good ones I�ve read about him. Treats Colin normally, with no special attitude. And Colin responds to this by sounding very relaxed, even commenting the top private child question!! That�s surprising. "It�ll happen".....sounds almost like it was already happening. Candid looking pics too, carefully designed as candid of course but very well done. Colin is a Star again, almost feels strange.

Another newish pic that most of us (outside the UK) haven't seen from the SLOW video back cover:

Hmmm... I am happy to see a great new interview and pics, of course... and yet there's something bugging me... Why is he worried about crossing a crowded street (what happened to the neutral face?) and at the same time pinpoints the area of his London residence to virtually a handful of streets...? He is very open about the fact that (apparently) he lives in a house the front room of which can be easily seen from the pavement (sidewalk) - and then almost naively ponders the "oh, look, there's Colin Firth" syndrome... he's private and yet sort of defiantly (flippantly?) challenging... teasing... as if inviting those paparazzi to take their positions outside yet again?

Nasty piece from Richard Brooks' Biteback column in The Sunday Times: David Puttnam's final movie, My Life So Far (not his life, but the childhood of the former Granada bigwig Sir Denis Forman), opens this week. I saw it in Cannes a year ago. It was then released in America, where it disappointed critics and audiences. [huh???] Puttnam has done a lot for the British film industry over the years, but he must also take his share of the blame for being one of the key figures in setting up the now discredited Arts Council film lottery. My Life So Far, directed by Hugh Hudson, was made with cash from the giant Miramax and lottery support from the Scottish Arts Council. Puttnam, I hasten to add, was no longer connected with the lottery when he got his film dosh. Yet I doubt very much if the new Film Council, which is taking over the distribution of lottery loot to film-makers, would give anything to My Life So Far. The movie is unlikely to be commercially successful nor does it fit the criteria for the New Cinema fund. Puttnam's old mate Alan Parker, the Film Council chairman, has rightly laid down much stricter guidelines. "No money for movies which really are made for television," says Parker.

From the Sunday Herald by Wendy Ide: An altogether more rewarding (and certainly less shrill) picture is Hugh Hudson's gentle coming-of-age drama My Life So Far. Set in the 1920s and narrated by 10-year-old Fraser Pettigrew, the film tells of a charmed childhood in an idyllic ancestral Scottish estate. Along with numerous brothers and sisters (including Kelly MacDonald battling against a very unflattering wig), Fraser shares his home with his beautiful mother (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), his indomitable grandma (Rosemary Harris) and his charismatic, jazz-hating inventor father Edward (Colin Firth), the pioneer who discovered the many and varied uses for spagnum moss. Their lives are disrupted when Fraser's wealthy uncle (Malcolm McDowell) comes to stay, bringing with him an exotic stranger who captivates the entire family, particularly Fraser and his father. The film is based on a memoir by television executive Sir Dennis Forman and, perhaps because of this, has a tendency to be a little episodic - an inconclusive string of events rather than a linear story. However, it is an engaging enough picture, if rather twee, and could be recommended with impunity to mothers, grandmothers and elderly female relatives with delicate nerves.

Thanks, Karen, for that wonderfull article. There are some very funny parts in it. I like that bit where HF followed him on the set of Fever Pitch!

I saw it in Cannes a year ago. It was then released in America, where it disappointed critics and audiences. I thought American audiences liked it and some of the reviews were very good, but that's the sort of inaccurate comment that kills success. Ditto, the sort of comments that are unfairly attached to SLOW. The movie is unlikely to be commercially successful nor does it fit the criteria for the New Cinema It's difficult to be commercially successful when the movie is only shown in one theatre in London! MLSF is going to have a very very mixed reception...love it, hate it.(Also opens the same week as "Gladiator" which will get all the raves) Infact "mothers and grandmothers " form about 40% of the population, but in movie making terms it's the 40% that's always ignored and no longer matter. MLSF is also, in British terms, unfashionable. It's not about low-life junkies, gang wars, it doesn't feature puerile humour or explicit sex. I'm also giving up on how you measure "commercial success"!...My 16 year old son went to see (peer group pressure) "Kevin and Perry go large" which has taken �2.5 million at the weekend, is dubbed a success and a sequel is already planned. He left in the middle and said it was boring and embarassingly stupid. But he'd already boosted the Box Office takings! I was also reading about the new version of "Anna Karenina"...we're again promised a very modern take on this- "will offend purists" "deliberately perverse casting"- which will include very explicit sex ecenes and full frontal nudity. Yippee!! I think it's difficult for someone like Colin...maybe that's why he's conscious about the age thing...he must have very little in common with twenty something film makers. Bur increasingly it's their agenda we're seeing. Maybe it's time the ignored 40% started fighting back! Enough of this ranting!!! I just hope CF goes on doing the sort of work he's doing...a good mix of theatre, quality TV and "non-commercial" film!! As do most good actors. Why is he worried about crossing a crowded street (what happened to the neutral face?) and at the same time pinpoints the area of his London residence to virtually a handful of streets...? He is very open about the fact that (apparently) he lives in a house the frontroom of which can be easily seen from the pavement (sidewalk) (Arami) Yes, that struck me too! Barnsbury is a very small area, and if he lives in a house that literally opens onto the pavement, he must live in one of those high early Victorian/Georgian terraces. But I don't think he'll be tabloid fodder any more...they don't go for boringly happily married men who practice good works!

one of those high early Victorian/Georgian terraces Some of those houses are really nice. The ground (is it called first in America?) floors can be quite high, sometimes built over a basement, but you can still take a peek into the front room. A net curtain would definitely be advisable. You may remember from a previous interview last year, just after he bought the house, that there is another reception room upstairs - which Colin described as "the room where the music is" (where he was hurt putting up the speakers). That points to a typical Georgian-early Victorian style of living accomodation. I don't think he'll be tabloid fodder any more...they don't go for boringly happily married men LOL, do you think he may have got married just to get them off his back? They go for scandalous gossip, though. Paul McGann is said to have been a victim of such maliciously generated gossip accusing him of leaving his wife to live with Catherine Zeta Jones after they (having worked together) have been spotted exchanging a friendly peck. The McGanns followed this up with an official complaint of harrassment. There is always a gossip-monger waiting to catch a "celebrity" put his or her foot wrong, whether inadvertently or for real. And what about mentally imbalanced, manic-obssessive stalkers? They tend to attempt stupid and sometimes criminal things - and that is most worrying.

That's where he differs from other "hearthrobs", no doubt they would have been calling in make-up to touch them up and cover any imperfections or dark circles. That's what I like about ODB, I am glad his kohl photoshoot days are over. No touch ups here...or even make up. No vanity. I have to agree that slouched in his chair in scruffy attire indicative of this "ordinary Joe" lifestyle he looks gorgeous...and we all love him lack of vanity. But I wonder if a female (like, say Jennifer) were to appear uncoiffed, with disheveled hair , non-posh attire, no make-up leaning on on a table...if we would be as complimentary(a regular Josephine?)...nay even uncritical. Sexism lives! Of course, in actuality this never happened;-) ;-)

(Evelyn) But I wonder if a female (like, say Jennifer) were to appear uncoiffed, with disheveled hair , non-posh attire, no make-up leaning on on a table...if we would be as complimentary...nay even uncritical...Ofcourse, in actuality this never happened;-) ;-) Touche (imagine there's an accent). LOL, Evelyn, of course something like this never happened! But that's life in our sexist world. Gwynnie wears something totally hideous and inappropriate to the Golden Globes, the world comes down on her. Angelina Jolie decides she wants to look like Morticia Addams the Oscars, same thing. How many people remember that Mr. So & So didn't wear a tie? That's life. BTW, the Herald is a Scottish paper and if its critic thinks the movie is for boring old ladies, then what hope is there?

I, too, am surprised that they revealed his neighborhood. Maybe he didn't know the writer was going to put that in the article? It's not the tabloids that cause concern for a conservative-living guy such as him, it's the nut cases. Was also surprised at his answer to having a baby--could be one is already on the way, as I doubt he would have answered the way he did otherwise. (Bethan) MLSF is going to have a very very mixed reception...love it, hate it.(Also opens the same week as "Gladiator" which will get all the raves) It's interesting that a lot of the critics here who liked MLSF (NY and LA Times, Roger Ebert) have slammed Gladiator, and vice versa (People, EW). The comment about it disappointing critics and audiences here is innaccurate, as Bethan and Karen have said. My advice is resign youself to the fact that the reviews will be mixed, and just go out and have a good time watching the film!:-) BTW, I saw Gladiator last night--very mediocre--over-hyped, overwrought, and overlong. Also, Hugh Hudson's latest, I Dreamed Of Africa, just opened here as well and the reviews have been universally bad. Thank goodness the ones for MLSF were much better.

I never thought anybody would think of making a "Roman" film nowadays... Does anyone still watch Ben Hur over the holidays? Guess it shows how wrong I can be... (And I'm a fan of Julius Caesar...)

(Mari) a lot of the critics here who liked MLSF (NY and LA Times, Roger Ebert) have slammed Gladiator No kidding!! Watched Roger go ballistic yesterday as Joyce Kulhawik (from Boston TV) pronounced Gladiator one of the year's best and stated that she expected it to receive numerous Oscar nominations. I think, out of camera range, the entire crew was holding Roger back. ;-)

Gladiator was my DHs must see film ever since he knew about it. Saw it opening day and he did not like it at all, he agrees with Ebert. Cheryl posted a fantastically funny review of it on the Russell Crowe topic. I invite everyone to read it. But I wonder if a female (like, say Jennifer) were to appear uncoiffed, with disheveled hair , non-posh attire, no make-up leaning on on a table...if we would be as complimentary(a regular Josephine?)...nay even uncritical. Sexism lives! Of course, in actuality this never happened;-) ;-) LOL, Evelyn! I may be alone here, but I do not like what he is wearing. I am not a fan of the Ordinary Joe (or Josephine) look and black sneakers (or worse shoes), with white laces is a total affectation. I remain consistent. I am glad he is finally smelling the coffee, as Karen has said. :-) CF is not known in Italy, and I was surprised to hear that they were chased by paparazzi in Rome. As far as I know, there are no pictures of them in Rome before their marriage. So where are those pictures?

The movie mags that slated MLSF all gave "Gladiator" a 5 stars rating... and Anne Billson of the Sunday Telegraph (whose reviews I dread reading) has picked it out as the main event of next week. But then reviews are very subjective, as we know!

I too saw Gladiator yesterday, and agree with Mari's assessment. Russell is great in the part, but the film disappointed me. I reviewed it for a few friends, Mari among them. I'll have to find that Crowe place at Spring. On CF's picturs and garb. There is probably a double standard as far as men and women's clothes are concerned, but I haven't seen him look as sexy as he does in that cover shot for a long time - legs long and lean and apart, trainers on feet, hand on face. I like the slightly weathered face in the closeups too. 40 was a great year for me, and it will be for him too. I guarantee it. Murph

(from the interview)...If he�s Mark Darcy, he can�t be Colin Firth too. They could get his brother to play him, I suggest. �There's a thought,� he says with a wintry smile. �Or you might have to change the character of the actor. Someone the Americans believe is a credible sex symbol.� Ridiculous! Doesn't he know? ;-)

(Moon) I am glad he is finally smelling the coffee I just hope it isn't too late. I for one am not resigned to watch Colin move into roles usually associated with Robert Young yet! ;-) That last comment in the article was particularly painful:"Or you might have to change the character of the actor. Someone the Americans believe is a credible sex symbol."This tells me that Colin has heard this quite a bit in Hollywood from agents, casting directors, whoever. The word in Hollywood is that Colin is not a sex symbol. All we can hope for is that BJD reverses that impression. That Colin will be viewed as not only a viable English leading man (to compete for roles with the only other two - HG and RF). This role can get him the recognition for being both a sexy leading man type and more importantly a fine actor on a par with that other guy. ;-)

Dear Fellow Defenders of the Firth, Like the swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano in the spring, I find myself with an instinctual need to return to Drool (of The Spring). I fear you may not remember me, or worse, do not want to remember me. I hope neither is the case, and that I may roost here from time to time. I left Drool early last year due to the fact that my migraines had worsened to the point that I could not take the glare of my PC's screen. The recent warmer weather has given me a reprieve of sorts, so here I am. Since I last posted, I have entered a second, deeper level of Firthaholism. Having dissected and memorized P&P2, and the more readily available movies (COF, TEP, SIL, etc.), I decided it was time to move into the realm of collector. I found an out of print video purveyor in the Midwest and have purchased AC (newly minted, fresh-faced Firth) and AITC (Am I crazy, or did I see that years ago on Masterpiece Theater?). I am working on obtaining WOF (this is my idea of heaven: POT and CF in the same movie) and a few others. I have also acquired FP (loved it and cannot get that La's song out of my mind-I fear I need to be deprogrammed), AZ (very unnerving: CF as Norman Bates), FF (see, I am loyal) and rented MLSF (wonderful film, but terribly expensive). Since I already have TD (thanks to the previous Drool film discussion) and V (courtesy of Encore) as well, I can now watch hours of ODB, and have my own CF film festival. The only problem is no one in my immediate circle gets it and I watch these films a one. Sound familiar? Having familiarized myself now with a larger portion of his body of work (and a larger portion of his body :)), I am reminded of a CF quote: "We all need stories. They take us into what seems to be a completely foreign and alien universe and then at the end, we find it's not as foreign as we thought. We've opened up something new about ourselves. I love stories," he adds. "Always have." I am currently re-reading (for a creative writing course I am taking this summer) Joseph Campbell's The Hero With a Thousand Faces, and realized that this is Colin the actor! It occurred to me that the stories/roles he selects (the hero/antihero: two sides of the same coin) are mythic in their appeal (no matter how obscure they may appear to others) as they reveal truths about one's self and the human condition. No wonder his movies are so satisfying to watch. Hollywood will never understand this, as it is driven by box office more than quality or creativity. Whoops, got a little too serious! Sorry-he stirs up all sorts of passion in me. As I told someone recently, I am absolutely over the moon that CF accepted the role of MD in BJD, and that he saw the humor in it. And those wonderful pictures of him accompanying the new article-is it my imagination or is his hair Darcy black (a new Clairol hair color?)again? Well, now that I have blathered on, let me add that I have missed you all and am thrilled there is so much news.

Oops, was trying to say that I watch these films alone, not "a one."

Welcome back Lisa. Good to have you "roosting" here. A perch more friendly could not be found for any Firthfan. You have timed your migration perfectly, lots going on. What did you think of The Times interview yesterday?

"When he has Will in the summer hols, they go to Umbria, ruling out those British films shot on location at the height of July and August." *************** Does this rule out Armadillo, do you think? And I never knew he lived in New Orleans as a child. Is that a missprint? Murph

Always good to seeing a returning swallow ;-) As ever, we are here. Hopefully, migraines won't take you away again. BTW, WOF shows up all the time on eBay and doesn't go for an arm and a leg anymore. Like you, Lisa, I too read something new and see if I think it's a Colin role. Some fit; some don't. Like Flashman...it didn't fit. Having read about 6 of the novels thus far because they are v. well done and entertaining for a history major (so far the one about the Indian Mutiny is the best IMO), I wouldn't want Colin to play the role for anything. Am going to read that Butterball book in the off chance that this project goes anywhere during months Colin has the time to work. ;-) Armadillo (by William Boyd) is a perfect fit. Lisa, go check that one out. I feel certain it will be made...once there is a script. I expect New Orleans is a misprint. BTW, does anyone know if Jasper Rees is American or went to school in the US? Several things popped out at me. First, he kept referring to Colin's sweater (not jumper). While there were the "ou" and "s" spellings, I've never seen The Times do American punctuation.

(Moon) I was surprised to hear that they were chased by paparazzi in Rome. As far as I know, there are no pictures of them in Rome before their marriage. There was at least one published in England: they were snapped through the windscreen of Livia's tiny car, Livia wearing glasses, getting ready to drive, Colin struggling to fit his long legs under his chin (well, almost), both gloomy and pretending nothing was happening. Looks like an evening. I guess they were then followed by the same reporter trying to see where they were going (for a pasta and mineral water meal, apparently, and then back to her parents' home before 11 p.m.) - and to him it must have seemed like being chased by paparazzi. Fair enough: I would be very annoyed, too.

cult: (L. cultus, care, adoration) 5.b) a usu. small circle of persons united by devotion or allegiance to an artistic or intellectual movement or figure. Seen Topic 112 lately??

The problem with dictionary definitions is that they rarely reflect current usage. Tell me where you've heard *cult* used recently to mean something other than extremists or loonies? ;-)

Well...Relative Values did make it to Cannes, except only for the film market. This little mention in Variety/Reuters: While the current market lineup may lack high-gloss, high-anticipation entries, there are still plenty of titles to fill acquisition execs' shopping lists. Among them are Franchise Pictures' ``Auggie Rose,'' starring Jeff Goldblum and Anne Heche; Lakeshore Intl.'s ``Delivering Milo,'' starring Bridget Fonda; Nu Image/Millennium Films' ``How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog,'' starring Robin Wright Penn and Kenneth Branagh; and ``Anasazi Moon,'' starring Gary Oldman and Skeet Ulrich. Also on the docket are ``Luckytown,'' starring James Caan and Kirsten Dunst, from A-Plus Entertainment; IAC Film's ''Shiner,'' starring Michael Caine; and Overseas Filmgroup's ''Relative Values,'' starring Julie Andrews and Jeanne Tripplehorn.

(Karen)Tell me where you've heard *cult* used recently to mean something other than extremists or loonies? The word cult is a perfectly neutral and often even a positive definition in Finnish, just meaning what KJ pointed out, small circle of persons united by devotion or allegiance to an artistic or intellectual movement or figure. I guess in America the word tends to be more negatively associated but I don�t think Colin used the word in the loonie sense :-) (Karen)That last comment in the article was particularly painful: "Or you might have to change the character of the actor. Someone the Americans believe is a credible sex symbol." Funnily I understood this just as typical humour and irony of his. And I wonder if Colin would really want to be a "credible sex symbol" anyway.

(Karen) Well...Relative Values did make it to Cannes, except only for the film market. That's ok, at least they're marketing it for the rest of the world. I'm sure it will be picked up (she says confidently). This is from the UK site Teletext: Relative Values This star-packed film adaption of Noel Coward's play sees the return of Julie Andrews, ably supported by Colin Firth and Stephen Fry among others. The characteristic tippy-toed ennui of the stage play comes to the screen. Released June 9

You're right, Elena, cult may not have the fanatical meaning in England as it typically does in the US, and someone from England would have to comment on that. However, I didn't read anything humorous into that last line. Colin may have been sarcastically reiterating what's been told to him.

To agree with Elena ... although "cult" here can mean a loony quasi-religious group, it is more commonly used in the media for something that commands a devoted minority following, e.g. BBC2 recently ran a series of "cult films", which may well have included (I forget) The Rocky Horror Show, Planet of the Apes, Pulp Fiction etc. Withnail & I was recently voted Cult Film of the Century by (wait for it) readers of the Times Saturday Magazine. So I think it wasn't a rueful description, just accurate. If anybody wants my copy of the magazine, e-mail me your address. Otherwise it goes in the trash.

You know what they say: "If it walks like a cult and talks like a cult....." evelyn Charter Member Colin-Cult 1996

From an article on Kevin McKidd in the May 6 Express about Anna Karenina: The costume drama sex scene has become such a clich. We were determined not to be... I'm not sure. Tasteful?" I nod. Wait. McKidd finally crumbles: "What are people saying?" I tell him that people are saying he's the new Colin Firth. The moan is immediate: "Oh God. Look at me. I was out of work for six months last year. I worked as a bicycle courier. Hell, I had my agent beg me a role on an American mini-series called Leprechauns. There was rent to pay... Do I resemble Colin Firth in any way?" Actually, no. Firth is an impeccably smooth and English presence; McKidd is rougher-grained. If Firth had played Vronsky he'd have been a dreamboat. McKidd makes him a compelling bastard who betrays himself in the very moment he betrays his beloved. One is RADA, the other is... radar.[...] This modern and relevant Anna Karenina may confound purists who like their classic novels semi-comatose, but the production will undoubtedly raise his profile. "Really? Now that I'm the new Colin Firth? I'm not falling for that build-up. There are far more important things." Name one. "Easy. I'll be a father in a few weeks' time. Mind you, a rave review is never anything to be casual about."

"Really? Now that I'm the new Colin Firth?" LOL...I've seen Kevin McKidd...Colin doesn't have to worry....

Sorry

There is an article on Hugh Hudson in today's Evening Standard. I can't find it in the online version, so after supper I'll try and scan it to somebody - Karen?

I agree with Mark, who agrees with Elena. ... although "cult" here can mean a loony quasi-religious group, it is more commonly used in the media for something that commands a devoted minority following C'mon, Darcymania *is* a cult. You don't hear of too many children, pets, etc. named 'Courtois', do you? ;-D You're right about the MLSF reviews, Bethan. It's best not to pay any attention and see it yourself at least twice. You'll love it.

They must have just put it up, Allison. Thanks for the alert. So far, so good for Hudson -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Life So Far Dir: Hugh Hudson. --------------------------------------------------------- by Jasper Rees Is Hugh Hudson on the comeback trail? He has two movies opening this month, one in America called I Dreamed of Africa, and one over here, which may as well be called I Dreamed of Scotland. In fact it's trading as My Life So Far, and is based on Son of Adam, Denis Forman's memoir of a Scottish childhood before the First World War. Like all Hudson's best films, it has tartan blood coursing through its veins. Remember those young chaps in their singlets in Chariots of Fire, jogging slow-mo through the surf to the synth of Vangelis? That was shot on the sands of St Andrews, although it was meant to be Broadstairs. And how about Greystoke? The bit with the female acrobats and dancers in monkey suits was filmed in Africa, but the bit with Ralph Richardson and Elgar at their hammiest was shot in Floors Castle in the Borders, near where, as a child, Hudson summered with an aunt. My Life So Far, a gentle child's eye view comedy, is set in a rambling house large enough for Colin Firth, as batty inventor Fraser Pettigrew, to shelter his innumerable brood of ginger kiddies. "There's something about Scotland which is very very calming," Hudson states. "Each film I've made there has worked. This film works, I think. I don't know if it will work in a financial sense. It's not the greatest measure of longevity. Chariots is a film which has lasted. Greystoke seems to have lasted. And I think this will. It's got a lot of joy in it." Which may be more than can be said for Hudson, whose two new films are a reminder that his career has not turned out quite as it might have done. They found the house at the top end of Loch Fyne, near the famous oyster emporium, where cast and crew ate often. "It was too far away for everybody to come and annoy us," says Hudson. "Money people. Obviously David came." David is Lord Puttnam, who got Hudson his first gig as a film director, after a long apprenticeship in documentaries, with Chariots of Fire. Somehow they never worked together again. Hudson went on to make Greystoke, where he discovered Christopher Lambert ("God knows what's happened to him. Threw it away. It's easy to do that") and famously used Glenn Close to mask Andie Macdowell's Southern drawl ("it jolted her into doing something about her acting. She's not bad now. She's no longer, I think, a movie star but she did quite well.") Puttnam, meanwhile, stayed in Scotland to make Local Hero with Bill Forsyth. I wonder whether there's a touch of the spurned wife in Hudson's little tirade against Forsyth, who he says tried to thwart My Life So Far's bid for Scottish funding. "This film was up for Lottery money and Bill Forsyth was on the board and he tried to divert money away from it. He's a mean-spirited man, I discovered on this film. He hangs himself by his own rope, Mr Forsyth, saying stupid things, like he has a monopoly on the Scottish film industry. Scotland is a free country. Anyone can go and film there." On Chariots' wings, producer and director both went to America and came unstuck: Puttnam as studio head of Columbia, Hudson with the epic catastrophe Revolution. He didn't make another movie for eight years, although he still thinks Revolution was unjustly treated. "I think it's my most daring film, I have to say. I think it's got a real quality about it. It's a very imperfect film. The script wasn't good enough, and I should have had longer to finish the film off. It could have been better structured. But it's a really unusual film. I was made a scapegoat. Unfairly, I would say. We begged Goldcrest to give us more time to make it more cohesive. We weren't allowed to." He'd love a shot at a director's cut. "Not going to, though. If I make an enormous blockbuster film then I could." A propos, he lives in hope that one day someone will finance Nostromo, the adaptation of Joseph Conrad's novel that he wanted to direct after David Lean's death. (He thought the BBC version awful - even the BBC directors branded it an expensive flop). After Revolution, he threw himself into ads and party political broadcasts. The commercial he shot for BA, at the time the most expensive ever made, is his most bombastic work, with the Hudson signature of a brilliant musical soundtrack. Then there was "Kinnock: The Movie", plus its several sequels, which were derided by the Right-wing Press. "Of course they would. Why wouldn't they? They were jealous. Thatcher was jealous. She wanted one of those films. They made a difference. They were attacked as meretricious and manipulative, but what is film-making anyway but that?" Despite the thin white beard and Trotskyite specs, Hudson bears a passing resemblance to Denis Law. You'd never guess that he was born four years before the war. Realistically, though, at his age opportunities to make blockbusters are few and far between. My Life So Far has been and gone without setting America on fire. I Dreamed of Africa, otherwise known as Into Africa, is about a woman overcoming troubles in Kenya starring Kim Basinger in a nonfemme fatale role. "It's a women's movie," he says. It augurs ill that My Life So Far was ready for release a year ago. But then it augurs well that Chariots also kicked its heels for 18 months before release, and it won four Oscars. Hudson was nominated as best director. As he listened to Colin Welland make his famous "The British are coming" speech he thought: "Oh Christ, Colin, why do you say these things? You talk too much. You're too verbose, Colin, too verbose!" But Hudson never got the chance to make his own speech. Warren Beatty won, although no one watches Reds any more. Did he mind not winning? "Well yeah, in a way. I felt it was unjustified. I suppose they don't like to give a first-time director the thing, but they did this year to Mr Mendes. Times have changed."

An FOF spotted a new RV trailer at Empire OnLine. They say it is an exclusive. Colin is in it, but the quality is poor on my computer. http://www.virtuetv.com/film/empiretrailers/comingsoon.html Murph

Psst, Jasper! Love your wonderful CF interviews, but it's time to brush up the accuracy a bit. 1. It was St. Louis, not New Orleans. 2. Edward Pettigrew, not Fraser. Fraser's the kid.

Psst, psst Jasper ....thought you were Colin's mate! My Life So Far has been and gone without setting America on fire Difficult with 20 prints It augurs ill that My Life So Far was ready for release a year ago. Blame Miramax/BVI! Hugh Hudson sounds rather curmudgeonly (is that the word?) If Firth had played Vronsky he'd have been a dreamboat. Oh, too true! But alas , this we will never see. The trend now seems to deglamourise "costume drama", also to emphasise the sexually explicit. I'm not sure if this works though. Apparently, when "Madame Bovary" was shown here, it started with an audience of 3 million and this dropped to 2 million after the explicit encounter was shown. Either a large proportion were only watching it for the raunchy bit and then lost interest, or the more conservative "costume drama" audience didn't like the adaptation. Or a mix of the two! Directors don't seem to realise the difference between erotic (P&P was erotic) and so-called "sexy" (can be an audience turn off).

Thanks for the link to the updated RV trailer, Murph. I found the picture quality of this one to be better than the first, but the sound is not the greatest (couldn't understand most of CF's lines). Was that ODB with the ciggie 'tween his lips (unlit, perhaps ;-))? Ladies, there is no doubt in my mind--Peter's as you-know-what as a three dollar bill. Watch his mannerisms, the way he moves his hands. June 9th's just around the corner--lucky British Firthfans!

MLSF review from Popcorn--not too bad. It appears it's showing in one cinema already (might be Scotland). Good things very rarely come from films that have sat on shelves for several years gathering dust. The strange thing about the delay in releasing 'My Life So Far', though, is that there's nothing seriously wrong with it and the film's already been released in America. Robbie Norman makes a fantastic screen debut as the ten-year-old Fraser Pettigrew. Fraser's 1920s life has been nothing but idyllic thanks to the gorgeous Scottish estate where his parents - inventor Edward (Colin Firth) and loving mum Moira (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) - live and the hero-worship status he affords his father. Things change, however, when Fraser's uncle (Malcolm McDowell) comes to stay, bringing his much younger French fianc�e (Irene Jacob) with him. Both Fraser and his father fall for Heloise, but while son tries to interpret his feelings by going to the attic and reading his late grandfather's secret stash of Victorian porn, father tries a more direct approach. In this insular world, it doesn't take a genius to guess Edward's feelings and slowly the family find themselves teetering on the brink of collapse. It's Norman's performance that prevents this film from becoming utterly mundane. The youngster's innocent questions about prostitution and fellatio (which he pronounces with a hard t) are stand-out moments in this memoir, based on the childhood memories of TV executive Denis Forman. Forgiving the fact that Firth and Mastrantonio can't decide if they're Scottish or not - and that McDowell doesn't even bother trying - 'My Life So Far' is essentially a gentle, slightly whimsical look at the dangers of outsiders intruding on family life in a picture-postcard land. review by Lisa Andrews

Forgiving the fact that Firth and Mastrantonio can't decide if they're Scottish or not - and that McDowell doesn't even bother trying There is something none of the other reviewers picked up on. ;-) Thanks, Murph! I still have a hard time understanding everyone but Julie and SF. Can not wait to see it. I hope it is still playing when I am in London in July.

Forgiving the fact that Firth and Mastrantonio can't decide if they're Scottish or not - and that McDowell doesn't even bother trying - Are they talking about the Scottish accents? I thought they were authentic. Hey, I could understand them.I thought it was charming. Waddaya want accents like DQ? Definitely, not charming...

MLSF review from Popcorn--not too bad. It appears it's showing in one cinema already (might be Scotland). One cinema? I have a very suspicious mind but I can't help wondering if this is what the BVI rep meant by "opening all over Scotland". (Well, he got everything else wrong!) Good things very rarely come from films that have sat on shelves for several years gathering dust. The strange thing about the delay in releasing 'My Life So Far', though, is that there's nothing seriously wrong with it.... Very strange...almost deliberately trying to stack the cards against the film's success. Any film that's been on the shelf tends to get hostile reviews (if it was good, it would have been released etc) This film could easily have been released a year ago...especially if it's only being shown on two screens (hope I'm wrong about this!). The premiere was great news, and very high profile, and I think the quality press reviews may be kindly....but there's something that doesn't quite add up here. Suspicious mind at work!

Don't get me wrong...I think Jasper Rees produces better articles on CF than anyone, but... (Jasper Rees) ' at a certain point he will have to cross Upper Street at its most pell-mell. He doesn't seem to welcome the prospect.' (Arami) Why is he worried about crossing a crowded street (what happened to the neutral face?) and at the same time pinpoints the area of his London residence to virtually a handful of streets...? Arami, I think Jasper's weaknesses are beginning to show...Colin never declared that he was worried. I think the worry is in Jasper's imagination... (Jasper) 'Again I could be guessing. I've interviewed Firth more times than he probably cares to remember, and a frequent theme of the conversation is his disputatiousness.I posit some theory about him, and the next time we meet he (politely) remembers disagreeing with it when he read it'. Jasper is enamoured of "positing" and it really shows in his language, as he hedges when he's simply inventing what he wants to believe about Colin. (Jasper) I guess that Firth's fear of Upper Street in rush hour is based ... Firth says that, before the lights went down, he could just feel the eyes of the entire audience waiting for the two parties to acknowledge each other. You sense that he would happily have curled up and died. He hedges, and then proceeds to make bold expository statements as if these things were absolutely true ... and the reader tends to absolutely believe this. (Jasper)One of my theories is that he actually courts anonymity in a project; that given a choice between two scripts, he will go for the one that makes it easier to cross Upper Street unrecognised. Does this jibe with the Colin you met at the Donmar? Frightened of getting into a crowd, worried how to deal with someone who might recognize him? That his fear of becoming recognized is a genuine criterion in the projects he chooses ... That doesn't sound like the reports that you sent of him to us. Sometimes Jasper doesn't even bother to hedge ... (Jasper) One of the features of Firth's career is his restless determination to wrongfoot his audience (...whatever that means...) Is it a surety that CF is perverse for the sake of being perverse ...? So Jasper gets particularly smug when one of his shots is admitted to hit home: (Jasper) But he agrees with my hunch that interviewers have picked up this particular ball and run a bit too far with it... I'd rather hear it from the horse's mouth: (Colin) "But then you don't want to be perceived to be trying to catch lightning in a bottle twice. So I think I probably did consciously go in all sorts of different directions." ...But that isn't being perverse. He's just as subject to peer pressure as the rest of us. ;-) I was so pleased to hear from CF's mouth about playing Mark Darcy: "There's a certain inevitability about it," he says. "I think it's healthy for me to do it." Oh Yesss, he's come to terms with it, the Dear Boy! But I resent another implication that slipped from Jasper, to whit:(Jasper)' If he's Mark Darcy, he can't be Colin Firth too. They could get his brother to play him, I suggest' What does he mean he couldn't ? If CF can be a Walker and then a Ned within a few minutes of one another, is it so beyond his powers to play both, with Fitzwilliam Darcy thrown in for good luck? Icy smile indeed! ~~~~~ (Karen)That last comment in the article was particularly painful: "Or you might have to change the character of the actor. Someone the Americans believe is a credible sex symbol." (Elena) Funnily I understood this just as typical humour and irony of his. And I wonder if Colin would really want to be a "credible sex symbol" anyway. Oh, yes, Elena, I agree. He is being VERY sardonic here. I sometimes think he's toying with poor Jasper's head half the time, just to see if he'll bite... ..."a credible sex symbol.� (Gi) Ridiculous! Doesn't he know? ;-) He knows. And he'll be whatever he d**n well chooses to be! As always! (**Heehee**) ... Otherwise, I thought the article was tremendously good... ;- ) KJ

Yikes! Someone..anyone...stop Mark before he puts that Times article into the trash. I don't need it but surely someone will claim it before it finds its final resting place in the bottom of Mark's dustbin. (I know you that was just an idle threat, Mark dear, in order to find a worthy recipient.) Cult? What cult? I'm no raving lunatic. ;-) Lisa! Welcome home, dear.

Just saw your response, KJ. You picked out some interesting points. Frankly, I don't think it takes too many hunches or theories on our part to agree with you and conclude from the article that Colin is healthy, happy and sound. (I think I said that posts and posts ago so forgive the redundancy.)

Ah, but you said that from snippets were out and before the entire argument was spread before you. Congrats on your continuing perceptivity (is that a word?)! As a former science writer, I'm always on the lookout for hedges, though, so as not to take everything I read at face value. (Heheheh)

Thank you Lizza, Karen, and Heide for your warm words. They are appreciated. (Lizza) What did you think of The Times interview yesterday? I don�t know that I can add too much about the article. I think KJArt is dead on about how easily JR's take on CF might be perceived as reality, when in truth, Jasper is only speculating�. Maddening. Sort of like a negative spin doctor. Wonder how that made CF feel when he read the article? Sadly, he must be used to it by now. IMO, CF is very wise�he refuses to get sucked into the vortex of egos and paranoia in Hollywood and is mature enough to stay on the periphery. This is a man who knows himself. BTW, does anyone know where this rented house outside of LA is located? I remember reading about Santa Monica a long time ago. Isn�t that part of greater LA or did I lose the $32,000 geography question? I also enjoyed his musings on middle age (since I am now there myself), and found them to be a little wistful. Maybe the parts for young men in there 20s are behind him, but imagine the vast riches of exploring more mature parts. He has only begun to scratch the service. Thank God he is not just another pretty (and neutral) face. And as for the cult following of P&P2, I hope that the Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (AOTKT) is not considered to be in the same league as P&P2! Colin supposes that it is the character Darcy who is the sex symbol. Little does he know that we, too, are way past that transference!� Okay, maybe I can drool over CF AND CF as Darcy. (Karen) Armadillo (by William Boyd) is a perfect fit. Lisa, go check that one out. I feel certain it will be made...once there is a script. I will check out Armadillo. In one of my former lives, I was an insurance broker. (KJArt) What does he mean he couldn't ? If CF can be a Walker and then a Ned within a few minutes of one another, is it so beyond his powers to play both, with Fitzwilliam Darcy thrown in for good luck? Exactly. Hello, he is an A-C-T-O-R! Why can�t he be MD, FD, and himself. Sheesh! Sounds to me like this journalist was stirring the pot a bit.

Oops, meant to say, young men in "their" 20s. One of these days I will catch my erors before I hit "submit." And make that "surface" instead of service. Maybe I need to go to bed.

KJ; like your criticism of the interview, very accurate, IMO. Welcome back, Lisa!

The soundtrack (or parts of) to RV can be dowloaded at http://www.rpofilmmusic.com/relativevalues.html Lots of info about RV. The score was performed by the London Philamonic Orchestra and a specially commissioned jazz group. I don't have Real Player so I can't download...would be interested to hear any opinionn of the music, though.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra....sorry, can't spell!

Welcome back, Lisa! Good points, KJart! (Not)Frightened of getting into a crowd, worried how to deal with someone who might recognize him? That his fear of becoming recognized is a genuine criterion in the projects he chooses ... Anyone who wears black shoes with white laces has no fear of being recognized. ;-)

Agree, good points, KJArt. Jasper does use words such as 'seems to' or 'appears'; you hit the nail on the head when you said 'the reader tends to believe...'. We've been doing the same thing as Jasper--projecting our own interpretations into CF's words (i.e., "it'll happen" might mean baby's already on the way). It's human nature to do this. Personally, I think Jasper used our comments over at the BJD topic to form his questions about MD. ;-) Regarding CF's revelation about where he lives: remember the spread in People Magazine last year? After reading that piece, if one didn't know better, one would think he lived in Umbria. There was no mention of London, period. I think CF knows exactly what he's doing when he reveals these personal details. Welcome back, Lisa. Glad you're feeling better.

I also agree with the points made by KJ....but it all makes for interesting reading! Now, I actually have some good news! Usually I'm predicting doom and gloom, but I rang up the National Museum for Photography, Film & TV in Bradford, and asked, yet again, if they had plans to show MLSF, and yes they are showing it, from June 2nd, for one week at least. So it is going nationwide, of a kind! Might be worthwhile checking out your nearest art house/independent cinema to ask about their June programming. Shall take my mother to see it! (Well, it's suitable for mothers and grandmothers and maiden aunts! :-) )

(Bethan)Shall take my mother to see it! (Well, it's suitable for mothers and grandmothers and maiden aunts! :-) ) Actually, that is the focus audience for MLSF. They'll love it.

To UK fans, I have just heard that Malcolm McDowell will be on The Steve Wright in the Afternoon Show tomorrow, Wednesday, perhaps he will say something about MLSF.

(Colin, Re: HF's visit to the FP set): "She then wrote up a Bridget Jones version of the visit to the set, which is very funny, but didn't echo my recollection, although Nick said it was very close to what had happened. She wrote a thing about having followed me inadvertently everywhere around the set until eventually I said, 'I am going to have to go on alone from here because it's the men's toilet.' I don't remember that. Nick says it's true." CF said "wrote up" ... was this then published in a column? Does anyone recollect seeing it?. I wonder if it would be retrievable. Probably dates from late '96 or early '97. Murph: I loved the rapidity with which you got the Times article up, but you really ought to give Jasper some credit, you know ... ;-)

(KJ) CF said "wrote up" ... was this then published in a column? Does anyone recollect seeing it?. I wonder if it would be retrievable. Probably dates from late '96 or early '97. That would be from The Independent (as was the Rome interview) and they didn't archive their stories on line at that time. Hmmm, now have time to read all the messages from yesterday...

About that Independent column (*the researcher in me kicks in*), it might not be all that difficult to find. HF would've written it right after she was on the set. Since FP only took a short time to make and I know there are people here who know the dates, it really take much to look up her weekly columns at a library on microfilm. Any takers? ;-) (Jasper Rees in ES) ...is set in a rambling house large enough for Colin Firth, as batty inventor Fraser Pettigrew My guess is that Jasper is trying to console Colin that he isn't that old. Wouldn't you agree, KJ? ;-) Doesn't it seem odd that Rees first writes for The Times and now the Evening Standard? Or are they part of the same media empire? (Rees) Is Hugh Hudson on the comeback trail? He has two movies opening this month, one in America called I Dreamed of Africa Trail closed; take a detour to Dogsville. (Eileen) Ladies, there is no doubt in my mind--Peter's as you-know-what as a three dollar bill. *hee hee* Do I know how to call'em or what!? And it is a different trailer than the one we saw before. Still poor quality streaming stuff. (Mari) It appears it's showing in one cinema already (might be Scotland). Why do you think that? Is it in the boxoffice Top 10 already? Just kidding, but have checked The Scotsman, which lists all the theaters there, and it's not there. (Lisa) Santa Monica...Isn�t that part of greater LA or did I lose the $32,000 geography question? Do you want to use a lifeline? I'll give you my friend's number, who lives in Santa Monica and thus outside the reach of the LA Unified School District. *enough of a hint* Santa Monica likes being a little renegade city and not LA. (Lisa) Colin supposes that it is the character Darcy who is the sex symbol. Little does he know that we, too, are way past that transference! Some are and a lot aren't. You'd be amazed at the Darcy worship that was in evidence in the Donmar lobby. Bethan, thanks for the link on the Relatives Values score. I haven't listened to any of it yet, but will do so as soon as I can. What an interesting find. Evelyn, are you ordering the CD yet? ;-) (Eileen) Personally, I think Jasper used our comments over at the BJD topic to form his questions about MD. ;-) LOL!! Who knows. Life is stranger than fiction.

Hello Lisa. I only know you from reading the old posts. Nice to be "virtually" introduced. Many thanks to Elena (great to see you back) and Mark for bringing some sanity to the discussion of the word "cult". As someone who as had a lifelong attraction to cult novels, cult films, and cult musicians; the word does not offend me. In some ways being a devotee of a cult of an artistic enterprise is comparable to being an elitist. Some people may be offended by that. Some may just think it shows good taste. Personally, I'm quirky and generally uninterested in the mainstream. In regard to the comment on the accents in MLSF not being sufficiently Scottish enough. The characters played by MEM and CF were upper-class and may well have been educated in England. Also, people of higher social classes tend not to have heavy regional accents. As for MM character, well he had been away in England for years, leading his own life and running his business. It would not have been unusual for him to sound English; and he, as well, belonged to a privileged class. The interview: overall quite good. I found the question as to wether CF and LG would have children rather rude. It is between the two of them, and really no one else's business, particularly the interviewer or especially us. I'm a fan, but CF does have the right not to have his private life become public domain.

(Karen)Bethan, thanks for the link on the Relatives Values score. I haven't listened to any of it yet, but will do so as soon as I can. What an interesting find. Evelyn, are you ordering the CD yet? ;-) Well, I'll try.But I suspect the trailers put on the best music in the score.And there isn't going to be a soundtrack CD.I vividly remember the MLSF trailer music. Beethoven, by the Birmingham Symphony, Simon Rattle , conducting and Satchmo.I haunted Virgin Records for months....it was never recorded. Given their foresight,it's a miracle that P&P was. And isn't it glorious!!

A small step forward---- MLSF made it on to Film 2000 tonight!! Johnathan Ross just gave the storyline, mentioned CF and there were a few short clips. Including ODB in his swimming costume. Heady late night stuff, if like me you have never seen MLSF. No judgement was passed on the film but I guess JR considers it to have some merit or he wouldn't have featured it. A start at least! Sorry, for using "I guess" in that sentence, been spending too much time with Jasper lately, it's kinda rubbed off on me.

Looking forward to the MLSF score Evelyn, th day of listening comes ever nearer. Is anyone really sure of RV 's release date? Earlier on this topic 9th June was mentioned but the end of Times article gave 23rd June for release. Anyone put me right?

The June 9th date has been posted at Teletext for ages. (Sorry, Mari.) I'd go with the 23rd, even though I was told it was also the date of some big football match (I think).

(Lisa) BTW, does anyone know where this rented house outside of LA is located? I remember reading about Santa Monica a long time ago. Santa Monica...Isn�t that part of greater LA or did I lose the $32,000 geography question? (Karen) Do you want to use a lifeline? I'll give you my friend's number, who lives in Santa Monica and thus outside the reach of the LA Unified School District. *enough of a hint* Santa Monica likes being a little renegade city and not LA. Welcome back Lisa and very true, Karen ;-). Santa Monica is a self-incorporated city and definitely marches to its own drummer. But from a geographical perspective I can see why it would seem like S.M. is part of greater L.A. Santa Monica is completely surrounded by Los Angeles, is very densely populated and the only way you can really distinguish the fact that you're in S.M. and not L.A. is the different color on the city buses :-). Therefore I'm wondering about CF's comment that he lives "outside of L.A." when he visits the area. I wouldn't consider S.M. to fit that description, but most of the places that I would consider outside LA are boring suburbs with identical tract houses. Somehow I find it hard to imagine that a London-lover would enjoy that! Hmmm, perhaps Malibu? I think that's where the Tilly/Calley's live and it's far enough from L.A. to be considered outside. It's a ritzy area, but the population is awfully sparse. It's great if you're an outdoors lover but not if you like any shops or restaurants closer than a 20 minute drive. I suppose I should stop myself before leaping to any more wild speculations. Wouldn't want to be classified with Mr. Rees ;-).

(Karen) Why do you think that? Is it in the boxoffice Top 10 already? Not yet.;-) With the Popcorn review, it said it was showing at one theater, the Greenock Waterfront Cinema in . . .Greenock. Ring a bell with anyone? RE: Santa Monica. It took me an hour to drive from the ocean (borders SM on the west) to downtown L.A. in the infamous rush-hour traffic, so I could see where someone might think that it's far from L.A., even though distance-wise, it's not. I recall Colin being interviewed in Pasadena once--maybe that's it? Just me Jasper-ing away here . . .;-)

(Mari) ...it said it was showing at one theater, the Greenock Waterfront Cinema in . . .Greenock. Ring a bell with anyone? No,...but it beats the Ritzy in Brixton. Pasadena is inland...wasn't that interview near the waterfront?

(JR)Colin Firth, as batty inventor Fraser Pettigrew .. (Karen) My guess is that Jasper is trying to console Colin that he isn't that old. Wouldn't you agree, KJ? ;-) ... Ummmm. Interesting theory. But one feels it very possibly would have been a simple slip, although perhaps a Freudian one... ;-) (Lisa) Santa Monica...Isn�t that part of greater LA or did I lose the $32,000 geography question? (Karen) ... who lives in Santa Monica and thus outside the reach of the LA Unified School District. *enough of a hint* Santa Monica likes being a little renegade city and not LA. There are lots of little independently incorporated cities within and at the edges of L.A. (like beautiful downtown Burbank) Now certain regions (like Hollywood) act as if they are separate entities (well, they have different zip codes, don't they?) even though still officially within L.A. city limits. There has been a San Fernando Valley secession movement for many years (LAUSD being a big reason for it). Re: Colin's CA condo or apt. I have heard Malibu and I have heard Brentwood (which isn't outside L.A. proper), but I suspect nobody but his hairdresser knows for sure (and since it's sort of apparent he doesn't HAVE a hairdresser, that means no one ... and knowing him, he's probably moved anyway...)(not that I admit to "knowing him" *Heehee*) Go figure... ;-) (Karen) You'd be amazed at the Darcy worship that was in evidence in the Donmar lobby. I'm sure he's perfectly aware of it, has finally come to terms with it, and just philosophically absorbs the adoration in lieu of the character. I've had otherwise- perfectly- sane correspondants slip up and say 'Mr. Darcy' when they meant CF. They are, I suspect, like Bridget ..."but Mr. Darcy couldn't POSSIBLY be an actor! ... and yet he IS an actor. ...So confusing..." (forgive the paraphrasing)... But I suspect (hedging again) it's one reason why he apologizes for disappointing people all the time (because he's not Darcy) ;-) KJ

(Evelyn) Pasadena is inland...wasn't that interview near the waterfront? I definitely remember one taking place a few years ago in Santa Monica at the 3rd Street Promenade. I have a copy of it tucked away somewhere. I wonder if Colin and the interviewer met up at the stegosauras ;-)? Come to think of it, maybe that's where the speculation about a possible Santa Monica address grew from. Was there also an interview in Pasadena, Mari?

I think someone mentioned last year that he was STAYING in Pasadena (hotel or something; maybe for one of the premieres??) He might have been interviewed there.

(Jana2) different color on the city buses :-) Yeah! The Big Blue buses!! Took two to get to the Getty. Best deal in town. Greenock Waterfront Cinema In Greenock, in Inverclyde (home of Loch Eck); around where MLSF was filmed. Phone number 01475 732201 Can't see Colin in Pasadena...unless Livia likes wearing hats and little white gloves. ;-) How does Pacific Palisades strike you, Jana? (although I'm still pulling for SM, with all its antique shops)

Karen: I'd go with the 23rd, even though I was told it was also the date of some big football match (I think). Nah, Euro 2000 final not till July 2. England might play in the QFs on the 24th or 25th, though. Karen: Doesn't it seem odd that Rees first writes for The Times and now the Evening Standard? Or are they part of the same media empire? No, but I think most magazines (including those with weekend newspapers) commission freelances for their main features.

I agree with Jana2 about SM. It is not considered outside the LA area. Malibu is a possibility or the canyon road where Neil Young lives. Who knows for sure where the Callys live? It could also be in Pasadena. There are some very beautiful homes there and the town has changed for the better. (Karen), Can't see Colin in Pasadena...unless Livia likes wearing hats and little white gloves. ;-) Doesn't Jana2 live in Pasadena? BTW, I love hats and long white gloves. ;-)

Pacific Palisades would be my guess. Mark, looking forward to EURO 2000?

Thanks, Mark. Seemed like I'd seen Jasper Rees' name in the paper too frequently to be a freelancer and just assumed (how appropriate) that he worked for one of them. (Mark) England might play in the QFs on the 24th or 25th, though. But that affects the weekend opening gross...not that MLSF would appeal to necesssarily the same audience as football... ;-)

Yeah!! We're back!!! (Moon) Pasadena. There are some very beautiful homes there No disagreement on this. ;-)

(KJ) I'm sure he's perfectly aware of it My comment that "You'd be amazed at the Darcy worship that was in evidence in the Donmar lobby" referred to Lisa's comment that: Colin supposes that it is the character Darcy who is the sex symbol. Little does he know that we, too, are way past that transference! I wasn't referring to anything Colin might be thinking. As I observed in the lobby and on these boards, not everyone has gotten past the Darcy thing. (is my writing that incomprehensible?

I had an email from Rachel Weinstein yesterday in response to my congratulatory one to the Donmar for the 5 Tony Nominations for TRT. She said: "Make sure and say 'Hi' to everybody....we have fingers crossed too."

Karen: England might play in the QFs on the 24th or 25th, though. But that affects the weekend opening gross Different audience as you say, and I don't hold out high hopes for a stunning opening gross ... even if England don't qualify. Scotland didn't reach the tournament, so that reduces any slight audience overlap further. Moon: Mark, looking forward to EURO 2000? I have a major relegation issue to contend with Sunday before I even start to think about international football, but I'd say your DH has little to worry about if Italy meet England. Sorry, I promise no more soccer talk.

Regarding the opening date for RV (not MLSF): I read June 9th at the Empire site at which the new trailer is available (see Murph's link). Suffice to say it'll open some time in June. (Jana2) I definitely remember one taking place a few years ago in Santa Monica at the 3rd Street Promenade I remember this one also. He was wearing flip-flop sandals and sent Livia off shopping (funny what sticks in one's memory, isn't it?). (Karen) As I observed in the lobby and on these boards, not everyone has gotten past the Darcy thing I wasn't in the Donmar lobby but from what I've read here and there, your observations are very much on target. ;-)

Lisbeth has the account of the first meeting between "Bridget" and CF on the set of FP at: Bridget meets Darcy '96

(KJ) I'm sure he's perfectly aware of it. (Karen)I wasn't referring to anything Colin might be thinking. \...\ (is my writing that incomprehensible? Ummmm. No. I was agreeing with your observation that: ... not everyone has gotten past the Darcy thing. And adding that I was sure CF ,too, knows very well that a lot of them haven't gotten over it . (It appears that it's my writing that is incomprehensible. Sorry) ;-) Karen: Doesn't it seem odd that Rees first writes for The Times and now the Evening Standard? Or are they part of the same media empire? (Mark) No, but I think most magazines (including those with weekend newspapers) commission freelances for their main features. Yes, I've seen Jasper do this before (Fever Pitch articles, I believe). The smart freelancer gets as long an interview and as many quotes on tape as he/she can, and then draws from that to write more than one article. These are offered to several markets.. As long as each article (usu. w. different quotes) is unique, the publications can have exclusive rights to it -- so they don't mind if they all came from the same encounter. Jasper is good at drawing a lot of material from his subjects, evidently, and has done this often. I suspect he uses all those conjectures to pad them all out to increase his output (*heheheheh*). No fool he. ;-D

I had a dead armadillo in my backyard this morning, and I hope it's not an omen:-(

I read that as a dead armadillo in your mailbox!

(Evie from Okie) I had a dead armadillo in my backyard this morning, and I hope it's not an omen:-( Quick! Throw some salt over your shoulder and knock on wood. Stay away from mirrors and ladders then all will be well again. ;-D

20:19 Wednesday 10th May 2000 Puttnam announces retirement at film premiere Film producer David Puttnam has announced that his film My Life So Far will be his last. Lord Puttnam cited other commitments, not least his work for the Government at the premiere of the film in Glasgow for its Bafta Scotland screening. He said: "I tried for a year after the General Election to juggle the jobs I'm doing with the Government work and it was just impossible. "I found I was spending my time apologising for not being at things. "But it wasn't pressure of work that made up my mind for me, it was the feeling of letting people down that decided it." Lord Puttnam, 59, sits on the Labour benches in the House of Lords and also sits on the Schools Standards Task Force. He has produced 34 films during a 30 year career in the industry, including five set in or filmed in Scotland.

Good find, KJ. ... must practise what to say to Mr. Darcy or rather Colin Firth as he is known. Tom says on no account mention Mr. Darcy but just chat like normal person not tedious fan. Was Bridget in the Donmar lobby?

(Jana) Was there also an interview in Pasadena, Mari? Yes, it was a couple of years ago; they interviewed him at the hotel lounge--I think the Ritz-Carlton. Might have just been a convenient meeting place for the reporter; no indication CF was actually staying there. In fact, I'd imagine (ghost of Jasper here;-) that he wasn't or else they'd have done the interview in his room (KJART) I have heard Malibu and I have heard Brentwood (which isn't outside L.A. proper), but I suspect nobody but his hairdresser knows for sure (and since it's sort of apparent he doesn't HAVE a hairdresser, that means no one. KJ, you're not gonna believe this, but a couple of years ago, someone (Murph, I think it might have been you!) found a website for a hair salon in SM (I think) that listed its celeb customers, and CF was among them. RE: Brentwood--I've heard Meg had a house there while they also lived at the place in the wilderness.;-) Murph, do you recall the hair salon thing?

Still on the subject of hair... :-) I have examined the MLSF London premiere TV snippets and, for the sake of accuracy, I think that CF's hair is almost exactly as it was in the Donmar. It may be a little longer - but not much - and he appears to have used some kind of dressing like hair gel: the locks falling over his forehead appear damp. Moreover, I find no evidence of any deliberate hair parting. Persons of nervous disposition are advised to leave or at least close their eyes now: it is just the balding crown shining through. (I make no apologies for stating the above, in the same way as CF makes no effort to hide it. To me as a true fan the state of his hair, apart from noting the obvious and natural fact, is of no consequence.)

Hi CherylB, nice to "meet" you, too. Aren't you the lucky soul who was involved with the production of Valmont? I thought I had read old posts of yours before I originally came on board in 1998. Guess we have been like ships in the night, eh? To everyone else, many thanks for the welcome. (Karen) Some are and a lot aren't. You'd be amazed at the Darcy worship that was in evidence in the Donmar lobby. I am surprised. I would have thought enough time had lapsed (since the airing of P&P2) for Darcy delirium to have developed into full-fledged Firth fever. But these diseases are not linear, are they? And as I admitted, they also can occur concurrently. (Karen)Do you want to use a lifeline? I guess I should use my audience life line! Didn't know it was such a trick question. I must admit, I made a mental list of Santa Monica, the Desert, the Canyon, and Pasedena. Maybe I should ask for the 50-50 lifeline. :) (CherylB ) I found the question as to whether CF and LG would have children rather rude. It is between the two of them, and really no one else's business I agreee the press should keep its nose out of the family info, but ODB could have said "pass" again. Maybe CF thought these comments were off the record. His candor surprised me. First there was "doing a Harvey;" now we have "pulling a Jasper." Too funny... Hey, whatever happened to Ben? Did he ever return?

(Mari),Might have just been a convenient meeting place for the reporter; no indication CF was actually staying there. In fact, I'd imagine (ghost of Jasper here;-) that he wasn't or else they'd have done the interview in his room Or a convenient place because the house he rents is there. :-) Arami, we should really put a stop to these non-hairy thoughts! ;-) (Murph, I think it might have been you!) found a website for a hair salon in SM (I think) that listed its celeb customers, and CF was among them. Mari, you are amazing, you remembered that! Which salon was it? Lisa, Ben is living in London now and has not posted for a while.

(Arami) Persons of nervous disposition are advised to leave or at least close their eyes now: it is just the balding crown shining through. As long as ODB doesn�t resort to a comb-over or Ron Popeil�s spray can of dye for bald spots, he�ll always be my main man. (As TS would say: Colin, who loves ya, baby?) At least his career and appeal have not been based on hair alone. Does the name Hugh Grant ring a bell? (Oops, guess my opinion of Hughie is out of the closest.)

we should really put a stop to these non-hairy thoughts! ;-) It doesn't really bother you, does it? ;-)

It doesn't really bother you, does it? ;-) Carissima! Neanche per sogno. ;-) Do continue...

James Christopher's mini-review of MLSF in The Times: Hugh Hudson's My Life So Far is a modest memoir about sexual awakening. It's as misty-eyed about 1920s Scotland as the musical Brigadoon. The screenplay by Simon Donald is based on Sir Denis Forman's childhood memoir, Son of Adam, about a chirpy adolescent, Fraser (Robert Norman), who grows up in a Highland pile to become (we're told at the end) a member on the board of English National Opera. How scintillating. It aspires to, but doesn't have that gristly adult(erous) chemistry that shocked an impressionable young boy into lonely middle-age in Joseph Losey's masterpiece, The Go-Between. In fact it's much more Upstairs Downstairs in its dinner-table squabbles and gossipy maids. The sultry love interest is Irene Jacob, who is engaged to the dastardly smoothie, Uncle Morris (Malcolm McDowell). Colin Firth is Fraser's crackpot father who invents all sorts of uses for moss, and who lusts secretly after Heloise. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is his jealous wife. It's all very twitchy, repressed and stilted. In oth r words, perfect for family outings.

I'm going to have to delurk and express my "ROTFLOL" over this thread re: ODB's LA digs... Too funny! BTW the interview WAS at the Pasadena Ritz Carlton. It's not unusual to do interviews here, because they use the hotel often for press junkets (the other one is the 4 Seasons in Beverly Hills) I have several guesses as to where ODB may reside-- Venice: Borders SaMo, yet is less pretentious. The 'Hackney' of the Westside set. Juliana Marguiles from ER lives there, as well as other low-key celebs The Valley (Jana! You may be neighbors!): It's accessible to Malibu and Brentwood, which allows less commute time to see his son. Silverlake/Loz Feliz: It's still in LA proper, but I'd say that even though CF says he lives outside of LA, he may not know where the borders begin/end. Heck- I've been here 10 years, almost, and still have no clue! West Hollywood: because it's MY neighborhood and it would be such fun to have him live here!

KJ, you're not gonna believe this, but a couple of years ago, someone (Murph, I think it might have been you!) found a website for a hair salon in SM (I think) that listed its celeb customers, and CF was among them. RE: Brentwood--I've heard Meg had a house there while they also lived at the place in the wilderness.;-) ************ Mari, I DO remember it. I had forgotten. I did a search and found it. It was a couple of years ago. Good memory. At that Pasadena interview CF was dressed in shorts and sandals, as I recall, and Livia, who had been shopping, came by toward the end. Murph

Thanks to FOF Francoise, for this update--the RV website is now open. Go to: www.relative-values.com Looks like they've done a superb job with this site! New CF pic, plus quotes, and seems like there's more to come.

RV London premiere info is there as well.

Neat! So much for "they'll let me know ahead of time" and that software spy thing. Argh, should've put up the quotes as they didn't bother to hold up their end.

Thanks, Mari! From Relative Values. He does look like his brother here.

From the Standard: My Life So Far (12) Colin Firth, Rosemary Harris, Irene Jacob, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Dir: Hugh Hudson. UK. 2000. 99mins. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- by Alexander Walker Read Alexander Walker on the latest films every Thursday in the Evening Standard David Puttnam's last production (so far) has been awaiting a release for two years or more. Hard to see why. Directed by Hugh Hudson, it's a satisfying essay in boyhood nostalgia in the 1920s, Scottish to be precise, Sir Denis Forman's to individualise it further. Seen through the eyes of precocious young Denis, aka Fraser for the purpose of the semi-fictional period coat of varnish, it's a portrait of privilege that would delight the Scottish Tory party. The Scottish Arts Council has forked out �1 million of National Lottery cash to make up the �5.12 million budget: a high-risk sum to recoup, but better value than most of the Lottery's misspent millions south of the border. Pubescent Fraser (Robert Norman) grows up with a feckless but idolised dad (Colin Firth) who harvests sphagnum moss and invents dotty planes and automobiles; a loving Mumsy (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio); a rakish, cosmopolitan millionaire uncle (Malcolm McDowell) with a French wife (Ir�ne Jacob) half his age; and a bossy but gold-standard granny (Rosemary Harris). The lad's awakening coincides with his dad's infidelity, but no great harm is done save a scrap twixt uncle and dad on the carpet. Its charm would be suffocating were the acting not needle sharp and it's a treat for toffs and buffs alike to see kindly servants knowing their place, the gentry at dinner or ice curling, enough Fair Isle sweaters to make moths drunk, fly-casting taught to the beat of Beethoven's Fifth and sex safely and amusingly misinterpreted by the lad. Coming from an Irish Presbyterian family not unlike this, but considerably farther down the money ladder, I surrendered easily to the seductive picture of life as it once was (for some). Lord Puttnam's present patrons may be harder to persuade.

From the Financial Times today: In My Life so Far a perky international cast (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Irene Jacob, Tcheky Karyo, Rosemary Harris, Malcolm McDowell) adds needed lustre to Hugh Chariots of Fire Hudson's adaptation of Sir Denis Forman's boyhood memoir of life with eccentric dad (Colin Firth) in a Scottish castle. Thin but goodhearted. The jolly music will tell you are enjoying yourself whether you are or not. -Nigel Andrews

Terrific RV website Mari, thanks.V. impressive. Congratulations Murph, your Appreciation Page is featured prominently in the links. ....from the Online Store... Signed items related to Relative Values and its stars Makes one think Colin might sell autographed items....hmmmmm. Hey.... a dollar here...a dollar there.... Interactive Chat....Let's request that they get Colin into the Chat Room:-)) definitely, a Favorite bookmark.... The CD soundtrack sounds like a "go":-) So, who's going to the premiere?

Here's Barry Norman's review from Sky news: MY LIFE SO FAR My Life So Far is the last film produced by David - beg his pardon, Lord - Puttnam before he went off to do loftier things on behalf of the government's education programme. It was directed by Hugh Hudson, with whom Puttnam made the Oscar-winning Chariots Of Fire, and is based on the autobiography of Sir Denis Forman, director of the Royal Opera House. I mean, blimey, all the toffs connected with this film - you feel like tugging your forelock, don't you? What it all amounts to, however, is a nostalgic and gently entertaining tale of an unconventional childhood in the Scottish Highlands. The child, very well played by Robbie Norman - no relation of mine, incidentally - has an erratic father, Colin Firth, and a gorgeous mum, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. All of these are threatened in some way by a possibly wicked uncle, Malcolm McDowell, and his introduction into their midst of his enchanting French fiancee, Irene Jacob. It's all very anecdotal and episodic and doesn't really amount to much. But it's rather charming and, not surprisingly given the cast, very well played.

IMO All the reviews hve been excellent. This film has all the ingredients and reviews to succeed in the UK.I shall be v. disappointed if it doesn't attract a large audience.

I shall be v. disappointed if it doesn't attract a large audience. But it is only showing in a few cinemas. I haven't been able to check completely but it seems that it is only showing in London at the Curzon in Mayfair, ABC Hampstead and the Odeon Kensington. They obviously figure that a film about the upper classes will only be watched by them!

I think "excellent" might be stretching it a bit for these reviews. But not bad, if a bit dismissive and brief. Will be lots more to come (and hopefully more in-depth). Thanks for posting Peter, Moon. Definitely a Geoffrey Clifton look--maybe it's the tux.;-) And if this role is based somewhat on Coward himself, well, I suppose that answers the question on Peter's proclivities.;-) (Evelyn) Interactive Chat....Let's request that they get Colin into the Chat Room:-)) Hey, let's try! If it's sanctioned by the website/producers, he just might surprise us. Or not.;-)

There's also a little piece in the Evening Standard's 'hot tickets' in addition to the (one star = good) review, with pic of CF & MEM, in the main paper (thanks Mari you saved me a job!)which goes as follows: 'MY LIFE SO FAR (12) Colin Firth....... Based on the childhood memories of former TV magnate Sir Denis Forman and set in the Twenties, Hugh Hudson's movie views an eccentric and talented family through the eyes of Forman's ten year-old alter ego who discovers the joys of jazz and the lesser ones of his grandfathers cigars. The household is a bit tense over the appearance of his uncle's beautiful French fiancee, yearned for by the boy, but alsoby his papa. It's cosy and anecdotal, the Scottish equivalent of many a French or Italian rites of passage nostalgia comedy.' who's set her sights on this mysterious pilot who drops from the sky on to their lawn.

Whoops forget the bit about the pilot.....Dur!

it is only showing in London at the Curzon in Mayfair, ABC Hampstead and the Odeon Kensington. They obviously figure that a film about the upper classes will only be watched by them! I would not imagine the Trainspotting crowd rushing to see this. Those cinemas are exactly where this film should be playing, and I that goes for RV as well. Evelyn, I am happy to say it looks like the shirt fits! ;-) I am most meticulous about these matters. Colin in the Chat room!? A dream.

(Allison)it is only showing in London at the Curzon in Mayfair, ABC Hampstead and the Odeon Kensington. They obviously figure that a film about the upper classes will only be watched by them! (Moon)I would not imagine the Trainspotting crowd rushing to see this. Those cinemas are exactly where this film should be playing, and I that goes for RV as well. Ditto. Notice they kept it out of Leicester Sq. But the older crowd are the ones who keep screaming that" they don't make films like they used to"...well here it is, folks.

Trouble is in Mayfair, Hampstead and Kensington they go to live theatre...

I think "excellent" might be stretching it a bit for these reviews. But not bad, if a bit dismissive and brief. Will be lots more to come (and hopefully more in-depth). (Mari) In the UK context, I think these are very good reviews for a British film....I'm quite relieved to read them! Reviews are often extremely dismissive and are rarely very long...except for the big opener. For example, if you want to read a bad review...how about these snippets from the Times, about other films reviewed along with MLSF. "Snow Falling on Cedars"...."what doesn't move is the film itself. Puffed up with a sense of its own uimportance, it floats on hot blasts of artistic pretension..if you stuck a pin it it, it would burst." "Best" (Brit movie about famous footballer" "An arrant piece of mythmaking which backfires with all the grace of a bull passing wind. John Lynch's Best looks guilty of homicide." "Hanging up" (Diane Keaton et al) ...."Nora Ephron's latest slush fest should be injected into a reinforced block a nd dumped into one of those unfathomable Pacific trenches that eluded Jacques Cousteau" Ouch!! MLSF got off lightly by comparison. "Perfect for family outings" is high praise!! I think three theatres for MLSF is okay, especially as it's showing at the Curzon. I'm glad that Alexander Walker (Evening Standard) liked it...that review really matters. I think the Daily Mail will like it, the Telegraph and Express 50/50 and I'm not reading the Guardian, Independent or Times Metro (different reviewer from the Times!) BTW Irene Jacob is advertised on the front of Saturday's Times Metro...promoting MLSF? Londinium??!! (What's happening to Mike Binder's opus?) Great to see the RV website....I've got a good feelinng about RV. I think it could be a winner. And premiering in the Odeon Leicester Square is very good news indeed...that's where all the Bond movies etc premiere, the biggest single theatre in London, I think...2000 plus seats. This will be well promoted!!

Don't think RV will be in the Bond category...but I think it will be a cute movie. Julie Andrews,& Alec Baldwin will promote it.And try and stop Stephen Fry from being on every talk show. But the same target audience as MLSF....the folks who go to the theatre.

(Moon Dreams) ...I love hats and long white gloves. ;-) "Bella Luna". I always suspected you as being a woman of elegance. You're no doubt a person of style who can pull off that look no matter where you are. (LisaJH) Hi CherylB, nice to "meet" you, too. Aren't you the lucky soul who was involved with the production of Valmont? I thought I had read old posts of yours before I originally came on board in 1998. Guess we have been like ships in the night, eh? Alas no, that was not I. That would have been CherylE, and I know her only from old posts, as well. She was also more astute and articulate than I. Her spelling was better, too. Regarding my statement: I found the question as to whether CF and LG would have children rather rude. It is between the two of them, and really no one else's business...(LisaJH) I agreee the press should keep its nose out of the family info, but ODB could have said "pass" again. Maybe CF thought these comments were off the record. His candor surprised me. You do have a point. My comment came off more sharply than intended. Also, my reaction was colored by feelings I have toward what some friends of mine are going through. Basically as a fan I don't want to be too prying. I don't mean that to sound judgemental about any other fan's behavior. I pretty much think that everyone posting on this board is respectful toward Mr. Firth. I just feel it's such a personal issue. You are, however, right; CF did choose to answer the question.

I found the old article set in Santa Monica. Here is the beginning of it. Will run now and look at RV. - Murph ***************************** By BART MILLS (Sunday Mail, 11/10/96) The shambling figure with a week's growth of beard and ginger hair in wild ringlets weanng sandals and non-descnpt T-shirts and jeans attracts no glances on the busy street in sunny Santa Monica, two blocks from the Pacific The olive-skinned woman with him turns some heads though as she glides away to go window shopping, while the beach bum who is Colin Firth behind those dark glasses, sits down at a pavement cafe and explains why Los Angeles is his uncomfortable second home. Sub]ect: Firth Article in Sunday Mail 10th November 1996 MR DARCY WHERE HAVE YOV BEEN? BART MILLS The shambling figure with a week's growth of beard and ginger hair in wild ringlets wearing sandals and non-descript T-shirts and jeans attracts no glances on the busy street in sunny Santa Monica, two blocks from the Pacific. The olive-skinned woman with him turns some heads though as she glides away to go window-shopping. While the beach bum who is Colin Firth behind those dark glasses sits down at a pavement cafe and explains why Los Angeles is his uncomfortable second home. Firth has dealt with Darcy fever by being elsewhere, doing otherwise. As he always has when faced with success, after Pride and Prejudice he sought to muffle the fanfare that greeted his most romantic portrayal His escape route into new personae was via Columbia and Tunisia to play tragic obsessives in two doom laden dramas. Nostromo and The English Patient. And he flew, every chance he had to LA. He's here not to seek roles in Hollywood action movies but to spend time with his six-year-old son Will. Long range fatherhood, encouraged by the boy's mother actress Meg Tilly, who lives there now, is a measure of Firth's maturity: he's here "almost all of the time I'm not working", he says. His relationship with 26 year old Livia Guiggioli, the Italian beauty accompanying him in Santa Monica is a measure of his continued boyishness: he's with her in Rome "a lot." And when she is not studying for her doctorate in English literature at Rome University, she, in turn, is with Colin at his L150.000 flat in Hackney, ast London "a lot". Darcy fever never really hit home. By the time Pride and Prejudice was screened Firth was already well into filming The English Patient with Ralph Fiennes in Tunisia and completely oblivious of the nationwide fluttering of hearts in Britain. "I had to take my mother's word for it, that people liked it. When your mother tells you something like that you take it with a grain of salt. Anyway you can't walk around feeling thrilled indefinitely about even the biggest success," he says "Things get old. I've done four jobs since then. Let's be realistic. I dyed my hair and put on a costume. Darcy has been a sex symbol far nearly 200 years now without my help."

Please excuse the repeats in this Mills thing. I scanned it, and not too carfully either! Murph

(Bethan) "Best" (Brit movie about famous footballer) "An arrant piece of mythmaking which backfires with all the grace of a bull passing wind. ROTFLMAO! (Evelyn) Julie Andrews,& Alec Baldwin will promote it. It's not Alec, it's little brother Billy (though I suppose Alec could promote it if he wanted to).

(Bethan) For example, if you want to read a bad review...how about these snippets from the Times, about other films reviewed along with MLSF. "Snow Falling on Cedars" and "Hanging Up" But those were huge bombs, especially SFOC (had gorgeous cinematography though). I saw that with Scott Hicks and Ethan Hawke in attendance, taking Q&A afterward. You've never seen such a large audience struggling to say complimentary thing. It so obviously sucked. MLSF got off lightly by comparison. "Perfect for family outings" is high praise!! Yes, we so frequently forget the nature of your reviewers. :-(

"Bella Luna" thanks you Cheryl. I have always said it is better to be overdressed than underdressed. And I am particular about the fit of a man's shirt when he is suited up. I'll take the Geoffrey look anyday over sandals, a non-descript T-shirt and jeans. ;-)

Here's the BBC's review: My Life So Far Reviewed by Michael Thomson Director: Hugh Hudson Cast: Robbie Norman, Colin Firth, Rosemary Harris, Irene Jacob, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Malcolm McDowell, Tcheky Karyo Running-time: 96 mins Certificate: 12 Distributor: Buena Vista Release Date:12th May 2000 "My Life So Far" has the feel of a beginner's enterprise, not the work of established heavyweights Hugh Hudson (director) and David Puttnam (producer). Yet both chaps, once regarded as the very foundations - and saviours - of the British film industry ("Chariots of Fire" was theirs), haven't exactly been an overwhelming presence in recent years so perhaps they thought it best to creep back with a small, unpretentious project. This is, by the way, the first time they've worked together since Chariots. Like their famous film, "My Life So Far" has Puttnam's hallmarks of decency, morality and the independent spirit, and a love of a period long since gone. The film - set in the 20s - concerns a wee Scottish boy, Fraser (Robbie Norman), living a privileged, rural life, doted on by an eccentric inventor dad determined to make a go of moss-processing (Colin Firth) and his wise, patient mum (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio). The sensitive Fraser absorbs ideas and influences from all around him and so, after the arrival of his colourful, free-spirited uncle (Malcolm McDowell) and his gorgeous, exotic fiancee (Irene Jacob), he finally begins to grow up. After an embarrassing row involving his parents, Fraser realises that adulthood will be complex, less certain, but probably equally enjoyable. Despite the twin entertainments of a crisply judgemental Malcolm McDowell and an oddball Colin Firth, not to mention the cheerful curiosity of newcomer Robbie Norman, the picture is too lazy to exert much emotional pull, and the need for it to be reshaped is matched by a requirement for more fully-realised characters. A more surprising script would have also lent more weight. Still, "My Life So Far" is often jolly, amusing, charming and always good to look at. The Scottish Tourist Board will be somersaulting with delight. �

Still hoping for The Maid of Buttermere, here is Bragg news from the British Press Association: Melvyn Bragg wins prize for novel inspired by father Lord Bragg today won a �10,000 literary prize for a novel inspired by his father and said: "I wish he was here today." The broadcaster and writer took the W H Smith Literary Award 2000 for his acclaimed book The Soldier's Return. The novel tells the tale of a soldier who returns to Britain after the Second World War and his struggles to adjust to his experiences in a town which has changed little while he has been through traumatic experiences. Lord Bragg was presented with his prize by Arts Minister Alan Howarth at an award lunch in London. The shocked South Bank Show presenter said: "Well, this wasn't in the script. I'm very surprised, I was surprised to even be on the shortlist. "More than that I'm delighted. This book was triggered by the death of my father. Like millions in this country he spent six years of his young life abroad then came back to find a young child, in my case nearly seven, who had grown." Professor John Carey, chair of the judging panel, said: "This restrained but compelling novel is both an intimate social documentary and a moving human story." Murph

The novel tells the tale of a soldier who returns to Britain after the Second World War and his struggles to adjust to his experiences in a town which has changed little while he has been through traumatic experiences. Shades of AMITC....perfect for ODB.We'll take it:-)

I agree, Evelyn, and thanks for the RV plug. I am honored, and told them so. They should see Karen's great pages too, and add them. I love your 50's look, Karen. I found an old interview with CF by Rees, scanned it, and have it on my site. After reading it a few years ago, I even wrote an T.S. Eliot parody poem about it. Here is the article URL: http://www.geocities.com/firthfan/independ.html Murph

Long interview with David Puttnam as he "struggles to promote his last ever movie" http://www.independent.co.uk/enjoyment/Film/Interviews/puttnam120500.shtml Says this about the movie: With its rather charming mixture of old-fashioned narrative values and a slight water-wash of indefinable melancholy, it is classic Puttnam fare. It won't shake the world: no, it's far more likely to give it a jolly good hug. Haven't posted Anthony Quinn's review of the film yet

Here's a two-and-a-half star review from something called The Wolf (no relation to my relations I assure you) at inside out film (a UK film site): GROWING up with a herd of brothers and sisters in a vast pile on the west coast of Scotland sounds wild and exciting. Judging by the way director Hugh Hudson and scriptwriter Simon Donald have tackled the early life of Sir Denis Forman, you wouldn't know it. Despite brave efforts by Colin Firth as the unpredictable inventor father, Malcolm McDowell as Uncle Maurice, and Rosemary Harris as the matriarchal grandmother, no-one feels comfortable. It is supposed to be eight-year-old Fraser's story, but seems to be a boy's eye view of adult behavior. Robert Norman, as Fraser, does not act like a child who has spent his whole life in the country. The Edwardian household, choking with servants, both indoor and out, revolves around the eccentric behaviour of Dad, whether he is blowing up bits of moor for his moss factory, or having Fraser launch a model airplane from the roof. What is missing is kiddies' fun. There are about seven of them and they never do anything together that doesn't involve a parent. You would expect that behind the green baize door a whole world of mischief, games and devilish plots exists, like a parallel universe. But no. Even their kilts are clean and their knees unscuffed. Other details are misplaced. It is only in movies that posh folk go shooting with their 12-bores broken under their arms. Fraser is seen fishing in the loch and returns with his rod in two parts, which means he would have untied the cast from the line, taken the rod to pieces, pocketed the reel, just to walk a few hundred yards home. Also, there is a grouse plucking scene in the kitchen, in which the cook and two scullery maids are tearing at the birds as if they have lost their minds. The only sniff of drama is when Dad makes a pass at Uncle Maurice's "exotic child fianc�e", the 24-year-old Eloise (Irene Jacob - so far out of her depth she disappears). Nothing comes of it, except an absurd scene when Mumsy (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) gives him a tongue lashing a few months later in front of the children and assorted guests. One thing the upper classes are good at is not making a fuss in public. ~~~~~~~ Will go check if Wolf was so critical of, say, Gladiator? ;-)

Murph, they have seen my pages and asked where I got my material, especially the trailer. ~~~~~~ The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw: The early life of the arts grandee Sir Denis Forman furnishes the material for My Life So Far, an amiable piece of whimsy about a young boy's magical, enchanted boyhood in 30s Scotland, directed by Hugh Hudson and co-produced by David Puttnam in the mould of the pre-Cool Britannia British film: gently charming, with a sense of period. Colin Firth plays Edward, an eccentric inventor idolised by his 10-year-old son Fraser (Robert Norman). With the semi-comprehending eyes of a child, he witnesses the tensions that arise when his Uncle Morris (Malcolm McDowell) brings home his beautiful young fianc�e, Heloise (Ir�ne Jacob). I found the movie's darker moments did not carry much conviction and Firth seemed a little too impassive, and maybe just a little too young in the role of the exotic paterfamilias. But Hudson's direction carries the film's fey and ingenuous qualities well, and the locations by Loch Fyne in the Highlands are a delight.

Just glanced through the "reviews" in the other papers. Jonathon Ross in the Mirror likes it! But I was wrong about the Daily Mail... Chris Tookey doesn't like it (2stars) and says that CF is miscast...that he is boring,stiff and patronising instead of entertaining and fun. (I thought that Edward was supposed to be severely flawed?) Matthew Bond in The Telegraph is very dismissive... says that it has no plot and is suitable only for a ten year old boy, no mention of the cast. Pity about the Telegraph because it's the worst review (very unperceptive and brief) and their readership is the potential MLSF audience. But apart from the Mail and Telegraph, I think the reviews are okay. BTW "Wolf" will like "Gladiator"..... "Wolf" is the name of one of the hosts of the TV show "Gladiators!"

Daily Mail's Christopher Tookey - two stars. Director Hugh Hudson and producer David Puttnam haven't had a hit since COF, almost 20 years ago. MLSF won't change that. It's a nostalgic account of the hugely privileged, mostly enviable but remarkably uneventful early life of the former Granada TV chief Sir Denis Forman. Shown on Sunday night television, it might pass muster for its attractive Scottish scenery and good performance by Robert Norman as the young Sir Dennis, here renamed Fraser, and MES as his mother. But Colin Firth is stiff, uneasy nd miscast as Forman's father. He is intended to be a lovable eccentric with a roving eye. Instead, he comes across as a prejudiced, patronising bore. This film passes the time amiably enough, but it lacks the insights or universality which made an arthouse hit of its obvious model, My Life As A Dog. Small pic of CF as Edward.

details are misplaced This is a major problem in films today. My husband always sees them too. Still, those reviews posted above missed the point. And because they are the papers that the MLSF audience read, it is terrible luck. :-(

Review from the Independent: "Hugh Hudson's My Life So Far is one of those "magic of childhood" movies that tries to compensate for its shortage of drama by piling on the pictorial charm. Set during the 1920s, it concerns a 10year-old boy's getting of wisdom one summer on his family's beautiful estate in the Scottish Highlands, where his madcap father (CF) pioneers not-so-great inventions and becomes dizzily infatuated with another man's wife (IJ). A first-rate cast - MEM, KMcD and MMcD - provide a pleasant distraction as the film meanders through a minor crisis and then to a les-than-rousing conclusion. You won't be alone in wondering why the hell you bothered with it." ouch! I really think that on the whole MLSF was much better received in the US than here, and some reviews were very enthusiatic compared to the rather bland ones here, oh well.

At the BBC Online news, there's an item about Malcolm MacDowell and there are audio links (on left side), where he talks about MLSF: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/entertainment/newsid_743000/743880.stm

According to the popcorn site, MLSF is playing at 17 cinemas nationwide. One additional in London area (Richmond), but rest are in Scotland: ABC Hampstead Location: London North Dominion, Edinburgh Location: Edinburgh Mayfair Curzon Location: London West End Odeon Glasgow The Quay Multiplex Location: Glasgow Odeon Kensington Location: London West End Odeon Kilmarnock Location: Kilmarnock Odeon Studio Richmond Location: London South UCI Kinnaird Park, Edinburgh Location: Edinburgh UCI Olympia Centre, East Kilbride Location: East Kilbride UGC Cinema Edinburgh Location: Edinburgh

....MLSF is playing at 17 cinemas nationwide. That's v. encouraging.With the exception of the DM which is just plain mean, I think the reivews are better than expected. Some of the criticisms are on target: ...an absurd scene when Mumsy (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) gives him a tongue lashing a few months later in front of the children and assorted guests. One thing the upper classes are good at is not making a fuss in public. We all brought that up last summer. ~~~~~~~~ the film meanders through a minor crisis and then to a less-than-rousing conclusion. Waltzing in the rain would have been a better ending. ~~~~~ At least no one has brought up the fact of how old this film is. And MEM hasn't told us her newborn-then is now in kindergarten...sheech.

How does MLSF end in the UK release? In the US release it ends with the scene of Frasier swirling the milk in the brandy snifter and Edward's gorgeous face closing the door.

Browsing at the newstand...there's a mention of MLSF in this week's "Hello" (a pic of Cherie Blair at the premiere of "Colin Firth's new movie". And there's a good review of MLSF in the Financial Times (must be available online..?) All very positive comments. The FT is definitely the top person's newspaper (good penetration in Mayfair and Kensington!)!...and has the same circulation as the Telegraph. Also the Telegraph review is now online (sorry, have forgotten the link). It's not as bad as I thought, I suppose. Bad if you compare it with "Gladiator" which is "brilliant", but par for the course compared with the other reviews. "Director HH needed bucketfuls of charm to make this lightweight piece work. He failed to find them. Instead we have a nice setting, potentially interesting characters,but no plot at all....a rites of passage story of a young boy smitten with his new auntie and his grandfather's collection of pornography. May be enough for a ten year old but not the rest of us". Hmmm! But overall, MLSF has fared well...and it's had a good review from the FT and also the Daily Mirror's reviewer liked it (largest circulation tabloid!). Both ends of the spectrum.

Agree with Evelyn; aside from that ridiculous Wolf review (who gives a flying f*** if the fishing rod is in two pieces, I ask you), the reviews aren't bad. This isn't a perfect movie but all who frequent these hallowed halls of Drool should love it. ;-)

The reviews I'm most interested in are from the people here. If anyone catches it this weekend, please report in with your thoughts. I love this film and never get tired of hearing or talking about it.:-)

I am seeing it tomorrow Mari, will let you know what I think of it, can't wait.

(Donna)How does MLSF end in the UK release? In the US release it ends with the scene of Frasier swirling the milk in the brandy snifter and Edward's gorgeous face closing the door. I don't know what country you saw it in, Donna;-) In the US, when I saw it, Edward and Moira are waltzing in the rain in "nightclothes attire". In Australia, it was shown with Frasier going off to school and some remark from Edward about 'fellatio'...."I wouldn't do that at school..." I dunno...do you think they thought that would make it more appealing to the British? (Going off to boarding school, that is;-) ;-)

(Evelyn) In the US, when I saw it, Edward and Moira are waltzing in the rain in "nightclothes attire". Really? They didn't show the end bit in Dallas (and any of the other states to which you had to travel in order to see it)? I remember the ending as Donna described (it came after the rain waltz). Same on the video I saw in January.

Sorry..apologies all around. I thought the rain-bit came at the Very End. Yeah...we got the kid and the cigar too. Not going away to school though.

The Times Metro section has a short blurb by Kathleen Wyatt that doesn't even mention Colin's name: FRASER PETTIGREW (Robert Norman) is a ten year-old who leads an idyllic life in the Scottish Highlands. Into the tranquil scenario intrudes money-minded Uncle Morris (Malcolm McDowell), and other distractions such as his mother (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio). Never riveting, but a charming film nonetheless. Then there's a long interview with Irene Jacob; here's some of it: A few bits of Hollywood fluff clogged her enviable early CV. But My Life so Far offers Ir�ne Jacob a role worthy of her powers - and her sultry presence. Jerome Boyd Maunsell meets her in Paris Her latest film, My Life so Far, is something altogether different. It may boast an impressive cast, with Colin Firth, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and ex-droog Malcolm McDowell. But the overall feel of the movie doesn't lay claims to great sophistication. Seen through the eyes of Fraser (Robbie Norman), a precocious ten-year-old boy, My Life so Far is a light-hearted family portrait set on an estate in the Scottish Highlands. Fraser relates his childhood in this idyllic setting, a life dominated by the pranks of his eccentric father (Firth), until reality arrives in the form of his hard-headed millionaire uncle (McDowell) and his French fianc�e, Heloise (Jacob). It's not long, though, before the vivacious Heloise stirs up all kinds of trouble. Asked about her role in the film, Jacob's hazel-brown eyes widen mischievously: "It was fun for me to find this part, because I've played a lot of tormented roles in the past. It was very spontaneous, despite the costumes and being a period film. I think it was a very unpretentious story, about this boy growing up and discovering his sensuality. It's wonderful that the film talks about that - at ten or 11 boys are already full of desire. It's not something that wakes up at 18. Now when I see young boys like my nephews I can see it bursting out, like spring, they want to know, to love, already they are sensitive to beauty." Jacob initially met the director Hugh Hudson to discuss a part in his planned adaptation of Joseph Conrad's Nostromo. The project never transpired, and the director famed for Chariots of Fire ended up making My Life so Far instead. The troubles he encountered with the failed big-budget adaptation go some way to explaining this film's charm and slightness. "Hugh decided to do something simple, that he could relate to. He told us this film was an appetiser. It's not a big meal, just something which gives you a taste, enough to want more," says Jacob.

There's a colour photo of CF though, after the review, and a small B&W one of CF and IJ in the article on IJ. Metro reviews are capsule reviews - no space. But MLSF gets 3 stars, which is good, as Metro is definitely aimed at a younger audience. I like the interview with IJ..she's currently doing theatre in paris...she sounds very nice and unpretentious. Has a 3 year relationship with a mysterious Englishman "not an actor".

The troubles he encountered with the failed big-budget adaptation go some way to explaining this film's charm and slightness. Failed big-budget? Meaning what, exactly? There weren't decent script and film editors available for that sort of money? They should've asked me! *** Here's something to brighten your weekend everywhere across the world... A present from Allison and Three Deers. (Well, only One Deer in fact: that's because the other Deers are having time off at the moment.) http://www.geocities.com/threedeers/gmtv/imagesgmtv.html

A full page feature on Sir Denis Forman in this week's "Hampstead and Highgate Express" (the Ham and High, as it is known, takes itself very seriously as the weekly local newspaper, it is widely read locally). Sir Denis is a local resident apparently. It's a long article which I am afraid I cannot type in full but the interesting bits are: "My Life So Far could not have come from a better stable. Produced by David Puttnam, directed by Hugh Hudson of Chariots of Fire fame, it stars Colin Firth as Sir Denis's father, the Adam of the original title. For the Firth portrayal, Sir Denis has nothing but praise. "He is my father to a T - the way he walked, the way he talked. I did send them some old hime movies, which I assume he saw, but it really is almost uncanny. A wonderful performance." BTW MLSF is showing at a cinema in Hampstead, so this is good publicity for it. Also the Ham And High has wide readership locally and as the area is stuffed with movers and shakers, that is good for CF's reputation too.

To all moms and grandmoms and moms of feathered and four legged children too! UKer's, enjoy MLSF, and Maria, thanks for the pictures. Whatta smile the man has got. Murph P.S. I have the long legged look from The Times on my main page now, plus some quotes toward the bottom of the page.

Love the captures from the premiere, Arami and Allison. Colin looks awfully good when he cleans up and puts on suit. Thanks, ladies. Interesting quotes and high priase for CF from Sir Denis. Was thinking that he had dissociated himself from the project because this is the first we've heard from him. Also thought the same for Hugh Hudson because he was noticeably absent during last year's promotion...obviously he was busy making another masterpiece like I Dreamed of Africa. ;-)

(Arami) Failed big-budget? Meaning what, exactly? They're referring to Hudson's Nostromo which, thankfully, never got off the ground. Admittedly, a very awkwardly written paragraph.;-) I absolutely love the captures from the premiere! He doesn't look uncomfortable at all, at least from these stills. Was it something in his manner which made you feel otherwise? He is gorgeous, oh my, I'm drooling here . . .;-) He is just as handsome and appealing offscreen as on (if not more so). Looking at these candids, and remembering the wonderful ones taken by Elena at 3DOR . . .mmmmmmm . . . need a bucket.;-) Many thanks for these, Arami and Allison. Well done, ladies. Nice quotes from Denis Forman, too.

There is a long article in tomorrow's NY Times about the popularity of the new young Brit stars. Everyone is mentioned, including Daniel Craig, a favorite of mine, EXCEPT --- Clive Owen, Rufus Sewell, and, of course, CF, who is still unfairly ignored in this country. (There is an opening paragraph about the earlier bunches, including Ralph F and Kenny B.). I could post it tomorrow if anyone is interested. Murph Going to see Croupier today.

Sorry about the OTs. I should have posted at 127. (Still getting used to getting around this great place.) Murph

Thanks Allison and Arami for the premiere pics...he looks better than Regis in the matching (grey?) shirt and tie... ~~~~~ How do you get the Sunday NY Times on Sat., Murph? ~~~~~ Eager to get first-hand reports of MLSF from our UKers.

Thanks, Arami and Allison! I like his MD look, and am relieved that his hair is not parted in the middle. Happy to see that the shirt and jacket fit! Hooray! ;-) Happy Mother's to all the Firthettes.

(Karen) Colin looks awfully good when he cleans up and puts on suit. He doesn't have to bother for me...

Didn't say it was necessary. Just a statement of fact. ;-)

(Mari) He doesn't look uncomfortable at all, at least from these stills. Was it something in his manner which made you feel otherwise? Sort of. Hard to put a finger on it, really, but it's the way he just doesn't go for "Bbbbbhhhwah-ha-ha! Slap yer thigh!" sort of merriment. Reserved. Watchful. You have seen him in the Donmar and he was exactly the same there.

Review from The Scotsman on Sunday: Adapted from the 1990 autobiography of Sir Denis Forman and reuniting the Chariots Of Fire team of producer David Puttnam and director Hugh Hudson,My Life So Far (12) probably carries an unfair burden of expectations. It was filmed some three years ago and has become the subject of much speculation and delay, now emerging as a modest, unassuming portrait of a privileged Scottish childhood in the years between the two world wars. Beautiful scenery provides the visual allure and gentle nostalgia sets the tone as we follow the ebb and flow of family life on a vast country estate owned by young Fraser�s grandfather and run by his eccentric inventor father Edward (Colin Firth). Isolated from the concerns of the wider world, the estate is an adventure playground in which the curious lad gains a wide-ranging education in everything from fly-fishing to the temptations of the flesh and the hypocrisies of the adult mind. Family gatherings, exotic guests, the annual curling championship and other rituals provide snapshots of a lost age. What little drama the film possesses comes in the form of Irene Jacob�s Heloise, Fraser�s new aunt and an object of forbidden desire for his smitten father. Although there is potential here for a childhood memoir in the manner of My Life As A Dog or Hope And Glory, My Life So Far has too genteel and fragmentary a narrative to merit a mention in the same breath. Always pleasant, it lacks those extremes of light and dark that distinguish a great drama from a merely decent one. ~~~~~ Note: the only review to mention curling I think. ;-)

Well, and you are going to hate me for this but I have seen MLSF, and although it is charming, the photography wonderful, the acting very good, and many wonderful slow-mo moments, I have to agree with many of the reviews and the one above and also with Barry Norman who said that it didn't amount to much. In fact Aishling and I had inteded to see it twice before we came home, in case we had missed something the first time around , but really we felt that there was not need so saw it only the once. It was a very hot sunny day in London yesterday and there were only about 10 of us in the cinema. There were some very amusing moments and the small audience laughed in all the right places but not enough happened. I felt it would have suited television better than the big screen but then we wouldn't have had the full benefit of those wonderful close-ups of CF. Sorry but I just feel it needed something more. Also I don't think anything happened in the hay-loft, I am sure Heloise would have been much more upset f it had. I would still love to own the video, if only to fast-forward and to slow-mo. Sorry to sound so negative and I am sure that any CF fan here will love it, but also I think the only reason to go to this film would be if you are a CF fan.

BTW I though young Robert Norman was very good and I thought he played the scene at the dining table so well, he really couldn't understand why what he had said was so wrong "what, why what's wrong!" he says when his father tells himto go to his study.

Well, and you are going to hate me for this but I have seen MLSF, and although it is charming, the photography wonderful, the acting very good, and many wonderful slow-mo moments, I have to agree with many of the reviews and the one above and also with Barry Norman who said that it didn't amount to much. In fact Aishling and I had inteded to see it twice before we came home, in case we had missed something the first time around , but really we felt that there was not need so saw it only the once. It was a very hot sunny day in London yesterday and there were only about 10 of us in the cinema. There were some very amusing moments and the small audience laughed in all the right places but not enough happened. I felt it would have suited television better than the big screen but then we wouldn't have had the full benefit of those wonderful close-ups of CF. Sorry but I just feel it needed something more. Also I don't think anything happened in the hay-loft, I am sure Heloise would have been much more upset f it had. I would still love to own the video, if only to fast-forward and to slow-mo. Sorry to sound so negative and I am sure that any CF fan here will love it, but also I think the only reason to go to this film would be if you are a CF fan.

(Ann) Well, and you are going to hate me for this but I have seen MLSF No we're not! :-)

Ann, you know no one gets lambasted for their opinions here! ;-) If you and Aishling thought it was mediocre, that's fine. I will disagree that it was not better suited for television, at least not our television. To me, MLSF is representative of many period British films that look extraordinarily good, have wonderful acting, but don't have a lot going on. For me, they are "slice of life" portraits and very satisfying. Having Colin up on the screen for so much of the time is an even bigger plus.

That's right. Your review isn't negative at all and I agree with you that the film is a lightweight. It still has its charms (and we know who they belong to). I do think it's worth seeing a second time simply because it often takes a second viewing for me to catch everything and with our DB, you don't want to miss a thing. IMO it's better than SLOW though they're both choppily edited which makes you wonder what you're missing. Glad you saw it ladies and hope to hear more.

Ann) Well, and you are going to hate me for this but I have seen MLSF ... (Donna)No we're not! :-) Speak for yourselve.;-);-)(Only kidding, of course) Seriously, I think we spoiled it for you. First of all , the film is three years old.And you've had to hear us talk about it for a year now...so it's old hat. The film is such an improvement on the book, that frankly I was elated.The book was a yawner of the first order.IMO the film is a charmer...but agree that one would not wish to see it except for Colin....but truly, isn't that the reason one sees any of his starring films? The films on their own merit are never riveting.The TV ones are, however. You didn't think he looked gorgeous in those outfits...the navy blue dinner suit ? LOL ...You must think I'm an obsessed nut to have flown down to Dallas to see it...

AnnW - I'm deeply envious that you got to see MLSF. I'm just going to have to have yet another night out in London town to see it, as it is unlikely that it will reach me here in deepest Kent ;-( Allison many thanks and ditto all the comments about the GMTV pics. He does scrub up well doesn't he? But I have to agree with Arami - I rather go for the unkempt look a la Donmar (ah memories, memories!) It is v. encouraging to read so much about MLSF (good or bad) I was quite surprised at the sheer volume of the stuff given that it's not a huge film..but I suppose the Hudson/Puttnam connection and (no doubt) publicity machine didn't do any harm!

I'll see MLSF in about a month, when it wends its way up north. I don't mind if not much happens....I quite like a gentle pace! Just caught the end of the oh so boring BAFTA awards ceremony....Sue Birtwistle's "Wives and Daughters" had quite a few nominations. Michael Gambon got Best Actor, so SB has an excellent track record for her productions...JE was Best Actress for P&P. If CF does "Armadillo" (and I'm sure he will), maybe it will be three in a row! Although I don't think that BAFTA like CF....what was the unofficial reason quoted for his not winning for Darcy?..."that he just stood around and didn't do much". Very unfair really!!! But I'd like to see him get something...I still think it was a shame he didn't get an Olivier nomination!

Just caught the end of the oh so boring BAFTA awards ceremony. What???They ignored Jodi "Mouth-Ajar" May in TTOTS?. In fact....they ignored TTOTS,period? ;-) ~~~~~~ Michael Gambon got Best Actor Saw him recently in "The Insider"played a tobacco company executive...sporting an almost flawless Kentucky accent....barely southern.

I imagine that CF may be like MG (in status) in his later years: modest, shy and respected. what was the unofficial reason quoted for his not winning for Darcy?..."that he just stood around and didn't do much". That reminds me of what he once said in an interview: (I quote from memory) "I'd love to do cartwheels and dazzle, but I have no capacity for it..."

(Tracy)I rather go for the unkempt look a la Donmar Okay you can have that version, I'll take the suit, I thought he looked fabulooous.

(Tracy)I rather go for the unkempt look a la Donmar Okay you can have that version, I'll take the suit. I thought he looked fabulooous.

Sorry about the double post. I think fabulooous is just the right word.

I go along with Ann's comments of MLSF. It was charming but not enough to tempt me to watch it a second time 45 minutes later at the prices we have to pay. It was very comical in parts and we laughed along with the other eight people in the cinema. I also don't think anything much happened in the hay loft. I think Heloise would have had far more to say than "Don't you ever do that again". I did enjoy the film and would see it a second time in a couple of weeks if it was released locally. No chance of that.

Its sad so few attend in U.K. it did so well in Aust. Nine weeks in Perth. I saw it twice and second, third time round on DVD really came to appreciate it. Don't give up in the U.K. it grows on you.

I'll take the suit, I thought he looked fabulooous. I am with you, Allison. :-) I really enjoyed MLSF. It is a CF treat and that big smile of his at the end is worth the ticket price. I can not imagine preferring SLOW to MLSF.

Ditto the suit. I can not imagine preferring SLOW to MLSF. Who said that? Surely, not anybody I know...

Murph, that NYT article was about British actors who have taken Hollywood by storm. Although I also searched for mention of CF, I wasn't surprised at the omission. CF really hasn't taken H'wood by storm (yet?!). Though I don't think CF needs to clean up alot (as opposed to the likes of Tom 'won't you pleaasssee cut that skanky hair' Cruise), I agree with Karen and Allison, he does look fabulooous in a suit. I'm disappointed that you're disappointed in MLSF, Ann. It is a flawed film. Yet IMO it has more going on than Eyes Wide Shut (my eyes were wide shut during that yawner. And all that hype! ZZZZZZZ).

Thanks for the pics, Allison and Arami. His smile is always so good to see.

A few tidbits in the papers.. Sam Mendes is to direct a new play at the Donmar , opening end of September, a poignant story of World War 1, focusing on a group of soldiers on the eve of battle. Good vehicle for CF if he's free! The Telegraph lists as one of its events of the week the start for the shooting of BJD (they must have been just rehearsing last week?). "British cast - HG and CF - excellent". Also there's another news item on RZ, and all the Cannes reports give her raves for "Nurse Betty". There's a lot of pre-shoot buzz about BJD, which is good. The same applied to "Notting Hill"...everyone knew about it.

I imagine that CF may be like MG (in status) in his later years: modest, shy and respected. (Arami) It's a good comparison. One thing that struck me about Michael Gambon is that in the week that he wins Best Actor for a major TV drama, he is also starring in a film "The Last September" that opened to minimal attention in one theatre, and the couple of reviews I saw barely mentioned him. I think that for certain actors (over 40!)and types of acting and types of drama, television is often (not always) the better medium....I'm looking forward to seeing CF in another quality 5 hour adaptation (hopefully!). Also the "British" film industry is changing rapidly. The new Film Commission say that they will only support movies which cast actors who are global in their appeal and can put bums on seats. For example in a new gangster movie (spare me, please!) set in Liverpool (can hardly wait), Samuel H Jackson will co-star with Robert Carlyle. I can see why they are doing it...you gotta make money...but a certain type of film will die. However, if talent is diverted into good television, I don't see any problem.

Ann and Aishling, thanks for your reports. Sorry you didn't enjoy the film more, but we can't all like the same things. I'd still like to hear what you thought of the cast, which I thought was uniformly good. (Bethan) The new Film Commission say that they will only support movies which cast actors who are global in their appeal and can put bums on seats. Maybe (hopefully) they will use the profitable films to subsidize production of the more discriminating fare. That's pretty much what happens here, where Scream 3 helps pay the freight for a SIL, and Godzilla pays for The Winslow Boy. And face it, it is a global marketplace; I know most U.S. films don't turn a profit until they are distributed overseas. RE: shooting on BJD. It's nice they've had the luxury of a two-week rehearsal; seems like they're trying to do it right. Hughie is in the U.S. this week, as I see him listed for some of the talk shows, to promote his new Woody Allen film. (God forbid WA would ever condescend to sell his own films!) ***** Is anyone here watching the Jesus miniseries? It's on-topic, since John The Baptist is being played by none other than our pal Clive from DQ--David O'Hara. Didn't recognize him at first under all that facial hair, and he's lost the Glaswegian accent (as well as his head at the end of Part 1;-) The show is well done, BTW, and I very much like Jeremy Sisto, a newcomer who is playing the title role.

Eileen, MLSF is a million, billion, trillion times better than EWS!! and actually I didn't say I didn't like MLSF, I just felt it lacked something, I know not what. The cast were uniformly excellent as Mari says, and again I was very impressed by RH. The scenery was stunning and makes me what to book a holiday in the Highlands, what a lovely location. I just felt it didn't go anywhere or amount to much but it was charming, the acting excellent but some things just didn't ring true, for instance I can't really believe that Moira? would really have created such a fuss in fronrt of all the staff, she would have done it privately and I really think Heloise behaved really oddly with the boy and with Edward, throwing moss all over the boy, I don't think so. Anyway minor details, I did love it and will buy the video and add it to my collection.

(Mari) God forbid WA would ever condescend to sell his own films! Ah, fooled you this time. Woody just did a whirlwind, nationwide promotional tour for the film; he took the film to three college campuses: Stanford, U of Chicago and can't remember if it was NYU or Harvard. Of course, he just might be looking for someone to replace Soon-Yi. ;-)

(Ann)Anyway minor details, I did love it and will buy the video and add it to my collection. Whew....for a minute there I thought you didn't like it...and that you liked SLOW more.We all brought up those same details..and sadly so did the critics. Those coming -of-age films never have a real story...little vignettes in Fraser's life.But to see ODB in a starring role on a large screen is always an event....Moreover, one never knows when the next one will occur.

I can not imagine preferring SLOW to MLSF. Who said that? Surely, not anybody I know... Haven't seen MLSF yet, so can't make any comparison...but, although I'll be in a minority, I must confess to actually liking SLOW. And (to make matters worse!) I thought most of the dialogue was fine. I actually (and most unusually for me) watched the video with my DH. We lived in Nigeria for several years, and I thought he might enjoy it. And he did. Particularly the exchanges between the women,and some of the supporting performances (Nimi's mother), in addition to the main roles. Costumes and highlife music were a pleasant bonus. Call us odd! But there it is. :-)

The option called Chat (even though it is just a message board) is operational at the Relative Values site. People have posted to ask whether Julie Andrews will be at the premiere (duh!) and when it will open in the US, Canada and Australia. The webmaster answered, saying they would attempt to find out within the next couple of days. http://community.relative-values.net/community/scripts/directory.pl

A few news items From The Sunday Observer, an article about Irene Jacob:Her latest role in My Life So Far, starring Colin Firth and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, is definitely Jacob post-Kieslowski. In this amiable yet hardly substantive family drama set in the inter-war years, Jacob plays the elegant, spirited Gallic fiancee who sets pulses racing amid a mildly eccentric Scottish gentry family. 'I thought the character was very inspiring and liked the way she interacted very honestly with all the children,' she says. 'It reminded me of Au Revoir Les Enfants when I was the piano teacher and all the boys were inspired by me as the only woman in the place.'but then ends with:it's clear Jacob still hankers for those 'big, probing parts'. At 34 she is well respected, works around the world and is undoubtedly a directors' favourite. But she is unwilling to make the choices and calculations that would lead to greater fame. Post-Kieslowski, kudos counts, but having fun is important too. She likes to play with her image and confound audiences. 'If I choose a part, it's because I'm moved by it and I like the director. It's only for that reason now. I have to be curious about the part whether it's nice, not nice, mean, jealous, generous, aggressive. Who cares? If it moves me, I'll do it.'What in there explains Londinium? ;-) From The Scotsman on May 12: NORMAN'S CONQUEST BY GARETH MCLEAN Robert Norman doesn't want to talk about his new movie. It's not that he's a fickle film star, reluctant to speak to the press lest his personality overshadow his character's motivation. Rather he's a 14-year-old boy whose big-screen appearance in My Life So Far, which is released tomorrow, makes him ever-so-slightly embarrassed in that awkward, teenage kind of way. Not that it shows all that much. Sitting in his living-room discussing his co-stars - Colin Firth, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Malcolm McDowell - and the film-making process, Norman has composure and maturity beyond his years, yet isn't a bit precocious. "I knew the others were someone but I didn't recognise them, I didn't actually know who they were," he says. Last week's London premiere, it transpires, was one of Norman's favourite experiences so far. "The best bit was driving up in the Mercedes with the blacked-out windows and the guy opening the door to the red carpet and all the press being there. That was so cool." Norman's down to earth attitude is the result of an otherwise normal life full of exams, sport and a happy family life. His candour about the hype surrounding the surreal world of the movies is refreshing. "At the premiers, I met about 80 Lords. And Cherie Blair and her children. They were all bowing to me, which was a bit weird." Based on the autobiography of former Granada chairman Denis Forman, My Life So Far charts the lives of a family growing up on a post-World War One Highland estate. Firth and Mastrantonio play Edward and Moira, the unconventional parents of Norman's character, Fraser, and his older sister, Elspeth, played by Kelly MacDonald. Their pastoral idyll is thrown into disarray when suitors begin to approach Elspeth and Moira's brother Morris returns with his nubile wife, Heloise. Norman got the part after the casting director took an exhaustive look round schools in Edinburgh. Eventually, she turned up at George Watson's College. "It was through drama club that we heard about it. We had a chat and she asked me to go along and audition, which I did, and it resulted in me getting the part." Screen tests and meetings with the director Hugh Hudson, who also directed Chariots of Fire and Greystoke - Legend of Tarzan, followed and it wasn't long before Norman and his family were ensconced by Loch Fyne waiting for filming to start. Once filming began, getting into the spirit of things meant hard work and more than a bit of mischief. "There's a picnic scene we did - which isn't in the film now - of me on a raft and I kept accidentally-on-purpose falling into the water. I got in trouble for that because they only had a limited amount of kilts for me to wear," he guffaws. "And kilts take ages to dry. Maybe that's why they cut the scene." Yet appearing in a film is not an experience he would like to repeat. "It was great and the acting thing is glamorous, but I don't think I'd like to do it all the time." But now that the film is set to pass before the public eye, how does Norman feel about the inevitable interest? "My friends have all been really cool about it. I don't get teased at school or anything like that. In a couple of weeks, everyone will forget about it and things will get back to normal." However, Norman maintains his brush with fame hasn't changed him. "I think I'm a bit more confident. At the time, it didn't seem so special, though now I realise how lucky I was. Apart from that, I'm exactly the same." The best experience Norman has had as a result of filming My Life So Far was a sheer fluke which occurred the night after the London screening in the hotel's breakfast room. "We were sitting and there was one other family there, and there was this Australian girl who we thought was a supemodel because she was so nice. But then we realised it was Anne from Neighbours. That was really weird because she looks a bit ugly on the TV. That was the most exciting thing that happened. She is so pretty." So far, Robert Norman's life has been one less ordinary. You get the feeling whatever he does, he'll always be a bit of a star. And what would he say if he was approached to be in another film? "I'd say after school. Not now," he says firmly. ~~~~~~~~~` Finally, a short but cute item from The Herald (May 12): Ask a silly question ACTOR Colin Firth had been in Argyll filming My Life So Far, which goes on release today, when he was approached by a local who had a small part in the film asking for an autograph. Happy to do so, Colin took the proffered book, wrote the word 'To' then asked the local 'What name?' The puzzled Argyll man told him: 'Yours.' At the end of the four-month shoot in Scotland, the actors and crew got together for an impromptu talent show, with the child performers acting as judges. High Road stalwart Eileen McCallum, who plays the cook in the film, sang a searing jazz number about being a red hot momma. As she finished her turn, one of the 14-year-old boy judges turned to his mate and said: 'I don't know about you, but she still does it for me.'

Well it was a first for me....the first time I have been the only person in a cinema! It was however a blisteringly hot Monday afternoon and in a country like hours you don't spend a precious sunny day sitting in a cinema. My DH flatly refused to go with me to our local cinema on Sunday - that was also a beautiful day! So off I went to the Curzon all alone. I am with Ann W. There was something unsatisfactory about the whole thing. One of the problems was that it was meant to be seen through the eyes of Fraser but that wasn't carried through cinematically. The editing had obviously been severe and meant the whole thing was disjointed rather than episodic. It was so obviously twee. All those rosy cheeked servants sitting around going ee and arghh or whatever the Scottish equivalent is. But ODB was to die for as usual. Loved the clothes.

(Bethan)The new Film Commission say that they will only support movies which cast actors who are global in their appeal and can put bums on seats. I can see why they are doing it...you gotta make money... I should think that movies that can make money by themselves would not need the Film Commission's support... (Ann)Anyway minor details, I did love it and will buy the video and add it to my collection. Will you let me know when you do (and SLOW too), please, Ann? ;-)I liked SLOW too, Bethan :-)

Gi) I should think that movies that can make money by themselves would not need the Film Commission's support... Quite ;-)

I have been thinking about MLSF and another thing that just didn't ring true was when Heloise told Fraser not to listen to his father, surely not, not in that day and age and I could quite understand Edward being annoyed at that. Gi, I will certainly let you know when I get the video.

I should think that movies that can make money by themselves would not need the Film Commission's support... Well, it's their tax money..and they obviously don't care. I'm just a wee-bit disappointed in the UKers so far missing the charm of MLSF. Maybe, I'm odd;-)

I really thought it was charming Evelyn, but to be honest I like something with a beginning, a middle and an ending and actually I think I could have sat through Sunshine again rather than MLSF, it's just that I had seen everything the first time around because that's all it took, whereas something like Sunshine, and I don't mean because it was 3hours long, had much more to it and it was possible that one could have missed something the first trime around, I just didn't feel this with MLSF. Sorry. It was more like a pictorial diary, not really a story with a plot. Hope that makes sense.

I also think that perhaps for us in the UK we have been brought up on a diet of stories which take place in big houses with eccentric people and quaint servants. It really didn't have any extra dimension for me...sorry...again. On another note I managed a very quick peek at OK magazine on the stands. They seem to be putting stars into various categories with big glossy pictures. Colin came in the category of those who are still wowing them in spite of getting older. There is then a small picture of him in a goatee looking quite lined and tired so that it completely belied what they were saying. Grhhh.

Wasn't Saura supposedly going to be the director for Maid Of Buttermere? Looks like it may not happen any time soon. This is from AICN: - Carlos Saura will direct a biography of Luis Bunuel; BUNUEL AND THE KING'S SALOMON TABLE will look at some episodes in the life of the surrealist film-maker. And Gran Wyoming , comic star from Spain has been contacted to play Bunuel young while Francesco Rabal will play him older. Catherine Deneuve, who was in different movie from Don Luis (BELLE DE JOUR, TRISTANA) might also take part in this film that will be shot in Tol�de and Aragon from next October.

small picture of him in a goatee looking quite lined and tired Did it look like one of the pics from Londinium?

Did it look like one of the pics from Londinium? Certainly nothing I had seen before. It did not look as if he was in character. It could have been during the SIL filming or perhaps Londinium. Do you think he grew his own whiskers for SIL? I would have bought the magazine but it was such an awful photograph that I didn't bother.

(Allison), I also think that perhaps for us in the UK we have been brought up on a diet of stories which take place in big houses with eccentric people and quaint servants. I subscribed to BBC/Amarica thinking this is what I was gping to get, instead they show all those riff-raff shows that are so popular in the UK. (Ann), It was more like a pictorial diary, not really a story with a plot. Do biographies really have a plot? It seems to me it accomplished its purpose quite well.

Typing quickly, excuse spelling.

(Moon) I subscribed to BBC/Amarica thinking this is what I was gping to get, instead they show all those riff-raff shows that are so popular in the UK. Oh dear, I've been bemoaning the fact that I can't get the channel. I'm not missing anything? Were you able to watch something like the Baftas?

Do biographies really have a plot? If they don't, they should be given one when they are adapted fot the screen, as it makes things more interesting. If there's no plot, there's obviously nothing to tell - so why bother? In any case, MLSF seems to be just an episode from Forman's childhood and not a whole life - therefore not a biography. It's a sketchy story, a misty recollection of a few incidents: mildly amusing in places, but not very exciting. Perhaps it looked better on paper?

If there's no plot, there's obviously nothing to tell - so why bother? There is a very long list of films in the history of Cinema that have no plot and are highly acclaimed. Resnais, Bunuel and most recently, Time Code. MLSF is much more terra/terra than those films and it worked for me. MLSF seems to be just an episode from Forman's childhood and not a whole life - therefore not a biography. True. It is a short story, a small part of his life. I am not sure how far the book it is based on gets to because I have not read it. (Donna), Were you able to watch something like the Baftas? No BAFTAS. You are not missing anything. I have e-mailed them several times requesting better types of programs which to me would be the ones that Allison had mentioned above, but to no avail.

films in the history of Cinema that have no plot and are highly acclaimed. Resnais, Bunuel But these films have a strong imagery content. The difference, in crude and simple terms, can be compared to the difference between traditional, "realistic" paintings and, say, impressionism. You may think there's no plot in the traditional sense, but in fact there is something going on. There must be. It all boils down to the quality of the contents and the ultimate impact.

...mildly amusing in places, but not very exciting. No one ever said it was exciting...or even mean't to be. But there was a lot of family warmth, bonding,and as Harvey said..."forgiveness"...it's an old-fashioned film that people keep saying they want to see. Perhaps it looked better on paper? If you mean the book...it was dreadfully boring. Thank God they were not faithful to it.Yes...there are lots of holes in this film...it isn't perfect.Perhaps due to editing or directing. But it's a film he can be proud of ....And as I've said many times, he can't afford to have another film tank. Wait til you see it,Arami...or have you?

Hi, I'm new around here. Just noticed all the discussion about My Life So Far. I guess it's been messed around with a lot. I saw it last year, so I was surprised to learn there is a new big release date. I don't know what the latest version is like, but I have to be honest about the one that I saw. I was disappointed. It almost worked for me, and yet somehow didn't quite. Like others, I'm not sure I can put my finger on the reasons. I'm not bothered by lack of plot. I've loved many movies that were not dependent on plot. I plead 'muddled'--- the film, not me. I'm merely confused. But that's another story. . . I would say it was a film that couldn't decide about itself. In the version I saw, there was an element of darkness to the partially onstage/partially offstage encounter between the Colin Firth and Irene Jacob characters that didn't fit with an otherwise fond nostalgic tale from the point of view of the guy's son. I didn't think the implied rape was intentional, nor did I believe that that's what happened. But, my partner really thought it did. And I do believe there was enough ambiguity around the incident to support his interpretation. So, either the movie was muddled, or I was experiencing a weird flashback to the 1920s --- underlying attitudes embedded in the film's ideology, as much as the story setting! But that would be too creepy, so I'll settle for muddled. You know, I believe the version I saw would have been better if they'd dropped the pretence of a child's point-of-view altogether, and allowed the adults to play it as an emotionally and morally ambiguous piece. (Although I think they'd still need to make it clear that no rape occured.) With so many talented actors, what a shame to restrict the performances through an unfocused camera eye. How does the newest version compare to what I've described here? I'm curious, how does the film's 'coveting thy brother's wife' theme compare to the book?

Welcome Elizabeth. Glad you joined in. Many of us saw MLSF last year as well, when it played here in the US. We discussed it on another topic (#121, which was setup just for spoiler discussions of MLSF). Also just FYI, there's nothing in the book about the father (Adam) lusting after any other woman; he has a very healthy relationship with his wife. So this is totally fabricated. Perhaps having read the book (*yawn*), I really appreciated the movie more. ;-) I too wasn't bothered by lack of plot. I thought it was charming and enjoyable. When I compare MLSF to other costume pieces I've seen recently, it comes out on top. Take Tea with Mussolini. Could you put together a bunch of more stereotypical people in a situation we've seen umpteen times before. Egad!! Worthless. MLSF wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, had lots of holes due to many factors, but the performances were wonderful and I guess we don't see many kilts as you do. ;-)

Welcome, Elizabeth! What you described is what the rest of us have seen. Are you in the U.S.? Anyway, I'm a big fan of this film. Just looking over some of the comments here, I have to add that I'm not a particulaly big fan of costume drama or period pieces. I like a lot of those "dark underbelly of life" films (maybe I should get BBC America, eh, Moon?;-) But MLSF totally drew me in, and not merely on charm. I was drawn to the parallel themes of Fraser growing up and losing his childlike innocence and the Pettigrews' world as they knew it coming to an end, in effect losing their innocence as well. Shots such as Edward's kite not getting off the ground juxtaposed with the Emporer Of The Sky's soaring plane, drove home the inevitable intrusion of the outside world, later evidenced further by Heloise's arrival. Just as Fraser would struggle in his march toward adulthood, the Pettigrews would struggle to leave their safe, insular emotional place but hopefully fashion more realistic adult relationships. The film is definitely not plot driven, but the anecdotes did a good job in revealing the characters. For example, I think of the scene where Fraser sees his mother gazing wistfully into the mirror, whispering in French and comparing herself to Heloise. She made my heart want to break. Well, enough outta me for now:-) To each her own.

Thanks for the welcomes. Help. How do I log off? I can't find it anywhere!

You don't need to log off. When you close down your browser, you are off.

Thanks! I could have sworn that initiation rite included a logging-off ritual! It's an entirely different experience than merely reading responses. So many more buttons, and topics I've never seen before. . .I appreciated hearing about the book. It's surprising that they completely fabricated the father's obsession for his brother's wife. But you've probably discussed and reconciled this point long ago. Now that you mention it, I remember liking the parallel theme of innocence to experience. I'm north of the US Mari! And west of Scotland, although there are lots of kilts. :)

Oh boy, I can see Evelyn shaking her head at this one. BTW, Overseas owns Relative Values. Certainly explains why it wants someone else to purchase the rights to distribute in the US (needs cash): Overseas crosses into negative A decrease in the sale of film and video materials pushed Overseas Film Group into the red Tuesday, as the indie film distributor posted a first-quarter net loss of about $104,000. The loss compares with a profit of $100,400 in first-quarter 1999. Revenue dropped to $6 million from $6.7 million a year earlier. The Los Angeles-based company, distributor of such films as "Titus," "A Map of the World" and "Waking Ned Devine," said the declines were partially offset by improved direct-to-video sales and an increase in service-fee revenue related to First Look Pictures theatrical releases.

I liked Tea w/ Mussolini

(Laura)I liked Tea w/ Mussolini That's because you have yet to see MLSF ;-)

(Karen)I can see Evelyn shaking her head at this one. BTW, Overseas owns Relative Values. Certainly explains why it wants someone else to purchase the rights to distribute in the US (needs cash): Wrong!Evelyn is on her knees (again) praying RV doesn't end up on a bank shelf. Maybe I should alert Imperial Bank that "Overseas Film Group" is coming... "Make room on the shelf"...they already have SLOW;-) But, hey,...I'm saving the hair- shirt for "Londinium."

But, hey,...I'm saving the hair- shirt for "Londinium." LOL! But that reminded me. All this talk by Jasper about Colin not filming in July and August is so much tosh. He filmed Londinium in London in August didn't he? But then it was probably too good a project to pass up;-)

(Allison) He filmed Londinium in London in August didn't he? *tapping the ol' memory bank* I think he filmed Londinium and Blackadder in June-July and RV in August, on the Isle of Man. All this talk by Jasper about Colin not filming in July and August is so much tosh. Makes you wonder about the rest of the article's content, doesn't it? Not that things are untrue, but perhaps not *always* true. Agree with Moon about BBC America. I have it and never watch it. Nick at Nite is better ;-D As regards the 'plot vs. plotless' MLSF discussion--I may not be the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but *I* thought there was a plot. I've seen better films and I've seen far worse. I am truly surprised at the overall disappointment expressed by those who have just seen it. It sounds like those of us who saw it last year liked it better (I liked it the first time I saw it but liked it much more on second viewing). Oh, well, each to his own. Welcome, EAG (from EHG)!

(Elizabeth) I'm north of the US Mari! And west of Scotland, although there are lots of kilts. :) Hmmm . . .unfurling ye olde atlas here . . . found you! Greenland, right?;-) (Evelyn) Maybe I should alert Imperial Bank that "Overseas Film Group" is coming... LOL! Oh, too funny, Evelyn. Sad, but funny.;-) I'll bet those sharpie distributors at the Cannes market will now try to get RV for, like, a buck ninety eight.;-) In real estate parlance, Overseas Film Group would be known as a "motivated seller." MARSHWOOD HOUSE--Mrs. Clean lives here! *Bring your toothbrush* Not sure about the Londinium filming, Allison. I thought he had pretty much wrapped that up by the end of June/early July, but I could be mistaken. Does anyone recall? I'd love to hear that there's more flexibility in his work schedule.:-) (Karen) Take Tea with Mussolini. Could you put together a bunch of more stereotypical people in a situation we've seen umpteen times before. Egad!! Worthless. I thought it was even worse than worthless. Bunch of clueless, self-absorbed, incredibly naive ex-pats fiddling while Rome (and much of the rest of Europe) burned. Ugh.

Actually Mari, true confessions. I live in Canada. Lots of kilts. Lots of celtic music, that certain something found in the French sensibility . . . shame about our politicians. I liked Tea with Mussolini, although I agree that the 'English Abroad'or 'English Broads Abroad'theme wears a little thin after awhile. Maybe that's what really drove the fascist movement in Italy --- just kidding. Although the movie does reflect the historical. What I like about this film was Cher.

the 'English Abroad'or 'English Broads Abroad'theme wears a little thin after awhile. Maybe that's what really drove the fascist movement in Italy LOL! Welcome/Bienvenue EAG! While on the subject of the English in Italy, I saw "Up at the Villa" and liked it. Better than "End of the Affair." I believe Londinium was filmed in June. In any case, Colin was in LA quite often last year because of SIL and probably saw a lot of Will, so he can be forgiven for filming RV in August.

Two more photos of Colin published recently: http://www.geocities.com/threedeers/Archives/tatok.html

Thanks Arami. In the first one he looks like the guy in "What me worry?" Second one is yummmmy.

Thanks Arami. I use to say that I wasn't fond of goatie beards, but I've just changed my mind :-)

You know, with the beard, Colin Firth kinda looks like a friend of mine --- although my friend is older. As explained on BJD board, I go by Liz. I'm not an idiot normally, but I lost track of which name I was entering for which purpose, and then was too tired to change what I ended up with yesterday. I hope this doesn't cause confusion if there are other Lizs, but it's too weird to keep staring at my initials.

Do we have any other Liz's? I don't think so. Thanks for the pictures. Am trying to decide if that second one was probably taken last summer when he did Londinium and that the facial hair was his, instead of paste-on:

(LizG) I hope this doesn't cause confusion if there are other Lizs No. You are very welcome under your own name :-)

(KarenR)Do we have any other Liz's? I don't think so. They have other aliases, I think. You are probably right, Karen, about the facial hair.

According to a fan who was there, the second picture was taken outside the Jongleurs in Battersea (South London) where Colin took part in a charity evening last year. The facial hair is definitely his. I have the picture too, thanks to a Firth/Rufus S. fan. I cleaned it up a bit.

oops again...

From The Telegraph's article on Julie Andrews...nice to see Colin's name first in the list of co-stars, although we know that's not how it will be billed: This is rather a different look from the glossy one she reveals in her new film, Relative Values, based on the No�l Coward play. "Being a woman and being my age now, these kind of parts don't come rushing past my nose every second. It was marvellous," she says. Starring alongside Colin Firth, Stephen Fry and Alec Baldwin, Andrews is cast strictly to type as the Countess of Marshwood; crying "Oh, bother!" and billowing around a country house in a selection of big frocks. "Oh, my! How flattered can a lady get," she says at this, her fastidious English enunciation - how fleh-ta-d! - making her sound as if her throat is hosed down with rose water before each sentence. "Being glamorous is a huge effort. It takes at least two hours to get really glammed up for a movie, it is not an easy thing for me to do. But, sometimes," she says, slapping her thigh appreciatively, "it's just great to think that the old bod can still get it together."

oops, wrong box!

Update on Overseas Filmgroup: Its situation has not yet advanced to that experienced by HandMade. According to business reports, OFG has received an infusion of capital (and new majority ownership) from an investment group (Rosemary Street Productions) and has commitments for new credit lines from Chase. Still doesn't mean they will release Relative Values here. Would still prefer someone to buy it off of them, rather than sinking more money into it.

(CherylB) Alas no, that was not I. That would have been CherylE, and I know her only from old posts, as well. She was also more astute and articulate than I. Her spelling was better, too. Sorry about the mix-up. Don�t sell yourself short, CherylB. Nice to �meet� you, too. Have read the thread on MLSF with great interest. I really loved the film, and could easily overlook its imperfections. I enjoyed the leisurely, slice-of life feel of the MLSF, as well as the engaging quirkiness of some of the characters. Really liked the father-son �woof-woofing� for some reason. Would I have enjoyed the movie as much if ODB had not played the lead? Perhaps not, although the rest of the cast was strong. Loved seeing that big CF smile and ODB nicely suited-up. Am v. depressed about the potential US distribution problems for RV. Surely we have not turned into such a nation of philistines that would not appreciate a bit of NC?

(Karen)Update on Overseas Filmgroup: Its situation has not yet advanced to that experienced by HandMade. According to business reports, OFG has received an infusion of capital (and new majority ownership) from an investment group (Rosemary Street Productions) and has commitments for new credit lines from Chase. *getting off my knees*... "Well, that worked....so far so good...";-) But I would rather have Imperial Bank, I have contacts there;-) Anybody know Rosemary St. Productions?

Whoof!! All this trouble over the UK's collective reaction to MLSF! It just shows to go you that it's all in the eye of the beholder. To those closest to the project (psychologically or professionally), it seemed a very enjoyable experience. What Sir Denis, the guy whose story was being told, had to say reflected his evident satisfaction, at least with some aspects of the final result: (Sir Denis Forman on ODB's Edward:) For the Firth portrayal, Sir Denis has nothing but praise. "He is my father to a T - the way he walked, the way he talked. I did send them some old home movies, which I assume he saw, but it really is almost uncanny. A wonderful performance." He saw his father in it and also had nothing to say to the bends made in the tale to satisfy those who felt it necessary to invent some intense conflict source in order to spice up the story a bit. But even this amount of spice didn't seem to satisfy some plot afficionados ... ( Ann) Well, and you are going to hate me for this but I have seen MLSF ... (Donna)No we're not! :-) (Evelyn) Speak for yourselves.;-);-)(Only kidding, of course) ...Seriously, I think we spoiled it for you. First of all , the film is three years old. And you've had to hear us talk about it for a year now...so it's old hat. I think Evelyn has something here, but in more ways than one. Not only were you introduced to every little detail ahead of time (not only pre-revealed, but handily pre-explained [Viola! Instant Opinion...]), but as someone pointed out, you've had a plethora of films about big houses, kilts, quirky servants, and eccentric characters, etc. (I want to make an announcement at this point: The following is pure theorizing on my part and may be taken with a grain of salt for those inclined...) Just as a computer cache, having already accessed a site cannot, by itself, detect any change in it (It is sort of set to that first glance, i.e.: "I've already seen this page so I won't bother to look again because I already know what's there.."), I think some of the UK people are suffering from the same cache-like pre-set ... they feel they already seen this before, and needn't bother to look for anything especial, because they've already seen what's there -- the "Been There, Done That" - syndrome, I uess. Maybe they need to go back, hit their internal "Reload" button, and try to look at things through fresh eyes. ;-) (AnnW) ..actually I didn't say I didn't like MLSF, I just felt it lacked something, I know not what. When I saw it upon it's release, I came away with a reaction similar to Ann's too. I was touched and charmed, but felt a frustration at missing something ... Part of it was an awareness that a lot of the subtle details had gone right over my head because I hadn't understood the some of the dialogue at first, or caught some of the quick cuts, or the details within them. I knew I needed more watch time just to understand what was there. But to add to that feeling of missing things because they were slipping by me, was a deeper frustration: (Allison) I am with Ann W. There was something unsatisfactory about the whole thing. \...\ The editing had obviously been severe and meant the whole thing was disjointed rather than episodic. We already knew t at the movie had lost nearly 30 minutes of the original footage due to really brutal editing to make the thing "move better". It showed. ...And I felt cheated. (Irene Jacob): "Hugh [Hudson] decided to do something simple, that he could relate to. He told us this film was an appetiser. It's not a big meal, just something which gives you a taste, enough to want more." That is it in a nutshell, for me. The trouble was IMO that we DID like it, were charmed by it, moved enough to be truly interested in these characters and what might happen to them in their various and several situations ...moved enough to want more. But no more was to be forthcoming. And I truly resented it. I didn't want it to be an appetiser -- I wanted at the least a brunch. Instead, I am only allowed to pick over the intriguing details of the story still remaining, but I can never know the answers to a lot of my questions. Consciously or unconsciously, I believe the audience and the critics all came away feeling more or less cheated. It all depended on their ability and willingness to forgive what was taken away, (Mari, LisaJH and I can forgive a lot "apparently";-D) and their level of appreciation of what was left, that determined their final judgment of it . That and pressing the "Reload" button. **Heehee**)   8-D   KJ

Hello Liz (EAGrace). You have impressed me in two comments you've posted. (Actually, the post in question is on the Odds and Ends board.) They are: 1. You can't spell very well and wish this board had spellcheck. Me too. 2. You really enjoyed "The Advocate/Hour of the Pig". That's one of my all time CF favorites. Another is "Apartment Zero", one of his best films, I think. I'm also developing a great appreciation for "Donovan Quick", a really good showcase for him as an actor. It is nice to meet you, virtually speaking.

From Pandora's column/chest in The Independent on May 15: Absolutely anybody who is anybody is, apparently, off for a haircut in thecoming few days. Top people's coiffure (one is not allowed to say crimper), John Barrett, is making his annual pilgrimage from New York to London to shear the great and good ladies who lunch, and all for a good cause. Informed folk will know that Irish Johnney is such a whiz with the scissors that devotees will especially fly to his salon, overlooking Central Park, for the once over, deserting the much dischuffed Nicky Clarke. But for the next week, for a mere pounds 500, they can avoid the trip and have it done here. A special party tonight to mark his state visit is only the prelude to a stint of manic activity, which will raise funds for Rapt, the charity devoted to rehabilitating those in the stir who have problems with drink and drugs. Organised by Emma Soames and Amanda de Cadenet, the Knightsbridge bash will be attended by Alan Rickman, Colin Firth, Joley Richardson and, to continue the theatrical theme, former left-wing firebrand Vanessa Redgrave. It seems that getting involved in celebrity snipping turf wars is all that is left to a girl once the end of the Cold War has rather done away with her causes celebres.

From my morning newspaper column reviewing videos: VIEWERS CAN 'COME OF AGE'WATCHING "MY LIFE SO FAR" In today's weird, twisted world, a "coming of age" film has come to describe movies that include a teen's weird use of an apple pie. [For those who don't know..the teen in the movie shags an apple pie..] This genre actually includes some less raunchy , quality flicks that include last year's "My Life So Far". {Reviewer gives synopsis of story]. "My Life So Far" has some hilarious moments and is beautifully filmed in Argyll, Scotland. I strongly recommend it for parents with children 12 and older. ~~~~~ My bold,BTW. But it looks like this film has found a new target audience...a film for a family to watch together... and possibly could become a classic in that genre.

Hi Cheryl B, thanks to you and everyone else for the welcome. In addition to spelling, I'm also terrible at remembering names of people and things --- I call it noun burnout. Apartment Zero is an old favourite of mine --- saw it back in the days when I'd say "hey wasn't that the actor who was in ---? He looks so different in this other film". I'm always impressed with actors who are chameleons. Favorite CF scenes in Apartment Zero: when CF character (you see, I've forgotten his name) is kneeling, hugging his mother. Really creepy, yet not Norman Batesish quite. The use of his hands really made it chilling somehow. And I love the final scene. Goulishly humourous. CF looks like he's really enjoying himself, relishing the madness. Scenes like that must be the most fun to do. I liked the tone of this film, and think its one of the more intelligently done thrillers. Had me on the edge of my seat without insulting my intellect (my complaint about Fatal Attraction, for example).

Liz, do save these comments for ou AZ film disc. which is slated for this autumn. I hope you join us. It is also one of my favourites. :-)

Uh oh... can only find MLSF playing at 3 theatres: Mayfair Curzon and two in Scotland (Edinburgh's Dominion and the Perth Playhouse) From 17 to 3?

Oh, I am glad it is still playing at the Curzon, because I meant to say that there were some MLSF posters on sale there. At least its still playing somewhere!

MLSF is just showing at 4.00pm and 6.30pm at the Curzon, no evening showing (not suitable for grown-ups?) It seems to have disappeared completely from London after one week. Am very, very disappointed by this. Infact, I don't want to express my thoughts. Too depressing. The reviews were okay, more than okay....oh, well. I'll see it in a couple of weeks and am looking forward to it. I'm not sure whether any other provincial cinemas in the UK will be showing it...maybe just Bradford because of the Film Festival? Strangely enough, I don't think box office success/failure matters particularly for a British actor or for CF. They can always move between live theatre,TV and film. Reasonably good critical reviews are a must. Excepting comedies, most British films "flop" at the box office, and it doesn't matter who's in them. For example Ewan McGregor's latest film "Nora", based on the life of James Joyce is showing in just one cinema in London.(it's not Star Wars!) But fortunately, CF is doing "Bridget Jones", which is guaranteed to be a nationwide hit. And "Armadillo"(must be!) which I think is perfect...exactly the right blend of contemporary drama/humour. And should be very successful. And DQ will also be a success...have no doubts about this. You win some, lose some. I don't know what will happen to "Relative Values" in the UK. Probably the same reception as MLSF, polite reviews, no-one goes to see it, will do well in video rentals (this is a most important market in the UK) and very well on TV if shown!! Thus ends my thought for the day!

But it is so sad. As I said before it was on for 9 weeks in Perth, Australia (which is considered Philistine) and indeed was showing for some time longer in Adelaide - each major city showed it and was showing in major cinema chains in some cities. The audiences were good - when I went two times the cinema was more than half full. Once in an evening and once midday on a Sunday. Good films are not favoured! What have the Brits come too. But as you say video rentals and sales will do well. People stay at home I suppose because it is not always safe to go out. But the theatres seem to attract an audience - strange isn't it.

Meant to ask, Ann, what poster were they using for MLSF (there were several versions)? Thanks, Anne, for the above. Cheered me up!

(Anne) The audiences were good - when I went two times the cinema was more than half full. Goes to show that Oceania always shows their good taste when a Firth production opens. Liz, let me add my welcome too. As Moon says, hang onto those AZ comments for our long-delayed film discussion but don't ever think that means you can't mention it here either. We LOVE discussing all aspects of his films - inside, outside, upside down. Favorite CF scenes in Apartment Zero: when CF character...is kneeling, hugging his mother. Really creepy, yet not Norman Batesish quite. The use of his hands really made it chilling somehow. Hands fluttering all over her. Good eye! And I love the final scene. Goulishly humourous. Now that is Norman Batesish. ;-) But of course the final final scene was Adrian coming out of his adult cinema and lighting up that cigarette ala James Dean. What Adrian has become should turn into a good discussion...one of these days. So Colin's going to get a hair cut? I want pictures. ;-) And I refuse to believe that Vanessa Redgrave's become redundant.

May I give you my thoughts for the day.... Strangely enough, I don't think box office success/failure matters particularly for a British actor or for CF Strange indeed...and I hope you are correct.... But producers do look at what an actor's bankability is at the box office. When CF says: "I want to be well thought of. I want to make money from this. I want to be prosperous. I want to be respected..."I wonder how he feels to have the starring films tank.Oh, he can always do TV, but he's not going to be v. prosperous or respected in that media alone.And time limitations prohibit his stage career except at the Donmar.Most West End theatres want a play to run more than just a few weeks. I am heartsick over this film...you might as well know it.This is quality stuff whether you think so or not. RV and BJD are not his films. He's in a supporting role, other people are carrying them. MLSF was hisfilm.DQ And Armadillo are TV roles..sure they're bound to be stellar. But it's TV. Frankly, I think it's a disgrace that the British public let him down. You should feel depressed . I'm not sure whether any other provincial cinemas in the UK will be showing it...maybe just Bradford because of the Film Festival? Good luck....and I really mean it.

These boards are not working properly today!!! Internal server error shows on all internal links and one has to hit reload repeatedly to get through and not many visitors know that... I'm not even sure if I can post...

I can - but only by hitting Reload repeatedly!

I can - but only by hitting Reload repeatedly! Where there is a will, there is a way. ;-) I had the same problem.

Testing

Evelyn, I actually agree with you, although I'm trying to convince myself otherwise. I don't understand what has happened to MLSF in London, but in my region it will show in Bradford and York, June 9-15, and I hope that it will reach other independent cinemas nationally. Bradford booked it because the audience response forms from the Festival screening were very favourable. I sometimes wonder if it would have been better if MLSF had been left in its original form, without all the subsequent edits. CF himself said that it his view it wasn't broke and didn't need fixing...."what it suffers from is the randomness of true story, because that's what it is" Those who liked it would have liked it more, and those who disliked it would have disliked it more. I doubt if the severe editing made any converts. As to Box office success for British films, well, in the UK that would make Harry Enfield the greatest actor who ever lived, and Michael Gambon a non-starter. And we are a TV nation...a lot of British films are now been made for direct transmission to SKY. Colin's got some good things coming up that will be seen by millions. And BJD will be a major boost internationally (and a romantic hero role!). Swings and roundabouts!

According to The Sunday Times Culture magazine, it's not even playing at The Curzon, Mayfair, they have "Being John Malkovich" listed, I would have hoped it would have lasted two weeks as Sunshine did. BTW Bethan, the poster is different from the American one which I have, thanks to Evelyn, it has a picture of Frazer superimposed in the centre of the poster with CF & MEM to one side, sitting together with his arm around her and scenery in the background, very nice.

I don't know how I missed it...I glanced at the paper when I got up... but there's an extraordinary interview with Colin in today's Sunday Telegraph, in the Review section. Small picture on the front, huge pic inside. Too long to quote, but will do if it's not available online. But for once, he really shows emotion...the interviewer quotes some bad reviews of his performance in MLSF and he gets angry and reels off examples of critics who get their facts wrong... I just think "Do. Your. F...ing. Homework". The female interviewer doesn't find him all that attractive on screen ("as the camp nephew in RV he looks suave and clean cut, but not drop dead gorgeous").He asked to play the camp,wry, pithy role because he hadn't done it before. "But in the flesh he looks everything the most smitten Darcymaniac could hope for ..and more. He appears a younger slimmer version of Mr Darcy and is all good natured charm". All he seems to want is to be known as a good character actor. Comments on anarticle which says (re Mark Darcy role) "Thank God, he's finally smelling the coffee"..as though "I should own up to the fact that this is all my life will ever amount to." Interviwer said that judging fom the reactions of anyone (female) who heard that I was going to interview CF, "he still has their hearts", but men said he was a prat. He sounds quite emotional ...obviously wants to defend MLSF..it's not bland stuff.

Big full page article in the Sunday Telegraph review section. Fabulous photograph of Colin on that page and another smaller one on the front page of the review section. I am short of time today, so I shall try and scan the pictures though my scanner is playing up so may not succeed. Perhaps other UKers can go out and buy a few copies!

Oops Bethan we overlapped!

"Being John Malkovich" is showing in the evening. MLSF shows at the earlier times of 2.00 and 6.30. Judging from his reaction to some criticism in the Telegraph interview, he's already hurting over MLSF, and I guess (doing a Jasper Rees!) he'll be hurting more at the general response, or lack of it.

Allison re Sunday Telegraph - "Perhaps other UKers can go out and buy a few copies!" I am always impressed when people can tell me what's in the papers before I even get to the newsagent - I really have no excuse as I live next door to one (other than it's Sunday and I've had a v.v.v. long lie-in)! Thanks for the info - I'll be hot footing it to the shop shortly so I'll pick up a copy ..or two...or.........

BTW - Apparently (according to the Radio) today is the Feast Day of St. Colin Patron saint of.....?

Morning, ladies. Thanks for the tantalizing tidbits. We'd definitely like to read more of what appears to be a very strange interview and if there are extra copies...

If anyone wants to email me the article and/or scans, I can put it up at The Bucket, which isn't suffering from the Internal Server Error situation, and everyone will be able to read it. [Just go to the What's New button and down to articles]

Damn! I had various problems getting here today and just got the info about the Sunday Telegraph... DH is at the moment touring the region petrol stations hoping to find a copy, but it could be too late now... Why can't there be an early warning email system in operation among the UK Firthers on discovery of new material? As it happens, I don't have anyone to thank for it at the moment... am planning to rip off the modem and sell the computer... what's the bloody point...? ...Can you sense I'm seriously disappointed? :-(

I am copying and posting today's messages over at the Temporary Drool Board, where you can read and comment. Please do not post here anymore today. It is way too difficult to manage. Here's the url for the board: http://www.insidetheweb.com/messageboard/mbs.cgi/mb49898 Also remember we have the Springfolks mailing list for messages and/or updates.

Monday today... Was busy all weekend so am late with comments, please forgive me. (Evelyn)For those who don't know..the teen in the movie shags an apple pie.. I gathered as much from the trailer... definitely put me off seeing the movie, although not off eating apple pie :-P (Anne Hale)But it is so sad. As I said before it was on for 9 weeks in Perth, Australia (which is considered Philistine) and indeed was showing for some time longer in Adelaide Hummm... Methinks there's good reasons for one to emigrate to Australia...;-) And now must go read the emergency board and, hopefully, the Bucket :-)

Have just read the Sunday Telegraph article. Thanks Mari, Karen, Ann, et. al for supplying and posting so quickly. My first impression was, although there's new content, the author appears to have borrowed liberally from Jasper's recent article: born in Africa (?), Livia's a documentary maker, etc. Didn't the author do. her. effing. homework? ;-) I was glad to read CF's defense of MLSF--I was proud of his work in that film, too. IMO he was talking about Rafie in his reference to the unnamed character actor who's been taking leading man roles. As regards his parting comment "but I took it to mean that I should just go back to being Mr Darcy all the time for ever, that I should just own up to the fact that this is all my life will ever amount to"...wonder where he read that. I, for one, say bring on those stuttering masturbatory village pervert roles! ;-) Am glad to see this board up and running again. Hope I haven't spoken too soon. About to hit 'submit' button...here goes...

(Eileen)IMO he was talking about Rafie in his reference to the unnamed character actor who's been taking leading man roles. I was thinking the same thing. It has got to be RF.

I didn't think of Ralph at all. I thought of John Cusack. Think of it: the nose and the greasy hair he mentions--describes JC to a tee in Being John Malkovich. I think of JC as much more of a character actor than RF, and he's certainly done a lot more of the "odd and grotesque" stuff than RF.

Are we back up? I hope so. I was glad to read CF's defense of MLSF--I was proud of his work in that film, too. (Eileen) I felt really sorry for him when I read this. Did anyone else react this way, or am I being super-sensitive on his behalf? I'm not sure why he gave this interview (to promote MLSF? RV? BJD?)...he must have given it within the last couple of days, after the reviews for MLSF came out. He looks absolutely gorgeous in the pic BTW...must be the Mark Darcy look! But the interviewer has done MLSF and Colin absolutely no favours here. She's picked on probably the worst critical comment made about him, and given the impression that the reviews for MLSF were all bad. She's also put him in the humiliating position of having to say "well, I thought I was good". What struck me here was that, in his defence, the poor chap wouldn't have been able to quote a single UK review that said he gave a good performance. When he *was* singled out, it was only for criticism. The end product of the Sunday Telegraph interview as a public relations exercise is pretty disastrous..... another 2million people will think that Colin was stiff and miscast, and gave a poor performance. Sorry to sound stroppy about this, but I can see why he would be happy if five people said he was a good actor. And to be in the frame for leading roles, you do need critical recognition!! Back to tittle tattle...has he only had two girlfriends or two named girlfriends? :-)

(Bethan)Sorry to sound stroppy about this, but I can see why he would be happy if five people said he was a good actor. Shall we start counting to five? Evelyn, Karen, KJ, Bethan, Allison, AnnW, Winter, Esbee, Arami, Tracy, Tineke, CCherylB, AnneH, Marcia, Gi... Oops! What do you mean, I've exceeded my quota? ;-) You know I'd only started...

(Bethan) I felt really sorry for him when I read this. I don't share your reaction. In the past Colin's been quite critical of his performances; it was refreshing to see him happy with this one. The end product of the Sunday Telegraph interview as a public relations exercise is pretty disastrous..... another 2million people will think that Colin was stiff and miscast, and gave a poor performance. Now, now, stop the gloom and doom. Let's have the optimist back. C'mon, where's all your exclamation points? ;-)

I felt really sorry for him when I read this. Did anyone else react this way, or am I being super-sensitive on his behalf? I'm not sure why he gave this interview Oh, dear, oh, dear... ;-) the poor chap wouldn't have been able to quote a single UK review that said he gave a good performance. I think that most UK reviews praised all the cast, even though they didn't think much of the film as a whole. He was expressly (and undeservedly) criticized maybe in about two of them. another 2million people will think that Colin was stiff and miscast, and gave a poor performance. Assuming that Telegraph readers are all prats and unable to think for themselves... :-) has he only had two girlfriends or two named girlfriends? :-) The latter, I think. We know of at least one more: the one who took the TV set with her when she moved out and he didn't have TV at home for a long time as a result. :-)

Time to talk coffee... No where, no ways did anyone imply that Colin should be playing Mr Darcy for until the end of time. Here's the exact comment from #922: Definitely think Colin has woken up and smelled the coffee insofar as his career is concerned. *thank goodness* :-) Then in #962, the following was added: I just hope it isn't too late. I for one am not resigned to watch Colin move into roles usually associated with Robert Young yet! ;-) That last comment in the article was particularly painful:"Or you might have to change the character of the actor. Someone the Americans believe is a credible sex symbol."This tells me that Colin has heard this quite a bit in Hollywood from agents, casting directors, whoever. The word in Hollywood is that Colin is not a sex symbol. All we can hope for is that BJD reverses that impression. That Colin will be viewed as not only a viable English leading man (to compete for roles with the only other two - HG and RF). This role can get him the recognition for being both a sexy leading man type and more importantly a fine actor on a par with that other guy. ;-)

Think it's RF too. Yes, the greasy hair goes with Cusack, but I can't see Colin in most of Cusack's roles (character though they may be). Am positive there's a greasy-haired Fiennes movie out there... ;-) Hmmm, hair looked pretty yucky in Onegin.

Received my Donmar magazine in the post today. Double page spread on Gala 3DOR evening. Only one pic of ODB chatting to two ladies (sans volvos!), two pics of DM and my thoughts on E.MG's lipstick, in the informal shot might lead us all to the conclusion that her Act 2 painted lips was no act of a Southern Belle at all! Karen I wish you could see it teehee!! Maybe someone else (Luvvie?) will scan them.

Karen, you don't think CF could have played Rob in High Fidelity? (Not to mention Will in About A Boy, which went to Hugh Grant)--yeah, keep "haunting those margins", Colin :-( :-( Besides, the quote as I'm reading it is *not* about coveting this other actor's roles (in which case I too might think it's RF). It's about other character actors who sometimes play leading man type roles but whose talent lies more in the offbeat. Liked your coffee talk, Karen . . .you're a regular Linda Richman.:-) Bethan, it's too bad he didn't retort that his Edward Pettigrew reviews here were good, though I'm not sure how much sway that holds in Britain. Good that RV is coming out soon; that's one advantage of having work released back-to-back. If they don't like one, they might like the other, and the public has a short memory.

Now, now, stop the gloom and doom. Let's have the optimist back. C'mon, where's all your exclamation points? ;-) (Eileen) S-o-rry!!!!!!!! I think I'm a thwarted PR type...I'd love to be sitting in on these interviews, shoving my oar in! Have you noticed he's grown half an inch...six foot, one and a half! Definitely think Colin has woken up and smelled the coffee insofar as his career is concerned. *thank goodness* :-) Now, does he lurk? Or have we "smelling the coffee" articles in abundance? He's still missed the point though. Mr Darcy isn't a life-time sentence....we just need the occasional alpha male who kisses the girl and doesn't lose out to a Fiennes brother. More Cary Grant, not Charles Laughton! Good that RV is coming out soon; that's one advantage of having work released back-to-back. If they don't like one, they might like the other, and the public has a short memory. Very true....not every one's a winner.And I don't think the public has any memory. RV might be ideal lightweight summer entertainment. And we've got DQ in the wings. it's too bad he didn't retort that his Edward Pettigrew reviews here were good, though I'm not sure how much sway that at holds in Britain. Normally a lot. British movies that open first in the US and get good reviews are usually marketed on the basis ..."warmly received in the US" etc....which then pre-disposes our critics to be favourable. Seems they, like,er,forgot.

Think it's RF too. Me three. Ever since End of the Affair, a role he wanted. I think RFs hair was greasy in S. List. When he mentioned the greasy hair pervert role, Mr. Collins came to mind! Flash into the future older CF gets Mr. Cs role in another remake. ;-) About the coffee, how could he have misunderstood?

I hope CF was basing his desire for the role in "The End of the Affair" on the book, or even the old version of the film, and not the mess Neil Jordan made. I just caught it on video -- that movie was lousy. What's more, CF being in it wouldn't have made it a better film. It would have been the same rotten movie with a different good actor, that's all.

I agree with everything you've said, Cheryl. Now the role that Sean Penn had at "Up at the Villa", would have been great for Colin.

(Moon Dreams) I think RFs hair was greasy in S. List. Greasy and dirty as Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights :-)

(Bethan) More Cary Grant, not Charles Laughton! Well put, Bethan! That would work for me. (Bethan) British movies that open first in the US and get good reviews are usually marketed on the basis ..."warmly received in the US" etc....which then pre-disposes our critics to be favourable. Seems they, like,er,forgot. I'm not surprised. They forgot to market it here, too--it seems they just absolutely gave up on it long before the reviews came out and then had no plan (or budget) in place to take any advantage of them. Very poor on Miramax's part. I'm glad CF didn't put his tail between his legs when the writer mentioned that one review. He should be proud of his work in this. He did seem pleased when people mentioned the film to him at the Donmar. ****** Looks like I'm in the minority, but I liked The End Of The Affair and thought Ralph and Julianne did a good job in it.:-)

Thanks, Lizza, for the info about the Donmar magazine. I'm sure the picture will be scanned in by one of our Donmar darlings. Might take awhile to get to this side of the Atlantic though. (have no doubt that little pouty, bee-stung lips are her own) (Mari) you don't think CF could have played Rob in High Fidelity? Of course, he could but only if they kept it set in London. (Same re: About a Boy.) And he needs to work on his American accent with a professional. (Donna) Greasy and dirty as Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights :-) *hee hee* (Mari) He did seem pleased when people mentioned the film to him at the Donmar. What was he going to do? He does have manners and has shown himself to be courteous at all times. BTW, not having read TEOTA or seen the older version, I thought this was one was OK and made sense to me. So you're not alone. ;-)

(Mari) Liked your coffee talk, Karen *hee hee* You mean cawfee tawk, right? ;-D I am all curiosity about the article containing that coffee-smelling remark Colin references in his interview. How come we've never seen it? Was it published in some third world country? If it wasn't a published article at all, but a reference to or excerpt from our discussion, it's too bad that he misinterpreted the remark. I think it's fair to say that none of us want Mr. Darcy forever. (Mari) it seems they just absolutely gave up on it [MLSF] long before the reviews came out Yup. Miramax put their eggs in the Ideal Husband basket. I thought MLSF was more interesting and entertaining (but I'm biased ;-)).

(Bethan) I felt really sorry for him when I read this. Did anyone else react this way, or am I being super-sensitive on his behalf? I felt this way too, Bethan. The comment from the unnamed former co-worker about "totally transparent mock modesty" and the quoting of the one negative criticism about his performance in MLSF seemed to me to be unfair and unnecessary. I mean, there are so many actors out there with totally overinflated egos who really deserve to be taken down a peg in this fashion, but Colin is not one of them.

Just back after the long weekend, and reading over the MLSF discussion. Very disappointing! (The events, not the discussion!) Despite my criticisms of the film, it was still a good film, and deserved a chance to be seen! I think there aren't enough independent film houses. The larger problem is the cultural invasion of Hollywood. Same in Canada -- not much pride in Canadian talent (unless Hollywood sanctions it first). But I had heard that Britain had an impressive media studies program in their schools, a la Noam Chompsky. So, greater mental resistance might be hoped for! Difficult though, when they yank a film before you can say popcorn. Oh dear, nothing as likely to strike up the political ire as a disappointed affectionado :-) Does anyone understand why some 'independent'films get as much backing as a regular formula film, and others get zilch? Just how independent ARE films like Being John Malkovich? And how does MLSF fit into this scenario? I read the Telegraph article. I'm annoyed. Ironic statement to make on Drool Board maybe, but, she totally focused on his portrayal of Darcy, mentioned some other films in passing, and for the most part, ignored his entire body of work. "Shades of an angry Mr. Darcy here" --- give me a break, and they say fans engage in projection! Sure doesn't help his career to have a 'journalist' imposing the identity on him. Sad to read him saying "my type" as though he is a 'type'. I've always thought that his acting defied being a 'type' and that's what makes him so interesting. The media/political cr*p in the business must be wearing him down. I really hope he gets to play MORE "odd and grotesque stuff" because he's good at it. Surely his career cannot honestly be reduced to a repetition of "handsome hero" roles! This is a long post, but I feel much better now!

(Liz) I think there aren't enough independent film houses. Wasn't it the Odeon chain that committed to showing more art house films? Just how independent ARE films like Being John Malkovich? The one you mentioned WAS an indie. Had financial backing by Michael Stipe's production company and was then picked up by October Films, shown at the NYC FF and Venice. Just remember that Indie and Art House are not synonymous.

(Karen) Just remember that Indie and Art House are not synonymous. True, except to extent that they both often get ignored. But the whole behind- the-scenes of film-financing makes me dizzy with confusion. I'm a little suspicious of Odeon's commitment, because they're in it for $$ and I doubt art house films will ever bring big $$. We're worried here (where I live) about our local independent theatre being pushed out by the chains mega-theatres soon to be built right next to it. Kind of like the way big box bookstores have pushed out the little ones, only to have the public's range of available material greatly reduced in the long run. Well, not exactly like that, but there's a point in this fuzzy analogy somewhere.

Actually, we're having growth in art house theaters here. Big fantastic one (7 screens, I think) built by Landmark chain and another will be in a suburb later this year. They have shown smaller mainstream films like High Fidelity, but mainly films without big-time distributors. Even showed one from Phaedra!! Also heard that Redford's Sundance group is going to build here too.

(LizG)Surely his career cannot honestly be reduced to a repetition of "handsome hero" roles! In fact, haven't we been complaining of a dearth of such roles?

(Susan)The comment from the unnamed former co-worker about "totally transparent mock modesty" and the quoting of the one negative criticism about his performance in MLSF seemed to me to be unfair and unnecessary Hi guys, I�ve been a bit unwell and still am but of course I can�t keep off from Drool for too long :-) Just want to say that I don�t think there�s really nothing to worry about in the style of that Telegraph interview. Only the existence of a big story like this about him conveys the essential message to the readers which is: here is an actor who is worth making a large article about. Most people won�t read it anyway but they see who it is about and see the gorgeous picture, and that�s all in his favour (ah, that pic!!!). I personally like a bit biting style when it�s not openly mean, it simply makes the subject person more plausible and interesting. Too much praise and sweetness is a much bigger turn-off.

Hurrah, at last a good UK review for MLSF and they have singled CF out for particular praise at http//:www.whsmith.co.uk go to entertainment, films and then what's showing, also a good review for Sunshine. "Firth's expert protrayal..." and "Excepting Firth the performances are average at best particularly MMcD..." Sorry to hear you have not been well Elena, hope you will soon feel better.

http://www.whsmith.co.uk

Bethan - Now, does he lurk? Or have we "smelling the coffee" articles in abundance? I'm not a Firthian of longstanding but I've never seen any coffee references in any articles ..ever! Does he lurk?.....an interesting thought indeed. Elena - I�ve been a bit unwell and still am but of course I can�t keep off from Drool It works wonders for an ailing body all this happy banter. Sorry to hear you're under the weather.

As regards his parting comment "but I took it to mean that I should just go back to being Mr Darcy all the time for ever, that I should just own up to the fact that this is all my life will ever amount to"...wonder where he read that. I, for one, say bring on those stuttering masturbatory village pervert roles! ;-) (Eileen) Reminds me that one of my favourite CF roles, despite the flaws in the script (aren't there always? :-))was in "Master of the Moor" where he lived in a village, was a lonely social misfit, strode over the moors in the rain, clad in anorak and baggy corduroy trousers, couldn't make love to women, retreated to subterranean caves, strangled his wife, and shot himself....and still managed to be terribly attractive. Stuttered slightly. Can only guess at the other aspect! :-)

"Master of the Moor" where he lived in a village, was a lonely social misfit, strode over the moors in the rain, clad in anorak and baggy corduroy trousers, couldn't make love to women, retreated to subterranean caves, strangled his wife, and shot himself....and still managed to be terribly attractive. Heh heh. The guy can't win for losing. He could have played one of the hillbillies in Deliverance and still be attractive. ;-) Considering how nasty some of the articles we've read have been about otehr actors, I'm pleased with the Telegraph. And as Elena points out from her sickbed, it's publicity. Two major articles in one month. Amazing. (LizG)Surely his career cannot honestly be reduced to a repetition of "handsome hero" roles! (Gi) In fact, haven't we been complaining of a dearth of such roles? Yes because it's been so long since he's had such a role. Donovan Quick applies. Look at his roles would see how many of those heroic roles he's actually had. Sorry, he can't help the handsome. ;-) Will Armadillo be one? (Tracy) I'm not a Firthian of longstanding but I've never seen any coffee references in any articles ..ever! Does he lurk?.....an interesting thought indeed. IMO, more likely Helen has returned to lurking at BJD.

So what is the source of this coffee quote? And how did he know about it if it's not from a paper? Or is it? (I seem to have fallen asleep at some point... Familiarity and all that thing, you know... :-))

(Arami), I seem to have fallen asleep at some point... How about a cup of that coffee? ;-) The source of the quote seems to be right here, Arami. Whether it was a PR person gathering news for him, or ODB lurking we do not know.

So what is the source of this coffee quote? And how did he know about it if it's not from a paper? Or is it? If you don't know, then it doesn't exist. Correct? ;-)

From the Evening Standard's site, an article on Denis Forman from 5/22 (a definite read for all those who want to know about MLSF's origins): Forman: It's my life and I like it by Trevor Grove What exactly is a clear water worm? Sir Denis Forman leant forward in his red braces and raised a glittering eye. "Now that," he said, "is a really interesting question." Abandoning a lukewarm discussion of Scottish devolution, he took a pensive puff at his pipe. "Around this time of year, all the water in the streams and rivers of Scotland is as clear as gin. It is exceedingly difficult to entice a trout because he can see everything. So, what you do is, you take a worm ..." he began to explain. Sir Denis has been many things in his long life, among them director of the British Film Institute, deputy-chairman of the Royal Opera House and, most famously, chairman of Granada Television during its glory days. He is revered in the ratings-wary, accountancy-minded, post-Birtian broadcasting world as the man who presided over the creation of The Jewel in the Crown, World in Action and Coronation Street. Now he has notched up another singular achievement: his own boyhood has become the subject of a full-length feature film. Imagine being able to trot around the corner to your local cinema and watch yourself winningly depicted catching your first trout in a movie directed by Hugh Hudson, produced by David Puttnam and starring Colin Firth as your father. Sir Denis seems modestly delighted that with My Life So Far playing at the Hampstead ABC, only a few steps away from his garden flat, he can do just that. Well, not trot, exactly: he lost a leg at the battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, which ended his days as a tireless Scottish reeler. But he remains a remarkably hale-looking 82 and still goes loch fishing every year. He has been to see the film twice, applying a professional eye. He finds it "highly agreeable", graciously passing over the implausible fictional embellishments. My Life So Far is based on Sir Denis's funny, touching and evocative memoir of his childhood in the Dumfries countryside in the 1920s, when farms were still run on horsepower and before the scythe gave way to the combine harvester. The title of the book, published 10 years ago, was Son of Adam, and the author rather wishes the film-makers hadn't changed it. "I think mine was better." Adam was the name of his father, the decent, God-fearing but deeply eccentric figure who became the focus of Denis's pubescent rebelliousness. The Rev Adam Forman, head boy of Loretto and later its chaplain, never shed his bracing, public-school attitude to manliness and godliness, even after he married and became the factor, or agent, on his mother-in-law's estate, Craigielands. When he wasn't holding Presbyterian discourse at the dinner table or herding his large family off to St Mary's United Free Church for their spiritual improvement, he was seeing to their physical cleanliness with year-round bathing in the loch, except when the ice was too thick. His small sons were intrigued to discover he kept a morsel of cotton wool "about the size of a pea" inside his foreskin for purposes of personal hygiene. It was in keeping that Adam's most notable achievement was the harvesting of quantities of sphagnum moss during the First World War, to be processed into field dressings for the wounded. He claimed its properties far exceeded those of cotton wool. For this unusual wartime initiative he was awarded the CBE. The smell of moss was not the only one to imprint itself on Denis's young memory. He and his five brothers and sisters (Denis, the chief mischiefmaker, was number four) were horribly perceptive in the olfactory department. The visiting seamstress smelt of exhaust fumes combined with "the inside of a spaniel's ear and dead rat". Marnie the housekeeper ponged of unwashed underparts and embrocation, with overtones from her wig of "dead mouse blended with nutmeg". Much of this comically perceptive writing is lost in the film, so we never properly encounter the highly strung cook, Mrs Henderson, who "at times of great stress became hysterical, throwing her apron over her head and making noises like a railway engine taking in water". "But we were not a posh household, with liveried foot-men," Sir Denis insists. Passage through the green baize door was free and easy. His intimacy with the servants, his liking for working in the fields alongside the farm men at harvest time and the camaraderie of the great curling contests on the frozen loch form a key theme in the book, leading the little boy to think that "perhaps I preferred the likes of them to the likes of us". Even before he is sent away to boarding school he is kicking against the pricks of class and religion, spending furtive hours reading up the entry under "Prostitution" in the Encyclopaedia of Ethics. Wasn't it odd that those early seeds of rebellion should have led to a career spent entirely among the officer class, from being head boy of Loretto onwards? Not at all, says Sir Denis. "I was always subversive." Even in the army he "aided and abetted" the shift of thinking that led to so many servicemen voting Labour after the war. In his television years he was a determined advocate of investigative journalism. Today he deplores TV's lack of will to explore a controversial subject in depth. The Zimbabwe Test match was under way. "Who's going to do corruption in cricket?" he asked rhetorically, knowing the moment has passed. Campaigning for women to be let into his clubs, the Garrick and the Savile, has proved a lost cause (he finds his opponents' behaviour "weird"), but one knows he is not done yet. His independence of spirit is manifest in the great clouds of Players Medium Navy Cut fumes wreathing his head. After 20 years of abstinence he defied doctor's orders and took up his pipe again at the age of 80. But we haven't finished with the clear water worm - brandling worms, to be precise, dug out of dung-heaps then fattened on brick dust and moss to make their skins tough enough to stay on the hook. "So what you do is, you walk up the bed of the burn or the stream and where there is broken water, over a slight fall, you drop the worm in at the top and lead it down to where you think the trout lie might be. The trout is looking at fizzy water instead of clear water. Therefore he doesn't see the cast on the worm - and he takes it. It's even more skilful, I think, than dry fly fishing." As the pipe is refilled, one cannot escape the impression that there is an even more enchanting version of My Life So Far winning top ratings in Sir Denis Forman's head.

Colin - lurking HERE????????????????????????????????????? Well, hallloooooooooooo there, dear boy....we meet at last... ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-D *** Oh, btw, I've just read somewhere that Paul Lyon Maris (or is it Maris Lyon? I can never remember) was also the late Sir John Gielgud's agent. So there.

Paul Lyon Maris (or is it Maris Lyon? I can never remember) was also the late Sir John Gielgud's agent. So there. How old could he be? Sounds like retirement is in order. ;-)

Now who thought that Julie Andrews didn't have a devoted following? This was posted at the RV site: Is there a press release available on the release yet?. Can you please give us some more information on the premiere. I know that there are fans out there that have already booked flights and hotels for these dates, are you 100% sure that it will be the 21st?. Do you have any info on Julie A. being present at the 21st?. Would you be so kind as top give us this info asap, so the rest us us can start booking flights etc. too. Thank you. Iris

Colin - lurking HERE????????????????????????????????????? Very much doubt it. Livia, perhaps?

Elena, i hope you get well soon :-)

Do hope you are feeling somewhat better now Elena. Re running your favourite CF vid works wonders! Take care

Thanks for all your good wishes Lizza, Gi and Ann :-) (Arami)Colin - lurking HERE????????????????????????????????????? (Ming)Very much doubt it. Livia, perhaps? I very much doubt it too, especially now that he�s busy working and probably has other things to do than to visit fan sites. The coffee-smelling must be a coincidence of some kind. (Colin, please tell me I�m wrong!! ;-);-) If he really was interested in the thoughts of his fans enough to lurk here I think he would also be slightly more active in reading and answering his fan mail ;-). But I also think it would be very strange if he had NOT visited the Spring once or twice this year after 3DOR. (Karen)Now who thought that Julie Andrews didn't have a devoted following? Not me. The Sound Of Music was the first film I ever saw in a cinema and I watched it at least five or six times. I loved her voice. I still have the soundtrack somewhere, I think. Maybe I should book a flight too? :-D

Hope you're feeling better, Elena! I got my latest copy of the ChoicesDirect catalogue today...the major supplier of videos for sale in the UK. Out of interest I just rang up to see if SLOW was going to be available soon. I expected the usual hesitation..."sorry, can you repeat that for me so I can check it" ...but I got an instant response "Oh, we've been inundated with requests for this, but unfortunately we don't have a date". So, there is a hidden army out there (we just don't always make it to the movies!)

Hi Bethan I brought a PAL copy of SLOW from http://www.kvs.co.uk back in April. It was about 41 pound.

The coffee-smelling must be a coincidence of some kind. (Colin, please tell me I�m wrong!! ;-);-) Elena, I can see you are much better. :-) I have looked again at the whole quote and Colin actually mentions an article... Unfortunately I haven't got the time to get to the bottom of this at the moment... Unless Colin can be so kind and help? Please, Colin? Or even Livia will do... ;-)

http://www.guardianunlimited.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4022031,00.html

Can someone in the U.K. complain that this man doesn't know what he's talking about. Jealous again I suppose. I loved Fever Pitch, so did my husband and for that matter my son. There's a wonderful book out there called "The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis (Another name for it is "Men without chests" i.e. he warned that in the future in the U.K. due to the educational system, we would lack imagination, a sense of beauty using a description of a waterfall as an example. One man would see water pouring off a ledge a hundred feet above, another would see the lovliness of it all, the mist from the water, the greenery, the sound etc. I know this doesn't seem relevant but the very system he abhored was indeed brought into the British educational system. I am not saying the poetry has gone out of all Brits. of course it hasn't but it certainly has affected the reviewers and critics out there. Colin has certainly seen it and not just for himself. Sorry I have gone on. But I was angry with the idiocy of it al . They can't discern between good and bad, evil or good it seems to me. Anne despairing in Oz.

Hmm...Thanks for the above article, Karen! I dipped into it, and dipped out again. It's so easy to criticise, so difficult to create. The British film industry isn't perfect, but our critics are like leaches, sucking out the life blood. Give me some old-fashioned, if misplaced, enthusiasm anyday!

This genre is also known as the Colin Firth movie. What is that about? CF is not that well known to be a genre of any kind! Why pick on him? Thanks for posting, Karen. Apart from the CF comments, I happen to agree with the reviewer. The film industry is in crisis. What ever happened to intelligent, witty dialog? Enough with the depressing-vulgar-shock films. Give me some old-fashioned, if misplaced, enthusiasm anyday! My thoughts exactly!

I, too, agree that "Fever Pitch" does not belong in a list that includes "Rancid Aluminium" and "Mad Cows" (two of the most appalling movies I've had the misfortune to sit through). But the article is bang on target in most areas, and a damned funny read, too. I'm mean, really, have any of you ever watched "Absolute Beginners"? All of it? I haven't. I haven't been able to get past the first half hour. So don't take this as a critique of Colin Firth or Rufus Sewell or Joe Fiennes or Jude Law (all of whom get blasted indirectly). It is, imho however, a legitimate blast at the incredible amount of money that has been wasted by the current Brit film mess.

Thanks for the url, Karen. V. funny article. I hated Absolute Beginners too. Interesting about the "CF genre". Ummm... Guess it's better to be talked about than not be talked about, right? :-)

I have to agree with Chris--that article is hysterically funny. Yes, it's too bad that CF was mentioned but at least he didn't come off nearly as poorly as Jude Law and the rest of the Natural Nylon mafia.:-) Don't mean to pile on, but here's a similar article from today's Telegraph, which raises some questions I've always had about the disingenuousness of some of the British press concerning American films: British isn't always best Hollywood scores with a chiller but the All Saints' heist movie is a botched job, says David Gritten THE perception of Hollywood in large sections of our press is no longer merely amusing, or even irritating - it is now almost wilfully misleading. We constantly hear of British film talents "selling out" or being "lost" to Hollywood, as if this were some cultural kiss of death. Only this week, a broadsheet newspaper ran an article on the excellent English actor Adrian Lester's "escape" from Hollywood. To what, one wonders? Essentially, Hollywood is a massive factory, producing its share of disposable, unmemorable fare just to keep its assembly lines constantly moving. But in any given month it also offers a wide range of films more skilfully written, carefully considered and expertly executed than the cinematic output of any other country. So much for Hollywood, then, as a repository of all that is trash. This British perception is especially grotesque given our film industry's woeful current state: in percentage terms we produce more movie garbage than the US, with the savage twist that this garbage isn't even very popular here. All the Lottery money and grants in Britain, it seems, cannot change this. To judge by our films, Britain is a country overawed by violent minor-league gangsters, an island noisily off its communal face on lager every night. Two new films perfectly illustrate this schism. Stir of Echoes, from 20th Century Fox, is a workmanlike, unspectacular thriller with a supernatural theme. It will appear on few year-end best-film lists. Hollywood makes movies like this in its sleep, yet it's a creditable, satisfying piece of work. Kevin Bacon plays a telephone lineman living in blue-collar Chicago. His six-year-old son talks to ghosts, but Stir of Echoes is no Sixth Sense clone: this is Bacon's story. He agrees to be hypnotised by his flaky sister-in-law (Illeana Douglas) and finds to his horror that he is a "receiver", open to images and sensations from a supernatural world. He starts hallucinating about a slow-witted teenage girl who has mysteriously gone missing, and becomes increasingly withdrawn and obsessed as events progress towards a grisly climax. Sardonic and sympathetic by turns, Bacon gives his character his usual shrewd reading. But the real star here is writer-director David Koepp (The Lost World: Jurassic Park), who has painstakingly fashioned a script that is logical and intelligently thought out, and then filmed a story that never relaxes its grip. Stir of Echoes may not change your life, but nor is it an insult to the intelligence, or indeed a waste of money. Which brings us neatly to the British film Honest, featuring three members of the female pop group All Saints, and set in the Swinging London of 1968. Throughout the film, I recalled a recent rebuke by director Alan Parker, the new boss of the Film Council, that too many British films are rushed into production before their scripts are ready. One doubts if the script for this depressing, feeble film could ever be ready - it's surprising to see old comedy pros Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais among the writing credits. What's it about? One character conveniently tells us: "Three girls from the East End who dress up like men and rob the rich? That's pretty intense, man!" That gives you a whiff of the plot - and, I fear, the putrid dialogue. Yes, Natalie and Nicole Appleton and Melanie Blatt don men's suits and fake moustaches and beards to stage jewellery heists. In this guise, they alarmingly resemble the tiny pop star Prince. Natalie, the only All Saint with any acting aptitude, plays the sister who has a romance with a young American Rhodes scholar (Peter Facinelli, a puppyish junior Tom Cruise type). He works on an underground newspaper, and tries to write the sisters' story. His first paragraph: "It's only a �2 cab ride from Carnaby Street to Bethnal Green, but it's another world." But why single out one line? Much of Honest is worthy of derisive sniggers. Characters constantly tell each other what they already know. "We're in the middle of Mayfair," one sister confides to another. "It's full of toffs and nobs." And poor Natalie has to say, "Nothing's free in this world. Things have to be earned." An unlikely remark from a character making a living from theft. This fiasco was directed - if that's the word - by Dave Stewart, the less winning half of another pop group, the Eurythmics. Stewart may have a sure touch with three-minute pop videos, but a full-length feature film seems beyond him. And unforgivably for someone steeped in pop culture, he can't even make the era authentic. This is 1968, and yet there's a glimpse of the cover of Abbey Road (released in 1969), and a reference to one of the album's songs, She Came in Through the Bathroom Window. You could dismiss this as pedantry - or agree that it's symptomatic of how this shoddy enterprise was thrown together. One last objection to Honest: its brutish sexual content (quite inappropriate to its overall tone) has condemned it to an 18 certificate, which prevents younger All Saints fans from seeing it. In terms of commerce and common sense, it's an ill-judged decision. And, whatever we in this country may say, it's a blunder that Hollywood would never have made.

I can't seem to find an RV Drool, so I am posting this here. It is from the official site mailing list. Release Information Midsummer Films are pleased to announce that Relative Values has been sold in the following territories:- Distributor - Global Media Distribution Inc. Territories - LATIN AMERICA (Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Dominican Republic, Ecudador, El Salvador, Guyana, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Urguay & Venezuela) & PUERTO RICO, PORTUGAL, TURKEY, GREECE, ESTONIA, LATVIA & LITHUANIA Distributor - Europa Filmes Territories - BRAZIL Distributor - Compagnia Distribuzione Europea Territories - ITALY, SAN MARINO & VATICAN CITY Distributor - WMS Film Consultants Territories - POLAND Distributor - Manga Territories - SPAIN & ANDORRA Distributor - Encore Media Group LLC Territories - USA Distributor - Alliance Atlantis Territories - UNITED KINGDOM, ISLE OF MAN, CHANNEL ISLANDS & GIBRALTAR

That article Karen posted would have been funnier if it weren't so damn boring. Ho hum, more clever writers sharpening their knives on the British film industry. (also Mari's post above.) The theory is made, let's contort as many facts as we can to support it. the big Hollywood adaptation of High Fidelity, starring John Cusack and completely junking any Hornby element False. Wake me up when someone dares to write an opposing viewpoint. Glad you posted it anyway, Karen, simply because DB was mentioned. As Gi says, Guess it's better to be talked about than not be talked about, right? :-) Thanks for posting the distribution info, Mary. Fingers crossed we can see this film by autumn.

Naughty me..italics are fixed.

Don't worry, from now on I'll only post boring stuff if it has Colin's name in it. Murph, thanks for the distribution info--though I have no idea who Encore Media Group is.

Oops, sorry Mari. It's not your posting that I find boring. It's the repetitious theme the journalists keep harping on. Post as many articles as you like 'cause it stirs up conversation. There's no need for me to state my opinion again on why these writers continue beating this poor horse.

I'm not disagreeing with the claim that the British film industry is in a crisis --- I'll take the word of fellow Droolers. I thought the Guardian article (response #1260) was incredibly cynical. Someone else has of course, already expressed a suitable summary --- I couldn't have said it better: "It is such a spur to one's genius, such an opening for wit to have a dislike of that kind. One may be continually abusive without saying any[thing] just; but one cannot be always laughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty." With reference to the Telegraph article (response #1266)there are some wonderful American films, but the success of the formulaic in $$ terms is never proof in my mind that America is better at making films than anyone else. I saw Stir of Echoes and found it neither "creditable" nor "satisfying". I think the best American films can't be described as formula films. In relation to the debate of good film/bad film, is another important point that both writers ignore. We're not all Americans and each culture needs an opportunity to express itself in it's own terms, even if we make bad films while trying to do that. If the British film industry is in a crisis, surely the solution is to be more authentic, not less. Perhaps part of the problem is that British filmmakers are trying to be American filmmakers. The most they could ever hope to achieve then, is what David Gritten (response #1266) seems to suggest Britain should aspire to: A so-so British-pretending-to-be-American formula flick.

Mari says: Murph, thanks for the distribution info--though I have no idea who Encore Media Group is. ******** We have an Encore cable station here. It shows older films usually. Perhaps it is the one distributing RV. I'll check and see if they have a web site. Murph

Yep: Here is the web site for Encore Media Group. Starz is once of theirs too. Murph

Thanks again, Murph. Don't mean to spread panic but . . .it sure sounds like "straight-to-cable TV" to me.:-( Really hope I'm wrong, but I don't see anything to indicate that Encore does theatrical releases.

Aha! So this is where everyone is hanging out. Murph! Mari! Good to see you here, guys :-) Geez...I *have* been away too long. Now, before I comment on things I know nothing about I have to back up and read this topic :-/ Oh, and Mari...I'm sure you join me in wishing the Devils godspeed on their road to ruin. I can't find your email, so send me a note and we'll give them the double malocchio (nan@ntr.net)

Hi there Nan! Welcome! Couple of snippets from today's Telegraph which vaguely impinge on CF. BBC1 are going to turn a new novel about "multicultural Britain" into a �5million 6 part series. It's the first project approved under Alan Yentob's regime and will be one of the highlights of the BBC's programme schedule next year. Filming is to start later this year. They are busy looking for a scriptwriter, cast , director etc. On this basis, I would assume that if "Armadillo" has already been given the greenlight, has a producer and lead actor in place, and if it is being adapted by the author, then there's no reason why fiming shouldn't start very soon. The article also mentions that the BBC's last "classic" adaptation "Gormenghast" was a flop in terms of viewing figures. I think that the emphasis under the new BBC/Greg Dyke regime will definitely be on "relevant" contemporary drama. No more bonnets! Fortunately "Armadillo" *is* New Britain, but a more humane, humorous interpretation which cuts across the so-called socal divide! BTW...I hope the the new BBC wakes up and does something with DQ as a highlight for this year's drama.....it's socially relevant, multi-cultural, regional, unglamorous and very, very good! Also, there's an article about how the release of all the chickflicks has been delayed to coincide with Soccer Euro 2000 in the UK (3 weeks from the second week of June), to catch the honey-I'm bored-with-the game female audience. Mentions of movies starring Ben Affleck, Rupert Everett, Matthew Perry etc. No mention of RV (would not like to see it branded as a chickflick!) but it is certainly coming out during the alternative soccer season. Nor a blockbuster in sight.

I found this place today and now have been reading these Firth-sections. Chats about if Firth can`t kiss and so on...this is so the right place for me! Because I live in Finland I haven`t seen many of his films (only P&P of course, Shakespeare in love and the English patient) and I was happily suprised that there was darcymania in UK.

(t o)Because I live in Finland I haven`t seen many of his films (...) and I was happily suprised that there was darcymania in UK. Welcome t o! We are happy to count another drooler from Finland in our midst. (Mari)Don't worry, from now on I'll only post boring stuff if it has Colin's name in it. LOL! No offense to anybody, but this sounds like a worthy resolution :-P (Mary Murphy)... Relative Values has been sold in the following territories:- Distributor - Global Media Distribution Inc. Territories - ... PORTUGAL... Great! Thanks Murph. I hope to see this one at least :-)

(t o) I found this place today and now have been reading these Firth-sections. Chats about if Firth can`t kiss and so on...this is so the right place for me! Yes! It's always exciting when someone new finds their way here and takes teh first plunge by posting. Now and then we have some serious discussions but eventually we get around to talking about the really important issues. ;-) Kissing fits right in. Not quite what I had in mind since I personally prefer the left shoulder grinding method ala Fever Pitch. :-x0x0x0 Hoorah! Gi won't have to fly to London again to see a Colin film. Not that you'd mind.

Welcome Odessa!

Just spotted what must be the first review of RV....and it's a good one! Was shopping for Soccer magazines (not for me!) and I noticed a new movie mag (June issue) "Hotdog" which is priced (initially, I think) at �1.50, which doesn't break the bank. There's an interesting rating system: 5 stars (equates with Goodfellas), 4 stars (Heat), 3 stars (Cape Fear), 2 stars (Analyse this), 1 star (New York, New York) and no stars (We're no angels). To show the relative ratings, no 5 stars, Woody Allen's "Sweet and Lowdown" gets 4 stars, "Return to me" (Minnie Driver, David Duchovny) gets no stars, and "The Next Best thing" (Madonna, RE) is relegated to "also released" and classed as "one to take your walkman to". "The Ninth Gate" (Johnny Depp) gets 3 stars as does the DVD of "The Full Monty". So it's quite severe rating. RV gets 3 stars. CF seems to have 2nd billing. PG certificate. Full review... "Based on a Noel Coward stage play, RV is a very British "comedy of manners" that may be deeply unfashionable but benefits from perfect casting and great performances. Set in the fifties, it plays on the class culture clash between two Hollywood stars and an uptight aristocratic family, to create, as Coward would no doubt have put it, " a positive feast of hilarity". Balwin is superb as the bigscreen boozehound Don Lucas, Jule Andrews' cool calculating Countess is remarkable and Stephen Fry almost steals the show with his Jeeves-like butler. But it is Sophie Thompson's Moxie who blows them all away as the below stairs maid pretending to be the newly monied lady. It's no "American Pie", but if you like your comedy stylish, sophisticated and as dry as good Martini, then look no further". As ever, no mention of CF, but I guess he's used to it, poor guy, from British reviewers. :-( But it's a good review....especially compared with the drubbing given to some of the other offerings. "The Next Best Thing" apparently opens the same week, and Buena Vista (who did absolutely nothing, and I mean nothing, for MLSF...not even a miserly arthouse distribution) are apparently spending a huge amount to promote it. All out talented webmistresses...please feel free to use the review...it's good to promote RV!

I found this place today and now have been reading these Firth-sections. Terve teeoo! Please post often and tell us more about what makes you Drool ;-) Encountering another Finn here (for the first time ever!) seems to coincide with the fact that P&P is having a rerun in the tv over here. It will probably give many people a fresh need to look for more information about you know who.

Thanks for the RV review, Bethan. I have it up. Film sounds like fun. Welcome, Odessa, to the original "firthamanic" (and best) site on the planet. Murph Nan -- How lovely to see your name. Tell us how school has been.

(Bethan), As ever, no mention of CF, but I guess he's used to it, poor guy, from British reviewers. :-( This is especially cruel because we know from his interview that he asked to play this part. I hope they were not making a statement by omiting his name as well as JS. Balwin as superb I have got to see. :-/ Keeping fingers crossed for the other reviews.

I wrote this earlier today in response to a little dicussion on Burt Lancaster: I think the biggest difference between Burt and Colin is that Burt had the power to do mostly what he wanted to do thanks to his clout in Hollywood as one of the heads of a major independent company. Having said that, he also had the guts -- and that is the best way I can describe it -- all his acting life to choose roles that were "heavyweight," and that challenged him as an actor. He did do some silly ones too, but he did them with Errol Flynn-like �lan. On of my biggest disappointments with CF's career is that he has chosen not only much lighter weight films since P&P, but also ones that are easy roles for an actor. I have not seen him on the stage, but having read comments on Caretaker, and on 3 DOR, it seems that is the place where he is most willing to take a chance. I have said before that IMO as Robert Lawrence he reached a pinnacle of daring and great acting that he has not scaled since. Donovan Quick comes the closest in recent years. I am following closely the career of Russell Crowe. I have compared him to Lancaster (physical daring and chance-taking), and I think my comparison has merit. His next film after he plays a Circus freak in Flora Plum may be "A Brilliant Mind," the biography of John Nash, the brilliant Nobel Prize winner and schizophrenic. Nash was a man who roamed the Princeton campus in his bad years, dirty and disheveled, mumbling to himself. He is much improved now and teaching again, and his story is one that touches the heart. Colin could do this kind of thing too, I know he could. I wish I knew why he makes the choices he does. What does everyone think?

Trouble is Murph. I am not sure he is motivated too. I have a feeling he is happy just to be working - doing a good job of it, wipe his shoes on the door mat and leave and get on with his life, working with refugees etc. and avoiding publicity as much as possible.

Also, Murph, he must choose among the parts he is offered. He can apply to others, but maybe he is not given them.

He's just not in the "Burt Lancaster/Russell Crowe" league (in terms of clout). Hollywood doesn't seem to have knocked on his door, his movie performances receive very little recognition from most reviewers in the UK. I just don't think he's offered the parts he's capable of doing. He said somewhere that Darcy didn't open any doors for him...infact, I suspect some doors have closed. That's why he says he wants interesting roles and to be seen as a character actor!! "Maid of Buttermere" (although change the title please!) would stretch him, and "Armadillo" will give him a lot of screen time and the opportunity for a range of more subtle acting. But I honestly believe that it's very difficult for most British actors to fulfil their potential....that's why most of them give their best performances on stage (and radio!).

RELATIVE VALUES PREMIERE UPDATE - Relative Values Premiere is on the 21st June, and is in aid of the NSPCC. Tickets are available by telephoning the NSPCC regional office 02075963700 for application form/Invitation. Ticets for Premiere only are �25. each

http://www.classicfm.co.uk/pages/OutAbout/FreeTickets/relative.htm

June 21st is his 3rd wedding anniversary. Will he attend? (Bethan), That's why he says he wants interesting roles and to be seen as a character actor!! That struck me as rather odd when I read it. Being cast as a character actor is not something many actors aspire to. Especially ambitious ones. (Murph), I have said before that IMO as Robert Lawrence he reached a pinnacle of daring and great acting that he has not scaled since. Donovan Quick comes the closest in recent years. Sadly, I do not agree on DQ. In Tumbledown, AZ and Valmont I saw his best acting skills. I also loved what he did in TEP, but that was a supporting role. Of course, we can not forget that his Mr. Darcy started this CF admiration. And because of it, HF has written his role into BJD, which may turn out to be his "break-out" film.

Moon. June21st is his 3rd wedding anniversay. Will he attend? I jolly well hope so, I have read somewhere that CF, JA & SF were to attend, as I have just posted my cheque!!

(Murph)I think the biggest difference between Burt and Colin is that Burt had the power to do mostly what he wanted to do thanks to his clout in Hollywood as one of the heads of a major independent company. I can argue both sides of the fence here because, as a Colin fan, I want so much to see him in roles worthy of his ability. I want the rest of the world to catch on to our little secret (or do I? ;-p). I want to see him on the cover of People magazine and say, "I knew him when..." ;-p Well, maybe not People magazine, but you get the gist... On the other hand, I don't think he'd be happy as part of the Hollywood machine. He seems fairly content with his life. He earns a very respectable living doing something he loves and does well (how many people can say that?). He has enough fame to get the best seats in a theatre but not enough to prevent him from walking down the street or taking his son to a movie. It could certainly be the kind of roles he's offered, but most of the really good roles go to those who have "star" power. Of course, you can only be a "star" if you are willing to become a product and sacrifice your privacy. Perhaps the enormous success of P&P gave him a glimpse of what his life would be if his career really took off...and maybe he didn't like it. Anyway, I prefer to think of it as Colin's choice rather than a lack of interest on the part of casting directors ;-) I try to think of him in a sort of Michael Caine way. Sometimes he does movies because he needs money (and I would do the same--gotta eat ;-p) and sometimes he takes supporting roles in fine films where he gets to show his stuff and be proud. If it's okay with him, then it's okay with me. I'll watch anyway and I'm sure you will too ;-) BTW, we are doing a Virtual View of An Ideal Husband over at Pemberley and I was thinking Colin would have made an excellent Sir Chiltern, don't you think? No offense to Jeremy Northam, of course...

http://www.classicfm.co.uk/pages/OutAbout/FreeTickets/relative.htm Hello everybody, just popping in from lurkdom. Sorry I posted that link without comment, but I did it from work, and just when I was about to write a word, everybody wanted to talk to me ;-)), and I just hit the submit button. So, this is something for our UK folks, a link to a page where you can get free tickets for private previews of RV on June 11, in London and elsewhere in the UK. They give June 23 as opening date.

(Nan) I'll watch anyway and I'm sure you will too ;-) You can bet on that! :-)

Hi everybody...I am just back from NY and I only have one thing to say... I want Colin on Broadway SD is getting the biggest reception imaginable...At the end of TRT the audience went wild.After reading the depressing Telegraph interview, and having his two films tank (who cares if they buy SLOW, Bethan...Those turkeys stayed home and didn't support it in the theatres), Colin could use some good reviews and audience enthusiasm . The Brit audiences pale in comparison to Broadway. (And so does the compensation) He needs a project with critical and commercial success that catapults him to center court.A Tony would do it. A & DQ isn't going to do it in the US. And we all know no one goes to his films in the UK.Now they're even going back three years and picking on FP...I don't know why he doesn't defect. I sat in the NY theatre and so wished Colin was on that stage taking bows to the tumultuous response. He deserves it. I don't think he's so happy in his professional career...I think he's sadly resigned to the current state of affairs. But he wants more.

Hello and welcome Odessa. Murph, about that Burt Lancaster/Colin Firth comparision and the Burt Lancaster/Russell Crowe comparision. It is true Russell Crowe is currently an incredibly hot property. Regardless of what you think about "Gladiator", it is Crowe's movie and it is making him an international film star. The thing RC shares with CF is that is a fine actor, something which not all movie stars can claim. It should also be noted that it took Crowe years to get to this point. It was supposed to have happened for him about 1994/1995 due to the movies "The Quick and the Dead" and "Virtuosity". Both underperformed, and Crowe went back to Australia to work, later snagging roles in the "LA Confidential" and "The Insider". He has always been a critical favorite, and "The Insider" got him an Oscar nomination. So what are the differences between CF and RC? No one has really ever noted any problems in working with CF. By all accounts he is professional and personable. He does what he needs to do with a minimum of fuss. RC by contrast can be difficult. Directors have praised his work, but it can be an ordeal coping with him. By all accounts he can be an absoulute jerk, while at the same time being very generous and charming. Difficult, but worth it. The second difference is that men are more likely to have a better opinion of RC than they do CF. Lastly, and this is a biggie, RC plays the game. He is countlessly interviewed, photographed, and plugs away relentlessly at the publicity for his projects. I really don't fault CF for not doing that. I don't think he likes doing that sort of thing, nor is he comfortable with it. I think he feels himself successful. He has worked as an actor for almost twenty years, not having to augment his income with other jobs. Acting has afforded him the opportunity to support himself n financial comfort. I don't know that CF necessarily wants to be a film star, while I'm pretty sure RC very much does want it. Yes, either of them could play John Nash in "A Brilliant Mind". I don't, however, think CF has ever even been in consideration for the part. I hope RC gets the part, as the other name in contention is Tom Cruise. Don't get me wrong; Cruise is a good actor, but he's not in same league as Russell Crowe or Colin Firth. Either of them would be superb in the part, while Cruise would do a commendable job. Crowe is hot right now, so he probably gets it. "A Brilliant Mind" is also the kind of role that wins Oscars. So RC may well get his first American Academy Award as well. As for Colin Firth -- I would love to see him in something intense and dramatic. I think those are the parts in which he is his best.

while Cruise would do a commendable job. Crowe is hot right now, so he probably gets it. "A Brilliant Mind" is also the kind of role that wins Oscars. And that is why TC is going to fight all the way for this part. His MI2 just landed the #2 spot for all time high gross during the Memorial weekend. TC is just as hot now and it will be interesting to see who gets it. I don't know that CF necessarily wants to be a film star, He is happy as a character actor. That I do not understand.

Empire's review of RV by Patrick Peters (thanks to Martine for sharing). RELATIVE VALUES Such was the surefire nature of a Noel Coward play in the salad days of the "talkies" that his sophisticated comedies were snapped up for adaptation even before the first night's greasepaint had dried. However, Relative Values has taken nigh-on half a century to reach the screen, which tends to suggest that it's not on par with its peers. Those still scarred from Eric Styles's previous directorial outing, last year's Dreaming of Joseph Lees, could be forgiven for approaching this with trepidation. But, the opening segment, which establishes both the period and central characters Miranda's and Don's superstar credentials, is done with a brilliantined control that recalls the montage sequences that no selfrespecting 1930s movie was without. Natually things slow down once we reach Blighty, although the action is still taken at a decently farcical clip. Returning to the big screen for the first time since Tchin Tchin (1990), Julie Andrews remains as poised as ever. But she's spent so much time in the oh-so-clever angst-ridden chatfests of her husband, Blake Edwards, that she tends to deliver her lines like an LA luvvie. She banters effectively with man-about-town Colin Firth, but comes off second best to Sophie Thompson, who twitters beautifully as Moxie, the devoted domestic rendered distinctly uncomfortable by her sudden elevation to the peerage. With Stephen Fry and Edward Atterton contributing a second-division Jeeves and Wooster act, the film reaches its quotient of gentle smiles. But such is the precision and polish of the performances that it's obvious everyone is acting, instead of inhabiting their long-gone world. ANY GOOD? Rigidly adhering to the comedy of manners formula, this is inescapably a filmed play. Quips are tossed off and insults exchanged impeccably. But, with the cast performing like an amateur dramatic troupe, there's far more starch than sparkle on show. * * (fair)

The second difference is that men are more likely to have a better opinion of RC than they do CF. Lastly, and this is a biggie, RC plays the game. He is countlessly interviewed, photographed, and plugs away relentlessly at the publicity for his projects. (Cheryl) I think that one of CF's problems in the UK is that most men don't like him, and as virtually all reviewers are male, the hostility spills over into dismissive reviews (which do have an impact). Men admire and prefer actors like Tom Cruise, Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle etc because they play macho roles. CF's other "problem", if you can call it that, is that he is just not a natural self promoter. I just hope that BJD is a huge success in the States, and he gets the opportunity to experience some genuine US enthusiasm! Although apparently Kathleen Turner has been receiving standing ovations every night...we just don't give them to homegrown actors slogging their guts out for �25 per performance (�200 divided by eight!)

(Moon) And that is why TC is going to fight all the way for this part. His MI2 just landed the #2 spot for all time high gross during the Memorial weekend. TC is just as hot now and it will be interesting to see who gets it. Russell Crowe is ascendant right now, and his asking price is lower. Big advantage. Finally, he is, at the very least, twice the actor Tom Cruise will ever be. He (Colin Firth) is happy as a character actor. That I do not understand. I can understand it, to a point. He wants his life to be his own. I really don't think he has the stomach, or the personality to play the publicity game. I think he may well find it distasteful and dull. Acting is his job. It may well be a job he loves, but when he's done with a character, he's done with the project. He wants to move on to something else. As noted acting is his job, not hawking his wares.

But such is the precision and polish of the performances that it's obvious everyone is acting, instead of inhabiting their long-gone world. This is Noel Coward...it's not the real world, never was. However, Relative Values has taken nigh-on half a century to reach the screen, which tends to suggest that it's not on par with its peers. I read that the copyright to RV only became available in 1999, enaabling it to be freely adapted for screen. As CF would say "Do. Your. F****** Homework." Those still scarred from Eric Styles's previous directorial outing, last year's Dreaming of Joseph Lees, could be forgiven for approaching this with trepidation. "Joseph Lees" actually got quite good reviews for direction/photography, and Samantha Morton got a Best Actress award for it... the screenplay was criticised, and the plot was rather bizarre.

Regarding Colin wanting to be a character actor - perhaps he views character actors as having more longevity in the business? And could this be an influence of working with the likes of Donald Pleasance, Lawrence Olivier, Peter O'Toole and Anthony Hopkins so early in his career? Could his problem with self-promotion be related to the fact that he had such great roles and reviews early on in his career? Was early success too easy, so that he didn't have to chase roles? He never learned how to play the game because he didn't need to? Lots of questions and speculations, no answers... Blah blah blah :-)

He deserves it. I don't think he's so happy in his professional career...I think he's sadly resigned to the current state of affairs.But he wants more. I think he wants/needs more challenging roles and more critical recognitition. I always remember the camera panning onto him about 15 minutes after he hadn't won a BAFTA....you could see how disappointed he was. And I don't really believe he wants to "haunt the margins"!

Agree with you about character actors, Donna...they have a very long shelf life! And it's true it is all speculation, but I quite enjoy it (even though I'm most probably wrong!):-)

Meant to tell everyone that thanks to Martine, I have the RV poster on my news page. He is on it! http://www.geocities.com/firthfan/news2.html Thanks everyone for responding to the CF/RC/BL thing. All most interesting.

(Evelyn) Hi everybody...I am just back from NY and I only have one thing to say... I want Colin on Broadway SD is getting the biggest reception imaginable...At the end of TRT the audience went wild. And Colin certainly has the looks and talent to be a success on Broadway, not to mention that the US reviewers wouldn't be biased against him! Quite the opposite, I bet they would love his easy manner and droll sense of humor. He just needs a bit more theater experience under his belt and the right vehicle. And Rosie O'Donnell would go ga-ga over him! Gone would be Tom Cruise as her favorite cutie-patutie. I bet he could charm the panties right off her, with just a flash of his slight overbite and those gorgeous dimples :-) I think the thing that Stephen Dillane and Ralph Fiennes may have in common is their extensive stage work and cultivating relationships in the theater, working with respected companies or directors, repeatedly. So when a plum role comes up, they are immediately considered for the part. Colin stayed away from theater too long, so he has some catching up to do. I hate to be repetitive, but Evelyn is right. The audience loves SD. I suspect he is getting a standing-o daily at this point (I saw again on Sunday, a few days after E., and up went the audience to their feet). He has become the talk of the town, so all the Hollywood biggies are showing up in the audience. I am sure he and the rest of the cast are quite overwhelmed by the response. So I'm hoping that Colin's role in BJD, however small, will open the doors the way they were opened for Rupert Everett after My Best Friend's Wedding. And if it doesn't, I think he should go back to the theater and plug away. Ok, I'm done :-)

From the Independent on Sunday (28 May 2000): IT WAS 12 YEARS AGO TODAY: FALKLANDS DRAMA 'TUMBLEDOWN' PROVOKES PUBLIC OUTRAGE BY CHARLOTTE EDWARDS Britain was still licking its Falklands War wounds when, this week in 1988, the BBC broadcast Tumbledown. Based on Scots Guard Robert Lawrence's account of the assault on Mount Tumbledown in June 1982, the film starred the then little-known Colin Firth as Lawrence, who had sustained serious injuries in the attack. Was Tumbledown based on fact or fiction? Before the film was screened, Captain James Stuart contested a scene which, he felt, clearly identified him as an officer who encourages desertion. Stuart won a legal battle for the sequence - which "just did not happen" - to be cut. Tumbledown's director, Richard Eyre, said the film deliberately rejected a "balanced" account of events, and was intended to be "deeply political" (Sunday Telegraph). But producer Richard Broke insisted: "Tumbledown is not meant to be a documentary. . . It's a play acted by actors" (Sunday Times). Government ministers worried that the film would question Britain's involvement in the Falklands conflict, despite assurance from the BBC that the content was "absolutely non-political" (Sunday Telegraph). Response to the drama - shown on 31 May - was mixed. Some viewers claimed its criticism of army officials was "blatantly unpatriotic" (Star) and "an insult to the brave lads who fought for this country" (Daily Mail). But others applauded Tumbledown for raising questions about the treatment of Falklands veterans. Former Scots Guard John Clark said: "I am chuffed that at last the horrors of the war are coming out" (Daily Mirror). There was little assessment of Tumbledown's merits as television. Colin Firth - later to set pulses racing as Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice - hardly got a look-in. But Mark Lawson commented that, were it not for the film's "deliberate ambiguity", the occasion would have been hailed as "another night for British television to be proud of" (Independent).

(Nan)If it's okay with him, then it's okay with me. I'll watch anyway and I'm sure you will too ;-) Nan, I agree up to a point but I do wish he would appear in films that were of interest to my DH or friends. SIL and EP, fine, but SLOW, MLSF, Londinium, and also RV unless it gets some really good reviews - I am really getting fed up of going to the cinema by myself!

Could his problem with self-promotion be related to the fact that he had such great roles and reviews early on in his career? Was early success too easy, so that he didn't have to chase roles? He never learned how to play the game because he didn't need to? You might have something there, Donna! (Bethan), I think he wants/needs more challenging roles and more critical recognitition. I always remember the camera panning onto him about 15 minutes after he hadn't won a BAFTA....you could see how disappointed he was. Charater actors only get challenging roles when they break out of being character actors. That is the point I was trying to make before. That is why I do not understand why he would say he is happy to be a character actor. (Donna), I think he should go back to the theater and plug away. I agree! I am interested in seeing what SD does after his big Broadway success.

(Donna) Colin stayed away from theater too long, so he has some catching up to do. Yes -- and he has more-or-less attributed this to his inability to do long runs. That, BTW, is something that's always puzzled me a bit -- I'm not sure what he considers a "long run." In its Donmar run, TRT opened at the end of May and ran till August. Seems like that kind of run -- school vacation months --would fit nicely into his parenting schedule.

I meant to add -- it would fit nicely assuming he was able to have his son with him during that no-school period -- i.e. he wouldn't have to worry about the run preventing him from making visits to L.A.

I think he and Livia now take Will to Umbria for the Summer don't they? Either way I agree that stage work is an excellent way forward, and it will certainly be interesting, as Evelyn says, to see the impact TRT has on SD's career. I mean no one exactly remembers him for his Joanna Trollope adaptions do they?? It would be a great move for CF to be directed by Sam Mendes back at the Donmar.

That is why I do not understand why he would say he is happy to be a character actor. Consistency in his interviews is not one of ODB attributes. He tends to change with the wind.

VCR Alert "Another Country" will shown on the Sundance Channel this Saturday @ 7:30pm (EST), again on the 6th and 25th. http://www.sundancechannel.com/category/tin#screenings "Camille" will be shown on the Romance Classics Channel tomorrow @ 6pm (EST). http://romanceclassics.com/programming/index.html

The Sundance Channel misdirected to me the wrong page ... just click on the Sundance Channel, then program guide, film finder, and feature film ... hope that works.

Evelyn, do I detect some disenchantment with ODB?

(Gi)Evelyn, do I detect some disenchantment with ODB? No...after all these years, I know him too well. One time he says he's happy and the next he has an insurmountable list of "I want to be..." I don't think he means to be diliberately disingenuous, I don't think he has a clue

Wonderful review for RV in this month's "Film Review" 4 stars out of 5 stars "NC was a playwright, screenwriter, director and songwriter of genius. He wrote camp, bitchy, contrived, furiously-plotted little farces and comedies which more than stand the test of time. Even the most ambling third-rate, am-dram production of say, Private Lives, exudes a wit and verbal sophistication that comes straight from the words the great man put on the page. The plot is simple English Earl plans to marry Hollywood actress. He takes her to meet his family, while pursued by her ex-lover, chaos ensues. It would be so easy to put the success of adaptation of Coward's Fifties comedy of manners down to The Master himself; easy, but unfair. No the enjoyment to be had from RV (and that enjoyment is considerable) is due to the sympathetic adaption of the script, the "sunhy day" atmosphere of the country retreat setting, and terrific ensemble casting. It has been an age since JA graced the silver screen and she clearly relishes her typical Coward matriarch figure, but brings to her a warmth and yes, light sexiness that works wonderfully. JT makes me drool, frankly, and as Miranda Frayle, Hollywood superstar, she gives a knock-out self-mocking turn that might rank as her best screen work to date. WB also demonstrates an admirable ability to laugh at both himself and the cliches of his profession, while hinting at the humanity behind the stardom. In Coward's own role of Peter, COLIN FIRTH, sex symbol and TV icon, is cast against thoroughly against type - and clearly revels in it. Whether changing sly looks and pink gins, sneering at his family or conspiring with the maid, FIRTH IS A DELIGHT. The family butler is SF. He could do this in his sleep, but no one else could do it so well, so it's nice to have him on board. Everyone else chips in with bright, convincing, appropriate performances and the period detail is exquisite. As well as examing an older type of film making, RV evokes it. Simply done, charmingly played and clocking in at just under an hour and a half, it's an absolute pleasure. Jim Smith"

Now *that's* the type of excellent review we want to see! Thanks Ann.

Thanks Ann. How happy and proud I feel for ODB. And looking forwards to seeing this film :-)

Some positive news Ann, thank you. Here's to more of them. Renate, thanks to posting the site for preview tickets. Sadly I'm out of area but hope that someone will go on June 11th.

Now *that's* the type of excellent review we want to see! Yeah...'cept I don't like to see him viewed as "Sex Symbol and TV icon". And I wonder if he does....

(Evelyn) I don't like to see him viewed as "Sex Symbol and TV icon". I guess he is, though... So why not accept and make the best of it? :-)

Ah, that's what I like to see! This could be a winner...at least for those over 21! "Film Review" has a slightly more mature readership, I think. BTW..re. that rather churlish and incoherent "Empire" review....what on earth is an LA luvvie? I'll be seeing MLSF next week. Hopefully, RV will go on natiowide release. To see two CF movies in a month would border on a miracle!

Re: Encore Media Group and Relative Values Yes, cable rights have been sold to Encore, but RV is NOT going straight to cable. Encore will have it AFTER the theatrical release. No US distrib yet; are still screening it for potential buyers.

Whew! Thanks, Karen. I couldn't fathom how this one would go straight to cable and am greatly relieved to hear they're shopping it for the big screen here. Will be even more greatly relieved when big screen buyer is found.;-) And speaking of RV . . .has anyone checked out the new poster on Murph's site? Bet the Ed Atterton fan club (if there is such a thing) is up in arms!;-)

Sorry, more about the RV poster. Can anyone read the name of the publication in the lower right corner, from which they've pulled a great review quote?