Bridget Jones's Diary - the ongoing saga (Part 2)

Wow we already reached the threshold???? (I like the ongoing saga;) v.v. BJ!

No, but we were getting close (1999 is the max), so you can go back to old one. ;-)

Eh, I like the new one;) BTW, Laura Zigman has new book out, Dating Big Bird. Just came out;)

Ah, here is some write-ups on it. It will be released April 11, 2000 Ellen Franck wants nothing more than to have a baby of her own. Already well into her thirties, she is beginning to fear that her "gumball machine" of eggs is getting low and that her time is running out. Unmarried and working in a fast-paced fashion-industry job, Ellen is dating Malcolm, an emotionally closed-off man who is so scarred by the death of his young son that he doesn't want any more children. Thus begins Ellen's search for a solution to her dilemma and the question she ultimately faces: Is she ready to have a baby by herself? Ellen's desire for a child is only fueled by the fact that she is surrounded by people having babies, including her boss, Karen, and her sister, Lynn. Lynn's first child, Nicole, is the ideal child in Ellen's eyes, and she spends every moment she can with Nicole, whom she has nicknamed "the Pickle." Ellen's closest single friend, Amy, wants a child as much as Ellen does, and they spend most of their time together commiserating about their dead-end relationships and envying eople with children. Kristine Huntley From Kirkus Reviews A year-in-the-life of a single, Manhattan career woman intent on making babies before her ovarian ``gum-ball machine'' dispenses its last egg: a tale that makes for laughs and touching momentsif little insight. Thirty-five-year-old Ellen Franck lives the New York dream. The marketing genius behind a prestigious fashion designer, she rubs shoulders with the rich and famous, has a great apartment and a hectic social lifebut no baby. Career dedication left Ellen little time to ponder procreation... read more Book Description At thirty-five, Ellen Franck has a life many people dream about--a glamorous fashion industry job, an apartment in Greenwich Village, good friends--and yet Ellen is restless. Two years ago, the sight of her newborn niece, Nicole, (a.k.a. "The Pickle") made her realize what she was missing: a child of her own. But there's one problem. Malcolm, the man she loves, is too scarred by the long-ago death of his young son to ever consider fatherhood again.

Since we're talking Laura Zigman, do you recognize her? Old Cow? New Cow? ;-)

Yep, but now she's Dating Big Bird!

Why does that cow have five teats?

(Arami)Why does that cow have five teats? Why not? (in cartoons, anything is possible!)

I came across this in the "Sydney Telegraph" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SINGLE LIFE IS "SELFISH" London: The Princess Royal has accused the single life of the so-called "Bridget Jones generation" of being "plain selfish". In an interview with The Times newspaper the Princess also said life was becoming in increasingly isolating. The life of the singleton was captured by the fictional character Bridget Jones in the best-selling book by British author Helen Fielding. But the Princess said the decision of single people to maximise their independence by living alone was "no good". "Life in general nowadays is more and more isolating" she said. "It could mean just plain selfish".

Gaah! Do you think she has read the book?

The Royals are addicted to reading, plus she has a daughter who sports a pierced tongue. ;-)

London: The Princess Royal has accused the single life of the so-called "Bridget Jones generation" of being "plain selfish". Well, not everyone *must* produce heirs to the crown...

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

According to that, My Life So Far hasn't even opened in the UK yet?? Wasn't that filmed something like 4 years ago now??

I find that odd about _My Life So Far_ not being released in the UK. We saw it last fall (in the US) in an art house, of course. Not a multiplex.

See HE will play Mark Darcy. ;)

Thanks, Karen, for that article. It does ODB justice. If only there were more jurnalists like this.

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'.

Was suddenly interrupted.... Livia is a documentary maker now? He likes opera?(Livia's influence, no doubt.) He sounds happy...:-)

Also in the Observer, an article on "High Fidelity" and how successful it has been, using Chicago instead of N.London etc Quotes fron NH and a mention about FP not being true to the book etc Is HF actually released all over the US yet? Anyone seen it, i would love to know what you thought.

RE: High Fidelity It has definitely gotten wide release here, to critical acclaim. Having never read the book, I can't comment on faithfulness, etc. I think it is very well done. Of course, I'm a big fan of John Cusack. Soundtrack was excellent too, although I'm a bit older than the crowd in the movie . Definitely not an anguished thirtysomething anymore :-) I have to admit, I turned to my DH (who also liked it) and said--Gee, this is just a male version of Bridget Jones. Sort of pathetic, whining slob...but sweet in his way.

Lizza go to Odds & Ends for our thoughts on HF. Thank you!!! Karen! Great article. Most of it we already new but the little new stuff was great. Loved your questions, Evelyn. They do need explaining. I will look for Livia s name on any Italian documentary I see. We get RAI TV. The official status of the rumour, according to a spokesperson from Working Title, the film's production company, is 'unconfirmed'. Why are they playing this game? What is the &*()(&%$$## big deal? Make the bloody announcement! Colin should really insist that they do it. Afterall, HG has been confirmed. MD is the co-lead role. Why would he want to wait until the whole cast is announce and therefore diminishing the importance of his co-starring role? Make the call Colin, have them announce it. Of course, there is the possibility that he wanted to meet with RZ in LA first. But he has had plenty of time now.

Thanks for the article Karen. It was great to read. I wish he had of been in "the End of the Affair" - then I would have enjoyed it more.

Getting a bit riled, are we, Moon? ;-) Hugh hasn't been confirmed as yet either. All the articles have said the contracts haven't been finalized. I'd bet they're arguing with Colin about doing a wet scene. He's insisting that "splashing water on his face" is all he'll do anymore. ;-) (Cathey) then I would have enjoyed it more. You and me both. Besides, would've been more "believable" with Colin. So hard to worked up to a drooly, lusty froth with the Rafeman.

Getting a bit riled, are we, Moon? ;-) Hugh hasn't been confirmed as yet either. We have had more a confirmation from Hugh, Karen. You know that. ;-)

I will look for Livia s name on any Italian documentary I see. .. But the article didn't specify "Italian"...maybe she's freelance and does English docs too.Smart girl..hey, they could use two salaries.

(Karen) Hugh hasn't been confirmed as yet either. All the articles have said the contracts haven't been finalized. (Moon) We have had more a confirmation from Hugh, Karen. You know that. ;-) Naw, Karen's right, Moon. Confirmation from Working Title is different than publicity plants and quotes saying how he'd 'like to play the cad.' Facts are facts. Just look at that tripe about HF removing herself in a tiff over RZ's casting. Read it in enough publications and it takes on an air of truth. BTW, 'Armadillo' was never confirmed either... (Karen) I'd bet they're arguing with Colin about doing a wet scene. He's insisting that "splashing water on his face" is all he'll do anymore. ;-) Good point! I can hear him now--"no pond, I beg you, NO POND!"

(Eileen) Good point! I can hear him now--"no pond, I beg you, NO POND!" Precisely, why he be responsible for the risk of some poor stuntman contracting Wile's Disease?

hey, they could use two salaries. Only they ain't getting any salaries, of course: just fees, honoraria and royalties. ;-)

Well, the news is coming out of rather a surprising source this AM. This is from iwon.com's Entertainment section. Their news is normally from CBS and Reuters, and they normally only report "big" news. This seems to be from Variety. Perhaps this latest article isn't even news to you all. If not, my apologies. I'm not sure if this link will work (just go to iwon.com and poke around Entertainment News: http://www.iwon.com/home/entertainment/entertain_article/0,2084,27073|movie|04-11-2000::06:50|reuters,00.html It's probably just rehashing the other papers. (I'm trying not to get *too* excited). The story: Colin Firth May Get Lead Entry in 'Diary' April 11, 2000 3:50 am EST 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.

He will be Mark Darcy!

Meredith, I think you can go ahead and get excited.;-) Didn't realize you already had it here--sorry for the repeat on 129. I like the "romantic lead" part. But wasn't Hughie the "romantic lead" a few days ago?;-) I think the hold-up on "official" announcements is financial. With HG on board, they need more than $8 million for this, if they want to have anything left over to pay the caterers.;-) WT will fork it over, no problem, and if CF is smart, he is driving a hard bargain. The tie-in to MD and P&P will make good publicity down the road. They need him.

(Mari)With HG on board, they need more than $8 million for this, if they want to have anything left over to pay the caterers. ROF,LOL I hope CF *is* driving a hard bargain, and is not hiding his light under a bushel! Perhaps this will be his breakout commercial role!? Are there enough P&P fans who will "get" it, and make a difference in box office?

Hoorah!!! Finally his name as a top mention in Variety, instead of third or fourth paragraph. Thanks Meredith and Mari.

Thanks for the article, Meredith and Mari (yes, Laura, we know, we know, but we'd rather hear about it from Working Title :-P). We can add the phrase "lined up" to the list under "mooted." Mari and Karen are right, I'm sure the delay is contractual: salary, wet shirt scenes, billing, who gets the bigger bathroom, etc. CF's agent's got to be good for something besides saying "I really don't know." (Meredith) Perhaps this will be his breakout commercial role!? ...again! Colin's had more 'breakouts' than a teenager. Are there enough P&P fans who will "get" it, and make a difference in box office? Sure, if we each see it at least 10 times (just like we did for SiL, MLSF, etc.). At least it appears no airfare will be necessary for this one!

Meredith) Are there enough P&P fans who will "get" it, and make a difference in box office? Working Title (Universal) and Miramax will go after the mainstream viewing public over age 30, i.e., not teenage boys. They will not be going after the Masterpiece Theatre crowd.

Just went to AOL.com to pick up some mail and the piece Meredith and Mari posted is listed in the entertainment headlines. How nice it is to see the words "Colin Firth" under the heading "Top Entertainment Stories"!

Time for Bubbly( Hope it works...if not...you get the general idea...

Still think it's unofficial (note use of words "might" and "maybe") but here's to you, Ev. *hic* There's only 19 days 'til May 1st.

Bubbly didn't work for me... But here is my contribution:

The following was posted at austen.com by Valerie: Ok, so here's what I heard today as I was eating an alpine strawberry yogurt this lunchtime while simultaniously swatting up for my Irish Politics tutorial and listening to the Lunchtime Social on Radio One. The guy doing the showbiz news played a clip form an interview with Richard Curtis in which he explained why 'Kate' (I wasn't listening properly at that moment so he could have been talking about either Kate Winslet or Cate Blanchett) wasn't available to play Briget because of prior filming commitments. What did grab my attention however was the fact that Colin Firth is now confirmed for the role of Mark Darcy.

Well this is all sounding very positive. BTW, TNT/Roughcut is now reporting it as well as Popcorn, but they've probably just picked up the Variety story. I called Working Title in L.A., and they said to call the London office so I did but they're closed (darn these pesky time zone differences;-). (Eileen) Colin's had more 'breakouts' than a teenager. Pfft! *Spritzing Glass Plus on my E-Z Wipe monitor cover* Too funny, Eileen. (Eileen) CF's agent's got to be good for something besides saying "I really don't know." Observer reporter: "Was Colin born in England?" Agent: "I really don't know." Observer: "Was he born in Africa, then?" Agent: "I really don't know." Observer: How do you spell Giuggioli?" Agent: "I REALLY don't know."

Rumor has it that final contract negotiations are hung up on two points: a line of dialogue ("your parents, they are well?" and Helen Fielding's insistence on being his dresser. ;-)

I think it's time for Moon's Ten Reasons Why.... 3. Harvey is saying "This time you must attend the premiere";-)

Helen Fielding's insistence on being his dresser. ;-) I wouldn't laugh at it. Wasn't it her offer to play BJ which caused some consternation before?

(Karen) final contract negotiations are hung up on two points: a line of dialogue ("your parents, they are well?" and Helen Fielding's insistence on being his dresser. ;-) (Evelyn) 3. Harvey is saying "This time you must attend the premiere";-) Hee, hee. Hey, I'll play: 4. Renee is insisting on ending the film with "you had me at 'hello'." 5. The coveted part of Geoffrey Alconbury is already taken. 6. He's coaching Will's Little League team this spring. 7. Mike Binder has come in with a competing offer. 8. He's afraid Hugh will out-act him. 9. He doesn't look good in diamond-patterned sweaters or bumble-bee socks. 10. He's detected "waves of loathing" emanating form the Working Title make-up girl. 11. He's committed to doing Jerry Springer: "My school teachers were all fascist, hermaphrodite, cross-dressing aliens and That's Why I'm Still So Traumatized Boo-Hoo."

1. Wants to be begged some more. :-D 2. Insists on wearing Walker's green sweater to the party at her parents' house. (Something to do with hate or pride... ). ;-) Just checking in to great news!! Could not make the celebration before because my son had to have surgery on his leg. The bone was not healing properly and they had to re-set it. Ouch! It went well, he is home. Loved your #11 Mari. And Karen that line about her parents being well, and Eileen the breakouts, all had me LOL! Now we want a comment from HF. She must be happy about this.

11. He's committed to doing Jerry Springer: "My school teachers were all fascist, hermaphrodite, cross-dressing aliens and That's Why I'm Still So Traumatized Boo-Hoo." ROTF!! 12. He's trying to find a role in movie for "Ingrid." ;-)

This snippet from Mr. Showbiz is obviously just a rehash, but it's nice to see so much "press." http://mrshowbiz.go.com/news/Todays_Stories/411/castingcall041100.html

At last! This news was long overdue!! Now I can sleep well again. 2. Insists on wearing Walker's green sweater to the party at her parents' house. (Something to do with hate or pride... ). ;-) LOL!

Here's Meredith's Mr. Showbiz thing: Although Bridget Jones won't be played by a British actress (Texan Renee Zellweger nabbed the role to much outcry), she will have two Brits to choose between as her love interests. Hugh Grant has already signed on to the film version of Helen Fielding's smash novel; now Colin Firth, the presumptuous Lord Wessex in Shakespeare in Love, is being courted to join the cast as Mark Darcy. Fielding has said she based the character on � surprise, surprise � that of the proud Mr. Darcy of Pride and Prejudice, a part Firth played in a 1995 British television miniseries of the acclaimed Jane Austen novel. Richard Curtis is writing the script for the film version. He directed Grant in Notting Hill, which Curtis also wrote, and scripted Blackadder Back and Forth, which starred Firth as William Shakespeare. Filming gets underway May 1. ~~~~~~~~~ which starred Firth as William Shakespeare Obviously the writer has never seen Blackadder Back and Forth. ;-)

Entertainment Weekly's News Summary (4/11/00) says this, but remember they all got it from the same Reuters newswire: Colin Firth (''Shakespeare in Love'') will play love interest Mark Darcy in ''Bridget Jones's Diary.''

Well it seems definite. But then again, WE ALWAYS knew he'd play Mark Darcy! Great casting job! :)

Only 18 more days until May 1st (sometime between now and then, Working Title, Universal, Miramax, all the king's horses and all the king's men are going to have to make some sort of official announcement). Loved your top ten-plus reasons, ladies. Especially liked #4, 7 and 8 (as if!), Mari. Speaking of Binder, I was checking my satellite TV's pay-per-view selection (looking for MLSF--one can hope) and what do I find? The Sex Monster. Gaah!

I was checking my satellite TV's pay-per-view selection (looking for MLSF--one can hope) and what do I find? The Sex Monster. Gaah! A little respect here for Max Binder, please.We'll all probably traipse up to Toronto or wherever to see his latest!! ~~~~ Love all the reasons...Mari, the "traumatized childhood on Jerry Springer" takes the cake... And the Green Sweater....!!Maybe even insisting on the Blue Parka...

Glad I found you! Thanks, Mari, for pointing me in the right direction. Rai, a fellow FOF, sent me the scan of the Variety article. It is here: http://www.geocities.com/firthfan/jones/bjones2.html All this great news thanks to the sleuths. Mari, I hope you try London Working TItle again. Murph

(Murph) Mari, I hope you try London Working TItle again. Your wish is my command, oh Murphela. Looks like it's a done deal, ladies! Just got off the phone with their PR lady, no confirmation yet, but "there will be a press release on it, probably tomorrow."

This from Empire On Line: Bridget Jones' Mr Right 12/04/2000 With Hugh Grant already in place as one of Renee Zellweger�s love interests in the forthcoming screen adaptation of Bridget Jones� Diary, it seems the film�s producers are courting Colin Firth for the other key romantic role of Mark Darcy. The author of the bestselling novel, Helen Fielding, claims that the inspiration for the Mark Darcy character came from�surprise, surprise�Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, a role that Firth played in the 1995 BBC adaptation of the Jane Austen novel. The movie will reteam Firth with writer Richard Curtis who penned Blackadder Back and Forth, a short film based on the BBC TV series and shown at the Millennium Dome, in which the actor played William Shakespeare. Shooting on Bridget Jones� Diary is due to begin on May 1 in London with Sharon Maguire directing. Murph

Looks like it's a done deal, ladies! Just got off the phone with their PR lady, no confirmation yet, but "there will be a press release on it, probably tomorrow." ************ YEAHHHH! Murph

(Evelyn) A little respect here for Max Binder, please.We'll all probably traipse up to Toronto or wherever to see his latest!! With all due respect, Ev, have you seen the Sex Monster? :-D I like to think of it as Mike's 'learning curve.' Also don't think anyone here would be traipsing to Toronto to see Mike. I prefer that tall, cute guy with the goatee. (Mari) no confirmation yet, but "there will be a press release on it, probably tomorrow." Hallelujah. Let the games (and the inevitible Darcy comparisons) begin!

Yippee!!!! it seems the film�s producers are courting Colin Firth for the other key romantic role of Mark Darcy. There is only one key romantic role as far as I know and that�s MD. They can�t change that fact whatever they are planning for Hugh/Daniel. And we know that Colin�s got all it takes to make Hughie look like a pitiful creep in comparison. It�s going to be a big boost for his career, whatever happens.

Mari-Looks like it's a done deal, ladies! Just got off the phone with their PR lady, no confirmation yet, but "there will be a press release on it, probably tomorrow." Ooooh! Thanks for checking Mari! I am all astonishment! That would mean sometime in the next 20 hours, or so!!! You would think that if nothing else, depending on scheduling of course, one could just go "hang out" in Kensington/Notting Hill, etc. and SEE who was in the blasted movie :-) Have we heard anything about supporting roles (especially Pam Jones! what a trip she is)? Meredith--who just picked up BJ:EOR at the library!

Meredith, if you're interested in reading the columns that formed the basis for TEOR *before* reading the book, go over to the Bucket site. I've added a section for that. Makes for an interesting comparison and shows how much work went into improving them for the book. http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdcols.html P.S. Always remember to run your mousey over images. You never know what they might do or say. ;-)

Thanks, Karen. I popped over there this AM, and was most impressed, but didn't have time to delve deeper. I love the layout (everchanging) of your spiral bound BJD page, BTW.

Can not wait for the press release, thanks everyone! Mari, after the official announcement, please call WT again and ask about the rest of the cast. I have a feeling Minnie Driver is after one of the parts. Thanks, Karen the the BJD addition. I never did get to read them all. :-)

Ev, have you seen the Sex Monster?... Yeah....baaaad.But I have great hopes for Londinium... *Ever-Hopeful Evie* ;-) ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thanks Mari...(who is getting in training for Miramax;-) ~~~~~~~ Karen, new additions to BJ Page look great....can't wait...

Thanks, dearies. Some of you know *what* I have been waiting to unveil. Hopefully...tomorrow if all goes as we've been led to believe.

I hope you're right and that all does go well tomorrow. It's just that I've been let down so much concerning CF in the past year; i.e., "Flashman", "The Maid of Buttermere", and "Armadillo". It's just hard for me to get my hopes up. At this point I'm so skeptical I probably won't believe his being cast until "Bridget Jones Diary" goes into production. Sorry to be so depressing. I'll work on thinking positively. I hope you have good news to present on your BJD page Karen. Good luck.

CherylB It's just hard for me to get my hopes up. At this point I'm so skeptical I probably won't believe his being cast until "Bridget Jones Diary" goes into production Know exactly what you mean Cheryl..I'm not holding my breath...... Meredith - one could just go "hang out" in Kensington/Notting Hill, etc. and SEE who was in the blasted movie .....I can't think of a better way to while away my (extended) lunch hours (days - don't tell the BossMan) this May! Chardonnay & Milk Tray anyone?

The Telegraph confirms it in Thursday's edition. Anne R spotted it tonight. I have it here: http://www.geocities.com/firthfan/jones/bjones2.html YEAAAAA! Murph

Chardonnay & Milk Tray anyone? I'm there with you in spirit, Tracy! Along with Crunchie, Flake, Smarties, etc... ;-)

Fabulous!! Here's the url to the Telegraph article itself and the text: (Notice the budget has more than doubled.) http://www.telegraph.co.uk:80/et?ac=000576481449931&rtmo=pblSpIpe&atmo=YYYYYYYp&pg=/et/00/4/13/njones13.html Bridget Jones's dates make even her creator jealous By Nigel Reynolds, Arts Correspondent COLIN FIRTH and Hugh Grant, two of Britain's biggest screen pin-ups, are to play the men in the life of Bridget Jones, the neurotic thirty-something career girl, in the film version of Bridget Jones's diary. Helen Fielding, the book's author, said yesterday that she was consumed with jealousy that her screen alter-ego would have affairs with the actors. The film will be the biggest project shot on the streets of London since Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts made Notting Hill and turned the streets of W11 into a film lot. Filming Bridget Jones, with a budget up to �12 million, will begin in a few weeks' time in streets in west London and in a studio outside the capital. A spokesman for the British producers, Working Title Films, who also made Notting Hill, would not disclose whether Notting Hill, Bridget Jones territory, would be used again. He said: "We are saying nothing because we don't want to cause too much excitement." Firth set the female half of Britain on fire as the smouldering Darcy in the last BBC version of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. In the new film, he will play Mark Darcy, a top-notch lawyer famous for his diamond-patterned golf sweaters and Bridget's most enduring but elusive love. Grant, who played a wistful fop in Four Weddings and a Funeral, will be Daniel Cleaver, Bridget's witty boss and bad boy with whom she has an on-off passion. It is perhaps a minor miracle that Grant has agreed to star in the film. In one diary entry there is a long chunk about his moment of madness in Hollywood. Bridget records her boss holding forth on the subject: "How does a man with a girlfriend with looks like Elizabeth Hurley have a blow-job from a prostitute on a public highway and get away with it?" Fielding said of the two male stars yesterday: "I must admit to jealously violent thoughts towards Bridget since the announcement that she will be canoodling with both of them. It reminds me of the year that Bridget got 13 Valentine cards and I received one which I had strong reason to believe was from the paper boy." She said Grant was "hilariously wicked as well as sexy, charming and delicious". Fielding's Mark Darcy was based on Firth's television appearance. She said: "Mark Darcy is the nearest I came in the book to writing a character with a real-life human being in mind, i.e. Colin Firth as Mr Darcy. So I'm completely thrilled he's agreed to do the part." She said he had all the "suppressed emotion and raw pulsating passion" the character needed. Bridget herself, jinxed in love and obsessed by her cigarette, alcohol and calorie consumption, is to be played by 29-year-old Texan comic actress Renee Zellwegger. Fielding, who worked on early drafts of the script, was reported to have left the project because she objected to the casting of Zellwegger. Now she says she is dying to make an anonymous appearance in the film. "I'm keen on the idea of turning up on set in enormous sunglasses and a gold lam� turban shrieking 'It should have been me!' and having to be led away and given a trinket."

and we're dancin' in the aisles and breaking out the bubbly!! Yippeee!!!

WAHOO!!! *DOING THE HAPPY DANCE* I never doubted it! (ok...maybe once or twice. But then we all cant be Laura) ;-) *hee hee* EsBee (who is deleriously happy)

Webpage is updated. Our own Emma helped on this one; made it look just so perfect. :-)

Yippee!!! All we have to do now is sit back and wait for it to be released. And it will be such a box office success they will decide to use the same cast to make the sequel - Edge of Reason - with Colin Firth playing himself AND Mark Darcy.

Great news to wake up to, to quote Cathey Yippee!!!

YES!!! Finally.....GREAT NEWS!! This is going to be a good one...and the budget has shot up! Love Helen's comments! "It should have been me" LOL!

Hooray! Very good news. And to think we cast the part over two years ago! The trouble is that my expectations are now so high for the film that I can only be disappointed when it comes out!

Mark, good to have you here again! This is good news indeed. Now no one will have an excuse to say "Colin who"?

At last, we can relax a bit . I have a feeling you all stayed up all night to get the scoop :-) But on to the rest of the cast...!

Oh, happy day! Here's the announcement in Variety: Thursday April 13 2:04 AM ET Grant, Firth locked in ``Jones Diary'' By Adam Dawtrey LONDON (Variety) - After weeks of speculation, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth have been confirmed to co-star in ``Bridget Jones' Diary,'' alongside Renee Zellweger. Firth, who played supporting roles in ''The English Patient'' and ``Shakespeare in Love, was cast to play the romantic lead opposite Zellweger, with Grant (''Notting Hill'') portraying his rival. Zellweger is perhaps best known as Tom Cruise's love interest in the 1996 hit ``Jerry Maguire.'' ``Diary,'' produced by Working Title Films and directed by rookie Sharon Maguire, starts shooting later this month, financed by Universal Pictures and Canal Plus.

So can I say it? Please??? I TOLD YOU SO!!!! :) I never had any doubts, the role was made for him, only HE could do it!!!

Oh Happy Day!!! Thank you all for the news! This is it ladies. How will Colin handle the fame? As Gi said, everyone will know him now. At least we will be able to say that we were here first. ;-) (I will not brag, but this was my casting call last year) :-D

Wonderful, perfect! Back home again to such great news. Will try and buy up all the newspapers tomorrow!

...diamond patterned sweater and bumblebee socks...Mmmmm!

Nice to see you back, Mark. Probably couldn't stand our whining, crying and overall infantile behavior. ;-) (KJ, you can come back now too!) (Moon) How will Colin handle the fame? He has a great role model - Hughie - of how NOT to behave.

Yabba-dabba-doo!! To see the name Firth among the top 3 headlines on Yahoo Entertainment *twice* in one week is more excitement than my heart can stand. Now I just hope Colin doesn't use his big BJD paycheck to take another year-long sabbatical a la after SiL;-)

HG on the View show NOW !!!! Maybe a BJ mention?

Just a rerun from his Mickey Blues Eyes promotion. Thanks for the heads-up, Donna.

Thanks to everybody for the news. Good to hear from Mark again..thought you had abandoned us:-( Welcome back Allison. Thank you Laura and Moon for always keeping our spirits up. You were right ALL the TIME..(and told us so;-)) ~~~~~~~ Esp. like the new budget.More $$for Colin, I hope.Think they talked Harvey into kicking in some more? Saw Hugh on "The View" this AM....Thanks Donna...hope I never have to see Colin on that show...dreadful esp. when Barbara Walters isn't there. Hugh looked uncomfortable.(He ought to take lessons from RF who was terrific on the same show) ~~~~~~~~~~~~ **The Bucket** has a terrific shot of "The Barrister"!!Don't miss it.. Great job Karen and Emma.

Do we know who is (was) writing this? I know Richard Curtis is the most recent scribe, but I have read several accounts (or maybe they are all the same one) that Andrew Davies was on board at some point. Inquiring minds...

The official word is "with a script from, Helen Fielding, Andrew Curtis and Richard Curtis."

Karen, I know you meant Andrew Davies. Don't feel bad; in the press release, they have it as Andrew "Davis." Oi. Well, at least they got that Frith guy right.;-);-) The press release is on Murph's page.

I have the press release as well, but didn't bother to reproduce it as it really doesn't say any more. Liked the last line though: "Universal Pictures is a part of Universal Studios, which is a unit of The Seagram Company, Ltd., a global entertainment and - appropriately for Bridget - beverage company.

"That Firth guy" LOL I'm sorry, I should know this, but being a relative newbie--which one is Murph's page? Many thanks!

Please disregard-I found it (Murph's page).

(Karen) "Universal Pictures is a part of Universal Studios, which is a unit of The Seagram Company, Ltd., a global entertainment and - appropriately for Bridget - beverage company. I know, I loved it! Somebody had a sense of humor. Too bad none of the reports used it; I hate seeing wit go to waste.;-) Have just spent some time looking at the BJD pages at your Bucket, Karen. Terrific, clever design and layout--*you* should be doing the PR for this one, kid. Heck, for all of them.;-) *Love the boots.*

Well this topic's run the gamut of emotions for some time now It's gonna be thrilling to see him in such a high focus project. Thanks to all our eagle-eyed sleuths, we should have news to feast on regularly. Loved our DB (dear barrister) on your page, Karen. Thank God you didn't put a white wig on him, K & E.

Shucks, my face of many emotions didn't come through but methinks we'll see enough changes in the coming months...enough to keep this roller coaster topic going for quite awhile.

Murph ..thrilling to see the scanned hard-copy headlines from Variety... "Working Title Pens Firth into Diary" in BIG letters.Not hidden in the bowels of an article. ~~~~~~~~ Karen...."Singleton's Celebration Essentials"...a hoot.... Did ya' save the box of the Jaffa Cakes I brought you in November in wait for this event? Silk Cuts, Milk Tray and Chardonnay...what else would a girl want? v.v.g. girls.

(Mari) Somebody had a sense of humor. Too bad none of the reports used it; I hate seeing wit go to waste.;-) See, if you wade through the boilerplate, you hit gold. Amazing, you never see stuff like that in a PR. Thanks, Mari. Am having a ball with this one. Hey, Heide, the wig is their but it's more brownish. You didn't think Colin sprouted a new head of hair, did you? ;-) (maybe Gi's been working on him) ;-)

I'm not sure how many more announcements (regurgitations) people want to read, but at least the FilmUnlimited people added "content": Grant and Firth to star in Bridget Jones adaptation Thursday April 13, 2000 Ending weeks of speculation, British actors Hugh Grant and Colin Firth have been confirmed to co-star in the forthcoming adaptation of Bridget Jones' Diary, alongside American actress Renee Zellweger, who will play the eponymous sad singleton. Firth, who played supporting roles in The English Patient and Shakespeare in Love, will play Mark Darcy, the romantic lead opposite Zellweger, with Grant the good for nothing Daniel, who beds our heroine, and unceremoniously dumps her for someone thinner and blonder. Firth's casting is a case of life imitating art, and its irony will not be lost of the millions of Bridget Jones fans, who will know that Colin Firth's portrayal of Mr Darcy in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, fuels numerous fantasies for Bridget Jones. Zellweger is perhaps best known as Tom Cruise's love interest in the 1996 hit Jerry Maguire. Diary, produced by Working Title Films and helmed by first time director Sharon Maguire, starts shooting later this month, financed by Universal Pictures and Canal Plus.

Gee...with Firth's track record for being in Oscar winning films...

Have just been out and perused a few papers. Can find nothing! Even Baz B in the Mail says nothing about BJD. I did not look in the Daily Express, another likely source. Will try and check later. Maybe the Sunday papers will have more?? They could not have much less.

Great job, Karen, loved the pix! The Miami Herald reported it all yesterday. This is the film that will brake CF to the masses. Are we ready?

I somehow think that CF will still remain anonymous even after this "breakout" role. It's his will, right? He doesn't go for that pomp & circumstance, he'll play a role, downplay it as, "the script was perfect, the cast is amazing, and hey, it's Bridget? I mean, I know her personally..." ;)

(Allison) Have just been out and perused a few papers. Can find nothing! Probably too concerned with Sir Anthony. Here is Empire's article (nothing new): http://www.empireonline.co.uk/news/news.asp?2229 Love mistakes. This is from CNN:Firth, who played the arrogantly possessive Lord Essex in "Shakespeare in Love," is to play the romantic lead opposite Zellweger. Grant, the bumbling, blue-eyed bookseller in "Notting Hill," is to portray his rival.

(Karen)...the good for nothing Daniel, who beds our heroine, and unceremoniously dumps her for someone thinner and blonder. Yeah... I wonder whom they'll find that's thinner and blonder than Zellweger ;-)

Now that we can all breath a sigh of relief that Colin has been cast as MD, how about some specualtion as to the rest of the cast. I think I have had an inspired thought, how about Joan Collins for Bridget's Mum, any thoughts anyone?

It's finally official. Hurrah! Hurrah! Despite my well-documented mixed feelings about his casting, it is *very* exciting to see Mr. Invisible Man's name in the headlines. I was away from the computer all day yesterday and watched ET and AH in hopes of a mention, to no avail. Apparently it's more important that American audiences learn about the rumored Ted Turner-Bo Derek liaison. It's nice to see the film's budget increase but IMO most of that's gotta be going to Hugh. He doesn't work cheap. Speaking of the budget, I've heard that a team is already hard at work on an aggressive BJD marketing campaign in manner of Godzilla and Phantom Menace. Here's a sneak peek at a few of their preliminary ideas. 1. Dolls. BJ doll will come packaged in a flat with a removable hole in wall (in anticipation of EOR sequel). Doll will come dressed in micro-mini. A variety of outfits available for additional purchase will include black coctail dress with kitten-heel shoes and bunny girl costume. Accessories include tiny packs of Silk Cut, boxes of Milk Tray and telephone with 1471 feature. Handsome MD doll comes dressed in (what else?) fugly diamond-patterned sweater and bumblebee socks. Additional outfits include barrister costume and wig (see Bucket for specs). DC doll comes with leash (attached to Elizabeth Hurley), very long arms (for feeling up BJ) and TV set accessory (for watching cricket). Julio doll looks amazingly like a certain Drool-frequenter's husband. 2. Seagram's Vintners, heretofore an unknown subsidiary of the conglomerate, announces its new BJ Chardonnay. 1996 was a *very* good year. 3. BBC/A&E will re-release their 'BJ Edition' of the P&P2 video. The boxed set will feature the original five-plus hour running time but will consist of repeated shots of Mr. Darcy diving into the lake and walking to Pemberley in his wet shirt. 4. Barnes & Noble, Borders and Amazon.com will stock 'Pam Jones's Guide to Motherhood', ghost-written by Dr. Laura. The book will analyze and expand on Pam's seminal tips ('don't say what, say pardon' and having one's colors done). The front cover will feature the Hakuna Matata family crest (once again, in anticipation of EOR sequel). 5. Weight Watchers will announce their 'BJ Diet Plan', aimed toward men and women who don't need to lose weight but think they do. Watch for TV ads featuring Fergie proclaiming "last year I lost 70 pounds...and gained 71!"

LOL, Eileen! (Gi), Yeah... I wonder whom they'll find that's thinner and blonder than Zellweger ;-) Gwyneth Paltrow of course!

...And Gwenneth Paltrow is v. tall, as well.

Um, I'm thinner and now blonder.... just a thought;)

(Ann) I think I have had an inspired thought, how about Joan Collins for Bridget's Mum, any thoughts anyone? Hmm, I don't know, Ann. Saw Joan on ET last night (part of a riveting *cough* story about George Hamilton breaking up with Danielle Steele). IMO she's too glam. Has definitley been nipped and tucked--looks like a 30 year-old. Don't know about Joan's range, either--seems to be at her best mud wrestling with Linda Evans.

Argh! Have we heard _anything_ about supporting roles? Now that the biggest agony is over ;-)

Can someone help a fashionably impaired member: just what _is_ a "kitten heel" shoe?

How about Tom Hollander for her gay friend "Tom"? maybe he is not very well known in the US but he was in Bedrooms & Hallways with JE and was very funny.

Nothing in the Express, either, chaps. Hey, Karen, that wig should be lighter: British lawyers' wigs are made of white (grey) horses' hair. :-) As for the increase in budget: when they finalized with Hugh, along came Colin and asked for the same amount... I hope!

(Eileen) The boxed set will feature the original five-plus hour running time but will consist of repeated shots of Mr. Darcy diving into the lake and walking to Pemberley in his wet shirt. They are years too late with this one; most already have this, albeit homemade. ;-) Don't know about Joan's range, either--seems to be at her best mud wrestling with Linda Evans. LOL!! You are in rare form. Agree Joan is too glam. Can't picture her overloaded with carrier bags (from nondesigner shops) and wearing Country Casuals (????) Needs to be closer to that Hyacinth person, but not exactly. (Meredith) Have we heard _anything_ about supporting roles? Have asked a couple of times when info would be announced. So far, nothing. Wonder if they will get back to me before filming is completed. ;-) And that kitten-heel thing has been asked several times.... Didn't Mark answer it before? Plenty of actresses taller and blonder than Renee Zellweger. Uma and Cameron come to mind. I like Tom Hollander for Gay Tom. In the two things I've seen him in, he does go OTT quite a bit. But I'm sure he can dial it back. that wig should be lighter: British lawyers' wigs are made of white (grey) horses' hair. :-) bitch bitch bitch ;-) Now something to ogle at - the real Telegraph article that confirmed the casting. Please note the pictures: position and size. I will link this to my BJD page but take a looksie: http://www.spring.net/karenr/cfimages/bjd/tel413.jpg

LOL, Eileen. Can't wait to get dolls of my very own, but will not share the MD doll with my daughter. Mine, all mine. It seems that each of us realizes that the announcement that CF has finally agreed to play MD is REALLY TRUE, when (s)he reads it in their own favorite "official" publication. My realization came this morning during the ride to work when I heard the short blurb on radio station PST's "Entertainment Buzz" (a relatively small central NJ station). It was more the way it was said, than what was said. Although it was merely a 3 sentence capsulization of the Variety story, when she said (parapharasing) "Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, and Renee Zellweger are set to star in the upcoming film version of BJD...Colin Firth will play the romantic lead opposite RZ.." So matter of factly, as if everyone knows who CF is. And hearing it said out loud, it really became official in my mind, no longer speculation, rumor, or wish. Fortunately, I was driving alone along a desolate back road, so no one could hear me cheering YES! YES! YES!

bitch bitch bitch ;-) ???

I haven't been online for couple of days ...it appears all that Ommming has worked (though we secretly knew this would HAVE to be the right decision anything else would have been treachery)personally I'm glad it's all sorted as my fingers have almost fallen off through being crossed so long! All we have to do now is see whether our other suggestions come to fruition! This news is so great...I'm as happy as an extremely happy thing that has just taken a happy supplement ;-D *big cheesy grin here*

Nice to see you back, Mark. Probably couldn't stand our whining, crying and overall infantile behavior. ;-) (KJ, you can come back now too!) Yes, nice to see you back , Mark. I'm back at last too. I would have joined in the overall celebration with y'all, but I only found out about the "officialness" of it last night. Not that I was surprised, mind you -- it was only as expected. Just a great sense of satisfaction that all the drooly kittens were now purring pretty much uniformly, and that all the previous hissy-fits over this particular subject have been forgotten (for the time being, anyway). I'm beginning to feel like Eileen ... I must leave in order for anything of import to occur. :-D I just got out of hospital yesterday afternoon, and despite my weakened state, headed to the Library for the last 20 minutes of its open time to get caught up. I've been dining on water, Dextrose and Potassium salts through my arm for the past 5 days. I would suggest that my bile duct get blocked more frequently if that is what it takes for this sort of news to break, but to be honest, I'm too much of a coward for that -- my pain threshhold is a tad too low for me to truly desire to repeat that particular experience. I'm just going to have to figure out some other excuse to be away next time. Knowing how often the Library computers go offline, being incommunicado shouldn't be that difficult. Still, **Heehee** and all that. Very shakily delighted, believe me. And as Smug Laura never ceases to remind us: I told you so TOO! ;-) P.S.: Do not let me put you off your usual game: all that whining, crying and overall infantile behavior is often my only source of daily entertainment. ;-) KJ

Great to have you back, KJ, take care.

Sorry if this has been posted/discussed before: http://www.ew.com/ew/daily/0,2514,2700,whybridgetjonesdeserves.html Crossing That Bridget Why Bridget Jones deserves a smack. Rebecca Ascher-Walsh says the self-absorbed diarist gives being a woman a bad name I admit that I was one of the two people who didn't love ''Bridget Jones's Diary.'' That wasn't safe to cop to when Helen Fielding's ode to the single girl was first published and heralded as the defining voice of modern womanhood. Saying aloud that this obsessive, compulsive, neurotic protagonist would be better off spending her time in a Dieters Anonymous meeting than regaling the reader with her daily calorie intake might have seemed, I thought, mean spirited. But now, with Fielding's follow-up, ''Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason,'' I'm coming out of the closet. Because this time around, Jones (and Fielding) have pushed ME beyond the edge of reason. In her first incarnation, Jones, I will say, did have a winning spazziness about her; while she could never quite get her act together, she was a likable working woman doing the best she could in the face of life's ridiculous circumstances. Now, however, under Fielding's best-selling pen, Jones has metamorphosed into the kind of woman that makes you ashamed to be one: totally dependent on men, undone by the smallest affront, and unable to travel somewhere without getting herself thrown into jail (if that weren't enough, Jones then tells the readers that jail in a third world country represents a good weight loss opportunity). Jones has been compared to Jane Austen's heroines, but there is a crucial difference: In Austen's day, a woman was dependent on a man, and even so, the author's heroines fought mightily against that truth. Fielding, on the other hand, has presented us with a character incapable of doing anything succinctly except counting calories -- and that, as far as I'm concerned, is no heroine. What Jones needs isn't a good snog -- it's a good smack. The critic's name is no surprise for Bridget's friends: Rebecca. She may be using Karen's portrait out-takea as disguise, and pretend to be a senior writer for Entertainment Weekly, but she can't fool me. ;-)

out-takes! I meant

Let's see how to use my jellyfisher-like skills in response... (1) and heralded as the defining voice of modern womanhood. By whom? Was only supposed to be a funny novel. (2) I'm coming out of the closet. Really? The where is the notice that Entertainment Weekly, a publication of Time Inc, has mandated that all its writers pan HF's books? I'm betting that one of Time's publishing arms tried to sign Helen and she went with a competitor. Hate to think what it will say about the movie... (3) I will say, did have a winning spazziness about her Oooh!!! Literacy strikes again!! "Spazziness" I haven't used that word since I was, like, 11 years old. (4) a character incapable of doing anything Rebecca here probably didn't read to the end, where Bridget's work contributions are recognized and she's rewarded appropriately. Gaaa!! These Time people are ridiculous.

Glad to see you back, KJ. Sounds like you've had an awful time. Now back to our regularly scheduling whining. ;-)

A note from FoF pal Rai (which she deliciously titled "Irony Deficiency"--snicker, snicker;-) From THE DAILY TELEGRAPH(LONDON) April 15, 2000, Saturday SECTION: Pg. 21 HEADLINE: Saturday Premiere: BYLINE: By Nigel Reynolds IT IS sad, but it is no longer possible for celebs to make jokes. Helen Fielding, author of Bridget Jones's Diary, is seething at a silly report that she opposed the casting of Renee Zellwegger as Bridget in the coming film version. On a recent book signing tour in the States she was asked about the casting. "I quipped that I was very insulted that no one has asked me to play the part." That soon became the headline "Author throws hissy fit at lack of consultation". Fielding tells me: "One should know better than to be ironic."

Fielding tells me: "One should know better than to be ironic." At least she didn't add "...in the United States." Come back to drool, dear, where irony is (almost always) understood. ;-) Thanks for posting the review, Renate, but sheesh, must all books written by single modern women about single modern women represent us all? Get a sense of humor! On the other hand, a sense of humor about reviews is also necessary. Shall work on that. KJ, take care of yourself. Watch that bile duct.

(Heide) At least she didn't add "...in the United States." She wouldn't need to. It was the British press that put two and two together and came up with five. ;-)

(Renate)Excerpt from "Crossing That Bridget" by Rebecca Ascher-Walsh "I admit that I was one of the two people who didn't love 'Bridget Jones's Diary'." I'm the other one. Before I put on my virtual asbestos suit and get into my virtual shark cage, I have something to say in my defense. To paraphrase and edit Voltaire, "I disagree with everything Bridget Jones stands for, but I will defend all of your rights to read and enjoy her." KJ you're back! Sorry to hear about your bile duct trouble. Hope that you are feeling much better. Casting suggestions on Bridget's mother. How about Joanna Lumley, Mel Martin, or Linda Thorson?

I think the woman who'd be a brilliant BJ's mom is the woman who played the mom on ABFAB, she's clueless, but sweet. Just like BJ's mom.

For BJ's mum: Brenda Blethyn would get my vote. One only has to recall her Mari character (love that name;-) in Little Voice to see that she'd be perfect!;-)

...Telegraph article that confirmed the casting. Thanks for scanning that article , Karen. (Love to see hard copy even if I can't read the print!!)

Cheryl-I admit that BJD made me laugh, but OH, she made me cringe, as well. She is one character which I would go out of my way NOT to meet, hang out with, etc. Totally pathetic, along with her friends... I will, however, be the first one at the movie theatre door when it opens .

Stay well, KJ. I was sorry to hear about your troubles. I finally bought the book at $12.50!!! So DH could not object. I am still hiding out to read it. ;-) I know Brenda Blethyn always over-acts and that might just fit for Bs mom, but I can not tolerate her voice and I will already have to tolerate RZ voice which is just as horrible. I can not imagine a good British accent coming from her, but I will give her the benefit of the doubt. What abiout Vanessa Redgrave for her mom? She can do anything!

Thanks all for your good wishes. Still noodle-kneed but cheerful. My biggest setback was that I had intended to use that hospital - stay week to do the taxes but wasn't released until the 14th. Good thing I don't make enough to make the process complicated ... it'll be out by Monday ... I hope ... and they will owe me! (Moon) I finally bought the book at $12.50!!! So DH could not object. I am still hiding out to read it. ;-) I was pleased to see that the Library system had ordered mucho copies of EOR, but they all still seem to be "in processing" ... so I still twiddle my thumbs with impatience with the book "on hold". Thanks, Karen, for the copies of the old columns. I had always had trouble getting them, so I appreciate the favor deeply.

Moon, I'm with you with Brenda Blethyn, he voice is annoying!!! I kept cringing in Secrets and Lies! Vanessa Redgrave???? I don't think so.

Moon, I'm with you with Brenda Blethyn, her voice is annoying!! Yes, it is...very annoying...as in Secrets and Lies and Little Voice. But she looks right (when she's not dressing trashy) and could act like the suburban wife on the run, who is concerned about lumps in her gravy. I'm sure she can do a voice appropriate to the role.

Hmmm . . .could sooner see Lynn Redgrave than Vanessa. Still prefer Brenda B.--and isn't Mrs. Jones *supposed to be* annoying?;-) That's the point.

For Gay-Tom how about James Dreyfus who played Martin (also gay), Hugh Grant's bookstore assistant in Notting Hill. For Bridget's mom how about Patricia Routledge who plays Hyacinth on "Keeping up Appearances".

How about the actress who plays Daisy on Keeping Up Appearances.

Someone who really IS apparently up for the part of Pam Jones. From The Independent (17 April 2000). It's a very long article so I'll excerpt, but here's the link: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/People/Profiles/2000-04/lost170400.shtml The art of getting lost by Deborah Ross Penelope Wilton claims that she took to the stage 'because I'm so uninteresting. I wanted to disappear into other people.' From childhood on there was never any doubt about what she would choose as a career. But how did she manage to become one of our finest actresses? Having just that morning heard the brilliant news that the great soap Crossroads might be coming back, I arrive to meet the actress Penelope Wilton in a state of enormous excitement. "Get your CV in now, girl," I tell her. "Before Maggie Smith beats you to it!" "I will, I will," she exclaims. "Forget all that gloomy, boring old Chekhov rubbish. You could be the Meg Mortimer of the new millennium, dispatching Benny to mend the shower head in chalet 13." "Was Benny the one in the wheelchair?" she asks. "Penelope," I gasp. "I'm surprised at you. That was Sandy!" "Oh." I'm not sure Penelope knows her Crossroads as well as her Chekhov, frankly. Still, I think I've brought her round, which is marvellous. I love Crossroads. I love Penelope Wilton. I've always had a thing about her. I could watch her in anything. I could watch her recite the menu from Pizza Hut. Yes, OK, it's a crush, if you like. But I'm not into any of that lesbian stuff! Sorry, but it's just not natural, is it? I mean, if it was, God would have created Martina and Eve, wouldn't he? Still, she is my absolute favourite actress. She's never showy. She never seems to hit a false note. Her performances just always seem to be so watchably true, somehow. She was even wholly believable as the put-upon wife in the otherwise rather limp TV sitcom, Ever Decreasing Circles. Even though she's done Rattigan and Osborne and Bennett and Ayckbourn and Pinter and everything, it was this that got her known. She thought it funny. "While it was on, my sister and I were going around Budgens, where everyone recognised me. `Oh, Penelope,' said my sister, `they've obviously all seen your Raynevskaya!''' [...] We meet at the Kensington Hotel, around the corner from where she lives with her second husband, the actor Ian Holm. (I am quite a fan of Mr Holm, too, actually. I wonder, would he be up for Adam Chance?) She is very pretty, with long dark hair and a marvellously expressive face. She says "my mother used to say to me she could tell what I was watching on telly, just by watching my face". [...] She's not sure what's coming after The Seagull. She is up for the part of Bridget Jones's mother in the film adaptation of the book, "although I haven't heard anything yet." ~~~~~~~ If the name doesn't ring a bell, pop in your tape of The Deep Blue Sea. She was our suicidal Hester. Here's the roles project page from The Deep Blue Sea, but most of the snappies don't show her face. Wonder why? ;-) http://members.tripod.com/~firthpage/rolespage/dbs.html

I just checked, and I'm glad to see that the casting of RZ vs. CF doesn't violate my 12-year rule (that is: if the leading lady is 12 years or more younger than the leading man, I won't see the film). He is going on 40 she turns 31 a week from Tuesday, so they're only 9 years apart in age. :)

For Gay-Tom how about James Dreyfus who played Martin (also gay), Hugh Grant's bookstore assistant in Notting Hill. Yes!!!! I absolutely agree. He was my choice too. Thought he was so good.

Penelope Wilton would be an inspired choice! She can do both serious drama and comedy. Brenda Blethyn...absolutely not, just too irritating. James Dreyfus...another yes, definitely! Isn't RZ the same age as Livia? I saw the news item in the Telegaph...very prominent, and the photos were all in colour (the only colour photos, apart from the front page!)

Brenda Blethyn / Penelope Wilton / June Whitfield (AbFab) are all the standard mother-figures in British TV, so would all be fine (if a bit predictable) for Mrs Jones. You could throw Patricia Routledge (Hyacinth), Lynda Bellingham (Oxo) and a couple of others into that mix too. James Dreyfus must be close to a cert for Tom owing to his monopolisation of camp characters with this particular in-crowd. (Maybe casting him would be a bit unimaginative, even?). I wonder if Timothy Spall could act young enough to get a crack at Vile Richard in the same vein? I can't figure out what sort of actresses will get Sharon & Jude, the two other main roles not yet cast. It could be perm any two from Rachel Weisz, Julia Ormond, Minnie Driver, Catherine McCormack (maybe even HBC or JE); but again I hope the casting people think a little deeper. Maybe another American? Isn't the thinner-and-blonder-than-BJ person the sex-goddess who only appears naked on Daniel's roof? I don't think I'm pencilling in Gwynnie or Cameron! "Kitten-heel": low, tapering heel, normally on a fairly dressy shoe. Always happy to reiterate definitions for newbies, but bear in mind I've got these fashion things completely wrong before! :-)

I found two DBS pics that show at least a bit of Penelope Wilton (Hester): Murph

The only problem with Penelope Wilton could be one of commitments... As it says in the article, she's appearing in The Seagull and, from a theatre website, it runs through May 13. That may or may not be an issue. (Mark) I don't think I'm pencilling in Gwynnie or Cameron! She's also described as a "giantess." This is definitely a cameo-type appearance a la Alec Baldwin in Notting Hill. Could be a major star/celebrity. Actually, think it would be funnier to have Liz Hurley (hair dyed blonde, of course) in that part. She has the rep for showing up people and could pull off one line. ;-) I doubt Jude and Sharon will be big name actresses; they can't upstage Renee. Besides, WT doesn't have the budget for those other names.

Thanks, Murph. The Independent article now has a picture of Penelope (albeit bad).

Like the Liz Hurley idea, Karen - I had been wondering whether the part of Rebecca would overtax her acting skills (being observed at parties & in taxis mostly). Your idea is better. I expect the UK will know the actresses for Sharon & Jude - bear in mind director Sharon Maguire will want to have someone wonderful to represent herself! And won't they get more screen time than either HG or CF (subject to a big re-write)?

Karen or Anyone: Does anyone want to update the BJD page at IMdb? I would, but I'm not very good at it. Now that we have definite information, an update there would be helpful. Thanks. Murph

(Mark) I had been wondering whether the part of Rebecca would overtax her acting skills (being observed at parties & in taxis mostly). Ah, but that's second book material. Rebecca barely makes an appearance in the first book. She's mentioned and then does a bit where she acts hurt because "big television star Bridget" doesn't RSVP to her party (as invite is under her doormat. Another thought, since the Nordic giantess is supposed to be American, wonderful opportunity for one of those hugely talented and v. tall Victoria Secret models to break into the biz. What are their names again? ;-)

Here's something interesting to check out. It is described as: Meet Caroline. Snoop around her flat, email her, then send her flowers David Teather on Freeserve's new interactive online soap: www.onlinecaroline.com She's 27, a travel writer, has a fashionable pad in west London, likes a drop or two of vodka and wants to be your friend. Meet Caroline, the Bridget Jonesesque star of a new 24-part drama made for the internet and coming to a PC near you. Online Caroline is the first original programming of its kind to appear on Freeserve, Britain's biggest internet service provider, and tells the story of our eponymous heroine and her increasingly menacing boyfriend. The story, making a self-conscious nod to the milieu, is told through a simulated webcam set up in Caroline's fictional flat. The article url: http://www.guardianunlimited.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4008734,00.html

It seems many of the Victoria's Secret models tend to be European. Stephanie Seymour is American, but she has brown hair. Although not really a VS model, how about Claudia Schiffer? As she is now seeming to concentrate on having a career in films.

Oops, I forgot about Rebecca Romijn-Stamos; used to be in Victoria's Secret catalogues, now turns up on tv sitcoms. She is both blond and American.

I submitted the casting info to the IMDb, but I have no idea if I did it correctly or if it will be accepted. We'll see if it appears next week. Once the title is there, then maybe I can figure out how to add the other known credits. Way too hard for me and I did read the instructions...sort of.

MarkG - Brenda Blethyn / Penelope Wilton / June Whitfield (AbFab) are all the standard mother-figures in British TV...... You could throw Patricia Routledge (Hyacinth)......into that mix too. Talking of "Keeping up Appearances" ladies here - my suggestion as someone for Mrs. Jones (completely from left field) would be Josephine Tewson (she was also in "Clarence", a few of the "Two Ronnies" sketches and "Shelley") she has been around for ages and I think she could play the maddening Mrs J to a tee!

Ooh, ooh, ooh ....have just thought of someone who'd be brilliantly mad! Julie Walters (Educating Rita, Dinnerladies etc etc etc)!

Tracy - Julie Walters would be great. Karen - Re IMDB: I can never figure out exactly how to do it. I was surprised that they didn't even have the title up there yet. Thanks for the effort. Here are pics of some of the Moms mentioned already: Murph

(Tracy)...thought of someone who'd be brilliantly mad! Julie Walters (Educating Rita, Dinnerladies etc etc etc)! She is a wonderful actress. I've always enjoyed her work. As suggestions are running riot, how about Carol Cleveland from Monty Python? If she's still around.

Murph, have submitted more info. The emails are flying fast and furious as my data keep getting rejected and I must correct some syntax error or another. I suppose if I just read the instructions... naw ;-)

Murph, have submitted more info. The emails are flying fast and furious as my data keep getting rejected and I must correct some syntax error or another. I suppose if I just read the instructions... naw ;-) ] LOL, oh, Karen... ;)

TracyT: have just thought of someone who'd be brilliantly mad! Julie Walters Perfect!

LOVED Julie Walters in Educating Rita!!!! What about Brenda Fricker?

How timely! From the Hollywood Reporter: British actor James Dreyfus and Lindsay Lohan have been cast in "Bette," Bette Midler's series for CBS from Columbia TriStar Television. In the story, which revolves around Midler's character -- a larger-than-life diva -- Dreyfus will play her musical accompanist. Lohan will portray Midler's daughter....Dreyfus played Hugh Grant's book shop co-worker in "Notting Hill." He has starred in BBC series such as "The Thin Blue Line" co-starring Rowan Atkinson.

As a tot my oldest boy used to play with her daughter at a park in Beverly Hills. Bette used to bury her in the sand up to her neck in the tot lot as if she were at the beach (nothing I would ever do with my boy). We always had a fun time with them. She is v. funny!

James Dreyfus is hysterical! Loved him in "The Thin Blue Line", didn't realize that was him in "Notting Hill"!

On the "Hollywood Power List" Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner are #94. The Co-chairmen of Working Title are the Brit producers with global view, releasing big flicks.."Notting Hill" through Universal...... "Had to share $40. Million Nic Cage-Penelope Cruz WW II romance 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' and Bridget Jones's Diary with Miramax in order to get John Madden to direct 'Mandolin'." [Ran out of cashola? John Madden's sticker price must really have gone up...]

(Evelyn) John Madden's sticker price must really have gone up...] Either that, or he has sold his soul to the devi--oops, I mean Harvey Weinstein. ;-)

Since you were discussing IMDB earlier, I have a question. Does the information actually come from interested parties, like ourselves. I notice that BJD does indeed have a page with a bit of information. Is that as a result of your input? I notice-ahem-only one star's name mentioned so far, which leads me to believe input from here is NOT used. But, the names of the writers are there...

I noticed that too... I'd been looking regularly there for any hints as to casting but it is only since you know who has been confirmed that a BJD page has actually appeared. Even RZ isn't mentioned! Perhaps we should all submit additions to the page so they'll get the message that there is another male lead and update it!

I submitted most of the details (actors, writers, producers, director, location, film co, etc.) a week or so ago, including having HF and Sharon Maguire) added to the database. Then they had the title wrong (Bridget Jones' Diary), so I submitted corrections and emailed a human being, who supposedly coordinates new submissions. The title has been corrected, but I don't know why only one actor shows up. I've resubmitted Colin and RZ and all their characters' names. I see that Lisbeth got her site listed as a Miscellaneous link, but mine has not gone it. Grrrr!! Also, one producer is missing.

Today is RZ birthday, she is 31. A taurus with a virgo is a good match!

Karen, fight for that link! It should be there.

Any news of the other roles (Jude, Shazzer, Bridget's Mum etc) ? They'll be starting shooting in four days tim so they must know!!! Perhaps the only way to find out is to go walkabout in Notting Hill!

I expect they'll start with studio work until the weather has less chance of rain. Then, Tracy, you can hit the streets during your lunch hour or even after work... I can tell you from experience...nothing goes on too early, except in the makeup vans.

Attention Angelenos and all CPFoHF: BARNES & NOBLE CELEBRATES THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOS ANGELES TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS Barnes & Noble, Inc....announced it will host a series of readings on the UCLA Campus, Hilgard and Sunset Boulevard, on the Barnes & Noble stage from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Saturday, April 29th, and from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Sunday, April 30th. This year's lineup features authors Sherman Alexie, Giocanda Belli, Julia Cameron, Mark Danielewski, Joie Davidow, Chitra Divakaruni, Maria Escadon, Helen Fielding, Aleksandar Hemon, Ha Jin, Chang-rae Lee, Edna O'Brien, Michael Palin, Francine Prose, Rachel Resnick, Elissa Schappel, Cybill Shepherd, Nicholas Sparks and Ilan Stavans. [yadda yadda lots of pr crap] The schedule of author readings is as follows: Saturday, April 29th: 10:00a.m. Frank McCourt makes a special appearance at the Inverted Pyramid at Franz Hall to sign copies of his internationally acclaimed bestsellers, Angela Ashes and 'Tis. 11:00a.m. Michael Palin 12:00Noon Cybill Shepherd 1:00p.m. In Las Mamis: Favorite Latino Authors 2:00p.m. Sherman Alexie 3:00p.m. Chang-Rae Lee 4:00p.m. Helen Fielding has captivated readers all over the globe with her bestseller, Bridget Jones Diary. Join Ms. Fielding as she reads from the sequel, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, a wildly entertaining account of the life of Bridget Jones, a single girl on a seemingly doomed quest for self-improvement. Sunday, April 30th: 10:00a.m. Mark Danielewski 1:00a.m. Ha Jin 12:00Noon Nicholas Sparks 1:00p.m. Edna O'Brien 2:00p.m. Chitra Divakaruni 3:00p.m. Julia Cameron 4:00p.m. Francine Prose, Rachel Resnick, and Aleksandar Hemon

There's an article on Penelope Wilton in today's Standard. Just mentions that she's still waiting to hear if she got the role of BJ's mum. Is it just me, or does it seem that they've been jerking people around horrendously long throughout this casting process? I rented One True Thing the other evening--hadn't seen it since it played in theaters. RZ is so good in this, and shows a tremendous range. I highly recommend the film if you're looking for a good rent. Anyway, there's a scene in which she and her mother (Meryl Streep) are discussing a book. It's . . . Pride & Prejudice.:-)

AHA! You know where I'll be this weekend! Will make sure I bring the right resume this time(and not my facialist's).

Harumpf.... I just got word that HF was on the Donny & Marie show today. They showed a pic of RZ but no mention of the other cast members...whoever they may be.

winter - AHA! You know where I'll be this weekend! Will make sure I bring the right resume this time(and not my facialist's). That still makes me chuckle when I think about it! Best of Luck! Karen - Then, Tracy, you can hit the streets during your lunch hour or even after work * grin* Familiarizing myself with those pages of the A to Z as I type!

We expect you to be our on location reporter, Tracy! Winter, you know we expect a full report. Now, what can we do to get a BJD cast list? Karen?

(Tracy) Familiarizing myself with those pages of the A to Z as I type! Very simple. We've got Notting Hill down pat. Just hang out on Kensington Park Road between Blenheim Crescent and Elgin Crescent. They will at some point *have* to shoot there, although Mark Darcy wouldn't be there. :-(

But if MD is not there... who cares? ;-)

Most of Mark's scenes are indoors or at surburban homes (Alconbury's, cocktail party, Jones's house, etc.) If they are true to the book, there are really two possibilities. Bridget runs into Mark when she's trying to an interview Mark's client (who she doesn't know is Mark's client) and they meet in a shop. Don't know if they would really bother doing that on location, but technically that would be in the City around the law courts. But wouldn't have to be. The other is Mark's house in Holland Park. Most is interior, except the backyard dance scene.

Just for you, Meredith, this is from an article in today's Times about some BBC television show: If the guys on Castaway really were survivalists - thrown from a BBC boat and forced to swim to Taransay with their belongings strapped to their heads - then fair enough. But given the helicopters, specially built accommodation pods and fortnightly supply-boat laden with post and Jaffa Cakes, it's never intended to be Ray Mears Builds A Village. See if your grocery store carries the LU line (those biscuits with the deep chocolate on top, Little Schoolboys or something like that) and their Pims (orange ones) are just like Jaffa Cakes (actually better).

HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Helen Fielding, who is adapting her bestselling novel ``Bridget Jones's Diary'' for Miramax and Working Title, has signed for representation with Creative Artists Agency. The firm will represent her in all areas except publishing. Her publishing agent is Gillon Aitken at U.K.-based Aitken & Stone. CAA will share representation for her in the U.K. with Peters, Fraser & Dunlop.

The firm will represent her in all areas except publishing. Is she going into acting too? ;-) She sure is represented. MD will problably find himself with a wet-shirt scene somewhere in London. It is just a feeling I have. Davis might have added that to the script.

(Moon) Is she going into acting too? ;-) The lecture circuit? Scripts? Television appearances? Commercials for Cadbury? ;-)

My guess is that HF is going for magazine articles and perhaps another newspaper column. Maybe a screenplay.

My guess is that HF is going for magazine articles and perhaps another newspaper column. Maybe a screenplay. That is non-literary but BJD is??? Major semantics here.

(Mari) perhaps another newspaper column Truly doubt this one. The stress was much too much for her to crank that out. Will be watching out for her on Hollywood Squares, sitting just to Whoopi's right. ;-)

How about a sequel...Bridget and Mark (plus assorted visiting buddies and family) in the States?. Readers' comments about "The Edge of Reason" at amazon.com are very enthusiastic ("want more")...far more so than at amazon.co.uk! She's very good at observing the minutiae of social behaviour...could be lots of new material in the US!

As I'm learning on the job, writers need just as much rep. as actors.

oops!! a little too quick with the 'submit' button there.... Anyway, yes, the writers do not send their material directly to the studios. It's the agents that hunt out the best studios for their script, set up mtgs. with development co's., fight for their clients should things have to be rewritten etc...

A little bad press for Hugh's cinema persona... Wonder what the Archbishop is going to say about Daniel Cleaver? *hee hee* From The Times [Laura, read the whole thing, ;-)] Films must show more married love, says bishop AN ANGLICAN archbishop has attacked the way that sex is portrayed in the entertainment industry, singling out the "floppy" heroism of Hugh Grant for particular criticism. The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Rowan Williams, said that Grant's "clumsy courtship" of Julia Roberts in the hit film Notting Hill should not be held up as a romantic ideal. Addressing the Governing Body of the Church in Wales, he said that a better ideal would be the film's portrayal of Grant's married friends, two prosperous young lawyers, where the woman is paralysed and unable to have children. "Yet every word and gesture they come out with is full of absolute mutual joy - far more erotic, I'd say," he said. Adding to his comments last night, Dr Williams, who is the Bishop of Monmouth and one of the favourites to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury, emerged as an unlikely fan of the American television show The Simpsons. He said that it was "a positive example to children" and "has a strong sense of family values". In his speech he called for the possibility of deep, erotic love within marriage to be emphasised in sex education lessons in schools. He said that too many people thought of sex merely as entertainment and missed its deeper meaning. However, he singled out the Canadian novelist Robertson Davies, A.S. Byatt's book Possession, and John Bayley's Iris: A Memoir of Iris Murdoch as examples of modern literature that should be studied by people interested in sex, marriage and the art of love. Dr Williams said: "Forget the floppy hero and his neurotic film star beloved." He said that sex was about more than "entertainment and individual gratification", adding: "It's not just about information and the technicalities of sex, but that we look at some of the great imaginative relationships with sex in literature, drama and film." Last night he added: "The mysterious and the risky in married relationships is not always something that is brought to the fore in our imaginative thinking. "People think of the excitement as bed-hopping and of marriage as boring. One of the books that brought this all home to me was John Bayley's memoir of Iris Murdoch. I found it very moving, particularly as I read it when my own mother was dying of Alzheimer's. It is about a patient, selfless profoundly sexual relationship which has that mystery and depth to it." Dr Williams, 49, who is married with two children, said of The Simpsons: "It is very moral because the good people always win in the end. "A lot of people attack the show but I think it is very sophisticated and has an amusing slant on modern society. It is a light-hearted look at life and is surreal but there are good, strong Christian morals there too." He said that he sits down to watch it with his wife Jane, daughter Rhiannon, 12 and son Pip, 4, and even has his own Simpsons' T-shirt. "You need a sense of humour in this job," Dr Williams said, adding that his other favourite TV show was the Channel 4 clerical comedy Father Ted. "I think I appreciate the humour even more because I'm an archbishop," he said.

Surfing around today, I came across this nice review of BJ the Edge of Reason. http://www.dispatch.com/news/newsfea00/apr00/251830.html

(winter) As I'm learning on the job, writers need just as much rep. as actors. Ooooh, this piqued my interest. Working where, dear? (Are you still at the same email address, BTW? Sorry to post this on-line, but I was sure whether or not the .edu one was still current.) (Karen)4:00p.m. Helen Fielding has captivated readers all over the globe with her bestseller, Bridget Jones Diary. Join Ms. Fielding as she reads from the sequel, Bridget Jones, Edge of Reason... Darn, I didn't see this until Saturday night so I missed the reading. Did you go, winter? HF would probably repeat a lot of the sound bites we heard at the signing, but she delivers them in such a charming way it would have been fun to see her again.

From the May 8 People magazine: Overheard: Renee Zellweger, while getting coiffed in a Beverly Hills salon, moaning to a chum about having to put on 15 lbs. to play a flab-obsessed singleton in the film Bridget Jones's Diary. The actress joshed that she should make the movie studio spring for a slimming spa visit once the film wraps.

Reading those quality magazines again, huh? ;-D Just think, if Calista Flockart had been cast, she would've had to put on a whole other person.

Huge article on RZ in The Mail on Sunday magazine, not mention of CF or HG or the rest of the cast.

So what was in it? Anything interesting about becoming Bridget, preparation for the role??????

(Katren) Reading those quality magazines again, huh? ;-D Hey, it's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it.;-) Just remember, if it weren't for People, we'd have no idea what Flick and Flock look like.;-) 15 lbs., eh? For me, that would be a couple of bad weekends. Piece of cake.;-) Ann, let's hear more about that Mail article on RZ. If no mention of the cast, my guess is that it was done prior to the announcements.

Meant to type "Karen" bien sur.;-)

The article is basically just about Renee growing up in Texas, in a town called "Katy", her school life, her first childhood sweetheart, how she enjoyed being a Cheerleader, that sort of thing and that she is the antithesis of Bridget Jones. A little bit about being the girlfriend of JC, oh and there is one interesting fact and that is that she will earn a reported 3million pounds to play Bridget. (that and HG's fee could make a nasty dent in the whole budget)

3 million Pounds?!? Isn't that about 4.5 million dollars!?! That's a lot of money for her. I guess her price tag has really gone up! Well, for that dough, she'd better be good!

Watched One True Thing this weekend. I guess with a little make-up they can make RZ look a few years older, and if she's putting on weight, she'll be alright ;-) I liked her act, a kind of controled anger and despair.

Wasn't the original budget �5million, and then it jumped to �12million when Hughie came on board (since the mega success of 4 Weddings and NH he ain't cheap) Does that leave just �2million to make the movie, and pay the rest of the cast and crew? BTW, it's a lovely day....marvellous weather for the first day's shoot of BJD!

How do yo make �2million pounds left Bethlan, �12 million less RV's fee leaves �9million and if HG is getting the saqmesay, that leaves �6million for the rest!! which is reasonable, hope my maths is right.

I think HG may be getting a lot more than RZ. According to one of those league tables we seem to be inundated with in the press...who earns the most, the richest 500 etc, HG is now in the $1O million bracket per movie. I don't think there's any equity in salaries...it's all down to who has a proven track record of pulling the crowds in! I remember reading that for 4 weddings HG was paid �50,000 as he was unknown then, and his co-star AM got �1million. He's overtaken her now!

I also read that for Notting Hill HG was paid only �600,000 compared with Julia Robert's �14m (or somesuch vast number). That was a reflection to how low his stock had fallen at the time. What a difference one film makes!

(Bethan) it's all down to who has a proven track record of pulling the crowds in! That's what it's all about, dearie. (Allison) compared with Julia Robert's JR's up to what--eight or ten--films which have raked in more than $100 million, including the likes of Stepmom and Runaway Bride. She's golden.

From Entertainment Weekly Online (thanks to Sylvia): Hugh and Cry The latest on the ''Bridget Jones'' casting controversy. Hugh Grant defends the choice of American Renee Zellweger as Britain's favorite single gal by Sandra P. Angulo Renee Zellweger tried on her brand-new English accent Monday, when rehearsals started for the London-set romantic comedy ''Bridget Jones's Diary.'' Let's hope Zellweger's dialogue-coached accent is smoother than the response to her being cast. When the Texas-native landed the lead role in February, many Brits were upset that a Yank had beat out top English candidates Kate Winslet (who supposedly got sick of waiting for an offer and decided to star in the period drama ''Therese Raquin''), Helena Bonham Carter, and Emily Watson to play the quintessential London Singleton. '' Yet another British role falls prey to U.S. star power,'' wrote Empire Magazine. For her part, Fielding left the Universal-Miramax coproduction in March and has had little to say about the casting of the 29-year-old (sic) Zellweger: ''I've never met Renee, but I'm told she's very funny and learning to speak English with an English rather than Texas accent.'' Not the greatest of endorsements. But Zellweger's ''Bridget'' costar Hugh Grant has taken on the tough new role of her gallant defender. ''I've met Renee a couple of times, and she is bang-on,'' Grant told EW Online last weekend while promoting the upcoming Woody Allen film. ''She's very funny, and she's been living in England a long time now, mastering the accent. It'll be a triumph. I know it will.'' Not all of the casting decisions caused such a stir for the $8 million project. Grant, 39, says at least one star was perfect for the part: Colin Firth (''Shakespeare in Love"), who plays one of Jones' prospective love interests, Mark Darcy. Apparently Fielding so loved the 39-year-old's portrayal of Mr. Darcy in the BBC's 1995 miniseries ''Pride and Prejudice'' that she named the ''Jones'' character after his role. In the book's recently released sequel, ''Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason,'' Firth even factors into the plot, when Bridget tries desperately to interview him about ''Pride.'' ''She only asks him about getting his shirt wet in the swimming scene,'' Grant recalls. And what does Grant think of his own role? ''Well, I play a bastard,'' he says. ''It's all very appropriate.''

only 8million dollars now, is that about �6million pounds?

Thanks, Mari. What else is Hugh going to say, except that she's bang on. ;-) More hair-pulling going on about Film Four's upcoming lineup of films starring Americans. Yes, it's boxoffice. Major effort to ensure universality of the films. Insular casting is out. ''She only asks him about getting his shirt wet in the swimming scene,'' Could there be an article about Colin that DOESN'T mention the wet shirt? Oh well, that should help things in the US. I expect that will be featured extensively in the premovie buildup. Shots of Wessex won't do it. ;-)

Some where in between, Ann.

Ann, they got her age wrong, so there's no reason to think the budget info is correct. (Whatever happened to good old-fashioned fact checking?;-) I do think that the $4.5 million for RZ is overstated. I read yesterday that Ashley Judd is getting $4 million for her next role, and she has two back-to-back blockbusters behind her in starring roles (and the box office is what drives the salaries). Can't imagine RZ is getting anywhere near that . . .but who knows. Good to hear that they started rehearsals yesterday, right on time. (Karen) Could there be an article about Colin that DOESN'T mention the wet shirt? Oh well, that should help things in the US. I expect that will be featured extensively in the premovie buildup. Shots of Wessex won't do it. ;-) Absolutely right. Well, he must have made peace with it or he wouldn't have signed on.

Was that HG giving free press to ODB? Thanks Mari for posting. RZ turned 31 in April. The British press as Allison has stated is known for not checking all their facts. I am still not convinced about her British accent. I do not think her salary is as high as they have printed but I do wonder how much they paid Colin to do this. Does anyone know? Will somebody please get in touch with the production company regarding the rest of the cast?

Moon, EW is a U.S. website; let it be duly noted that we are just as capable as anyone else of screwing up the facts.;-) ;-) I couldn't even venture a guess as to CF's salary; I just hope it's not so high that he'll feel he won't have to work again this year.;-) But high enough that he can afford to do more theater!:-)

Moon, EW is a U.S. website; let it be duly noted that we are just as capable as anyone else of screwing up the facts.;-) ;-) That's one big press party! ;-)

Film Unlimited has picked up the story: http://www.filmunlimited.co.uk/News_Story/Exclusive/0,4029,216765,00.html Grant defends beleaguered Bridget Jones star Wednesday May 3, 2000 Fellow actors in the forthcoming adaptation of Helen Fielding's ubiquitous Bridget Jones' Diary have moved to defuse bad feeling surrounding the casting of American starlet Ren�e Zellweger as the eponymous British heroine. The British press have been sniffy about the casting, citing Kate Winslet, Helena Bonham-Carter and Emily Watson as actresses who ought to have been preferred for the role. Zellweger has courted further resentment with her high-handed approach to the project, which included, according to reports, refusing to test for the film, on the assumption that she was celebrated enough to be offered the part unseen. Fielding - who has distanced herself from the film - registered only lukewarm enthusiasm for its star, saying "I've never met Ren�e, but I'm told she's very funny and learning to speak English with an English rather than Texas accent." But Zellweger's co-star Hugh Grant leapt to her defence between the covers of Entertainment Weekly this week. "I've met Ren�e a couple of times, and she is bang-on," says Grant, demonstrating his mastery of street slang. "She's very funny, and she's been living in England a long time now, mastering the accent. It'll be a triumph. I know it will." ~~~~~~~ In the EW magazine, huh?

Now we must remember to use bang-on more often. ;-) I hope somebody will ask CF a few questions about playing MD. And how he feels about being in the sequel as both MD and CF. Why does it not occur to anyone to ask?

A Brit fan at the FOFs who watched the news coverage of the MLSF premiere says Colin's hair was a bit longer than usual, and seemed to be parted in the middle. The Mark Darcy look perhaps??? Murph

Maybe they are trying to make him look less like the Mr. Darcy we all know and love because at some point they will use the P&P2 tape on the show?

(Murph) Colin's hair was a bit longer than usual, and seemed to be parted in the middle. The Mark Darcy look perhaps??? Sounds more like the Alfalfa look.;-) When his hair is longish, it does tend to flop a bit at the crown--hopefully, that's what she was referring to. Since they're still in rehearsals, I think he may have one haircut left in him before shooting begins.;-) I hope.:-) While I'm here, I don't believe for a minute that anonymous "report" from the Guardian in which they said RZ refused to audition. No way. This is a big break for her, and she knows it. And with all those other better-known actresses in the running, there is no way that the producers would have gone for her sight unseen.

Doesn't RZ have a big movie opening later this year in which she co-stars with Jim Carrey? I'm hoping that her star is in the ascendency, so that by the time BJD opens, she'll be hot property...rather like the take-off to Gwyneth Paltrow's career. I wonder what the poster for the movie will look like. All three or just RZ. CF sounds as though he has another haircut left! I hope they leave his hair au naturel in colour ...he looks younger and there'll be a contrast with the naturally dark HG!

The big movie is Me, Myself and Irene directed by that piggy director Neil LaBute and thankfully not written by him. (Bethan) I hope they leave his hair au naturel in colour Noooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! It must be darkened a la Fitzwilliam Darcy. I'd call Hugh's light brown although most usually call it floppy. Is that a generally recognized color?

Colin's hair was a bit longer than usual, and seemed to be parted in the middle In the middle? Meaning on top, perhaps? More like de-parted, then... Oh, dear.

I've liked Neil LaBute's work in film and theater, but then as my mother is wont to say to me as she rolls her eyes, "I don't know about you." Okay, so I'm quirky. I won't see the "...Irene" film, though. It stars the putrid Jim Carrey.

Sorry about the mixup, as Mari told me a short while ago, the Neil LaBute movie with RZ is Nurse Betty, which will be at Cannes. *gag*

(Murph) Colin's hair was a bit longer than usual, and seemed to be parted in the middle. (Arami) In the middle? Meaning on top, perhaps? More like de-parted, then... Oh, dear. Snort! Fielding - who has distanced herself from the film - registered only lukewarm enthusiasm for its star, saying "I've never met Ren�e, but I'm told she's very funny and learning to speak English with an English rather than Texas accent." The press does persist in trying to stir up trouble. That quote can't be right either. It sounds as if HF is hinting that RZ is learning a second language.

It sounds as if HF is hinting that RZ is learning a second language. Weell hooney, she just maaght be. ;-)

Way to go, Colin! From Popcorn: Colin Firth Is No Luvvie 'Bridget Jones' star reckons everyone's overreacting about his co-star Ren�e Zellweger. Colin Firth is about to play another Mr Darcy this time in the big screen adaptation of 'Bridget Jones' Diary', but the actor tells Popcorn that all the fuss about casting an American actress as Bridget is ridiculous. 'Jerry Maguire' star Ren�e Zellweger was cast in the lead role, causing furore among 'Bridget Jones' purists, who thought it should have gone to a British actress. Firth is having none of it, though. As far as he's concerned he thinks "it's wonderful" and believes we shouldn't "be territorial at all as it defeats the entire purpose of acting". He stands by the casting of Zellweger and points out that "if we all played only that which we are, all films would be made about a bunch of luvvies, sitting in green rooms gossiping about their agents and billing". Well said that man!

LOL! Colin said precisely the right thing. Attack the attackers, instead of trying to defend the attackee.

From The Telegraph (4 May):INTERVIEWED at the premiere of A Life So Far, Colin Firth had this to say about the first day of filming Bridget Jones's Diary: "Day 1: 12 stone (reportedly), no cigarettes, alcohol units 2, no arguments or hitches, filming going well (fingers crossed)."

Colin Firth had this to say about the first day of filming Bridget Jones's Diary... LOL! He's getting good at this press stuff;-) I think it's the Farrelly Bros. (of Something About Mary fame) who are behind Me Myself and Irene. It was filmed locally (in R.I.) last summer and the Boston papers are already running little blurbs about it.

Hmmm, maybe Helen is writing his soundbites now. ;-) And "A Life So Far" is how it was written.

believes we shouldn't "be territorial at all And that goes for the asylum seekers as well. ;-) "Day 1: 12 stone (reportedly), no cigarettes, alcohol units 2, no arguments or hitches, filming going well (fingers crossed)." vvg Mr. Darcy! He weighs 12 stone... and that would be? Thanks, Mari and Karen!

168 = 12 stone

168 lbs for a man his height is very little. He must be v. thin now.

I love this man's sense of humor. He has such a quick mind. Thanks, Karen. Murph

A winner Karen and Mari. And thank you Colin for being on our side.Clever and more importantly, gracious.

Love the BJD-style quote, Karen. He *is* a rail, Moon. Seems like they're trotting out the guys to diffuse the RZ thing. Smart.

What about the rest of the cast? Who can get that info? Murph? Karen?

The picture with the popcorn article is one of Geoffrey Clifton. Not new. Wish I did have an inside look at the cast. It must be somewhere out there. Maybe at Working Title? Murph

(Mari) Seems like they're trotting out the guys to diffuse the RZ thing. That was what the first line of the Guardian article said:"Fellow actors in the forthcoming adaptation of Helen Fielding's ubiquitous Bridget Jones's Diary have moved to defuse bad feeling surrounding the casting of American starlet [harumph] Renee Zellweger as the eponymous British heroine.Then the article only mentioned Hughie. Been wondering when the *other* actor would show up...and show up indeed. :-)

What about the rest of the cast? Who can get that info? Murph? Karen? I've got the phone number for the BJD production office. I've rung them before. If you want, I'll give them a ring and ask about the casting...it can't be confidential, surely? The only thing is that I seem to have a v. poor track record when it comes to getting correct information. Although if I ask "who is playing Bridget's mum?" they can't say "dunno" "undecided" "wait until the movie comes out"..can they? Nice to see a few CF quotes!

Go to is Bethan and best of luck and thanks.

"if we all played only that which we are, all films would be made about a bunch of luvvies, sitting in green rooms gossiping about their agents and billing". He does think about things - not just a carpenter ;-)

*hee hee* but we really wouldn't mind if he were ;-)

The brain is an added bonus! :-)

(Bethan)The brain is an added bonus! :-) OK, I know you're joking...

The upcomingmovies site has a February 2, 2001 date for release in the US. Says it was announced on May 2nd. Am checking into it. ;-) http://www.upcomingmovies.com/bridgetjonesdiary.html

Thanks Karen for keeping us up on the latest developments re: BJ. BTW, Bethan, what did the production crew tell you on Friday re: the supporting BJD cast? Did you get to telephone as planned?

Thanks, Scoop, for the BJD info.;-) Dates will change a million times before it's released, but it's good to know the general timeframe they're shooting for.

I agree with you Mari. Thanks Karen, and keep trying to get the cast list from them. :-)

Evelyn, yes, I did phone on Friday. But, I'm afraid, predictably, got no information! I phoned the production office and asked about the supporting cast. The girl I spoke to said that all information was handled by their PR agency, and she couldn't tell me anything. Not even the cast (who presumably are on set by now...it's hardly "top secret"!) She gave me the number of the agency and a contact name. I rang but only got a voice mail. The PR agency BTW is Freud Communications. It's run by Matthew Freud (grandson of Sigmund) who is the brother-in-law of Richard Curtis and handled the PR for "Notting Hill". Which may explain the early emphasis on and "leaks" about Hughie!

Thanks for trying, bethan The PR agency BTW is Freud Communications. It's run by Matthew Freud (grandson of Sigmund) who is the brother-in-law of Richard Curtis and handled the PR for "Notting Hill". The whole thing sounds incestuous....

(Evelyn)The whole thing sounds incestuous.... LOL!

I've been reading the posts, have been very busy at work and nursing broken heart, however, I am totally excited about BJD especially now that CF is aboard. One thing I kept meaning to mention, but kept forgetting is that if you look on the BJD books Gil Hornby praises it... Could only be NH's sister who is married to another writer (WHAT is his name???) Still haven't seen High Fidelity (for personal reasons, turns out I really am the Laura;))

Laura, have a and my sympathy to help you with your broken heart.

The PR agency BTW is Freud Communications. It's run by Matthew Freud (grandson of Sigmund) who is the brother-in-law of Richard Curtis and handled the PR for "Notting Hill". The whole thing sounds incestuous.... And better yet, guess who was a script editor on 4 Weddings.. and Notting Hill? Emma Freud, wife of RC, sister of MF.

Here is an article on a woman that some of us early on thought would be a great BJ. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=000772005502828&rtmo=qXdMetb9&atmo=qXdMetb9&pg=/et/00/5/8/tlomb08.html It's a fairly long article so I won't repost it. But it's about Louise Lombard.

(Bethan)The PR agency BTW is Freud Communications. It's run by Matthew Freud (grandson of Sigmund) who is the brother-in-law of Richard Curtis and handled the PR for "Notting Hill". (Mark) And better yet, guess who was a script editor on 4 Weddings.. and Notting Hill? Emma Freud, wife of RC, sister of MF. Oooohhhhhhh. 'Nuff said that Hughie will continue to draw the limelight on this one (as if his global recognition factor wasn't enough). LOL about the Freud connection, though. Thanks for the 'upcoming films' link, Karen.

(Laura)....some of us early on thought would be a great BJ. Louise Lombard??? Who is us, Laura?

This is from the very beginning. I believe Kate thought she'd be a good BJ. She is beautiful. I know another Brit thought she'd be good too, but for the life of me, I can't remember. :)

Louise Lombard??? Who is us, Laura? I admit it; I thought she'd be good. Sorry, Evelyn, I know she's a bit thin and intense, but her voice is just right. I didn't know she'd dropped out to go to Uni though. But I want to continue to express my whole-hearted supported for RZ. I don't even believe there was a "storm of criticism from the British" about her casting. Maybe two articles that wondered whether all British contenders had been rejected, max. (And an HF comment that you could read anything you liked into).

(Mark)I don't even believe there was a "storm of criticism from the British" about her casting Are you kidding, Mark? Where were you that day when it was announced? Not only the press. This board was outraged. "Only a British actress, could play Bridget who is the prototype of all Brit singletons... "A Texan, playing a Brit?"?? Trust me. Go back and read the postings.

(Evelyn) This board was outraged. Not all of us ;-P

I wasn't outraged. Surprised, yes. But I think RZ will be good (still trying to picture her with Brit accent, tho;)) Oh, and that whole online Caroline thing STUPID!!!

This PR wire also came out today, although except for the last bit (attention: Evelyn) nothing is new about CCM or BJD. The co-financing/distribution deals were announced months ago, weren't they? PR NEWSWIRE: Universal Pictures and STUDIOCANAL to Co-Finance Working Title's 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' and 'Bridget Jones Diary' with Miramax Films Universal Pictures and STUDIOCANAL have announced plans to enter into a co-production deal with Miramax Films on two films currently in production with Working Title: "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" and "Bridget Jones Diary." Working Title developed these films in association with Universal Pictures and STUDIOCANAL. Universal Pictures will distribute "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" in the U.S. and Canada with Universal and STUDIOCANAL splitting international territories. Miramax will distribute the film in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. On "Bridget Jones Diary," Miramax will handle domestic distribution with Universal and STUDIOCANAL splitting all foreign territories. Working Title's "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" stars Academy Award(R) winner Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz for director John Madden in an adaptation of Louis de Bernieres classic novel about a stirring romance set on a Greek island during World War II. The film is scheduled to begin production this May. "Bridget Jones Diary," based on the best-selling novel by Helen Fielding about a single woman coping with life in her 30's, is scheduled to begin production in June with Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. Last year, Universal Pictures and STUDIOCANAL formed a 50/50 joint venture in association with Working Title Films, the London based production company, to co-fund the development, production and operational costs of Working Title's future slate. Under terms of the deal, Working Title Films will be distributed in the U.S. and Canada by Universal Pictures. Theatrical, video and television distribution outside of the U.S. and Canada will be shared by Universal and STUDIOCANAL, consistent with their respective strategic goals. [imagine lots of boilerplate corporate junk here] Miramax Films and Universal Pictures have a successful co-production relationship, which includes Best Picture Oscar(R) winner "Shakespeare In Love." The two companies will be working together on co-producing the upcoming films "The Real Thing," "In The Cut," "Her Leading Man and "Cinderella Man."

(Karen)The two companies will be working together on co-producing the upcoming films "The Real Thing"... Evelyn, you must be happy! Five Tony nominations and going on to a film. Glad you saw it first hand :-)

Bridget Jones Diary," based on the best-selling novel by Helen Fielding about a single woman coping with life in her 30's, is scheduled to begin production in June So now it is June. Maybe the will still be filming in July when I am there. ;-)

Gi, thank you for the flower. Heart is slowly (and I mean slowly) mending. Trip to Ireland for daughter's 10th bday should do the trick:) Do want to see High Fidelity; perhaps in Ireland?

Hugh must have had a day off, as this states he was in Frankfurt yesterday: Intermedia also said Monday that English actor Hugh Grant will join the company's supervisory board. Grant told a Frankfurt press conference Monday the company had "an exciting business plan."

Karen)The two companies will be working together on co-producing the upcoming films "The Real Thing"... (Gi)Evelyn, you must be happy! Five Tony nominations and going on to a film. Glad you saw it first hand :-) I am delirious about the Tony nomination....but.... I have no illusions about Jennifer being cast in the film; she is still not a bankable film star and there will be stiff competition for that role with popular movie stars.Remember, Julie Andrews did not get the screen role in My Fair Lady. It went to Audrey Hepburn and they dubbed her singing voice.

Quite right. Role will probably go to Nicole Kidman.

(Karen) Quite right. Role will probably go to Nicole Kidman. AAAAGHHHH

LOL. No, they'll give the role to an American actress who fakes a good Brit accent;)

but who on earth could eclipse Stepehen, he has made Henry his own and although I am sure someone like NK will get the role I will always think of Annie & Henry in terms of JE & SD. Can't see it working as a film either.

just as I can't imagine another Lizzie & Darcy (CF & JE)

Re: TRT (Ann)Can't see it working as a film either. Tom Stoppard will re-write it for screen adaptation. BBC is the only one who gets away with on- screen plays.Our TV has done a few...the recent "Failsafe"was play-like...excellent too.And PBS occasionally. But don't know of any theatrical releases that have made it. Let's face it, theatre is not a big draw in the US....it's v. regional. And considered elitist.

(Laura) No, they'll give the role to an American actress who fakes a good Brit accent;) And that's Jennifer Ehle!:-)

And that's Jennifer Ehle!:-) ] DUH, me!!!! :) Bellissimo, Bella! (is that Umbrian?) ;)

It should be Molto bene, bella. Or even brava, bella. It would work in the Umbrian dialect and Italian as well. I am sure someone like NK will get the role Ann, by NK do you mean Nicholas Cage?

NK = Nicole Kidman;)

that's it but now you come to mention it, perhaps NK could play Henry, or perhaps not!

June issue of "Movieline"has cute pic of RZ and a short article: "Renee Z.has caused a stir by getting cast as the hilarious, brilliantly daffy British girl in a movie adaptation of HF's huge best -seller BJD.Why has RZ casting gotten so many people's panties in a bunch? Because she's one of the few Americans in the veddy British production......One English TV and film producer explained it this way:'Imagine if they cast a Brit girl as the star in a movie version of "Ally Mc Beal'. That's how big Bridget Jones is in our country' Oh , please. There's been a long tradition of Brits stealing primo American roles , dating back to the late 30's when Brit beauty Vivien Leigh landed the plum part of a Southern belle Scarlett O Hara in GWTW.Anyway, Z. reportedly so wowed the moviemakers that she slipped the role right out of the clutches of such Brit worthies as Kate Winslet, Helea BC, and Kate Beckinsale." ~~~~~~~ Didn't know there were other Americans involved... Poor Renee...the whole country is laying in wait for her...the press will savage her for sure. There seems to be various accounts of how she got the role. Sure glad Working Title is a Brit company.And in the last analysis the UK is a very small market.No one seems to go to the movies there anyway.

(Evelyn) There seems to be various accounts of how she got the role. And how. Spinning up more controversy, aren't they? This is the first time I've seen Kate B's name mentioned, though (IMO RZ's a better choice). No one seems to go to the movies there anyway *hee hee*

No one seems to go to the movies there anyway. Must be the sky high prices!! 8 to 10 quid for a ticket after 5 pm! AN I thought Denmark was expensive!

D ;-)

Lisbeth has the account of the first meeting between "Bridget" and CF on the set of FP at: Bridget meets Darcy '96

Thanks, KJ. LOL! This one's even funnier than the Rome interview, IMO.

Thanks, KJ! RZ fits Bridget physically, and she does have a very expressive face. I just do not like her voice and am holding out to see how well she does a British accent. Any news on the rest of the cast?

Thanks for the link, KJ. Loved the line 'Colin Firth, as he's known.' V.v. funny interview.

The Observer? No, I don't think so. ;-)

(Evelyn quoting Movieline) One English TV and film producer explained it this way:'Imagine if they cast a Brit girl as the star in a movie version of "Ally Mc Beal'. Ok, I'm imagining it, and there'd be a huge collective yawn. Nobody here cares about that stuff. Nobody. In fact, we like it when people come here and do well. (Movieline) Anyway, Z. reportedly so wowed the moviemakers that she slipped the role right out of the clutches of such Brit worthies as Kate Winslet, Helena BC, and Kate Beckinsale." Well, last I heard, Kate Beckinsale just nabbed a plumb role in Pearl Harbor, playing an American. Helena's last screen role shown here was Fight Club, playing an American. Kate Winslet was in that movie about a ship hitting an iceberg and sinking . . . playing an American. Geez, we just had Sam Neill and Thandie Newton playing Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings! I think I feel a letter to Movieline coming on; maybe they'll pass the word along to *get over it.*

(Movieline) Anyway, Z. reportedly so wowed the moviemakers that she slipped the role right out of the clutches of such Brit worthies as Kate Winslet, Helena BC, and Kate Beckinsale." At least we know she auditioned for the part. She must have done something right. Her accent made them hire someone to work on it right away. Remember back to her casting announcement followed by she is working on the accent.

Ok, I'm imagining it, and there'd be a huge collective yawn. Nobody here cares about that stuff. Nobody. And do you think most people in the UK care either? It is just our sloppy press. I think we probably read too many newspapers in the UK. When I was at school .. long long ago .. it was said we read more newspapers per head of population than any other country on earth. I suspect it has not changed much. It means journalists here pick up on anything to fill up those acres of newsprint.

Thanks for your perspective, Allison. Here's more on that Cleaver guy, from Empire: Exclusive: Hugh's Hidden Talent 11/05/2000 Who�d have thought Hugh Grant would be a bundle of nerves over Bridget Jones? During a recent New York visit to talk about his role in Woody Allen�s Small Time Crooks, Grant departed from the initial subject to confess his fears of facing the first read-through for Bridget Jones� Diary and reveal that he is working on his own screenplay. �It�s always terrifying, and it�s pathetic,� he admitted of the rehearsals. �I don�t think you get used to it. Sitting around with everyone thinking, is the script going to work? And then �come on, Hugh, you�re the one who�s being paid all this money,� and it�s not particularly funny, and it�s just dreadful.� Grant sang praise for his old Notting Hill mucker Richard Curtis, who is co-writing the script with Bridget author Helen Fielding. �He�s done a particularly good job of it. It should work,� Grant said. �I�m just hoping that someone else will be really, really bad, because that relaxes you.� He defended the casting of American Renee Zellweger: �I gather her accent is triumphant already, actually.� In a departure from his other Curtis-penned roles, Grant gets to be the bad boy. �She�s in love with her boss, who�s attractive but a bastard,� the actor says. �At the end of the film, she finds out that this other guy, who seemed to be a bit of a nerd, is in fact the man of her dreams.� In related cad news, Grant remains attached to the role of Will in Nick Hornby�s About A Boy. �It�s in play, yeah,� he confirmed. �We�re just trying to get the script right and talking to various directors. It�s a great book; it would be a great role.� He�s also working on his own screenplay, which was �coming along swimmingly� until he became distracted by other projects. He swears he�ll get back to it soon, as �it was looking quite promising.� The plot is secret, as Grant is �paranoid about it being stolen,� but he does disclose that �a lot of it takes place in France [during] the hot drought summer of 1976.� That was the year, Grant notes, that the British public had to share baths or forego them altogether. Perhaps he�ll clean up nicely.

A friend sent to me an interesting interview with Richard Curtis done to promote the movie Notting Hill. It included this: "Four Weddings was originally called Four Weddings And A Honeymoon, and in my imagination was going to finish off with a very silly sequence a bit like 10 - it was going to be her honeymoon, and him following her on her honeymoon. My friend Helen Fielding [author of Bridget Jones' Diary] told me it was time I grew up and tried to get some profundity in my work, so we put in a funeral instead." ~~~~~~ Profundity? *hee hee* She must have been following her own advice when she had Mark Darcy going off with Rebecca for no apparent reason in the weekly columns. You can read the entire interview here: http://www.bbcamerica.com/spotlight/king_of_comedy/index.html

Thanks Allison..you restored my faith in the British public. Actually, I really don't care about the Bridget role... .....At the end of the film, she finds out that this other guy, who seemed to be a bit of a nerd, is in fact the man of her dreams. .....it's that nerdie guyI want to succeed. And he never lets us down.

Grant said. �I�m just hoping that someone else will be really, really bad, because that relaxes you.� Well, it won't be You-know-who :-)

From Press Association: Actress goes undercover to prepare for Bridget role American actress Renee Zellweger has revealed how she has prepared for her role as British heroine Bridget Jones - by working incognito for the book's publisher in London. The 31-year-old star told how she adopted the alias Bridget Cavendish and followed the example of Helen Fielding's fictional character by finding a job in the offices of Picador. Zellweger, who found fame starring alongside Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, is set to play the lovelorn career woman in a movie version of Bridget Jones's Diary. Speaking after a screening of her latest film, Nurse Betty, at the Cannes Film Festival, she said she had moved to London to ensure her Bridget was as British as the original. "I've been working with it for almost two-and-a-half months and living in London for two months, and I've got a job at a publishing firm," she said. "I've been working as Bridget Cavendish. I've rather enjoyed that actually, it's the first time I've used my college degree." She added: "Bridget will be absolutely British. I love the character and I love the book and I'm very excited about it. I'm trying to familiarise myself with the culture. I feel a very strong responsibility to make sure she's as truly British as I can make her." But asked if she could demonstrate her British accent, she replied bashfully: "It might be a bit premature." After the press conference, the actress revealed she had been working for Picador the publishers of the two Bridget Jones novels, for "a few weeks" but had since left the job. Zellweger, who is dating Hollywood funnyman Jim Carrey, is rumoured to be starring alongside Brits Hugh Grant and Colin Firth in the Bridget Jones film. The movie is one of 23 entered in competition for the feted Palme d'Or.

Zellweger, who is dating Hollywood funnyman Jim Carrey, is rumoured to be starring alongside Brits Hugh Grant and Colin Firth in the Bridget Jones film. The movie is one of 23 entered in competition for the feted Palme d'Or. Um, that sentence makes absolutely no sense???? Rumored???

It must be Nurse Betty that's entered for the Palme D'Or. Way to go, Renee! I like the undercover stuff, if it's believable. Were Picador in on it, I wonder, or did she land the job and then rely on her unknown-ness?

Way to go, Renee! I like the undercover stuff, if it's believable. Were Picador in on it, I wonder, or did she land the job and then rely on her unknown-ness? Wonder if she used her "British" accent:) How could she go undercover with THAT voice???

No, no, this is incorrect: Zellweger...is rumoured to be starring alongside Brits Hugh Grant and Colin Firth in the Bridget Jones film. It's been official for a couple of weeks.

Interesting article, Karen. Mark, I'd imagine Picador and/or Working Title greased the wheels for her undercover work. Seems like she's working hard at it, and is saying all the right things--and she should, as BJD is a big break for her. She's got the Carrey film coming out shortly, but that will be a typical JC vehicle with her in the "girlfriend" role, and Nurse Betty, I presume, is indie-type fare. BJD is the first in which she is the main star in a commercial film. Let us know if you come across any Nurse Betty reviews, or any photos of RZ from Cannes, as that will show us her BJD "look."

(Laura)Wonder if she used her "British" accent:) How could she go undercover with THAT voice??? You're tough, Laura;-) She's giving it the ole' school try.

Great review for Nurse Betty and for Renee. LaBute's "Nurse Betty" delights Cannes audience By Lee Yanowitch CANNES, France (Reuters) - While Cannes festival-goers were still digesting the orgiastic 17th century banquets of the opening film "Vatel," independent U.S. director Neil LaBute has exhilarated the audience with his comic Golden Palm entry "Nurse Betty". Betty Sizemore, played by Renee Zellweger, is a good-hearted small-town waitress who dreams of her true love -- David Ravell, the doctor in the corny soap opera "A Reason to Love" that she watches every day. After witnessing her pig of a husband's murder in a drug deal gone bad, Betty begins to live in the dream reality of her soap opera fantasy. No longer Betty the waitress, she becomes Nurse Betty. "People have a desire to remove themselves from the difficulties of their own lives. The stories in soap operas are often so outlandish, that it's cathartic," LaBute told a press conference. But as she sets off for Hollywood to find her dream doctor, she is pursued by the drug dealers who killed her husband. As Betty begins making contact with her beloved Ravell and the hitmen close in, life begins to imitate art and LaBute's film finds a perfect balance between comedy and violence. "What was interesting about the subject was the chance to make a comment on how U.S. society deals with the media, how they create stars, how people become so engaged in these shows and the characters, and how easily we can cross over," LaBute explained. It is unusual for a comedy to be chosen for the competition. The last comic film to take the coveted Golden Palm award was Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" in 1994. Zellweger delivers a charming and finely tuned performance as the infatuated, dreamy Betty in a cast that includes Morgan Freeman as the hit man and Chris Rock as his impulsive and angry sidekick who himself becomes entranced by a character in the series. "There was a kindness, a sweetness and an on-screen chemistry about Renee. You can't manufacture that, it's innate. She was a pleasure to film," LaBute said. Throughout the press conference, Zellweger giggled and chatted nervously, giving stream-of- consciousness replies to the questions she was asked. "I haven't seen a soap opera since I was in 7th grade and me and my friends would get together and watch "All my children"," she said. "My role in "Nurse Betty" was really about being honest with telling the story and believing the things that Betty believed in."

There are lots of pics from Cannes with Renee. She looks like she always does, though fuller in the face (must be those extra 15 lbs;-) Decidedly non-glam. I've read she's very shy and doesn't like doing the press thing. Seems like the BJD sales job will fall mostly to Hughie; good thing he's on board.;-)

This report from Cannes was posted at Ain't It Cool News; see last paragraph--sounds hopeful: Another actress who will blow the socks off people is Renee Zellwegger in NURSE BETTY. This is the new film from Neil LaBute, who up til now has demonstrated a great skill with misogynism and emotional brutality. Boy, has he taken a backflip here. NURSE BETTY is the v. cool story of a Kansas waitress who is addicted to a soap called "A Reason to Live". She's secretly infatuated with the lead doctor in the show, played by the very well-cast smoothie Greg Kinnear. Unfortunately her real-life husband, Aaron Eckhart (sp?), is a low life car dealing scumball who has ripped off some stolen merchandise. Two hitmen (Morgan Freeman and Chris Rock) brutally murder him in the house, and Betty (who is in the kitchen but goes unnoticed by the killers) is so fucked up by the slaying that she slips into a mental fugue-state and convinces herself that she's a character in the soap. Needless to say, chaos ensues. She ends up in L.A. and in a serious of exquisitely designed circumstances ends up in Kinnear's world. I don't want to say too much because this a film that really deserves to be discovered by audiences. If you haven't worked it out already, I LOVED this movie, and the European crowd absolutely lapped it up... much cheering & applause etc.. The film is solely reliant on Zellwegger, who I have never been that enraptured with until now even though I thought she was very appealling in Jerry Maguire. There has been a fair bit of backlash against her being cast as a Brit in BRIDGET JONES DIARY over a lot of very good English actresses, but having seen NURSE BETTY I don't think there's going to be a problem. I should also point out that Morgan Freeman is again terrific in a very different role. Look out for this movie because I think it's going to be a bit of a sleeper hit.

Pictures of Renee and costars at Cannes:

More complete article on Undercover Renee at The Times: The office secret of Bridget Jones BY ALEX O'CONNELL THE secret of an office's unusually classy "work experience girl" was revealed yesterday. She was a Hollywood actress working undercover to prepare for the part of the English heroine Bridget Jones. Ren�e Zellweger, 31, spent 2� weeks before Easter as a "dogsbody" in the London offices of a publisher before filming for Bridget Jones' Diary. Some of the older men in the office took quite a shine to the new girl, offering her advice on how to get into the books industry. Unknown to them, the temporary employee - known in the office as Bridget Cavendish - was already quite successful in her own right. The actress's personal driver would take her to work for 9.30am and collect her at 5.30pm every day. For lunch, she was whisked away to expensive restaurants where she would eat hearty meals in order to put on weight to play Helen Fielding's caloriecounting character. The carefully planned ruse was almost exposed when it fell to her to get a cake for a colleague's leaving party. She arrived back at the office with �100-worth of hand-made tarts from a Soho patisserie. The actress, a Texan, starred alongside Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, but has been trying to acquire the right English accent. "I'm trying to familiarise myself with the culture," she said yesterday in Cannes. In the book, Bridget Jones is a publicist. "I feel a very strong responsibility to make sure she's as truly British as I can make her." She tried to copy the inflections of Camilla Elworthy, the head of publicity at Picador, the only person in the office in on the secret. Ms Elworthy said: "Nobody knew. We often have people doing work experience, so that was the story. No one missed her at lunchtime because work experience girls don't usually go out for lunch with people who work here." Lucy Henson, head of publicity at Pan, who shared the same open-plan office, said: "I kept thinking, she sounds exactly like Camilla, despite being American. It kept throwing me. She was prettier and had nicer clothes than most work experience people but I didn't really think about it." In the book, Bridget wears skirts which graze her bottom and layers of mascara. But Zellweger, who was a waitress in a topless bar before she made it in films, and is dating the American actor Jim Carrey, opted for casual clothes and no make-up. "She was making an effort to dress down," said Ms Elworthy. She made cups of coffee, photocopied, answered the telephone and rang literary agents with word of new publications. Ms Elworthy added: "Imagine how it felt to get a Hollywood actress to do your photocopying."

The RZ article is on the front page, with a huge colour pic....couldn't be more prominent. It's very good, and positive, publicity for her....I think a lot of people will like her for this (not that anyone disliked her before!!)

The actress's personal driver would take her to work for 9.30am and collect her at 5.30pm every day. For lunch, she was whisked away to expensive restaurants where she would eat hearty meals in order to put on weight to play Helen Fielding's caloriecounting character. The carefully planned ruse was almost exposed when it fell to her to get a cake for a colleague's leaving party. She arrived back at the office with �100-worth of hand-made tarts from a Soho patisserie. "I'm trying to familiarise myself with the culture," she said yesterday in Cannes. In the book, Bridget Jones is a publicist. "I feel a very strong responsibility to make sure she's as truly British as I can make her." Puh-leeze. Am I the only one turned off by this? Renee, if you want to familiarize yourself with the culture, why don't you get your bony ass on some public transport to work, eat a working class hearty lunch, and buy an ordinary working class dessert? But Zellweger, who was a waitress in a topless bar before she made it in films Puh-leeze. And now only chauffered cars, 5-star restaurants, and oh-so-chic patisserie will do. Yeech. This is a particular turn-off for me, especially when "our boys" are so much more down-to-earth. Sorry, it's early morning here, maybe I'll feel different after I'm fully awake :-)

"our boys" are so much more down-to-earth. Which boy(s) did you have in mind?

The carefully planned ruse was almost exposed when it fell to her to get a cake for a colleague's leaving party. She arrived back at the office with �100-worth of hand-made tarts from a Soho patisserie. Sounds pretty Bridget-esque to me.

Sounds pretty Bridget-esque to me. I was thinking the same thing!!!! :)

I remember when Robert DeNiro had to pack on the pounds, he did it by downing milkshakes and burgers. Maybe I have Patrick Stewart on the brain, poor pampered baby. It sounds like he might have to eat crow in his battle with the producers. I don't know if anyone read the article that mentioned how he walked out of his own premiere party at Sardi's because he didn't like the crudities being served. LOL. So another article about a star being driven to her job and rushed off to expensive restaurants at lunch, etc., etc., and we're supposed to be impressed, just leaves me colder than a witches xxxx :-) "Our boys" - I was referencing Colin and Stephen. Seems like the more talented, the less pretentious. Meow. :-)

Think you had one too many x's! ;-) Hadn't heard about those Patrick Stewart complaints; just his rant on stage. What a prima donna! Doubt that RZ is really like that, but they probably feared she would get lost in the big city. ;-)

The article went on to say how he never even went into the room where the press was. He and his group just walked out. Arther Miller was reported as upset that Patrick walked out too. So I guess there has been tension on that stage for quite some time, and probably over more than just publicity. And sorry to all if my earlier posts sounded edgy (hey, I was!) :-)

Perhaps RZ is getting some practice in for the scene where she's whisked up to Grafton Underwood in Mark Darcy's chauffeur driven car! I like the sound of RZ though...and the buying of the cakes episode does sound Bridget-esque. As for star behaviour, long may Colin remain resolutely unglamorous and in the real world!

From the 14 May 2000 edition of The Daily Spectacle: Once again a sea of controversy swirls around the casting of the movie Bridget Jones�s Diary. In a surprising turn of events, erstwhile supermodel Ru Paul will play the cameo role of Daniel Cleaver�s rooftop bronzed giantess girlfriend. Rene Zellweger, whose casting as Bridget Jones also wasn�t well received by many loyal fans of the book, has rallied to Mr. Paul�s defense: � I don�t know what the fuss is about. Why can�t a black American drag queen play the role of a bronzed American hetero female? A strategically placed towel here, a discreet camera shot there, and no one will be the wiser. Besides, the casting of Mr. Paul adds a whole new Crying Game dimension to the relationship between Daniel Cleaver and the giantess.� The other cast members could not be reached for comment, but one source close to the production overheard Hugh Grant stammering �Ru who?� ********************************** In all seriousness, I want to wish everyone a happy Mothers Day. I am in awe of your collective ability to get the scoop on all things Firth and BJD. CF should sign you (all) up to be his PR team and agent(s). I honestly do not know how you do it, but am grateful for your energy and perseverance. Lisa, mother to an elderly orange tabby (a.k.a. a ginger tom). PS: I hope the above parody did not offend anyone. It was written with great affection. As you may know by now, I like to play around with words and situations and have a bit of fun.

LOL!!! Poor Hughie;) Lisa, that is just too funny! Actually, thought it was real casting there for a minute!!! (Mr. Paul, hahahahahaha;))

v. clever and funny, Lisa. You never know who reads these boards...it could still happen. Let's cross our fingers. ;-)

btw, Hughie will be on TV this week promoting the Woody Allen movie. I see him listed on Wednesday for the Today show and then Letterman, probably others.

supermodel Ru Paul will play the cameo role of Daniel Cleaver�s rooftop bronzed giantess girlfriend. Lisa, I was just about to... LOL! A scary thought! (I have met RU in Miami and all I can say is UGLY!)

Omigod!! He even looks like a pig!! That's Neil LaBute with RZ on the red carpet:

Oh, give it up already, Karen. I know you slept with this pic under your pillow last night.;-) ;-) Another rave for RZ and Nurse Betty in Variety. Film is due out the end of this year. Great timing for BJD; RZ will be on a critical high just as BJD is ready to debut. BTW, Piggy LaB didn't write this one; just directed. Lisa, I enjoyed your parody; I love satire, and I loath taking anything too seriously, so please do more! Nice to have you here.:-)

(Moon)I have met RU in Miami and all I can say is UGLY! Perhaps--but he does "clean up nicely," as my dad used to say (though not in reference to Ru, of course!). :) Check him out at http://www.rupaul.net/ (One of these days I will get the hang of HTML and my links will work.) I see that he spells his name RuPaul, not Ru Paul. So would that be his first name? Moon, did you meet him in or out of drag? Wasn't he in a print ad for Rockport shoes dressed in a man's suit and very much out of drag? I must say that prefer his feminine side.

Dear god--the world must be ending. My link worked!

meant to say..."I prefer his feminine side."

Lisa, I met la Ru at a party and very much in drag. I have not seen any of NLB films, so I will take your word ladies. Nurse Betty does seem to be getting good reviews, so maybe, he has changed? ;-)

...talk about cleaning up...Renee's saying "you haven't showered since last year, have you?" I wasn't as turned off by the article about Renee's undercover assignment as you, Donna. It's not clear if the pampering (the driver, lunches, etc.) was her idea (if so--I'm with you). However, I am puzzled by this: Lucy Henson, head of publicity at Pan, who shared the same open-plan office, said: "I kept thinking, she sounds exactly like Camilla, despite being American. I would think the point of the exercise was to pass her off as British, not an American with a British accent. ???? V. funny parody, Lisa. If you hadn't noted that it was indeed a parody, I think you would have gotten a few bites. ;-)

(Mari) Piggy LaB didn't write this one; just directed. Yes, I know, and that makes a difference. However, he is writing/rewriting the s/p for Possession. That picture has convinced me. While "In the Company of Men" was promoted as a dark comedy and satire, Piggy here meant it to get back at women. That boy did NOT have one date in high school. He had a painful adolescence.

From USA Today: Also making the scene at Cannes: Renee Zellweger came to the seaside resort for the world premiere of Nurse Betty. She arrived from London, where she has been besieged by what she calls a "cruel" press, occasioned by her playing the very British title character opposite Hugh Grant in the movie version of the best-selling novel Bridget Jones's Diary . Zellweger has been living in London since February, trying to become a quintessential Brit. For research she worked incognito in a publishing firm, answering phones and filing. "It's essential," she said. "Part of my job was to scour the periodicals and papers to find anything that might pertain to books my company represents. In doing so, I'd find something about (the movie) Bridget Jones, and it's horrifying. You try not to pay attention to that stuff and not let it make you sad at worst." Steady Jim Carrey couldn't make it to Cannes. "I'm working in England, and he's back in America and taking his daughter to school (today), and I go back and start shooting Tuesday. It was not feasible, even though the south of France would be a great place to be."

In doing so, I'd find something about (the movie) Bridget Jones, and it's horrifying. You try not to pay attention to that stuff and not let it make you sad at worst." Give'em the finga', Renee....

(Eileen) It's not clear if the pampering (the driver, lunches, etc.) was her idea (if so--I'm with you). LOL, must be the nature of the beast. If you want another giggle, I found the article that talks about Patrick Stewart walking out of Maxim's (not Sardi's, as stated earlier). Incidentally, it must be infuriating for Patrick because right across from his theater where he is appearing in "The Ride...", "Waiting in the Wings" has the very kind of advertisements hanging from the marquee that he has been requesting. He has to stare at that every day he goes to the theater, sort of like pouring salt in an open wound. (Incidentally, we have since learned that he gave up his usual salary for a % of profits, so there is much more to this story than meets the eye (reported on topic 132), or that we'll ever know.) FOOD FOR THOUGHT IN PAT ATTACK ALL the talk at Sardi's yesterday during the Tony Awards breakfast was about the nominated "The Ride Down Mt. Morgan" and the ongoing row over the hissy fit its star, Patrick Stewart, threw a couple of weeks ago. You'll recall that Stewart, in an almost unprecedented act, used his curtain call to blast his producers for not getting behind the Arthur Miller play. The Shubert Organization has complained to Actors Equity about that attack. Anyway, some Broadway insiders were claiming that what set the shiny-domed star off was something as mundane as the nibbles that were served at the Maxim's restaurant party on opening night. According to these insiders, Stewart arrived at Maxim's and demanded to know what kind of hors d'oeuvres were on offer. Told it was basically crudit�s and dip, he supposedly said he'd been promised something more substantial, gathered up his entourage and stormed off to dinner elsewhere. Granted, Stewart would have been hungry after his brilliant and exhausting performance, but he never set foot upstairs at the restaurant where some 30 reporters and columnists were waiting to talk to him and provide some free publicity. Playwright Miller was upstairs preparing to schmooze the press, but he, too, departed in a huff when told his star had bailed on the evening, according to the gossip at Sardi's. If this is what caused Stewart's onstage tirade, it just proves that creative types need kid-glove handling.

I have just heard the most amazing thing on late night radio2, and that is that Eric Sykes (comedian) has a part in the forthcoming film Bridget Jones Diary, Bethan, Allison, Tracy, who on earth could ES be playing, surely not Bridget's Dad, wouldn't you say he was too old!!

What about the crazy uncle??? Wonder who is playing Julio???

Eric Sykes is a wonderful comedian, and his has done a great deal of television and recently stage work, but he must be in his 80's and is very deaf, its an idea Laura, very interesting. Eric Syke was in a sitcom with Hattie Jacques and they have both appeared in "The Carry-on" films.

He'll be the octogenarian who parachutes into a sewage ditch. Bridget covers that one. What crazy uncle?

Una's and whatsisname?

From today's Empire--variation on what we've seen, with some new quotes: Actress Renee Zellweger has been hiding out in a London publishing company to research her role for the forthcoming Bridget Jones adaptation. "I'm actually deep into it right now," said the 30 year-old actress. "I've been working on it for almost two-and-a-half months, and I've been working in London for almost two. I got a job at a publisher and I've been working as Bridget Cavendish, actually. I really enjoyed that. It was the first time I ever actually used my college degree. It's been pretty extrordinary and something I've been living with every day." The film, which goes into production on Tuesday, sees Zellweger play the eponymous career gal, whose fictitious diary (created by Helen Fielding) was originally serialised in The Independent newspaper prior to becoming a best-seller. Zellweger promised to play the character as "absolutely British", assuaging some fears that the much-loved thirtysomething would be Americanised: "I'm trying to familiarise myself with the references, and the culture, and obviously the langauge, but I feel a very strong responsibility to be sure she's as truly British as I can make her. I think what makes the line of culture more ambiguous is that she's experiencing situations that are universally challenging. In America, all women who've ever pursued a career can relate to it. I think that that's what so beautiful about that character: her experiences and how honestly written they are by Helen Fielding." Zellweger, who will next be seen alongside her boyfriend Jim Carrey in the Farrelly brother's schizophrenic comedy Me, Myself and Irene, was in Cannes with Neil LaBute's Palme D'Or contender Nurse Betty. Again in the title role, Zellweger plays a traumatised soap opera fan who heads to LA, convinced she was once engaged to the suave doctor character (played by Greg Kinnear) from her favourite programme, 'A Reason to Love.' Cannes correspondent: James Mottram

LaBute may look like a pig (to some of you) but his film In the Company of Men was absolutely brilliant, novel, incisive and wonderfully iconoclastic.. I hope Nurse Betty wins La Palme d'Or.

In the Company of Men was absolutely brilliant, novel, incisive and wonderfully iconoclastic.. I hope Nurse Betty wins La Palme d'Or. You HAVE to be a guy. I got sick watching that movie, that I had to shut it off in the first 20 minutes!!!

From Mr. Showbiz: Zellweger Packs on Pounds CANNES � Now that she's gaining weight for her role as Bridget Jones in the movie version of Bridget Jones' Diary, Ren�e Zellweger pats her already-round tummy and says, "I can't wait for the � rumors to start [that I'm pregnant]." The reason behind that potential rumor, boyfriend Jim Carrey, is nowhere in sight: He's on daughter duty back home; she's prepping for her role as the British Bridget by working in England. Zellweger was on top of the world � or at least of the Cannes Film Festival � last weekend when the blackly comic Nurse Betty world premiered, but she relates that the British press has been less than kind to a Texan snagging the plum role in Bridget. "I thought I'd walk around with a cutout of Emma Thompson [playing the first lady in Primary Colors] in this hand and Michael Caine with his Oscar [for playing an American in Cider House Rules] in this hand," she says. Zellweger moved to London in February to steep herself in all things British. Besides going incognito at a publishing house, she's become a big fan of Snickers candy bars. "I've already put on 10 pounds," she notes. "I've stopped exercising and going to the gym, and I see someone I call the 'Fat Doctor.'"

Hey, I need to see her fat doctor!!! The more I read about RZ, the more I'm thrilled to have her as BJ. I think she's gonna do a bang up job!! She's trying to get into the spirit which is inspiring! Go Renee!!!!

From CNN: Popular favorite: Zellwegger in 'Nurse Betty' Another comedy, independent U.S. director Neil LaBute's hysterical "Nurse Betty," starring Renee Zellweger and Morgan Freeman, is emerging as a popular favorite. Zellweger plays a small-town waitress who, upon the brutal murder of her pig of a husband, enters into an altered state in which the soap opera she watches each day becomes her reality. She sets off to Los Angeles to find her true love, the soap opera character Dr. Ravell. The least successful of this group of films is "O Brother, Where Art Thou," a Depression-era farce by fest veterans Joel and Ethan Coen, which is loosely based on Homer's Odyssey. The slapstick humor falls flat and the story stands on little besides a few amusing but superficial details, like one character's obsession with a brand of brilliantine he combs through his hair.

Saw Renee on AH last night--those 10 pounds really show. I hope they don't make BJ too heavy. IMO part of the character's charm was that, despite her weight loss obsession, she didn't really need to lose weight (my interpretation). Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz *swat* Rats. Missed that annoying cyberpest again!

I saw a glimpse of Renee on ET last night...didn't look chunky to me... (hey, I wish...)Good reviews of "Nurse Betty" couldn't come at a better time for BJD.But in the last analysis...US market won't care ..we're not hung-up on accents.(Michael Caine's was baaaad in "Cider House Rules"...they still gave him the Oscar.)

I thought this review in particular might persuade Karen and Laura to give Neil LaB another chance.:-) Nurse Betty Starring Ren�e Zellweger, Greg Kinnear, and Chris Rock; directed by Neil LaBute Neil LaBute didn't write his latest feature film (John C. Richards and James Flamberg did), and when we consider how tunnel-visioned both In the Company of Men and Your Friends and Neighbors were, that immediately seems a healthy and liberating thing. And so it is. But the longer one watches Nurse Betty, the more the picture seems like essential LaBute � a study in obsessiveness and solipsism, but newly informed with a nutty generosity and an openness to the possibility of other points of view in the world. Ren�e Zellweger plays a waitress in a Southwest diner who's consumed with a TV soap set in a hospital and totally smitten with its main character, Dr. David Ravell (Greg Kinnear). She's not the show's only rabid fan, but she has a better reason than most for preferring fantasy to reality. Her car-salesman husband, Del (LaBute regular Aaron Eckhart), is the male chauvinist pig of all time � and when he's bloodily offed in their kitchen for stiffing some drug dealers, Betty's reaction is bliss. Not out of cruelty. The shock has simply catapulted her straight into the alternate reality she's always yearned for. Leaving the sheriff (Pruitt Taylor Vince) and the local newshound (Crispin Glover) to clean up the mess, she gets into a Buick borrowed from Del's lot and drives to Los Angeles and a "reunion" with her fianc� "David." Little does she know that the hitmen � played by Morgan Freeman and Chris Rock � are hot on her trail. The car she's driving probably contains the missing dope. But more importantly, Freem n's senior hitman, like Lee Marvin's in The Killers, has formed an obsession of his own � with Betty as an exemplar of style and grace � much to the exasperation of his partner. Not to mince words, this is a terrific movie, with Freeman's best role and richest performance since Seven and a magical starmaking turn by Zellweger (who of course should be a star already on the strength of The Whole Wide World and Jerry Maguire). The fascination, the comedic quotient, and the illusion/reality ante are upped exponentially when Betty comes face to face with "David," his fellow soap actors, and producer (Allison Janney), and wins a shot at joining the show. They take her for a gifted, ambitious starlet on the make, whereas she's just being Nurse Betty. (And in the course of doing so, avenging her entire gender for In the Company of Men.) --Richard T. Jameson

Sounds to me like perhaps RZ is over-qualified for BJD;-)

Nurse Betty, I grant you :), sounds really interesting and the cast list is quite impressive. HOWEVER, the movies that NLB writes and directs is a direct insult to women! He uses us as pawns, then wonders why we spit in his face (well, I don't know if anyone has, but I would if given the chance and if I wasn't afraid of spitting in someone's face, BUT you get the point;)) In the Company of Men was like getting teeth pulled, it was painful. And I know men who thought that movie was exactly what needed to be told. It was painful from a woman's perspective.

(And in the course of doing so, avenging her entire gender for In the Company of Men.) That might be reason...but we shall see. BTW, that picture nailed it for me. Think about it...the first thing the guy writes... Dark comedy, satire, my ass. There was such a palpable undercurrent of meanness in it. Sorry, but that's my view and you all have yours. Shall we let it rest.

Ok, I'm new here, but the LaBute controversy is far too interesting to pass up. I'm renting In the Company of Men asap. If it's misogynist, I too would find "absolutely brilliant, novel" hard to swallow (and, therefore, may spit). I don't think LaBute's physical appearance is relevant though. Actually, BJD is funny, but not exactly progressive either. Some of us thirtysomething women have lives . . .and as much as I love Austen and think Darcy is sexy, my whole life does not revolve around longing for Prince Charming to show up, in any guise. Especially since I'm sure he doesn't exist! It's the institution of romance that makes women pawns. Well, I hope I'm not offending anyone --- I really enjoy the postings here and that's why I've logged in.

WELCOME EAG ...glad you're hitting more than CF's board. We often discuss him on other boards too..so best to hit #127 too. I don't think LaBute's physical appearance is relevant though. When you've been around a while, you'll realize that we joke around on physical attributes...never mean't to be ruthless.

From The Observer (14 May) THE STAR OF THE SEASON: RENEE ZELLWEGER Renee Zellweger had a slow start in movies but with a starring role in the Farrelly Brothers' Me, Myself & Irene, everything's going fine now. The film is a safe bet for the biggest comedy of the summer. And she's going out with her co-star Jim Carrey. But until recently people seemed to have trouble remembering who she was. First, there's her name. Agents used to tell her to change it. 'I think it's great. I mean, Schwarzenegger what's that? How are you going to complain about Zellweger?' And then there's the fact that although people sort of recognise her, they often think she's singer-songwriter turned actress Jewel. Or Chasing Amy star Joey Lauren Adams. Jerry Maguire almost changed all that, when she was chosen to play Tom Cruise's love interest in the 1996 hit. 'She's a Billy Wilder-style heroine. She cries when she could be laughing, and laughs when she could be crying,' said director Cameron Crowe. Yet it has taken her four years to make another hit movie. But with the title role in Neil LaBute's Nurse Betty coming up later in the year, followed by Bridget Jones which should be a hit if her English accent holds up the 31-year-old from Katy, Texas, seems to have it made. Not that she is too carried away. In her own assessment: 'I'm the dork that got lucky.' ~~~~~~~~~ It seems the press is determined to uncover every detail of RZ brief stint at Picador. From The Daily Telegraph: JIM Carrey's girlfriend, Renee Zellweger - the Hollywood actress who infiltrated Picador's publicity department posing as a work experience girl in order to prepare for her role as Bridget Jones - came close to blowing her cover on a couple of occasions. The colossal bunch of roses which arrived for her on her first day at work - just as she was trying hardest to be inconspicuous - didn't help. "I had to pretend they were for me," says Camilla Elworthy, a real Picador publicist

(Evelyn) I saw a glimpse of Renee on ET last night...didn't look chunky to me... When you compare her 'in person' to how she looked in the film clip, she was much fuller in the face. IMO. :-) It's terrific to read such positive RZ reviews! She's a promising actress. Evelyn's right, the accent won't matter to us here in the states. Wish they'd get off the %*&^ accent, already.

. Wish they'd get off the %*&^ accent, already. I can understand how you all feel but you have to understand that in the UK accents are important, like it or not. They are much less important now but still people are often judged by the way they speak. So in a film which is supposed to be a slice of British life, BJ's accent is not unimportant.

Ooops too many importants!!!

'Nuff said about accents. Am resigned that most BJ-related press will focus on whether Renee gets the aaahs and ooohs right, not the character. Forgive me, Allison, am feeling argumentative today--just call me you-know-who ;-)...

(Allison)...in the UK accents are important, like it or not We find that laughable in the US, Allison.....(no offense). But we are such a melting pot here tht everyone is taken as an individual. I know it all goes back to the ole public/state school education. But is the younger generaton (you know,the ones who go to films) still hung up on that?

But is the younger generaton (you know,the ones who go to films) still hung up on that? Probably not which accent she has as long as it is recognisably British. But then the success of this film will not depend on the UK audience!

(Allison) But then the success of this film will not depend on the UK audience! Bingo!! :-)

But then the success of this film will not depend on the UK audience! What "audience?" ;-)I don't believe one exists....

What "audience?" ;-)I don't believe one exists.... Well let's see.... Gladiators took $24m this last weekend. In the UK it took �3.5m or if my maths is right, $5.25m. Our population is probably less than a quarter of yours. So that sounds not too far out in proportion. And that was in a week when we were having very hot sunny weather and everybody is outside just in case it rains from tomorrow until Christmas.

I know...I know....but I want them to support Colin's films ...I don't care about ours.

I realize this has nothing to do with BJD (which I am rereading), but it did come up yesterday. (Colin) In the Company of Men was absolutely brilliant, novel, incisive and wonderfully iconoclastic.. I hope Nurse Betty wins La Palme d'Or. (Laura McCarthy) You HAVE to be a guy. I got sick watching that movie, that I had to shut it off in the first 20 minutes!!! Wow, I just watched In the Company of Men. So here are my two cents (that would be four cents, Canadian). Character Brad: misogynist, and likely a sociopath; Director Neil: cool and clinical, but not a misogynist. Howard: an average bitter guy who gets unjustly squelched by the Brads of the world. Brad-wannabe who pulls down pants in office: a surrogate Christine whose existence is some evidence that LaBute is no misogynist and that Brad is a sociopath who hates everyone equally (women, other races, corporate buddies)and enjoys doing something to show it. Christine: the least culpable person in the triangle, but not faultless. Greatest challenge for me: those first 20 minutes. Felt sick in the pit of my stomach and started to get angry. Most embarrassing self-realization: first wave of tension dissolved when it looked like Brad's "interesting twist" was real--- falling in love with Christine. Greatest reasons I admire this film: disappointed my expectations; elicited squirming; plot kept evolving and expanding its focus; scathing examination of corporate culture (I found it to be fairly accurate); those invisible father figures at the very top causing grown men to quake and obsess over reports due; those two moments of emotional intensity between Christine and Howard during the confession scenes; the deconstruction of some cherished men's myths by the end of the film. Reasons for pessimism: good-girl Christine only sleeps with men she loves (there it is again!); oh sooo familiar assumption of Howard's that if he loves a woman she has to love him back or he's been victimized somehow. (Read: every woman is any man's for the taking.) Still, I liked the murkiness surrounding Howard's decency and I empathized with his resentment over Christine falling for Brad. I've never understood women who like bastards either. Reason for Optimism: that men are examining their lives this intelligently. Lingering Questions: Was the shot of Christine crying too emotionally removed? Did the very last scene work? O.k. please call me LizG --- I go by Liz, and the G should make me distinguishable from other Lizs. I'm only Elizabeth when I obediently fill out forms which demand my real name (like signing up yesterday)or my mother is annoyed with me :)

(Liz)I've never understood women who like bastards either. GUILTY!!! There is nothing to understand, they come off as nice, sensitive, sweet; it's not until you're further in the relationship that do you realize they are bastards. To turn this into a BJ moment: Bridget's hormones were working overtime when she was flirting with Daniel. He was necessarily someone she wanted or needed, but the thrill of conquering, is what was exciting. He was also a bastard to her.

I meant to write wasn't, see shouldn't do this before going to work!

Welcome LizG! Stick around :-) (LauraMM)There is nothing to understand, they come off as nice, sensitive, sweet; it's not until you're further in the relationship that do you realize they are bastards You have it absolutely righ. You wouldn't believe how long it took me to realize this fact.

You know I think we've all been with men who aren't exactly the "one" for us. It's a learning experience, however, to be devil's advocate, some women can be just as "bastardy" as men. This is coming from a woman who was in relationship with bastard who beat her for 10 years. (self-respect gets trampled, and they destroy you emotionally. The woman (or man) doesn't see it, but the people around do. One thing also is (coming from experience) you think that no one else could possibly want to have a relationship with you, so one stays in the abusive relationship.) Self-confidence is a big part in getting away.

Laura, yours seems to have been a horrible experience. I'm glad you got out. I hope all goes right for you in the next one.

You must be an incredibly strong person Laura, to have got out. Speaking from my own experience, what I regret are the times that I waited too long to trust my gut. But I've been fortunate, no bastards. And I recognize now how lucky I was --- I was 19! Just rereading Bridget's New Year's Resolutions:". . .instead form relationships based on mature assessment of character". Considering how young many of us are when we get seriously involved for the first time, this is asking a lot. Have I whined about the institution of romance yet? If only we could accept the hormones for what they are, and not invest more in people who don't deserve it!

In Jeannie Williams column in USA Today from the opening of Woody Allen's new movie: On Sunday, he'll begin work on Bridget Jones's Diary, from the Brit best seller, starring Renee Zellweger. " We've got a brilliant script by Richard Curtis, who did Notting Hill and Four Weddings. Renee turns out to be lovely, more English than the English." Grant, as in Crooks, will play a "bahstahd again." It sounds so much nicer the way he says it : "New thing for the new millennium - bahstahds only."

(Mari) Lisa, I enjoyed your parody; I love satire, and I loath taking anything too seriously, so please do more! Nice to have you here.:-) Sorry I am so late in responding; the big M (for migraine) struck again, which delays my ability to post. Thank you, Mari (and everyone else who posted), for your positive feedback on the parody. I never know when these ideas are going to pop into my head, but if and when they do again, I will share them. These days life seems to be imitating art (more so than the other way around). Actually, I have been amusing myself with speculation about what happens to BJ after she moves to California. Perhaps BJ will write the ultimate self-help book, which becomes a best seller in the States and lands her frequent guest appearances on Oprah. Perhaps our heroine will become Colin Cowie�s assistant on his television show on the Style Network�think of the potential for disaster there. Then there�s the knock-off of Rachel Ashwell�s Shabby Chic for perpetual dieters: Chubby Chic� I am afraid I could go on and on�

As I've stated before, I've admired Neil LaBute's work in film and theater. The charge of his misogynistic viewpoint is neither novel nor unique. I think in may be unfair. Granted, if you really don't like his work, delving for sub-text and nuance isn't really warranted. However, to me the label "misogynist" doesn't really hold water. In the film "Your Friends and Neighbors" both men and women were viewed through an equally jaundiced eye. As for "The Company of Men", things like that really do happen in the world. LaBute's films are, in fact, comedies, albeit ones that cause discomfort to the audience. That is their genius. They are brilliantly dark comedies, deeply, disharmoniously funny, and keenly observed, much like the writing of Balzac. Lisa, it is just too...too...wierd and wonderful the idea of casting RuPaul in BJD. It is absolutely perfect! Of course, it probably won't happen, but that my dear is beyond high concept. As for RuPaul's looks -- hey, he looks better in a dress than I do. Then again, after having just seen "Gladiator", Russell Crowe looks better in a dress than I do. Sorry, that was a tunic. Well, it still depresses me to no end.

Ooh now, I like Oprah. Sacred Ground :-) Must not spend big Canadian May 24 weekend on Drool boards. Must do gardening and read Al Purdy poetry instead. Must talk to significant other who is looking rather cross last two days since his s.o.'s Drool initiation and loss of virtual virginity . . . Must bill clients for work done. Must DO work for clients FIRST so can bill them instead of spending time on Drool boards.

Lisa, it is just too...too...wierd and wonderful the idea of casting RuPaul in BJD I agree... it would have been better, however, to keep RuPaul's role a secret-- until the film is released. That way-- you get the "Crying Game" effect-- lots of people, who otherwise wouldn't be interested, flock to the theatres to see what all the to-do is about.

(Karen) Grant, as in Crooks, will play a "bahstahd again." Must be his word for the day. Yesterday on the Today show, Hughie said he was getting ready to start filming BJD, about a woman who falls in love with two men, "one a nice guy, the other a bastard. I play the bastard." ****** They're getting good P.R. mileage out of "Bridget Cavendish." This was in today's New York Post: FIELD WORK RENEE Zellwegger really prepped for her role in the upcoming "Bridget Jones Diary." The actress, who's engaged to Jim Carrey, spent two weeks as an intern at Macmillan books in London, which published the novel. (In the book, "Bridget" works in the press office of a publishing house for a spell.) She mailed out books, filed reviews, made coffee, checked review lists, answered the phone and made photocopies. No one at the office knew who she was, even though she called herself "Bridget" and put Carrey's picture on her desk.

one at the office knew who she was, even though she called herself "Bridget" and put Carrey's picture on her desk. LOL! Very hard to believe.

one at the office knew who she was, even though she called herself "Bridget" and putCarrey's picture on her desk. LOL! Very hard to believe. True....now if she would have put Mr. Darcy's pic on her desk....awriiight!

(CheyrlB) Lisa, it is just too...too...weird and wonderful the idea of casting RuPaul in BJD (Winter) I agree... it would have been better, however, to keep RuPaul's role a secret-- until the film is released. That way-- you get the "Crying Game" effect-- lots of people, who otherwise wouldn't be interested, flock to the theatres to see what all the to-do is about. LOL. Touch�, Winter! Am working on a BJD-esque piece. Should I post it here or at Fan Fic? Drool hosts (Doyennes of Drool), what say you? Sadly, there is little erotica involved. A favor: is there someone from the UK who would kindly help me �fact check� a few things first? If so, please send an e-mail to botanica3@aol.com.... Thanks.

This was posted at RoP. Any Pemberlian fans of BJD living in London, UK, who are eagerly awaiting the release of the film version, can catch a behind-the-scenes preview in Bedale Street (in London's Borough Market), where location filming of BJD is taking place this week. They've built a set with fake shop fronts, false railway stations, and everything... No sightings of Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth or Hugh Grant, yet ;-) Where are our London spies? ;-)

Here we go:

From The Guardian (19 May 2000): THERE AIN'T NOTHING LIKE A DAME by Shane Watson Heard the one about Renee Zellweger and the work experience? Zellweger, the unlucky actress who has landed the part of Bridget Jones in the forthcoming film (unlucky because she's a Texan playing a national treasure, so everyone has the knives out for her), recently spent a couple of weeks working undercover in the offices of Picador. Nobody recognised her, nor even suspected something rum was afoot, despite the fact that the 'dogsbody' in publicity received a ton of roses on her first day, had a picture of Jim Carrey next to her desk (her boyfriend) and, when asked to pop out and get a cake for a colleague's leaving do, came back with pounds 100 worth of handmade tarts. Now, you can take this one of several ways. First, you can marvel that a pretty girl like Renee who starred opposite Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, has featured prominently in magazines such as Vanity Fair and was recently filmed in flushed state when Carrey received his Academy Award [Attn: fact checker] could pass unnoticed among young metropolitans. (Surely a bit of a blow for their finger-on-the-pulse rating?) You could ponder the fate of 'work experience' in offices all over the country, most of whom are invisible to their employees until someone wants a cappuccino or a cake for a leaving do. Alternatively, you might ask yourself whatever happened to star presence if the Renee sparkle could go undetected. Fans might claim a victory for a flawless performance, but we know better: you could have put a full beard and a plastic paunch on Elizabeth Taylor, at the same stage of her career, and she'd have been kissed to death before she got past reception. Then again, perhaps the most provoking thought arising from the Zellweger Undercover Experiment is that one about no one being anyone unless you already know who they are. Put Gwyneth Paltrow in overall and hairnet, and stick her on giblets bagging, and you'd be pushed to tell the difference between her and Margi Clarke. This theory was recently put to the test at the opening party for Tate Modern. Unusually, for high-profile dos, there was no VIP area, no red rope, no escort of men with mikes and so none of the Swat team muscle flexing ('Go! Point! Go!') that attends celebrities in public. VIPs were forced to mingle, alone, among the crowd, with the result that hardly anyone noticed them. This is not, in the end, very satisfactory. It leaves everyone feeling insecure the celebs anxious about being gripped by some crazed fan or, worse, not being recognised at all; the non-celebs in a twitter of rubber-necking and misidentification. (Is it Mick? No, he's too small, it must be a jockey.) Much better to take the Donatella approach and treat everyone above the level of Neil Morrissey like The Pink Panther, section them off under close guard and spotlights, and let the other guests gawp until they've had their fill. Making like a star is three-quarters of being a star and the rest is down to genes. Madonna's recent behaviour, eating apples in the street and washing down BMWs in garage forecourts, has been the final nail in the coffin of old-fashioned celebrity mystique. The fact that she is quite happy to be seen eating at the Sanderson when everyone else is there, too, including ex-stars of EastEnders, is a sign that it is pretty much over for the dazzling, untouchable star. As a rule, it's a mistake for people we are doing our best to worship to get down off their pedestals and walk among us, not because they reveal how short, bad-skinned and inarticulate they are, but because the chances are they haven't got IT. In these star-saturated times, there are barely any with the power to take your breath away. Oodles with looks, bodies and even talent, but not good old star quality, that fire and attitude that makes it impossible to take your eyes off them. Which brings us back to Liz, who this week received from the Queen the insignia of a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. One part violet eyes, one part 'erotic vagrancy' (an accusation once levelled at her by the Vatican), one part lust for life and diamonds and some of our attention. She was never much of an actress and she wouldn't have been seen dead doing the photocopying in the name of research. But of course she wouldn't at all have seen the point of Bridget Jones, either.

From Teletext, Part 1 of 2: A Texan Bridget Jones? By�Victor Olliver in Cannes The press conference for American director Neil LaBute's movie, Nurse Betty, gave an opportunity to meet the little known actress Renee Zellweger. Her films include Jerry Maguire and One True Thing and now she is preparing to play fictional Brit Bridget Jones. Author Helen Fielding's Jones is a 30-something loser in love, with a sharp tongue. Zellweger is pure Doris Day. Are the two compatible? Zellweger, 31, is so genuinely sweet-natured that it's hard to see how she will tackle the worldly, scabrous, disappointed Bridget Jones. The actress says: "Bridget Jones is absolutely British and I'm Texan with Swiss-Norwegian parents, but I shall be British too. "I've been working in a London publisher's for two months under the alias of Bridget Cavendish. I'm truly familiarising myself with the Brits." Fielding was aghast when she learned Texas star Renee Zellweger was cast as her British heroine. Zellweger is gracious about it: "I have not yet mastered the English accent, so I can't demonstrate how English I can be, but Bridget Jones is brilliantly written. "I certainly was surprised to be cast in the movie." So was Helena Bonham Carter who looked hot for the part but was dismissed rudely as "too cold".

Part 2 of 2: Too sweet to be sour? Zellweger has upped her profile by dating American comic actor Jim Carrey since 1999. In Nurse Betty she plays a waitress who dotes on a TV soap star. When her husband is murdered, Betty slips into fantasy mode and goes to LA to meet her idol. The movie is cleverly modelled on TV soaps in general and is very funny - an unlikely contender for the Cannes Palme d'Or. Zellweger says she started watching TV soaps again to help her research the role. She adds: "I stopped watching them at 12. I always associate them with sick days off school. The characters end up having a lobotomy, and if you miss a show, you suddenly see they're on their ninth husband." LaBute adds: "My mother was a great TV soap fan and she turned me on to them." The director's other films are Your Friends & Neighbours and In The Company Of Men. He has a comic, misanthropic vision of humanity. He says: "There's no more sex and violence in Nurse Betty than in soaps. People get connected to soap characters and forget the actors. "That's why actors are called by their characters' names in the street. Soaps are a staple of Western cultural life and I'm fascinated by that." Of his star, LaBute jokes: "We set out to get her, I was prepared to embark on a cloning process. You can't manufacture her kind of natural kindness and sweetness, which is essential to her part in the movie." Zellweger performs brilliantly in the film, but is she good enough an actress to bury the honey for the sharp tang of Bridget Jones? We shall see.

Looks like the idea that Helen abhors the idea of Renee playing Bridget has now become firmly entrenched. Interesting to watch how a misunderstanding becomes a fact. (Moon) location filming of BJD is taking place this week. They've built a set with fake shop fronts, false railway stations, and everything... No sightings of Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth or Hugh Grant, yet ;-) Hmmm, I've lent my Bridget book to a friend so I can't check this but there are very few exterior scenes with Mark in the book. I can only think of Uma's Tarts and Vicars party and his parents' anniversary party. Maybe when Bridget runs into him in his barrister's robes? Other than that, I wouldn't expect to see Mark shooting outdoors but maybe someone can list more. Then again, if Andrew Davies' hand is in here somewhere perhaps he's written a scene for Mark where he falls into the Thames and emerges with his white shirt dripping wet and clinging to every muscle and sinew. ;-)

(Heide) if Andrew Davies' hand is in here somewhere perhaps he's written a scene for Mark where he falls into the Thames and emerges with his white shirt dripping wet and clinging to every muscle and sinew. ;-) LOL! Somebody send this to Working Title. Script needs a rewrite. ;-)

but is she good enough an actress to bury the honey for the sharp tang of Bridget Jones? We shall see. They're sharpening the knives;-) Aren't these people actors? If you are shy IRL does it mean you can't play an extrovert?If you're nice ...like in Doris Day...you can only play nice roles? Puhleeeze.

Am going to attempt to post something I wrote yesterday. Hope you enjoy it--I never know if this stuff will tank or succeed.... Saturday 20 May 128 lbs. (in my dreams, but am v. tall), alcohol units 0 (v.g., but still v. early), calories 3,060 (of which 2,080 calories attributed to two packets of Pepperidge Farm Mint Milano cookies/ biscuits), attempts to access Drool boards 23, internal server error messages 23, Daniel Cleaver sightings on telly 2, Faulkner books read cover-to-cover 1, impure thoughts about Mr. Darcy 37 Gaaaaa! Could not access Drool boards today due to internal server errors. Why? Why? Must seek alternative means of amusement and information. Turn on telly and Daniel Cleaver is on CNN talking about his new Woody Allen movie. More talk about Daniel being a "bahstahd," and how Woody thought Daniel would be perfect playing a man everyone thinks is charming and cultured but in actual fact IS a "bahstahd." Hurrah! Woody Allen may be deviant husband and father (and deviant husband/father), but is astute judge of character. Turn channel on telly and see Daniel Cleaver again--this time in film clip with Tracey Ullman, the latter who is practicing vocabulary words beginning with the letter "a." V. funny bit. Turn telly off and decide to expand mind in manner of Mr. Darcy. Recently read Mr. Darcy favors W. Faulkner's work. Haven't read Faulkner since teenage girlhood-don't remember fancying him much. Decide to read The Sound and the Fury due to Mr. Darcy's recommendation (in magazine article) and also due to fact that I am worldly literary whiz-woman. Chapter 1: Pick the book up Set the book down Pick the book up Set the book down Packet of Mint Milanos moves toward my mouth Packet of Mint Milanos moves away from my mouth Pick the book up Set the book down Aaargh! TSATF is unintelligible and giving me tension headache. Cannot read more than three pages without stopping for a Mint Milano. At this rate will need to eat two packets per chapter�. Quentin is referred to as "he" and "she:" v. confusing. Perhaps edition of book was poorly edited�or Quentin is hermaphrodite or transsexual. Am proud of intuitive scholarly prowess. Chapter 2: Why are there so many run-on sentences? Why? Why? Poor Mr. Faulkner in need of in-house style manual or grammar check. Have read 1/3 of second chapter and must take break. Book is still not making much sense. Will nip out to buy more Mint Milanos and latest People Magazine. Much later: Book is bloody brilliant. Am literary genius-figured out the secret to reading TSATF: read the last chapter first, the penultimate chapter thereafter, and so on, until one finishes the first chapter last! Must read all great works of literature in this manner from now on. Would love to discuss this concept w. Mr. Darcy. Sunday 21 May Hurrah! Drool boards are semi-functioning again. Won't have to read another Faulkner book for at least 25 more years�.

LOL! *clap, *clap... Lisa you are tempting me with those Milano cookies. Now, we want the truth. Did you enjoy the book? ;-)

Too bad your audience is so small, Lisa, while the boards are malfunctioning. Loved your advice on how to get through Faulkner or Faulkener as Mr. Darcy spelled it in Fever Pitch. v.v.g.

(Mari)No one at the office knew who she was, even though she called herself "Bridget" and put Carrey's picture on her desk. (Moon)LOL! Very hard to believe. Actually, if all this is true (Carrey's pic, limos at lunchtime, flowers, ecc) she was begging to be found out. Probably was but everybody was too polite and british to denounce her. Loved your prose, LisaJH. Helen can look to you for the sequel :-D Sorry to post this on this topic, but I've just read the Telegraph's article on The Bucket, and Colin's comment on smelling the coffee, and was really sad. He really didn't get it, poor boy! And we do so wish the coffee tastes great for him, wherever he drinks it...

Excellent, Lisa, sorry I mean v.g. Plenty of scope for complete confusion with Daniel Cleaver on TV, let alone Mr Darcy in Fever Pitch, Heide. Excellent. Karen, thanks for the map. Will stroll down to Bedale St at lunch-time and see what gives. Intriguing to see RZ parlaying a repeatedly-confirmed two-and-a-half weeks of publishing experience into a two-month job. Good resum� skills.

Wow, I made it in!!! Only took TWO days!!! Glad to see it's up and running! Lisa, that was brilliant!!! (I've been eating Double Chocolate Milano cookies all weekend!)

Hoorah Lisa! Am also fugitive from Faulkner. Will try new, scientifically proved method to read...someday when no other books on face on earth. Wonder if regular Milanos or...better yet...Orleans will do? Must test. Thanks for the laugh. Waiting for next installment. ;-)

Here's someone who definitely won't be in the movie (from the Independent on Sunday), even though she was married to Tim Bevan: Despite the family name, [Joely] Richardson couldn't even get meetings for Elizabeth, nor The English Patient, nor the recently cast Bridget Jones. Surely this must have been difficult to stomach? "Maybe it's because I've done different things, people are not quite sure who I am," reasons Richardson. "Yes I've fought a lot of preconceptions, but then every actor can tell that story." ~~~~~~~ BTW, she was always my choice for Maud in Possession. So there!!

Glad you all enjoyed the piece. I see that when I copied and pasted the text from Word to Drool, the dashes turned into hyphens, thus rendering MY writing unintelligible. :) (Moon) Now, we want the truth. Did you enjoy the book? ;-) As for enjoying Faulkner and TSATF, I am afraid it took me more than a month to get through it--had to renew the library book twice! I did read it front to back, btw. :) Don't think I will be heading back to the "F" section of the stacks any time soon.... (Heide) or Faulkener as Mr. Darcy spelled it in Fever Pitch. He did? ! Wow, that one went right by me! Will have to watch FP again.

Lisa! Laugh, I thought I'd die! v.v.g!!! KJ

(Lisa) Hurrah! Woody Allen may be deviant husband and father (and deviant husband/father), but is astute judge of character. Why are there so many run-on sentences? Why? Why? Poor Mr. Faulkner in need of in-house style manual or grammar check. ROTFLMAO! Brilliant stuff, Lisa! Please do more when the mood strikes. BTW, I get depressed thinking of Daniel Cleaver working with Woody Allen while Mr. Darcy works with Mike Binder.:-( ********* I see Nurse Betty won a prize at Cannes for Best Screenplay. There is a nice article on Renee Z. in the new issue of Biography magazine (George Clooney on cover). Very complimentary commments from those who've worked with her, i.e., she's so *not* glam Hollywood, no ego or star b.s., etc.

Thanks for the tip Karen - my train crosses London Bridge and I get a view of Borough Market every morning/evening...Hmmm can I think of an excuse for an extended lunch break...maybe can get colleagues addicted to vegetables or similar by subtley dropping okra, mange-tout and losso rosso into conversation in manner of deranged veg-freak - can then trot off to marked to satisfy cravings. Hurrah! ;-D Bravo Lisa you are indeed literary whiz-woman!

V.v.g. Lisa! I particularly enjoyed this Woody Allen may be deviant husband and father (and deviant husband/father). I get depressed thinking of Daniel Cleaver working with Woody Allen while Mr. Darcy works with Mike Binder.:-( *sniffle* (Gi) Actually, if all this is true (Carrey's pic, limos at lunchtime, flowers, ecc) she was begging to be found out Don't believe anything you read in the NY Post. It's owned by Rupert Murdoch. 'Nuff said.

(KarenR)(Joely Richardson) was always my choice for Maud in Possession I'd never heard of her but she looks alright for Maud... Yes, I've started reading it :-)

KarenR)(Joely Richardson) was always my choice for Maud in Possession (Gi)I'd never heard of her but she looks alright for Maud... Yes, I've started reading it :-) Isn't she Vanessa Redgrave's daughter and Natasha Richardson's sister? When I find the time (after my exams), I'll pick up Possession again.

(Mari) I get depressed thinking of Daniel Cleaver working with Woody Allen while Mr. Darcy works with Mike Binder.:-( Sun came out a little while ago (finally)... just read this...ducked behind a cloud. :-( BTW, The Sex Monster can now be purchased as a PVT at Blockbuster for $9.99. Actually they should pay you to watch it. (Mari) Nurse Betty won a prize at Cannes for Best Screenplay From IndieWire: awarded the Best Screenplay award to John C. Richards and James Flamberg for their work on Neil Labute's "Nurse Betty," the first of his films which he did not write. Was the jury trying to tell him something? Sorry, had to... ;-)

the dashes turned into hyphens Yes, Yapp is v.basic. Two hyphens must be used (as in ye olde typewriter days) or *space dash space*

(Tineke) Isn't she Vanessa Redgrave's daughter and Natasha Richardson's sister? Yes and yes, Joley Richardson is both of those, as well as being the daughter of the late director Tony Richardson. Pepperidge Farm Milano Cookies -- personally, I go for the Orange Milano Cookies.

(Mari) Nurse Betty won a prize at Cannes for Best Screenplay Bodes well for RV! And HG seems to be well and truly back in favour. Boosts potential interest in BJD. Has Mike Binder directed/written anything that's good? Is "The Sex Monster" (title...yeuch!!) a one-off horror, or par for the course. I saw his name (and MH's) connected with a recent more A-list movie...can't remember what.

Bjork won best actress at Cannes. I always liked her, loved her band the Sugarcubes. She would be perfect as one of Bridget's friends.

Since we've been on the topic of Mr. Darcy's alternate spelling of Faulkner, here's an interesting bit of trivia (also on topic since I just read it in the same Biography mag as the RZ story;-) The family name was Falkner--no u. Seems WF was heartbroken when his childhood sweetheart married someone else, so he decided to enlist in the Air Force (WWI). Uncle Sam rejected him because he was "too frail and small", so WF managed to get papers forged identifying himself as William Faulkner of Middlesex, England--and joined the RAF! When he returned to the states after the war, he kept the new spelling. (Bethan) Has Mike Binder directed/written anything that's good? Is "The Sex Monster" (title...yeuch!!) a one-off horror, or par for the course. I saw his name (and MH's) connected with a recent more A-list movie...can't remember what. The only other work I've seen of his was a TV series called American Gothic (Gary Cole as a creepy Southern sheriff). It was a good show; I read somewhere that he directed some of the episodes. The new film you're referring to is The Contender, in which he only acts. Good cast, including Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges, Gary Oldman. So, I suppose we'll have to give him a chance.;-) But TSM is, frankly, awful. It's not even sexy. Very sophomoric "humor"--no real wit at all. Looks like it was done very low budget, which isn't a bad thing in and of itself, but I hope he is more imaginative in presenting London than he did L.A. in TSM--his scenic shots consisted of repeated footage of manicured lawns that appeared to have been filmed from somebody's moving car window. Karen, have you heard any more from the Londinium folks?

Nope

(Bethan) And HG seems to be well and truly back in favour. Boosts potential interest in BJD. True, however...I sent Evelyn that 'Newsmakers' page from last week's Newsweek mag with the JE-RH story. Also reported was Elizabeth Hurley's quest to stop smoking. Included was a pic of her with a pacifier/binky/dummy [insert slang term of your choice] in her mouth. Too funny. The story's been reported everywhere over the past few weeks, with all the old HG oral fixation jokes back in full.

Went down to Bedale St yesterday lunch-time. No sign of any filming or false shop-fronts at all.

Bjork? UGH! Her winey voice, her barely able to speak English? I don't think so. I remember seeing the Sugarcubes on Saturday Night Live in the early '80s, UGH!!! NO, NO, NO!! Sorry, Moon:(

Thanks, Mark, for checking. Probably was done last week.

Excerpt from bloody brilliant posting: Saturday 20 May 128 lbs. (in my dreams, but am v. tall), alcohol units 0 (v.g., but still v. early), calories 3,060 (of which 2,080 calories attributed to two packets of Pepperidge Farm Mint Milano cookies/ biscuits), attempts to access Drool boards 23, internal server error messages 23, Daniel Cleaver sightings on telly 2, Faulkner books read cover-to-cover 1, impure thoughts about Mr. Darcy 37 Successful attempts to be worldly literary whiz-woman 1:1 (excellent) LOL Enjoyed this v.v. much! And did not gain weight while reading it --- from beginning to end.

(EileenG)...Elizabeth Hurley's quest to stop smoking... Too funny. The story's been reported everywhere over the past few weeks, with all the old HG oral fixation jokes back in full. I can picture that! :-D

...and now Reuters reports: Hugh Grant and Liz Hurley, one of Britain's most glamorous celebrity couples, announced Tuesday they are putting their 13-year-old romance on hold. "Hugh and Elizabeth have decided to temporarily split up. It is a mutual and amicable decision. I don't know the reasons," a spokeswoman for the pair and their film company told Reuters. "They are continuing to run Simian Films together and would like to stress there are no third parties involved." [Hmmm, perhaps except that billionaire guy she's been keeping company with lately?]

Yahoo news (reliable source?) says that HG and Liz H have announced that they are splitting up. Gossip of the day!

Huh! Beat me to it! :-)

Well... it's late by you :-)

An interesting posting from deja.com about the filming of BJD: 5/16: Opposite where I work they're filming "Bridget Jones' Diary", with Hugh Grant and others. They'll be there for about 10 days. Hugh Grant himself starts filming Wednesday evening and will be there a lot. It's all happening in London Bridge, near the Globe pub, off Borough High Street (and near the Market, and near Fish! restaurant). Just thought I'd let you know in case there are any ULL fans of these two. My local pub this lunchtime was unbearable... luvvies and autograph hunters everywhere.

Beat me to it (two), just heard it on the 11o'clock news, hope it wasn't something Bridget said!

Wednesday, May 24 Weight 9st 2, Calories 2,080, Cigarettes 10, Newspapers bought to check news 10 (plus free copy of London Metro) 6pm. Astonishing news in paper today about Daniel Cleaver splitting up from beautiful long-term model actress girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley. Cannot stop self from believing that may have been cause of rift in happy semi-marriage relationship. Raced home after work to check for messages from Daniel Cleaver. None. Humph! Possibly telephone not working. However also possibly he is keeping low profile to avoid door-stepping paparazzi identifying new secret love (am not yet sure if wish to be new secret love, or indeed any kind of love � have just remembered former secret love was Divine Brown, yuck, yuck). If am invited by Daniel Cleaver to country house weekend, must remember to ensure long-lens photographers snap Daniel Cleaver dragging mattress into other room (as with EH after LA incident, yuck, yuck), to ensure appropriate distancing. 9pm. Mr Darcy just called and did not once mention Daniel Cleaver. Obviously though is checking whether am alone still. May now be femme fatale in manner of lady toying with affections of two beaux � yet still unsure if either of them romantically interested in self at all. Obviously telephone working after all, though. Humph!

LOL! Mark. You've become her alter ego. Perhaps Bridget is "third party" not involved in split, so conspicuously mentioned by spokesperson? Cleaver was seen dining on a mystery woman's elbow at a London hotel in March. Didn't mention mystery woman being whisked away in limousine in manner of underling from publishing house.

LOL Mark!

LOL, Mark! Have you had some time to check out the film location? Looking forward to today's Championship's League final game.

Well I'm amazed. Monday: nothing. Today: a bona-fide film location. Not much happening yet; just a dozen Pinewood trucks, a few scaffolding structures, some heavy-duty lighting, a couple of small cameras and one disgruntled paparazzo standing on a street-corner. But someone's definitely going to be shooting something soon.

But someone's definitely going to be shooting something soon. Soon? Naw, setup takes forever. Probably going to be shooting late at night if starting now.

Tsk, tsk, tsk. Are we so cynical, so mean-spirited, so utterly devoid of human feeling that we'd poke fun at Hugh and Liz's misfortune? You betcha!:-) Very funny stuff, Mark. And you've got the location scouted out, too? You are *the man.* Loved the pacifier photo, Tineke. There were some good ones here a couple of weeks ago of Liz courtside at the NY Knicks game, wearing a "Porn Star In Training" t-shirt, and being squired by that old fart gazillionaire she's been with. Am glad to hear that Simian Films will survive the break-up, though, meaning that the creative juices that gave us Extreme Measures and Mickey Blue Eyes will be permitted to keep flowing.;-) Ok, I'm done now.;-)

not me though... Please be on lookout for man on left; also goes by name of Daniel Cleaver. Might check parked automobiles in vicinity for woman on right; might have bit part in movie. ;-)

(Karen)Might check parked automobiles in vicinity for woman on right; might have bit part in movie. ;-) Maybe blonde giantess on rooftop will be differently cast and replaced by black big-mouthed woman... Mark, loved your post. BJ. is. sporing. a. new. literary. gender :-) Tineke, great pic :-)

Karen! ROFLMAO! I almost blacked out from laughing so hard! Looks like Daniel is need of Mark Darcy's legal expertise. Mark--v.v. funny "entry." Daniel will be in need of BJ's self-help books.....

Arrgghhh---meant to "say" Daniel is IN need of Mark Darcy's legal expertise....

Oh, Karen, too cruel and too funny! *Wiping tears from eyes* BTW, according to the Evening Standard, the man on the left was spotted returning to his homestead at 4:30 a.m. this morning, after a full night of BJD shooting. Probably the location Mark came across. Gi, I like your creative casting suggestion for the rooftop giantess.;-)

Mark: Could you tell what/where the scene was to be set? (Let's see, Daniel Cleaver and Bridget at night... couple of possibilities from the book...) Lisa: No need to correct your spelling. We can figure it out...and we all do it as we type so fast. Right?

Been lurking here today and had to delurk. I really love Bridget Jones as a character. I see her in me. Want to explain why, in best Bridget style I can do. Please tell me what you think. V.v. scary how funny others are at this! Here goes: Wednesday May 24, 2000 6:30 a.m. Woke up suddenly before piercing alarm went off. Jumped out of bed and reset for 6:55 a.m. 6:54 a.m. Friend Amy called. Asked me if I still wanted to go for early morning powerwalk, like yesterday, even though raining and thundering. I said no, secretly glad that she was one to break down first. Went back to bed confident that I could not be blamed for weather destroying my best fitness intentions. 8:20 a.m. Oh no, did not hear alarm. Why? Why? Cannot possibly get to work on time! Throw on ugly plaid robe and run downstairs. Boyfriend wearing superior smile, as if he knew all along that me and Amy's plan to powerwalk between 7 a.m. --- 7:45 every day would only last one day. Explain to him about weather earlier. He looks sceptical as thunderstorm has miraculously cleared and is nice sunny day. Has already let out cat on HIS early morning fitness program! 8:50 a.m. Have decided to take morning off, so can go to acupuncturist appointment at 10 a.m. v. peacefully. Check my email from home; boss has still not replied. Nothing to work on anyway until boss replies! What is point of going into work until boss unties my hands (job-wise)? Sit down at computer after boyfriend leaves to read over site just found on Bridget Jones. 9:10 a.m. Started herbs acupuncturist gave me. Should have started earlier. Will cook extra high and only for half hour to be done on time. 9:40 a.m. So peaceful reading Drool Boards. Just five more minutes. Lots of time to get ready. Will jump in shower, but not wash hair. That will cut time by 5 minutes. 9:55 a.m. Sh*t. Meant to stop reading Drool Boards 10 minutes ago! Must jump in shower now! 9:56 a.m. Laundry crisis! Underwear I washed last night is still damp! Hung to dry at 1 a.m. --- why not dry? how long does little flimsy material take! 10:05 a.m. Used blowdryer to blowdry underwear. Blowdryer stalled! Will not start! Have wrecked v. expensive blowdryer on underwear! 10:06 a.m. Forgot must leave money for grocer! Where is envelope? Where is tape?Cannot find tape! 10:10 a.m. Could not find scotch tape, or masking tape. Found duck tape! Worked like a charm. Am brilliant improviser under challenging circumstances beyond my control.... Where are keys? 10:15 a.m. Where did my keys go? Where! Where? Must call acupuncturist and explain will be late. Keys not in jeans from yesterdays powerwalk which I threw back with rest of dirty laundry. Where is phone? Where is phone? It's not on cradle! 10:25 a.m. Pull into acupuncturist's parking lot in a great tear, totally stressed, so can pay lots of money for peaceful and relaxing holistic experience. 12:00 p.m. Just got back from acupuncturist. Says my tongue isn't so "damp". I wonder if damp underwear will cause setback? Chinese medicine is v.v. confusing. Spent too long talking to acupuncturist. Must hurry and get lunch and go to work. Although do have one hour, and boss still not answered email...Will take time and visit favorite web sites, like Bridget Jones site. Has started to thunder again. Scary lightning! Eerie Wuthering Heights-type self-realization (the Merle Oberon version, never read book version): I am Bridget Jones!

You are Bridget, very funny, good to meet you Bridget, sorry Sadie!

Hmmmm... we've been invaded by Bridgets! Female and male!!! :) Great going guys, you are too awesome. Can I make Bridget into Vampire as I love Buffy and Angel (they rock!) AND I think she and Angel are soul mates. Or should I say Bridge and Spike (in manner of british vamp, Mr. Darcy?) :)

(LauraMM)Hmmmm... we've been invaded by Bridgets! Female and male!!! :) So it appears...Welcome, Sadie, what a good way to de-lurk :-) If we go on like this, will we still be able to tell ourselves apart? ;-)

LOL!! Sadie, you are true Bridget-type woman. Welcome and hope you enjoy all the Drool boards, when have time and boss not pestering you to work. Would spend more time here, but most make excellent gourmet meal. ;-) Laura, NO BUFFY!!! If Buffy in any form shows up here, you know what I'll do.

Karen, you just don't know good television when you see it? :) I mean Spike alone is worth the price of admission!!! (and hunky Angel, is easy on the eyes;))

Sorry, I don't know what scenes they would have been shooting last night. As at lunch-time the most advanced "set" seemed to be a very high platform outside a building (anybody remember any fire-escape scenes?). I saw no false shop-fronts etc, although of course they still had hours even before HG barged past his door-steppers, mumbling that he was going to work (rather than to the Liz Taylor benefit). As it rained all evening and night, I was wondering if they would postpone shooting. Today is brighter, I will have another look either at lunchtime or late afternoon. I am not planning to check parked cars for the big-mouthed lady, as I do not want to appear with a row of numbers across my chest! Good stuff, Sadie, tough day at the acupuncturist. Laura, I do think a Bridget/Buffy melange could be just too confusing.

Hey Bridget seems to only come out at night??? :)

Thanks for the wonderful welcome all. There's no place like home! I'm at work. Boss is still ignoring me. Why? Why? Suspect he is a corporate sadist, or one brilliant military strategist, wearing me down through email attrition. He sends off one email usually to my three. I love Buffy. Would love Bridget as Buffy. Problem is, I think vampires are v. v. sexy. Daniel as vampire? Oh no, Mr. Dar --- I mean Mark Darcy is one with dark good looks and magnetic stare. Hmmm.

Sorry, but this is a Buffy-free zone. Laura, if you want to do any Buffy writing, it would be better at the Dwiggie board and I see now you've started something up at VV.

There already is a topic with only 2 messages: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/tv/46

Hello, Sadie, nice to meet a fellow Bridgetarian! :-) V. good Bridget diary entry.

Hello, Sadie! The list of Bridgets keeps growing. ;-) Laura, Karen was nice enough to link the Buffy topic. Why don't you take it over?

I didn't check the link. She said there was only two posts. Besides, censoring? Isn't that a bit gestapoish? It was just a joke? Jeez.... Bridget would've laughed it off. Oh but then again, Bridget wouldn't know how to delete a post she just posted, and most likely it would've went to Parliament.

Why is there censorship on a public board, I ask?

Rupert, I can talk to you about it on another conference - your choice.

This public board has hosts. If someone else would like to take over host duties, be my guest.

Not I, my dear.

Censoring? Pshaw...There's a topic on this board for every subject. How many hints do you need? I am not planning to check parked cars for the big-mouthed lady, as I do not want to appear with a row of numbers across my chest! And your wife may not be as understanding as Elizabeth Hurley. LOL, Mark and thanks for volunteering as our roving reporter again.

And maybe Elizabeth Hurley chose to appear understanding because she's not a wife? ;-)

very wise oabservation!

How many hints do you need? How daft! My goodness, I make a joke, and it's like WW3!!! Lighten up, people. Seriously...

If they had anhilated Irish people perhaps it would not be as funny??? Just a thought

Shall we move on. This is the place we have a good time discussing Bridget and wherever that sometimes leads us. :-)

Is it back to fun and games wondering about this lady who has created so much of a puzzlement for CF followers? We did not get off Helen Fielding and her creations did we? Musta been just a temporary madness which sweeps the vulnerabel from time to time...*grin* Shall we begin???

Is anyone guessing when BJD will premiere in London? I will be in the UK late March early April - is it too much to hope for?!?!?

Is anyone guessing when BJD will premiere in London? Or if it will premiere in the US first? I rather hope it will. The Brit critics will be sharpening their knives. If it has a favourable reception that may soften their reaction.

Report from the set I hung around for an hour in th eevening and was rewarded with: Shooting about to start in a mock-up Greek Restaurant called ___SPERS (Whispers? Caspers? maybe Jaspers?). The whole outside of the "restaurant" screened off by black screens hung on scaffolding to form a little enclave occupied by hangers-on and actors not in the restaurant. Ten minutes after I arrived, a group of probable extras disembark from a coach and make their way into the restaurant; five minutes go by before a Lexus rolls up to deliver HG - wearing black jeans, and a bluish bulky jacket; hair all over the place - more than floppy. He ambles around the scaffolding into the enclave and through the restaurant door. Five minutes later, a gleaming Audi delivers CF, looking very tall and smart in a dark blue pinstripe suit. Sideburns slightly longer than your average human-rights lawyer, hair slightly bigger. About ten minutes later, two guys emerge from the restaurant dressed exactly the same as HG and CF and with similarities of stature and haircut, and they sat down in two of three chairs marked Renee Zellweger and Director. I eventually figured these were guys used to set up shots etc. I had to assume that stunt doubles could not be needed in this film; but then at one point the CF-alike changed from the suit jacket into a more padded jacket, and I noticed he had elbow-pads on over his shirt. So maybe there are stunts. I'm not sure if RZ was delivered fifteen minutes after CF - a blonde got out of a car and was escorted round the back of the screened scaffolding where I didn't think one could get in - I was not close enough for identification. Not much really happened - from time to time HG or CF would emerge from the restaurant; HG looked round as if for his car before embracing the woman occupying the director's chair (who could not have been Sharon Maguire as she was doing nothing); CF would just stand within the screens, jostling for space with the camera filming through the window and all the runners and extras etc. Shortly before I left a woman starts shouting out "Quiet please" in the street; a hopeless request given the situation, which included a quartet of noisy drinkers outside the pub opposite, the occasional motorbike or set cars, a few tourists or locals wandering around, and most seriously trains from London Bridge station going across the bridges overhead; there can never have been a moment when the street was completely quiet, and few when it was not very loud indeed. You could really see the slow pace of everything; but very fascinating to be one of so few location-gawpers.

Oh, thanks very much Mark! A fascinating report. One thing I expect to see in the film version of BJD is that the continuity of the book will have changed. In the book, the first half is mostly Daniel, the second half is mostly Mark. But to maintain some sort of dramatic tension, I think there will have to be more overlap....possibly more on-screen interaction between BJ, DC and MD. The scene in the restaurant sounds like a new scene! From the various shots of HG following the hugely publicised break up with Liz Hurley, his hair is very long, very floppy... very appropriate for the cad? Or if it will premiere in the US first? I rather hope it will. The Brit critics will be sharpening their knives. If it has a favourable reception that may soften their reaction. There's nothing our critics enjoy more than failure...or promoting failure. I hope BJD opens in the States and makes millions!

Thanks for the report Mark, the only thing that worrie me is your comment that his hair is "bigger", not too big I hope, a la Turn of the Screw which was awful.

If they had anhilated Irish people perhaps it would not be as funny??? Just a thought ] Hmmm, and I thought the Irish were annihilated, must've been that false Irish history I learned in my past. (You know coming from Boston and all...) and the joke was about Buffy! Now to get back to Bridget, or something thereof. Has anyone read "The Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing"? Asking because, of course they make a comparison to BJ AND I noticed that the Diary of Tiffany Trott is out in the US Bookstores. (I sent Karen a link to the Telegraph series that pre-dated BJ) It wasn't as good, but had some quirky moments. Just wondering if anyone did a comparison of the genre (seems to be an influx of 30-something singletons (or 20-something singletons) writing about ditzy women.

A big kiss to you, Mark! You are indeed our best spy/rep in the UK! I am hoping CF does not get beaten-up again. But why else would the double have pads in his jacket? At least we know MD gets the girl in the end. ;-) Thank you again, and keep up the good work. Of course, what we really want is for you to become good friends with Colin while on the set. ;-) (Laura), and I thought the Irish were annihilated, must've been that false Irish history The snakes were annihilated from Ireland, not the Irish. ;-)

The snakes were annihilated from Ireland, not the Irish. ;-) LOL!!! Good one;) Mark, I forgot to say good report. Wondering if they are including a scene where Mark somehow punches out Daniel in the restaurant? Who knows:)

Thanks Mark, wonderful report! It�s great to have our own man right there to see it all really happening. (Laura)Has anyone read "The Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing"? I read about half of it and got so bored that for a moment I considered throwing it into the fireplace. Hubby saw it under my bed yesterday and asked if it�s any good and should he read it. I said: "no, it�s shit". (He started to read it anyway and tells me it�s okay!) I don�t think it has much in common with BJD and the biggest problem is that it totally lacks HF�s great humour and irony.

Ooooweeee!! A report from the set!! Terrific, Mark. Thank you. I think your assessment of the dress-alikes might be spot-on. Stand-ins (used for all the boring bits) wouldn't put on padding. A brawl between the two because of previous history with MD's ex, perhaps? Hair big? Eowww, whatsamatta with these people? Did you get the number for the CF lookalike? ;-)

One more thing, Mark...if you drop by again, try talking to some of the crew to find out who else is in the movie. They know. ;-)

Great report, Mark, thanks! So Hughie gets a Lexus and Colin "only" an Audi? This is not to be borne;-)

You've all heard of a Renaissance man? Mark is . . .Reconnaisance man!:-) Excellent reporting, Mark. I have a question about this part: "Sideburns slightly longer than your average human-rights lawyer, hair slightly bigger." Do you mean hair slightly bigger than normal for CF or hair slightly bigger than average human rights lawyer? (Am hoping you say the latter.;-) The really good news here is that we know for sure there is at least one extra MD scene (and hopefully, more) beyond what's in the book. (Susan) So Hughie gets a Lexus and Colin "only" an Audi? This is not to be borne;-) My thoughts exactly, Susan!:-)

How can you possibly learn about baseball if you are lurking around movie sets, Mark?! Wonderful stuff. If it hadn't been you who was there, I'd be insanely jealous. Imagine, two CF's in one stroke! Talk about some people having all the luck...

The Audi looked quite nice actually. :-) The hair was bigger (I seem to be getting away with this term) than P&P, but smaller than FP. If I met a lawyer with hair like that, I would be surprised, but not stunned. The lookalikes did not look alike except for their clothes and hairstyles (and even there it was just about. I am as unlikely to talk to any of the crew about the rest of the cast as I am to befriend Colin (too diffident, too afraid of being told to clear off). Anyway, I'm not going back today as it's raining heavily and it may all be finished after the Bank Holiday Weekend. Sorry, but I think I got lucky already!

Heh, Mark our rain finally hit your shores!!! (downpours!)

Thank you thank you thank you Mark! Loved your report. Wish I'd been there (still hoping for some Mark Darcy scenes in Albufeira) (MarkG)I am as unlikely to talk to any of the crew about the rest of the cast as I am to befriend Colin (too diffident, too afraid of being told to clear off). Of course you know by now that Colin would never tell you to clear off :-)

Mark well done - fantastic report..you are indeed the man on the spot! most seriously trains from London Bridge station going across the bridges I'm afraid that is the nearest I got and to think I was holding up the proceedings below! I noticed this evening that there were still lighting trucks about the place but as it is chucking it down I resisted the temptation to get out at London Bridge and go for a shufti.

Mark! You do us proud! V.G. work... That hair description still scares me... (bigger than P&P/smaller than FP). You know how the camera puts 10 more pounds on the actors once we see them onscreen--- imagine his hair (Barbara Bush-- watch out!).

How big is big hair? (Strange how we always latch on to hair issues, bald patches etc.) The photos in the Sunday Telegraph must have been taken at the time of the interview (ie last week), especially the one in the blue shirt. Hair definitely looks less big than Darcy to me! Not that I'm disputing Mark's excellent eye witness account! :-) Can't imagine Hughie and Colin needing stunt men. The only sort of punch-up I can imagine would be straight out of "The Edge of Reason" ("Daniel started trying to get up and Mark rushed over to help him up. "Sorry about that" he said again politely...") No splintering glass windows or broken chairs. What disastrous weather for outside location work! Hope it improves. Mike Binder was very lucky when he shot "Londinium" last year...we had over a month of brilliantly sunny weather. Even if he just pointed the camera and held it still, London should look magnificent. (You see, there's already one redeeming feature!) Fingers crossed for BJD!

Can't imagine Hughie and Colin needing stunt men. Are you sure it's stunt men and not "doubles?" You know, to save HG and CF time from having their backs filmed, etc..

Funny. The first thing I latched onto was Colin's hair too. My thanks to you also, Mark, for your detailed account. Bethan, your theory that more scenes may be written in to show Mark and Daniel together sounds good. Aren't we all for more Darcy scenes. (Winter) Are you sure it's stunt men and not "doubles?" You know, to save HG and CF time from having their backs filmed, etc.. Think Mark said he noticed padding in their jackets (to cushion the blows?).

From The Houston Chronicle (thanks to Rai): May 23, 2000 Dear Diary... Or, a talk with Bridget Jones' alter ego By PAMELA MITCHELL Copyright 2000 Houston Chronicle Wednesday 8 March 129 lbs. (in college anyway), alcohol units 3 (after 7 p.m. and with co-workers, so OK), calories 3,458 (n.v.g., someone evil brought several dozen Krispy Kremes into office). 10:15 p.m. Hurrah! Was assigned Helen Fielding interview today. Actually, begged for it after seeing copy of new Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason on editor's desk. Loved Bridget Jones's Diary. In 1995, former BBC producer Helen Fielding was working at the British newspaper The Independent when an editor approached her to create an ongoing column based on her life. "I didn't want to do that," Fielding says. "It's very embarrassing and exposing. So I said I'd been playing with this comical character named Bridget, this sort of optimistic girl with big ideas that always go wrong." Her alter ego Bridget Jones was a success, landing her a book deal the following year. Bridget Jones's Diary, which borrows plot points from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, went on to win the 1997 British Book of the Year Award. The book hit shelves here in May 1998, and American readers finally met the self-absorbed, thirtysomething British career woman they'd heard so much about. Bridget's daily tally of chardonnay, cigarettes and calories consumed won fans, as did her obsession with fad diets and finding Mr. Right. Some readers related to her blurry-brained antics -- such as her struggle to find a runless and lint-free pair of pantyhose in the morning and her on-the-job bumblings at a British TV show -- while others identified with her optimism toward life and love. "There are so many images pushed at women and so many ideas of what you're supposed to be," says fortysomething Fielding. "I think there's too much of this superwoman, this woman with a bottom like two billiard balls. There's no real celebration of just being a person. You like your friends not for being something out of an advert. We hate people like that, those swingy-hair people who are as hard as nails and not nice to anybody. "I think readers like Bridget just because she's being human and vulnerable and funny and warm." Whatever the attraction, the world loved her. Bridget Jones's Diary has sold more than 4 million copies. Thursday 9 March 129 lbs. (still going with college weight), alcohol units 0 (v.g.), calories 1,235 (v.v.g., must make up for earlier Krispy Kreme moment of weakness). 11:45 p.m. Finished! Breezed through The Edge of Reason. Laughed out loud. Made plenty of notes. Will impress Helen Fielding with clever questions and insights at interview. The sequel (Viking, $24.95) -- released here Feb. 28 and currently No. 22 on the New York Times best-seller list -- borrows this time from Austen's Persuasion and picks up where the original diary left off, with Bridget happily attached to new boyfriend Mark Darcy. The blissful state doesn't last, of course, thanks to our heroine's complete lack of communication skills and a sinister rival (of the swingy-hair variety) named Rebecca. Bridget spends the remainder of the novel on a path back to coupledom with Darcy. Her adventures along the way include a disastrous remodeling of her flat, a drunken Christmas card episode, an inept interview with actor Colin Firth and a stay in a Thailand prison. Bridget's best Singleton pals Jude, Shazzer and Tom are back, as is her Smug Married friend Magda. "I was very self-conscious writing this. The first one was written so unself-consciously. To write a sequel when you know so many people are going to read it, it was very intimidating. "In the end, I got it done the way anything by a journalist gets done, on deadline." Well, her version of the deadline anyway. Fielding finished the book 77 weeks after it was due and four weeks before publication. "Everything turned out fine. I'll never believe a deadline again from a publisher." Friday 10 March 129 lbs. (the delusion continues), alcohol units 4 and calories 2,250 (v.g. considering happy-hour outing). 12:50 p.m. On way to interview, dropped tape recorder getting out of elevator, lost battery. Had to go back for replacement. Am running v. late. Oooh, is that a run in hose? 1:15 p.m. Found author, apologized profusely for being late. Shared disasters, showed her run. Fielding very gracious, obviously sees fellow Bridget in self. Midnight. Must sleep. Will wake early to write up excellent interview, even though day off and editor gave no deadline. V. professional. Fielding sees a little bit of Bridget in every woman she meets. "We had an air hostess recently that we thought was Bridget Jones," she recalls. "She was just so funny. She started doing her safety lessons and then she started laughing and she just couldn't stop. Then she came down the aisle to put my computer up in the overhead and then while she's going back to her chair, she remembered she had to do that with the whole airplane." And it's a rare fan who doesn't identify with Bridget. This made casting the film version of the first book, shooting now in London, quite difficult. The British press picked apart every actress who came up for the role -- from Kate Winslet to Helena Bonham Carter -- and screamed blimey! when Working Title Films (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill) announced that an American, Katy's own Renee Zellweger, would be Bridget. After some initial work on the screenplay, Fielding turned the project over to her friend, director Sharon Maguire. She wasn't involved in the casting but had this to say about Zellweger: "She's got that quality of being able to look both ordinary and beautiful. You can sort of believe that she could have bad hair days. I'm told she's very funny, and she's supposed to be very nice. And she is getting voice coachings." Hugh Grant will play Bridget's boss Daniel Cleaver, with whom Bridget has an affair, pre-Darcy. Colin Firth was a natural to cast in the role of Darcy. Bridget's obsession with Firth -- who played Mr. Darcy in the BBC miniseries Pride and Prejudice -- runs throughout the first book, and in Edge of Reason, Bridget lands an interview with the actor that she fabulously ruins with questions like, "What is your favorite color?" No word yet on whether Firth will play both Darcy and himself if there is a film version of the sequel. As for a third diary, Fielding says she doesn't plan to revisit Bridget right away. "I think the next book will be a different kind of book," says Fielding. "My first book (1994's Cause Celeb) was set in Africa, so maybe something set in another country." That new setting could be Los Angeles, where Fielding now owns a home. "I like L.A.," she admits. "It's like a mini break. For a writer, it's hilarious. Like the food. Where I come from, we eat chip sandwiches: white bread, butter, tomato catsup and big fat french fries. It's delicious. Here, you order a cr�me caramel and the waiter says, `You know, that contains dairy.' "I certainly think I'll end up writing about America in some form. I've taken plenty of notes. I like America very much." Monday 22 May ? lbs. (threw out scale), alcohol units 0 (v.g.), calories 1,260 (v.g., living on salad now). 11 a.m. Editor brings up Helen Fielding interview done weeks, er, two months ago, asked if story might coincide with paperback release of Edge of Reason. V. embarrassing. But really not at fault since no deadline given. Will start after lunch. 12:30 p.m. Oooh, new e-mail from Swedish pen pal. Will respond to that first, then start Fielding article.

Mark, excellent work! Many thanks for your man-about-town reporting and eye for detail, not to mention your brave, hair-based obversations. :-) I agree with Bethan and Heide, the more MD scenes, the better...

Old news but People Magazine has a little snippet on Renee Zellweger and her internship at Picador. Nothing new, no mention of co-stars but I like the publicity. Same issue a whole article on that tragic breakup of Hugh and Elizabeth. One mention of BJD - "Grant, meanwhile, returned from the May 16 New York City premiere of Woody Allen's Small Time Crooks, in which he costars, to begin work on the London set of Bridget Jones's Diary. Sources on the set say Grant appeared relaxed and engaged." Then a quote from Baz Bamigboye but again, no mention of co-stars.

How exciting to have been on location, Mark. You are THE MAN. Wouldn't you consider just another teeny visit? Pleeeeease. (Lisa JH)Many thanks for your man-about-town reporting and eye for detail, not to mention your brave, hair-based obversations. :-) V. worried about the hair. Mark, you DID say it wasn't like FP? Can't picture MD with too wild hair (maybe a little wild, just enough to be dashing, like a Cary Grant or Gregory Peck moment. You know, when the tousled hair falls over the brow during a moment of great exertion). But bigger than P&P? Now you see, here is a v. serious and important reporterish reason to go back and spy on CF at film location! We need a hair update! (I mean it :-)) (Mark) Sideburns slightly longer than your average human-rights lawyer That is encouraging. CF looks sooooo good in sideburns. (Heide)Bethan, your theory that more scenes may be written in to show Mark and Daniel together sounds good. Aren't we all for more Darcy scenes. I would like to add my vote to more scenes involving MD. That is my only severe intellectual criticism of the novel's thematic development. It needs more of the MD theme: MD in a bathtub, MD on a Rooftop chaise lounge. . .other opinions?What is the point of eating KD while watching BJD without more MD? Mari, thanks for posting v. funny article by fellow Bridgetette. Should that be Bridgette? Don't want to sound like a household appliance (And of course, Bridgeters for manly Bridget types) . . .Bridgettes and Bridgeters of the World Unite!

How about Bridgeteers? It will be fun to discuss the scene in the restaurant between DC and MD, when the film comes out.

I've finished reading Possession. A good and interesting book, with several points to meditate on. Not my favourite book ever, though, I'm afraid, Laura :-)

I was trying to make a mouse face and I deleted myself! I agree Moon, 'bridgeteers' is better. So much more. . . distinguished! B R I...D G E...T E E R S pretend there are musical notes here @:-}

(Gi)I've finished reading Possession. A good and interesting book, with several points to meditate on. Not my favourite book ever, though, I'm afraid, Laura :-) Not one of my very favorites, but the last bit had me crying my eyes out probably more than any book ever has.

(Winter) Not one of my very favorites, but the last bit had me crying my eyes out probably more than any book ever has I've just borrowed the book from the library but haven't started it yet. Thanks for the tip Winter, I'll make sure I have plenty of tissues on hand.

Very interesting, if gossipy, sort of article. Sounds like the film set is a happy one--can't underestimate the importance of that! Thanks to Anne who is happy to share. ****** Scottish Daily Record Friday, May 26, 2000 Would the real Bridget Jones please stand up?; IDENTITY CRISIS: Is author Helen Fielding the real-life role modelfor her neurotic, man- hungry character? ROZ PATERSON BEST-SELLING author Helen Fielding's life seems like the blueprint for the chain- smoking, Chardonnay-swilling, navel-gazing, single character she created for Bridget Jones's Diary. But there is one big difference - Fielding is even more neurotic than the fictional character that brought her fame and fortune. She shuns fans who identify with her work and has gone to desperate measures to escape the spectre of man-hunting Bridget. Fielding has even severed links with the star-studded movie of her Diary - and, in the process, ditched one of her best friends. Others who know the writer believe that her paranoia forced her to flee from a comfortable life in trendy Notting Hill in London for a more reclusive existence in California. An insider said: "Sometimes it's hard to tell whether Bridget Jones is Helen Fielding or vice versa." Whoever she is, the writer won't be appearing on the set of the new film, which is being shot in London amid a flurry of paparazzi interest, thanks to recent events in the life of one of its stars--Hugh Grant. According to one source, the atmosphere on set is "tremendous". She said: "Everyone involved, Colin Firth, Hugh, Richard Curtis, know they are involved in something really special and they are really excited about it." Fielding is flying into London this weekend, but she has no plans to visit the set - or her former confidant and the film's director, Sharon Maguire. Those involved in the film say this is not surprising, considering Helen's acrimonious exit from the film. Sharon was immortalised as Shazza in the Diary, but her friendship with Fielding was strained to the limit by the author's attitude to the film. An insider said: "Helen chose to walk out when things didn't go her way. Sharon chose to stay and finish the job. It's Helen's attitude that's affected the friendship." Friends were already concerned about Fielding after one report suggested she fled the UK after a stalker posted a bullet through her letterbox. She also said she had received a number of threatening phone calls at her Notting Hill flat and, in the wake of Jill Dando's murder, decided to leave for California. But although she abandoned Britain, Fielding was still supposed to be involved in the film. She began writing the script, but sources say she wouldn't - or couldn't - write it convincingly. Fielding said: "I had some initial involvement with the script, but authors traditionally turn into monsters when they turn their books into films, so I thought I should retire gracefully." Her "graceful" departure came only after she'd held up production. She worked on the script adaptation for more than a year before she conceded she was unable to transfer the character of Bridget, defined by a hatred of "smug marrieds" and her eccentric mother's match-making, to the screen. It was hardly surprising that the creator of the original, man-hungry single girl should turn to an old flame for help. Richard Curtis, who wrote the script for Four Weddings And A Funeral, is a friend and former lover from Oxford and was happy to help her. The couple's relationship began after Curtis saw Fielding playing Marlene Dietrich in a play, but it ended when he traded her in for TV presenter Emma Freud. Fielding had harboured hopes of marrying the award-winning script-writer and, since they split, she has remained very much a singleton. But, although he didn't manage to "save" her from the single life, Curtis, assisted by Andrew Davies, did save the script - and slapped in a happy ending. But the script wasn't the only problem. Fielding was also frustrated that the film company would not allow her to cast an unknown Brit in the lead role. Largely due to Fielding's resistance, Bridget Jones went without a star for two years. Helena Bonham Carter, Kate Winslet and Cate Blanchett had all been in the frame for the lead role, but they became fed up waiting for Curtis and Fielding to make decision. Fielding said: "I keep seeing girls I think would be perfect for the role. "My favourite was a girl in the gym who was sitting on a machine reading a magazine and not exercising at all. I nearly walked up and offered her the part." Such lack of professionalism - some even said arrogance - set alarm bells ringing at production company Working Title. Studio bosses decided they could not blow their pounds 12million budget on the author's whim. Instead, they went for the bankable American, 30-year-old Renee Zellwegger. Renee, girlfriend of Jim Carrey, was delighted to be cast in the quintessentially English role. She busied herself preparing her accent by working, incognito, at Fielding's publisher Picador as Bridget Cavendish. It's a tribute to her acting skills that the Jerry Maguire star went unnoticed, but the casting of Renee caused shockwaves. Fielding withdrew her support for the movie, saying: "I'm very insulted that nobody asked me." She grudgingly added: "I've never met Renee, but I'm told she's very funny." Fielding became a millionaire following the 1996 publication of the hastily-written diary-style novel. Its heroine is an office worker who agonises over the number of cigarettes she smokes, calories she consumes and lovers she scares off with her predatory advances. Bridget Jones began life as a column in The Independent. Fielding spliced her columns together into a novel to fulfil her publishing contract after her first book, Cause Celebre, bombed. Bridget words, such as "singleton", entered the language and women everywhere celebrated the shambolic side of their natures. Fielding's second Diary - Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason - took almost three years to write and even some of her biggest fans admit it is a weak follow-up. Even if the final script of the film were to suffer a similar fate, it's still likely to be a hit thanks to star attractions Hugh Grant as Bridget's boss, Daniel Cleaver, and Colin Firth as her knight in shining armour, Mark Darcy. But, regardless of the film's success, Fielding's future as a writer of note remains uncertain. Publishers are tiring of ditzy thirtysomethings and are looking for books that appeal to a more mature audience. One critic said: "Bridget Jones has become to Helen Fielding what Sherlock Holmes was to Arthur Conan Doyle." But for all her fears of being overtaken by the character, Fielding is reported to be toiling over yet another formulaic sequel--this time based in America. Bridget Jones in California would be a field day of neurotic asides and bikini body agonies.

Thanks, Mari! Some interesting observations.

Hmm, it seems like HF is getting the standard "let's put the boot in" treatment. Fielding's second Diary - Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason - took almost three years to write and even some of her biggest fans admit it is a weak follow-up. Unfair, untrue. Don't know about other fans, but it's grown on me...I quite often dip into it, and some parts are very, very funny...and perceptive. My only initial complaint was that several chapters were familiar because of the Telegraph columns. An insider said: "Helen chose to walk out when things didn't go her way. Sharon chose to stay and finish the job. It's Helen's attitude that's affected the friendship." Friends were already concerned about Fielding after one report suggested she fled the UK after a stalker posted a bullet through her letterbox. She also said she had received a number of threatening phone calls at her Notting Hill flat and, in the wake of Jill Dando's murder, decided to leave for California. Some serious claims here. Hope they're not true.

From this week's HEAT magazine:- "casting is now complete on one of 2001's most anticipated films, BJD.....Heat profiles the cast fmembers" Some I know, some I don't know, some I am not sure about, see what you all think:_ "Shazzer - Sally Phillips - Channel 4 comedy Smack the Pony" - don't know her at all "Jude - Shirley Henderson - was recently in Michael Wintebottom's flic Wonderland" - dont't know her either "Tom - James Callis - was seen recently in TV's Sex Chips & Rockn'Roll" (good series) but played straight man Wolf "Mum - Gemma Jones - Mum to Emma Thompson in S&S", well I do know of her but is she right for MUM "Dad - Jim Broadbent - recently in Topsy-Turvy", him I definitely know and think quite a good choice "Una - Celia Imrie - TV's Dinnerladies", okay I guess. Not all that impressed, what do others think? This is what they wrote about Colin, "Darcy - Colin Firth. Mark Darcy is the man Bridget's mum sets her up with. Luckily, true love survives the initial horror of his diamond-patterned V-neck sweater. CF melted hearts playing Mr. D. in BBC TV's P&P. But his starring role in the movie FP failed to catapult him to global success" Typical!!

Thanks, Ann. Have been waiting for the cast. I can only recall her mum and dad as actors, they are not how I pictured them in my mind. I was hoping other big name actors would take those smaller roles; Minnie D. and Joan Cusack, they have done it recently. Unless they seriously change MDs looks in order to HG look great, I think CF will knock them of their feet.

Thanks, Ann. Like Gemma Jones (also in The Winslow Boy more recently); Jim Broadbent does have a much higher profile now, sort of, in the US. Didn't name Julio? (we're still pulling for Antonio)

Ann, thanks for that scoop. I know sally Phillips from STP on channel 4 and think she would do an excelllent job as Shazzer, Has played some similar characters in sketches already!

Am adding additional info to the Bucket page, but here they are, from left to right, Sally Phillips, Shirley Henderson, James Callis, Gemma Jones, Jim Broadbent, and Celia Imrie:

btw, both Sally Phillips and James Callis have fan pages and both had mentions of rumors, etc., of their being cast in the movie from a couple of weeks ago.

Quick work Karen! great to have names for faces! Mark , belated congrats on your BJD report. It looks wonderful on Murph's pages too. we are relying on you and hope this is not a one off. My cousin lived near there and had her car filmed for Notting Hill, they phoned her up and asked her to move it but she was out at work so it got included in the scenes. I announced my interest in her "sleuthing" for BJD or maybe staying in the car this time!! Sadly she has just moved out of the area, an offer too good to refuse I think, but hardly good timing/helpful for coincidental CF spotting.

Great work Ann & Karen. A big thumbs-up for Celia Imrie, an excellent comic actress IMO - always in the Victoria Wood shows and often in other very funny stuff. I cannot claim to have seen any of the above at the set, but I am so bad at recognising faces that it may not mean anything.

I must be permitted a little chuckle re celia. She has recently been seen in the reruns of "Bergerac", very different image from her Victoria wood ones! I think she will be great in the part,

Thanks Ann for the scoop and Karen for the follow-up. I liked Gemma Jones in The Winslow Boy. Great actress..I bet she can do ditzy.Like the idea of Brit nationals for supporting roles...it diffuses the shock-waves of the one Yank. Remember the ones in Notting Hill...they were fabulous.

Well done Ann! You've got what we've been waiting for. And a very quick follow-up, Karen! I think Sally Phillips is an inpired choice. She's a very talented (and pretty) comedy actress. "Smack the Pony" is very, very well done. She's won a couple of awards recently, and is hugely popular with young males in the UK, who will flock to see BJD! Jim Broadbent and Celia Imrie are both excellent casting. I saw James Callis in a recent BBC drama series...again, I think he'll do well. The only one I'm not sure about is Gemma Jones, because I tend to think of her in more serious roles. They've not gone for the usual suspects...I think it's good to mix in a few unknowns. Probably couldn't afford Minnie Driver!

I wonder who is playing Perpetua (one of my favourites!) and Magda. Lots of scope for expert cameos.

(Bethan) I wonder who is playing Perpetua (one of my favourites!) Yars, yars, yars . . . mine too! :-) Looks like a super cast to me--thanks for the pics, Karen, and Ann, for the news. I like Jim Broadbent and Gemma Jones; I think Gemma can pull off Mrs. J. nicely i.e., not play it *too* annoying. It's a fine line.;-) Am really getting (getting??) excited about this film! And I must say, whoever is managing the publicity is doing a great job; it seems every few days I see some sort of reference to the film in magazines, newspapers, etc. Yesterday, I went into a local bookstore and in addition to Edge Of Reason still being there, they had a fresh supply of the original BJD with a sign under it "Staff Recommends!" When I mentioned it to the cashier, she said lots of people were asking for the original since they'd heard there'd be a movie about it! So, the word is definitely out.

I saw Celia Imrie in a really strange Mystery. If I recall, she played a spinster sister. Very strange. Didn't realize she was comic;) Cast so far looks good, let's see how it goes.

Karen you cast page is terrific.... http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdcast.html I'm impressed with their acting credentials.

On April 1st, The Times had an article about the Smack the Pony girls and one of them (Doon MacKichan) said, "We want to do a film to prove that British women are great fun and that perhaps they didn't need to cast an American as Bridget Jones, or in Sliding Doors," she says, passionately. "There are so many talented British actresses and I get so bloody sick of seeing those jobs going to Americans."

I'm late joining in, but thanks for all the interesting stuff you guys find. Such a bizarre bit about HF, hey Mari? Hope she's safe. And I hope she's reconciled to RZ as Bridget. And thanks for the great info on the rest of the cast Ann and Karen. I have to confess, I don't know any of the names except for Gemma Jones (great last-name casting!). When I read BJD, I kept seeing Saunders (of French and Saunders) as Bridget's mother -- just the way she says 'darling'. Now I can't get her out of my head.

Unless they seriously change MDs looks in order to HG look great, I think CF will knock them of their feet. Ah Moon, CF can knock me off my feet anytime! (That would mean I'd be horizontal, no?) And no matter what happens to their hair, CF will always look better than HG in my eyes! HG a heartthrob? I should as soon say his pants are all zipped. I am too cruel ... v.sorry, I seem to be confusing novels and alter egos today!

We already know the names, but this was released today: Brits on board for Bridget Jones movie Rumblings over American starlet Renee Zellweger being handed the role of Bridget Jones in a new movie version of Helen Fielding's best-selling novel have subsided now True Brits have been called into action. The makers of the movie, Working Title - who created Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill, have gone for a home-grown line-up to accompany Jim Carrey's blonde girlfriend on her perplexing journey. Senior sources at the actors union Equity expressed dismay that Renee had been cast in the role of the weight obsessed, lovelorn heroine to appease Americans backers. She spent three weeks researching the role at a publishing house but expressed her quiet amazement at being offered the job. She said: "It's a dream opportunity and I'm genuinely sorry if I have put any noses out of joint." Now, apart from dashing co-star Hugh Grant being cast as Daniel Cleaver, her mumbling object of desire, the cream of stage and screen are also in the line-up. Darcy is literally back as Darcy, in this case Mark Darcy. Colin Firth, late of Pride and Prejudice, will play the not so sparky lad Bridget's mum sets her up with. Sally Phillips from the Channel 4 comedy series Smack the Pony plays her best friend Shazzer and Gemma Jones and Jim Broadbent are in pole position as her parents. Also on board the project are Scottish starlet Shirley Henderson as her high-flying pal Jude, Celia Imrie as her posh neighbour and James Callis, recently seen in Sex, Chips and Rock 'n' Roll as her gay, bitchy male chum. A source on the movie said: "We suffered a lot of flak, especially from casting agents and producers, over our choice of lead lady but there were certain financial considerations and Renee is just excellent."

Jennifer Saunders is too young;) Joanna Lumley I think would've been great! (I LOVE Patsy;)) I'm still baffled by the Celia Imrie casting. She plays crazy well;)(I think she was in Ruth Rendell's "A Dark Adapted Eye" with HBC.)

Yes, Karen, great page. Thanks. Shirley Henderson was good as the main "three little maids" in Topsy Turvy. I recognize her from her picture.

apart from dashing co-star Hugh Grant being cast as Daniel Cleaver.... Colin Firth, late of Pride and Prejudice, will play the not so sparky lad Bridget's mum sets her up with. Nit-picking again..."dashing co-star"... "not so sparky lad"....who writes this stuff?

I'm genuinely sorry if I have put any noses out of joint." Another expression we can toss about. ;-) Thanks, Karen! The page looks great too. They seem to be still casting this film. It looks like they will film all the DC and MD parts first, get them out of the way for their other film commitments? Ah Moon, CF can knock me off my feet anytime! You have good taste, Sadie.

(Murph) Shirley Henderson was good as the main "three little maids" in Topsy Turvy. I recognize her from her picture. You recognized her? Knocked me off my feet. (Bethan) "not so sparky lad"....who writes this stuff? Didn't like that? Actually, I thought it was kind of funny. "Not so sparky" will be one of his *character* roles, as we know CF gives off sparks aplenty IRL. ;-) What did bug me was this continual reference to the female actors as "starlets"!! Renee Zellweger is 30 years old and has been numerous significant films, with AA talk. And Shirley Henderson is a starlet? She's 34 years old. Is the writer insinuating these actresses slept with someone for their roles? Or is this writer subtly slighting all but English actresses? Please note that Gemma Jones, Sally Phillips and Celia Imrie were not so maligned. Sheesh!

..... perhaps they didn't need to cast an American as Bridget Jones, or in Sliding Doors," she says,passionately. "There are so many talented British actresses and I get so bloody sick of seeing those jobs going to Americans. How come she doesn't get so sick watching British actresses taking American roles...Maybe if they supported their own films......oh never mind. Bwaaaah

(Karen) What did bug me was this continual reference to the female actors as "starlets"!! Renee Zellweger is 30 years old and has been numerous significant films, with AA talk. Exactly. (31 actually). According to this, her claim to fame is being "Jim Carrey's blond girlfriend." Good grief. It seems like RZ is taking the high road (those good Southern manners at work:-) I feel sorry for her and am wondering if she's sorry she ever heard of Bridget Jones. If it were me, I think my confidence would be shaken, my performance undermined, and my sentiment would be to take the next plane home. Good thing I'm a brain surgeon and not a starlet.;-)

(Mari) am wondering if she's sorry she ever heard of Bridget Jones Nah. She gets to kiss Colin and take home a big paycheck :-)

Donna, she could be making a much bigger paycheck elsewhere, with none of the grief. As for kissing Colin . . .well she could come with us to the Donmar next time.:-)

One of the film sites is listing February 1, 2001 as the release date for BJD (and yes, I'm aware of how these dates are subject to change.)

Report from the set II No CF sightings this time, but ... those bored when I crashed the book launch, do not read on... Shooting when I arrived was a scene of Bridget serenading someone from the street. It appeared she had hired a guy with an electronic keyboard, and stood beside him dancing and singing a song I had never heard before, which sounded like it might be called "You are the one" or similar. It was not a very good tune or song, IMO, and not likely to match the hits from 4WAAF or NH, though obviously a special new scene (maybe a Bridget fantasy?). RZ had long, blonde hair, and was wearing a black dress and tights, with pink high heels, and brandishing a red rose. Fascinating re-write. The other scene filmed afterwards was a shot of Daniel in his light-blue classic convertible Mercedes picking Bridget up from her home to take her away. He honks the horn, she comes out and drops a bag in the back of the car, gets in, they kiss and away they go. HG similar to last week, RZ with a headscarf and big smile. Anyway, the good part is by the time they started shooting the second scene, I was standing around near the extras, gathered to make up the street that HG & RZ drive down. I was taken for another extra and given a particular bit of street to walk down, so if I make the final cut, I could be in the film. I reached roughly the same position when the car went past in all 3 rehearsals and 6 takes, so I shall be looking out for myself come Feb or whenever! Not that the stardom is going to my head, or anything. We were told it was Saturday morning, so I guess this was the ill-fated mini-break which Bridget booked, when Daniel ordered beers and watched cricket on TV.

Not that the stardom is going to my head, or anything. LOL! An extra on BJD....your talents are being recognised, Mark! We'll look out for you! Thanks for another fascinating update. Although I must admit that first scene has me worried! I hope it's a Bridget fantasy (presumably serenading Daniel, ye-euch!) and not a Real Life Situation. One thing that gives me the occasional twinge of doubt is the massive 5 week "re-write" of the script by Richard Curtis (and which brought HG enthusiastically on board!). Andrew Davies wrote the original screenplay and his scripts are usually regarded as letter perfect. He's been writing for 25 years...brilliant adaptations (P&P, Wives and Daughters, Moll Flanders), and several original award winning screenplays and drama series. I remember reading that he'd spent a lot of time with HF visiting her old haunts to get the flavour of BJD. IMHO, he's a much better writer than RC, who can be rather twee. I just get these occasional fleeting visions of NH meets TEP meets SIL. You know the sort of thing.... Hugh Grant plays the dashing, handsome but flawed hero with whom BJ falls overwhelmingly in l-urve. Several passionate liaisons follow, taking up huge wads of screen-time. Colin Firth pops up every now and then as stodgily dependable lawyer favoured by Bridget's mum and Una Alconbury. Finally, BJ realises, sadly, that lovable cad Daniel has a huge commitment problem and will never lead her up the aisle. Reluctantly settles for boring Mark Darcy who has been hovering in the wings. Has passionately tearful parting from Daniel."I may be married/whatever to MD but I will always be a widow to him." Closing shot of MD clad in unbecoming bomber jacket (clothes to make supporting actor look fat) pecking BJ tentatively on cheek, final closing shot of a brooding sorrowful Daniel gazing into the middle distance. Disgruntled cinema audience departs. "Well, if it had been me, I'd have stuck to that nice Hugh Grant..." I'm 100% sure I'm wrong about this!:-) (but I'd love to see the original screenplay!)

(MarkG) I was taken for another extra Of course years from now we will see this story re-enacted on A&E's Biography series. The story of a cheeky young lad trying to break into the ranks of super stardom. He boldly inserts himself into BJD's film set, and is later spotted by the head of Miramax at a private screening of the film. "Who is that man?" shouts HW. "He's perfect. I've been searching for 'that look' for my next upcoming project with Steven Spielberg. Get him for me!" Of course, the rest is history. MarkG went on to become one of Britain's hottest property :-)

He boldly inserts himself into BJD's film set, and is later spotted by the head of Miramax at a private screening of the film. That's brilliant! Are you giving Mark ideas, Donna? He has already crashed one party. ;-))) Thank you, Mark! We will be looking out for you. Today an extra, tomorrow... a friend to CF. ;-) So that set is supposed to be the front of her apartment? Is it the same as where the last scene took place? I thought they were supposed to film in Notting Hill. I too think Bridget singing has got to be a fantasy. It is a stretch. Is that a slow Frank Sinatra type song or more like Bette Midler? Disgruntled cinema audience departs. "Well, if it had been me, I'd have stuck to that nice Hugh Grant..." Too funny, Bethan. I guess only time will tell.

Mark!! You are incredible!! Party Crashing skills: A+ Reporting skills: A+ and now acting skills. Bravo! (did I use enough exclamation points?) Agree, does look like taking off for minibreak from hell scene. But that serenading thing? Wot on earth? Yes, must be fantasy scene. If that set is supposed to be the NH neighborhood where Bridget lives, then she couldn't be seranding Daniel. He doesn't live there. Or is an all-encompassing bunch of different places? Not that the stardom is going to my head, or anything. Am off to enter you at IMDb cast listing for movie, as they have finally put Colin and Renee's names in (and took my ordering scenario *ha ha*) He's been writing for 25 years...brilliant adaptations They are not aiming for the BBC drama or PBS crowd on this one. What has Andrew Davies written that has grossed over a hundred million?

What has Andrew Davies written that has grossed over a hundred million? Don't forget he also wrote COF which has not made $100m I don't think but has I believe done well for a small film. I saw a copy of the video on sale about 2 years ago and on the cover was a sticker saying that it had made �35m so far not bad!

I haven't forgotten about CoF, but Universal Pictures/Working Title is unlikely to be aiming for a "nice, warm-hearted, family film" destined for the art house crowd. They are going for another Notting Hill that will play the megaplexes.

Hmmm, after that little item in the Sunday Times, showing Liz and Hughie together attending a wedding in the country, Neal Travis from the NY Post reports: HUGH & LIZ: TOGETHER �AGAIN' SOME gullible New York and London columnists were making a big deal last week over the "breakup" of Hugh Grant and Elizabeth Hurley, but those of us who've been around the track a few times just smiled. As I have often written, Hugh and Liz delight in tugging the media chain. So I won't make too much of this scoop: that the glamorous couple, after some recent quiet days in the English countryside, are together again and planning a big wedding, children and the whole nine yards. My sources say they've decided it's time to stop kidding around about their 12-year affair. Neither is getting any younger, and both feel a sense of mortality now that Hugh's mother is gravely ill with cancer. "They will shortly get officially engaged and will have a formal wedding next year," says one intimate. "They will retain their joint production company, and are looking to do a major romantic comedy together." The sources say the couple had a heart-to-heart talk during their country escape and agreed each had to change. Hugh has promised to stop his serial flirting, and Liz has pledged to free up time for them to be together. Anyway, that's what I'm being told now, and I tend to believe it. At the risk of sounding unromantic, the sum of Grant and Hurley as a screen couple is far greater and more valuable than the parts. And they can laugh their pretty heads off about the dance on which they have led us all - and on which they may still be leading us.

Anyway, the good part is by the time they started shooting the second scene, I was standing around near the extras, gathered to make up the street that HG & RZ drive down. I was taken for another extra and given a particular bit of street to walk down, so if I make the final cut, I could be in the film. I reached roughly the same position when the car went past in all 3 rehearsals and 6 takes, so I shall be looking out for myself come Feb or whenever! How exciting! Hope you remember us little people Mark! (Especially those of us who pleeeaded with you to return and meet your destiny! Well ok, so I asked you to go spy on CF's hair, but still . . .) BTW, if it's not too nosy, how will we distinguish you from the other extras walking down the street? :-) Hugh Grant plays the dashing, handsome but flawed hero with whom BJ falls overwhelmingly in l-urve. Several passionate liaisons follow, taking up huge wads of screen-time. Colin Firth pops up every now and then as stodgily dependable lawyer favoured by Bridget's mum and Una Alconbury. Finally, BJ realises, sadly, that lovable cad Daniel has a huge commitment problem and will never lead her up the aisle. Reluctantly settles for boring Mark Darcy who has been hovering in the wings. Has passionately tearful parting from Daniel."I may be married/whatever to MD but I will always be a widow to him." LOL! But this is no fantasy, this is a nightmare! I really DO NOT like Hugh Grant all that much. Does he exude virility? Can he sit a horse so well? Look so stunning in a tall top-hat? Say "Whot"? Finish an entire sentence without stumbling? Act? (And these are ranked in order of importance of course!) Hey, I think I win the prize for most exclamation points in a single response!

And to think we knew him when he was Recon Man.:-) Mark, great report--what fun! Hope your scene makes it into the film. Am amazed that they actually shot 2 scenes while you were there. We always hear how film-making is such a drawn-out affair; sounds like Sharon M. is really moving things right along. Did you catch a glimpse of her BTW? (Bethan)I just get these occasional fleeting visions of NH meets TEP meets SIL. LOL, me too! That's alright, best to confront these fears head-on.;-)

Mari, I think my brain cells are failing. What does NH stand for?

BTW Karen, thanks for digging up that article on HG and EH. They sound kinda bizarre, hey? Sad about his mother.

Mark...May I have your autograph....? Have pic of him at the Luna Nuova that I'm saving for ebay! ~~~~~~ ....Re: Andrew Davies He's been writing for 25 years...brilliant adaptations They are not aiming for the BBC drama or PBS crowd on this one. What has Andrew Davies written that has grossed over a hundred million? Ditto. AD writes warm, fuzzy well..but comedy? Uh,uh....I'll go with Richard Curtis..More au courant.

Hi, Sadie . . . NH = Notting Hill (written and produced by the same people bringing us BJD).

Disgruntled cinema audience departs. "Well, if it had been me, I'd have stuck to that nice Hugh Grant..." The more I think of this scenario the more highly unlikely it would appear. They are making a "Cinderella Gets Prince Charming," who for half of the film is still in toad-mode. If the audience walks out thinking positively about Daniel Cleaver, then they've failed miserably and created a total downer movie - hardly one that stands a chance of attracting the date crowd. Besides, if they had changed the script that much, Helen Fielding must have been served with a gag order. (Sadie) how will we distinguish you from the other extras walking down the street? :-) Some of us mere mortals have met our roving reporter and burgeoning star. However, I can safely say he will be the most handsome one on screen at the time. And, unless he has done something radical, he will NOT have long, floppy hair.

Besides, if they had changed the script that much, Helen Fielding must have been served with a gag order. You haven't heard? She was banished to LA. ;-)

Mark: As good if not better than your first report. Please give a brief description of yourself so we can be sure to spot you. I really can't wait for this film, but I guess I will have to! 2001! At my age, they better get it out to the US sooner than that!

Karen Some of us mere mortals have met our roving reporter and burgeoning star. However, I can safely say he will be the most handsome one on screen at the time. And, unless he has done something radical, he will NOT have long, floppy hair Mark what a star! And to think Winter, JenK and I actually ate with you once! D You'll have your own drool board next ;-D I had thought they were only filming there for a week or so (perhaps the weather has delayed proceedings) but I noticed the catering trucks and lighting rigs were still in evidence last night (Friday) - perhaps I will get to have a mosey down there after all. Though whether I can be as brazen as MarkG is debatable - come to think of it, from my memory of the book ...short, tubby types don't feature heavily (*groan*) in the story line so it's only right that the balance is redressed with outsized extras.....hello Ms Director I'm here!

..but I noticed the catering trucks and lighting rigs were still in evidence last night.(Friday) - perhaps I will get to have a mosey down there after all. Excuse the personal question, Tracy...but how can you stand it? I mean...just go and take a quick look-see;-)

Evelyn - phew what a relief I was afraid of what you were going to ask for a minute! Like I say - I only get small glimpses from the train as I pass over the area on my way home from work and by then it's been too difficult to stop ...let's just admit it I am a poor excuse for a Bridgeteer/ Firthian/ whatever - I've failed dismally! If they're still filming there next week, I'll definitely try to get there - with camera if I can possibly manage it!....(have covered self with enough vagueness -just in case)

Big article on RZ in The Sunday Times (any pics in the actual paper, ladies?): When Ren�e Zellweger was cast as Bridget Jones, few thought her suitable for the job. But after two weeks of undercover research, she's already got into her stride, says GARTH PEARCE Going by the book Ren�e Zellweger is thinking the unthinkable for an emerging star: she no longer wants to be recognised. The Hollywood-based actress hopes to be ignored as she lives and works in London, tackling her new role as Bridget Jones in a film version of the fictional diary of a thirtysomething English publisher, riddled with insecurities about men, weight and work. In practical terms, that means out go the party frocks and on goes 15lb in weight. As Zellweger is American, beautiful and successful, this could prove more difficult than she imagines. But then landing the part of Bridget was always going to be a challenge. The character is already so ingrained in the public consciousness as an emblem of our times, her habits and neuroses both mocked and mimicked in print and on screen, that any film adaptation would inevitably provoke contention. Everyone, it seemed, had their own idea of the best way to do it and, more significantly, who should take the title role. There were plenty of British screen actresses with the right image and experience to tackle the part - Kate Winslet, Kate Beckinsale and Helena Bonham Carter among them. So when the producer Eric Fellner announced that the part had gone to a little-known Texan actress, whose only notable role to date had been in the quintessentially American film Jerry Maguire, the response was one of shock and dismay. It was all very well for Fellner to praise Zellweger for having "the passion the character needed", but how could an American do justice to the role? Why sacrifice the essence of the book on the altar of global marketability? Even Helen Fielding, the author of the book and a driving force behind the film, announced that she had "retired gracefully" from involvement with the script as a result of the casting, adding: "I am very surprised that nobody asked my opinion." Well, with shooting now under way, the real shock is that Ren�e Zellweger is as British, and as Bridget, as they come. In the past few weeks she has undergone radical rehearsals for the part that have seen her completely alter her identity. "It is a beautiful book, an extraordinary character, and the role has been such a gift for me," she says, delivering a perfect English accent. "I have had dialect classes every day since February. More important, I am thinking English and speaking with an English accent. It has meant a complete cultural change, from whistling Spice Girls songs at the weekends to understanding all about the appeal and reference of Harvey Nicks." More significantly still, she and Fellner came up with a plan to integrate her so successfully into the London publishing scene that nobody could question her Bridget credentials again. When we met, Zellweger had just spent 2� weeks working incognito in the lion's den - Picador publishing, which has sold 1.5m copies of Bridget Jones's Diary so far. In a bid to counter the bad publicity and prepare his star, Fellner persuaded David Macmillan, co-director of Picador's owners, Macmillan, to give the actress a job. She was assigned to the head of publicity, Camilla Elworthy, the only person let in on the secret, with a cover story that she was Bridget Cavendish, a young woman seeking work experience in publishing. Turning up at 9.30 sharp each morning at the office in Eccleston Place, London, just around the corner from where hundreds of journalists work for the 70 or so magazines at IPC publishing, Zellweger played the part so perfectly that nobody guessed her true identity. Even when she confronted the media head-on at the launch party of A Question of Bruno, a collection of short stories by Aleksandar Hemon, plus a presentation at Waterstone's, nobody suspected the ruse. In the process, Zellweger completely won over the doubters at Picador: "Everyone found her friendly, charming and hard-working," says Elworthy. "All sections of the business came into contact with her during the 2� weeks, without ever realising who she was. She even ran the office one day I was out of the country. There was no trace of an American accent and, having got to know her, we can all imagine she will make a perfect Bridget Jones. She was so good that one of our directors was about to offer her a full-time job." In truth, Zellweger is such a charmer, she could probably talk herself into any kind of job. She's blonde and pretty, and, with her new intensive eating plan now complete, she does not look, like so many other pinched American actresses, as if she needs feeding up with croissants. "I have been learning a lot about this character and a lot about myself, too," she says. "But I really needed to be removed from the subculture of Los Angeles to help understand her." It's not hard to see her point. Gallons of chardonnay, cigarettes by the packetful and guilt-ridden bingeing on mince pies are not really the Hollywood style. For the film, she finds herself surrounded by a very British cast. Hugh Grant, currently overwhelmed by our peculiar obsession with his love life, plays Bridget's office lover, Daniel Cleaver. Colin Firth, in a nice casting twist, is the gallant Mark Darcy, and Bridget's supportive friend Sharon is Sally Phillips, first noticed as the acerbic receptionist in I'm Alan Partridge and then a star of the comedy series Smack the Pony. With Gemma Jones playing her mother, Pam, rediscovering her sex life at 60, and Jim Broadbent as the long-suffering father, Colin, there's a few cultural shockwaves still to come during filming. But Zellweger insists that she's ready for them. "It is easy to imagine the emotions and problems of Bridget, wherever you are from," she reasons. "What woman over 30 isn't concerned about the same things - men, body image, work, relationships? Or women under 30, come to that. I've had plenty myself. Who hasn't?" Zellweger, from the small town of Katy, Texas, has certainly had some lean times. She moved to Los Angeles in December 1993, following a slender acting career and a degree in English literature from the University of Texas. The high point had been an appearance as a white-trash character called Starlene in the oddly titled film Love and a .45. But she struggled until her 1996 breakthrough in Jerry Maguire. She had previously worked in a bar to make ends meet: "I cleaned up after young Hollywood, carrying cases of beer and stocking up the freezer," she recalls. "I could just about pay the rent on a grungy little one-room apartment, but couldn't afford things like a television. I did not know if my acting career was going to lead anywhere - I still don't - but I was going to hop on the road and see where it took me. It was not a matter of moving to Los Angeles and saying, 'Hey - I'm here.' Nobody cares, and that's the toughest part. You feel as if you have something to give, but nobody really notices." But Tom Cruise did notice, hiring her ahead of Winona Ryder, Bridget Fonda and Oscar-winner Marisa Tomei to play the single mother Dorothy Boyd, at a point when Zellweger had run out of ready cash at a laundrette and driven to meet him in her clapped-out Volkswagen, leaving wet washing strewn around her flat. Since then, she has not come anywhere near repeating such box-office success, despite good personal reviews for some high-profile roles. There was A Price Above Rubies, as a Jewish wife who defies her frigid Hasidic husband, and One True Thing, opposite Meryl Streep and William Hurt, playing an ambitious Manhattan magazine journalist asked by her father to quit her job to take care of her dying mother. Now there are two other films on the way. In Nurse Betty, to be released in the autumn, she plays Betty Sizemore, a waitress obsessed with daytime soap dramas who leaves Kansas for Hollywood after witnessing the murder of her no-good husband. Sizemore becomes convinced that her soap hero, Dr David Ravell (played by Greg Kinnear), is her ex-fianc�. He, in turn, believes that her enthusiasm for his character is method acting at its best and offers her a role in the show. It's a funny, if bizarre, movie that should do well. Zellweger has also recently completed the comedy Me, Myself & Irene, from the Farrelly brothers, the team who brought us There's Something About Mary, in which she stars opposite her real-life boyfriend, Jim Carrey. "What can I tell you about Jim, other than my love for him?" she asks. "He is a very handsome man. That is a surprising thing, because his face is never still when he's acting. He is working all the time and playing characters, but when he walks into a room, just normally, he's so good looking, you go, 'Oh, you have got to be kidding.' He is very intelligent, but not one of those people who is always 'on' and feels that he has to entertain you. He is creative, compassionate and understanding. He's wonderful." It would be hard to imagine Bridget Jones ever giving a man such an even break. At least, not in those terms. But then Ren�e Zellweger has come to grips with the difference between America and Britain. "On the surface, it's not foreign, but it is completely foreign," she says. "We speak the same language, without speaking the same language at all." She's already getting the hang of it all. Playing Bridget should be a breeze.

(Mari)As for kissing Colin ...well she could come with us to the Donmar next time.:-) Why, Mari, did you get to kiss Colin? :-o (MarkG) I shall be looking out for myself come Feb or whenever! ...as shall be all of us! :-D Good work, Mark! (Bethan)I just get these occasional fleeting visions of NH meets TEP meets SIL. You know the sort of thing.... Creepy, creepy... I do hope you're wrong and Karen right about this. (Karen)Colin Firth, in a nice casting twist, is the gallant Mark Darcy Wonder what he means, a casting twist. Doesn't he know the part was designed for Colin?

So the Sunday Times is continuing all this nice publicity. I can't wait for the quotes from Renee telling us what a joy Colin is to work with. It's obligatory from his female co-stars, isn't it? Written in his contract or something. Mark - our intrepid reporter. We are your number one fans. And remember that three times is the charm. Next time they'll give you a line to speak. (Bethan) Finally, BJ realises, sadly, that lovable cad Daniel has a huge commitment problem and will never lead her up the aisle. Reluctantly settles for boring Mark Darcy who has been hovering in the wings. Has passionately tearful parting from Daniel."I may be married/whatever to MD but I will always be a widow to him." Closing shot of MD clad in unbecoming bomber jacket (clothes to make supporting actor look fat) pecking BJ tentatively on cheek, final closing shot of a brooding sorrowful Daniel gazing into the middle distance. Disgruntled cinema audience departs. "Well, if it had been me, I'd have stuck to that nice Hugh Grant..." Huge LOL, Bethan. While we know this will never happen, we do, don't we?, I can appreciate where the gallows humor is coming from. The script can only include additional scenes with Mark. No additional scenes with Daniel are allowed unless Mark is punching him out...like a gentleman, of course.

(Gi) Why, Mari, did you get to kiss Colin? :-o Sorry, but I *never* kiss and tell.:-) Nice article from the Times, Karen, thanks. Sounds like RZ's accent passed muster with this writer as well as the Picador people, so that shouldn't be a concern. Too bad they keep repeating Helen Fielding's woefully out-of-context remarks. What she said, of course, is that she was surprised that no one asked her (to play the part)--all very tongue in cheek, but I guess the humor was lost.

YIPEE.....THEY WON.... Welcome to Broadway!!!Our Gang cleaned -up! THREE TONY'S BEST REVIVAL THE REAL THING BEST ACTOR IN A PLAY STEPHEN DILLANE BEST ACTRESS IN A PLAY JENNIFER EHLE So take that Olivier's!!

Moon: Is that a slow Frank Sinatra type song or more like Bette Midler? Neither, really - maybe serenading gives the wrong impression. It was more of a pop song than a croon - just trying to remember it again makes me shudder ... it was not good. Karen: If that set is supposed to be the NH neighborhood where Bridget lives, then she couldn't be serenading Daniel. He doesn't live there. Or is it an all-encompassing bunch of different places? The latter. On one side of the street are a Greek restaurant (Kalispera), and shops called Frangipani and Pritchard's Fine Wines (all fake, I now believe), and on the other a pub (not fake) an unmarked doorway and Dial-a-lift minicabs (fake), and I think they use bits of this "set" for all different locations. e.g. Bridget serenaded the top floor of the pub (!), and came out of her flat at the unmarked doorway beside it. Sadie: how will we distinguish you from the other extras walking down the street? Call me superstitious, but I'll let you know after it's been edited and I can't be cut out by film co lurkers! :-) Mari: they actually shot 2 scenes while you were there. That really surprised me too, but I think I was just lucky to catch the last take of the serenading scene, before the eternity that it took to shoot a 10-second car shot. I failed to identify Sharon Maguire, as none of the women in the area I thought she would be in seemed to fit the bill - but I don't know much about shooting movies... TracyT: if they're still filming next week... a security guy told a couple of onlookers that there were 8 more weeks of shooting after a short break, but he didn't know whether it would all still be in the same place - but then the same guy had told these girls that HG would arrive at the set in four hours time, about ten minutes before the scene with HG in it actually began. Mari: Too bad they keep repeating Helen Fielding's woefully out-of-context remarks. I completely agree. Isn't it horrific to see her odd quote mutating into a bitchier comment report by report.

Arrggh Hopefully closing italics.

It was more of a pop song than a croon A ha!! As I suspected...the "Say A Little Prayer" touch. Did the passersby join in song? ;-)

From www.thisislondon.co.uk How did Renee become Bridget? by Neil Norman Renee Zellweger: Texan, tiny and attached to Jim Carrey. It doesn't get much crazier. Renee Zellweger with her version of Colin Forth - Jim Carrey

Grr, I can't post the rest of the article. Here's the URL: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/hottx/top_review.html?in_review_id=288014&in_review_text_id=233150

I am Soooooo envious. Are you using Zoom Binoculars, Mark? You are neglecting your cricket for us - we are most grateful - and more than a little envious. Mahalo!

Re: Neil Norman article. Wish journalists would stop being so condescending about RZ. I think she has Bridget's sweetness, and sweet face. Did American journalists gripe this much when VL landed Scarlett? Hope it's o.k. if I post more Bridgetesque stuff,I'm in a silly mood. (Please let me know, Karen, if it's not appropriate here, and I'll stop after this. :-D ) June 5 2000 13:2349 Am distracted by Drool board and must say something. Must get dictionary. June 5 2000 15:23:49 Destroyed baked potatoes (singular: no 'e', plural: 'e'. Would make brilliant American politician!) Am beginning to suspect Mark G might be real-life Mark D. And is movie star too! Boyfriend just got home. Is dressed like Seinfeld again. Must seriously reconsider options. Wrote Boss 'dear Boss' letter. Am now looking for new job, but spending all my time on drool boards. V. confusing! Ooh, 'nother photo of CF... Excellent... ACK, Ack.

LOL...pl. Karen...don't tell her to stop. "You should publish"....3 DOR, Act I

After such praise, I'm seeing stars and dollar signs! Maybe could lead to movie? You know, Mark G cast as Mark G. Would be 'inevitable'. Then I could move to L.A. Then for novel sequel (as in literary form, not extent of originality), I could interview him, and cast his younger brother to play him in movie sequel. Whot say you Mark? Wanna be in a home movie... Oops, v.v. sorry. Am already turning into sleazy couch-casting mover-and-shaker type. Need humble pie. Just checked. Humble pie is burnt.

You're on topic, as far as I can see. On the RZ front, there was a segment on her on Access Hollywood. She will be on the cover of the July Vanity Fair (on newsstands June 13). Journalist who interviewed her talked about how much she ate at lunch, how much flak she had been getting from the British press and how it had gotten to her. Lots of images from the photoshoot. Wonder if the article will show her co-stars (especially the *other* one) ;-)

(Karen)Wonder if the article will show her co-stars (especially the *other* one) ;-) Ummmm....hope so. May have to buy Vanity Fair for first time.

More tidbits from the Vanity Fair article on Renee at one of the NY Post's gossip columns: The "Jerry Maguire" star has now moved onto "Bridget Jones's Diary." The movie, based on the best-selling book, demanded that the 5-foot-5, 106-pound Zellweger eat like an Alsatian. To pack on a whopping 12 pounds, she quit working out and now starts her day with a cheese omelette and sausage. That's followed by a mid-morning chocolate milk shake. Lunch is a large pizza, salad with extra dressing and cheesecake. At dinner, she scarfs a whole roasted chicken, mashed potatoes with butter, a pint of Guinness and cr�me caramel. Her little bedtime snack: fruit pie and ice cream "I think I'm the only actress in Hollywood who has weight-gain powder on her kitchen counter," Zellweger tells inteviewer Ned Zemen. The rest (including a cute pic of RZ and JC) is at: http://www.nydailynews.com/today/News_and_Views/Daily_Dish/a-68993.asp

I'm feeling very serious today. How is it that RZ, at 5'5 is considered tiny? Granted she's no blonde Amazon on a rooftop, but, from the sound of that previous article, you'd think she was 4'5. 5'5 is a nice height. (Besides, studies show that taller men usually partner up with shorter women.) Rant, rant, whine, whine, I'll say no more.

Thanks Karen..Glad that BJD is getting so much mention in the US press. I can assure HF and others that this pre-publicity would not be happening if Bridget was an un-known British star.

I'm very thankful for RZ. Say a little prayer, every day! :-) Without her (and with KW or H B-C), BJD would have been just another all-Brit romantic comedy which might have taken �2million max at the box office. I think they've got the casting just right (a very good mix).

Geez, I'm 5'6/5'7 weigh 125lbs and am considered anorexic!!!! We just can't win!

(Karen)To pack on a whopping 12 pounds, she quit working out and now starts her day with a cheese omelette and sausage. That's followed by a mid-morning chocolate milk shake. Lunch is a large pizza, salad with extra dressing and cheesecake. At dinner, she scarfs a whole roasted chicken, mashed potatoes with butter, a pint of Guinness and cr�me caramel. Her little bedtime snack: fruit pie and ice cream I don't think I'd need all that to put on weight :-(

(LauraMM)Geez, I'm 5'6/5'7 weigh 125lbs and am considered anorexic!!!! We just can't win! You sound perfect to me :-)Now if I could lose 8 pounds in the right places ;-)

Report III: Film set gone. :-(

(MarkG)Report III: Film set gone. :-( Now could it materialize in Albufeira? :-)

Now could it materialize in Albufeira? :-) There must be a film commission for Portugal. Why don't you ring them up or some regional entity for the Algarve... Your luck, they will probably film Meditterranean scenes if any in the Isle of Man. Thanks for reporting in, Mark.

(MarkG)Report III: Film set gone. :-( I know....v. dischuffed having psyched myself to have a peek. Never mind I daresay our spies will be out and about...this may be the 'short break' security guy was talking about. They may be back! In meantime will (in the words of Shaw Taylor) "keep 'em peeled "

Mark, your reports grow ever more daring, you'll be a CF "bodydouble" at this rate. Full marks (that's v v v good) Sadie, LOL! Too too funny. Thanks everyone for your info and articles, much appreciated.

(Sadie R) How is it that RZ, at 5'5 is considered tiny? I'm 5'5", and I feel like one of the Seven Dwarfs. Sneezy, if anyone's interested.

(Sadie R) How is it that RZ, at 5'5 is considered tiny? What the heck does that make me, I'm 5'3".....one of the 7 Dwarves little cousins - Dinky?

OK so we are vertically challenged around here (me v v much included) But we have other assets.

It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't work among the Amazon women. The two female co-workers I have the most contact with are both 5'10".

(Lizza J) OK so we are vertically challenged around here (me v v much included) But we have other assets. Unfortunately, some of us are both vertically challenged and flat chested :-(

...starts her day with a cheese omelette and sausage. That's followed by a mid-morning chocolate milk shake. Lunch is a large pizza, salad with extra dressing and cheesecake. At dinner, she scarfs a whole roasted chicken, mashed potatoes with butter, a pint of Guinness and cr�me caramel. Her little bedtime snack: fruit pie and ice cream Jayzuz! 12 pounds, Renee, not 22! How does she fit it all? Large pizza? Whole chicken? She'd better take it easy or she'll be looking like Liz Taylor during the Senator Warner years. Aww, c'mon everyone, we're all tall, blonde and gorgeous. This virtual stuff has to be good for somethin' ;-D

But if she's 106lbs and gains 12 thats 118, that is not big at all. In fact for 5'5 that's underweight. I'm considered underweight for my height (and have hard time putting it on, perhaps I should follow in RZ's shoes!) Frappes for lunch! (Milkshakes for the rest of you;))

Mark G, hope I didn't offend with my silly posts, but if I did, I'm truly sorry. (Tracy T)What the heck does that make me, I'm 5'3".....one of the 7 Dwarves little cousins - Dinky? LSSLOL! (LSS= Loud sudden snort) v. funny. (Lizza J) OK so we are vertically challenged around here (me v v much included) But we have other assets. And big spirits, so we've got that goin' for us. (Cheryl)It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't work among the Amazon women ALSSLOL! Time to take that Warrior Woman training. Just remember though, the bigger the woman ... the bigger the woman! Run! (Donna DL) Unfortunately, some of us are both vertically challenged and flat chested But what are rocks to mountains of men? Seriously though, breasts are just heavy globs of fat with a few mammory ducts meandering around inside, and it all steadily descends towards your knees as you --- gee, I don't think this is working as a collective cheer-up. I know that I'm getting depressed. Sorry! I'm liking your virtual suggestion, Eileen. Have a frappe for me will ya Laura? I'll be standing on my head to fight gravity. :-)

Offend me, Sadie? Only if offend is the new definition of the word "delight". I'm just keeping quiet, hoping for more comparisons between MarkG and MarkD. Only those who have met me (sadly too many here) can know how truly disparate people with the same first name can be. Assuming my brother (older) rejects the chance to play me in my life-story, I shall have to work out whether I'm smelling the coffee enough to take it on.

I shall have to work out whether I'm smelling the coffee enough to take it on. LOL, Mark! At this point I think we are working on smelling the frappe. ;-D

(Moon)LOL, Mark! At this point I think we are working on smelling the frappe. ;-D Okay, coffee frappes for everyone! Mark, you can have mocha;)

(Mark) Assuming my brother (older) rejects the chance to play me in my life-story, I shall have to work out whether I'm smelling the coffee enough to take it on. LOL! Mark, if you would only cross Upper Street in broad daylight you would not have such worries. Oh well, I'm sure we can get Jude Law to play you. (Moon) smelling the frappe *hee hee* Is far better than drinking it.

(Mark) Assuming my brother (older) rejects the chance to play me in my life-story Before your brother is given the chance to play you, we must review his resume. Has he any... Experience with costume drama? Experience with fairy wings/bright blue eyes? Sort of a passing resemblence? If the answers are 'no', I'm afraid he's out of luck.

Could someone please check the latest issue of Heat magazine. Apparently there is a mention about the movie.

Hi Karen, I have the latest Heat magazines, 3-9th June, with the cast of BJD which I reported a way back and the one beginning 10-16th June with just has a small snippet about RZ eating snickers and drinking milk shakes to put weight on, that is all.

Was the following from the first article that you reported? Stereotypically gay Tom is bitchy, gossipy and supportive in the way that only gay friends can be. He has a pretentious boyfriend called Jerome. James Callis played long-haired Wolf in TV's Sex, Chips and Rock 'n' Roll.

Only if offend is the new definition of the word "delight". *sigh of relief* Only those who have met me (sadly too many here) can know how truly disparate people with the same first name can be. Mark D: nice enough to travel to Portugal to help Bridget. Mark G: nice enough to travel to movie set to report to Bridgettes/Bridgeteers. "I must speak as I find." :-) (Moon) At this point I think we are working on smelling the frappe. LOL! (Eileen)Experience with fairy wings/bright blue eyes? Wot?

(Karen) Stereotypically gay Tom is bitchy, gossipy and supportive in the way that only gay friends can be. Interesting quote, Karen. I didn't think Tom was bitchy, or so easily reduced to a stereotype. And what does the person mean by the way only gay friends can be? "Why was [s/]he to be the judge!"

Hi Karen, yes that was from the Heat magazine (2-9th June) that broke the news about the cast and is one of the cast profiles.

Thanks for double-checking, Ann. Hate to miss anything REALLY important! ;-)

(MarkG) "I shall have to work out whether I'm smelling the coffee enough to take it on. Don't forget Mark, before you even think about the whole coffee/frappe/ mocha sniffing scenario, you must be in possession of: A) A Henry! B) an ancient beaten-up Nissan and C) a parka with the pocket hanging off! Then you can attack Upper Street with head held high and caffeine smelling abilities rejuvenated!

From uk press association. Note 6th paragraph.;-) British actress Joanne Whalley has beaten off US stars to land the role of the former First Lady of America Jackie Kennedy. The 35-year-old star has signed up to do a four-hour mini series Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: A Life, which is being filmed this summer. The actress, who rose to fame in award-winning BBC drama Edge Of Darkness, made a splash in the US when she took the title role in the Gone With The Wind sequel Scarlett. Formerly married to Hollywood hunk Val Kilmer, Whalley's screen roles have been scaled down over the past few years, although she appeared with Bill Murray in The Man Who Knew Too Little. The series is being screened in the US in November. A Brit landing such a prime American role mirrors the casting of US actress Renee Zellweger in the British film Bridget Jones's Diary. The Jackie series follows Jackie's childhood, her marriage to John F. Kennedy who went on to become US president, her time as First Lady, her career as a book editor and the last years of her life.

Who comes up with this stuff? *shaking head*

From July's "Movieline" The veddy British 'Bridget Jones's Diary' didn't seem veddy British when Renee Zellweger was cast in the lead role, but it's looking a bit more British now that super Brits Colin Firth (Darcy from A&E's "Pride and Prejudice") and Hugh Grant have been cast as the gents who vie for her affections

It took a little while for the RZ-BJ story to break over here in the provin--er, States. Now it seems to be popping up all over. I like that Movieline mentions ODB before HG (as it should be ;-)).

(Eileen) I like that Movieline mentions ODB before HG (as it should be ;-)). Exactamundo! (and he's listed second at the IMDB)*she takes small bow* ;-)

Eileen) I like that Movieline mentions ODB before HG (as it should be ;-)). Exactamundo! (and he's listed second at the IMDB)*she takes small bow* ;-) These guys aren't making this up....think this is how the press agent is putting it out? MD part being expanded??:-))

Lookie here! Mark's reports from the set are now on the Renee Zellweger site: http://www.townecryernews.com/bridget/bridget.html (on the set 1 and 2)

Karen and all: Wanted you all to know that I had nothing to do with Mark's reports getting there. Karen alerted me to this yesterday, and I have written to their web guy telling him to please remove them. Here again is the danger of having someone do you a nice turn on the web. You really have no control over what happens. Mark, I apologize, and will keep after this person.

So will I become a writer or an actor? Hmmm.... No apology needed, Murph, clearly not your fault and I don't mind, especially while they don't name me. Don't start any wars on my behalf. Well spotted, Karen. The RZ people must have been sad I didn't say more about her and less about me!

Why not be both Mark? A sort of post-modern Woody Allen, but not like Woody Allen... More like Mark D. :-) Yes, well, I know, Mark D is brilliant social justice lawyer...and Mark D is fictional character, not real. NOT REAL...But, you could be brilliant writer/actor (who stays far away from mast**batory characters, and sticks with romantic costume drama leads) yet is nevah-the-less terribly, terribly concerned with social justice issues, and makes clever paper-chain thingys at protests.

Another castmember From The Hollywood Reporter (June 9-11, 2000): Embeth Davidtz ("Mansfield Park") has signed to star opposite Thora Birch in the indie thriller "The Hole" for director Nick Hamm. She has also landed a role in Miramax's "Bridget Jones's Diary" for director Sharon Maguire.[...] "Bridget," starring Hugh Grant and Renee Zellweger, is based on Helen Fielding's best-selling novel about a thirtysomething single woman living in London. Davidtz plays Grant's girlfriend. ************** While Davidtz is American (although grew up in South Africa), she's only 5'8" so she could hardly be considered a "blonde giantess." Doncha think she's better suited to be Natasha, especially given her role as Mary Crawford? Wonder if they just got the "Grant" part wrong....

Perhaps, Embeth is Rebecca????

Another fine signing, IMO. Embeth Davidtz (what a peculiar name for a girl born Gretta Milano to choose) was good in Mansfield Park - and also convinced me she was English. I bet the report is right, and that a thorough re-scripting will portray Daniel as cheating on his girlfriend to sleep with Bridget. If the report's quite wrong about the role, then there's Rebecca, Natasha, Magda, or the annoying Sloane girl in Bridget's office (Henrietta?, no, begins with P...) or Patchouli.

Perpetua!

(what a peculiar name for a girl born Gretta Milano to choose) Think that might be an IMDB error, as it is also her character's name in the 1998 movie Fallen. None of her fanpages mentions a name change. Also seems to be another mixup (such poor proofreading) involving her place of birth. Is Indiana, but then moved to Trenton, NJ, and onto S. Africa. However, one site listed it as India! This one appears to have the most complete and accurate info: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Lot/6742/bio.html

Just checked Vanity Fair with RZ on the cover. There's no pic of Colin in it, I'm afraid.

Speaking for the NJ contingent here, we will be glad to claim Embeth--unless of course Indana or India comes forward.;-) I have the Vanity Fair article here and am skimming for anything interesting. The interview was clearly done before filming started, not surprising given the production lead time required of magazines. Given that Me, Myself & Irene opens here this month, there's a surprising amount on BJD. Finally, some accuracy for Helen Fielding: article calls the reports of her opposition to RZ's casting "erroneous" and says "It turns out the 40-ish Fielding, a jaunty sort, has said she was outraged that she herself hadn't been cast in the lead, opposite Hugh Grant and Colin Firth."

More from Vanity Fair: RZ is working with the same dialogue coach as Gwynnie used for SIL, Barbara Berkery, who encourages RZ "to stay in accent as the filming of BJD looms." Part of the interview was done at Picador, while RZ worked there. Part of the job is scanning the newspapers for articles about Picador books (publisher of BJD). "Several tabloids are spread across her desk. The irony is thick, in that these publications are ardently covering her. 'Yeah, it's weird,' she says, flicking through pages which have been chockablock with rubbish, including one report that she had rented 'clown strippers' for Jim Carrey, or that she has a wedding ring or that she's preganant or that she's a 'Texan comic.' That last jab, which she finds particularly bemusing, stems from the British media's predictably whiny backlash against the hiring of an American--a Texan, no less--to play the effete Bridget Jones."

Embeth resembles Liz Hurley. I always thought LH would end up with a part in BJD. Maybe HG did not want her. Thanks Mari, for that bit from VF. It is v. hard to believe that no one knew who she was.

RZ is scheduled to be on Entertainment Tonight, er, tonight.;-) I'd imagine it will be all Me Myself & Irene press junket stuff.

Mari, have you got the NY magazine review yet, sorry to keep on.

sorry, wrong topic, should have been 127.

(Sadie)yet is nevah-the-less terribly, terribly concerned with social justice issues, and makes clever paper-chain thingys at protests. LOL! I always thought LH would end up with a part in BJD. Maybe HG did not want her. Yeah. Besides 'blonde giantess' would lose some impact if she was sporting a pacifier in her mouth. Part of the [VF] interview was done at Picador, while RZ worked there. It's stuff like this that makes me wonder about Renee's 'undercover' stint at Picador. What entry-level go-fer gets interviewed on the job, unnoticed? Or is the VF article's author on staff at Picador?

What entry-level go-fer gets interviewed on the job, unnoticed? I always wondered about that comment that she had a bunch of job offers at Picador. It is tough finding competent people to xerox and open mail these days. ;-)

(Eileen)Yeah. Besides 'blonde giantess' would lose some impact if she was sporting a pacifier in her mouth. LOL right back at you! Thanks for the ET tip Mari: when you're hot, you're hot! Thanks for the info on Embeth, Karen. I really liked her in Mansfield Park, and I'd like to see more of her work. (Moon)Embeth resembles Liz Hurley. Embeth has the type of brown eyes I always imagined Elizabeth Bennet would have; it will be interesting to see which character in BJD she does play --- can't picture her as the blonde Giantess. I think she'd make a great Magda. Too old to be Patchouli though --- need an annoyingly thin Ali M type, but twenty-something. Barring Magda, bet Embeth would covet Perpetua, (I would) although I keep thinking Perpetua is a big, big woman physically. What was the description of her, anyone remember? Personally, I'd be too bored playing Natasha, and rejected by MD too! I'm thinking: not fun.

Forgot this earlier: "Bridget Jones" is mentioned on the cover of Vanity Fair as part of the RZ article, and the BJD film is in the writer's lead sentence. When the time comes, this film will get *lots* of attention. Was also mentioned on ET tonight. Now *here's* an interesting tidbit from the VF article: RZ's "amiable" London driver's name is . . .Mark. Hmmm, has someone on this board been less than forthcoming on *all* the details of reel life?;-) ;-) Seems he's one part bouncer too, as he playfully threatens the writer when yet another Carrey question is raised. "Have you ever tried to walk with no legs?" This is over lunch, where the dialogue coach "exaggeratingly mouths silly linguistic phrases--'I dahhnced awwwll night,' 'browwwn caaahhr'--because, evidently, British and American people use different facial muscles when speaking." RE: working undercover: "She is under the impression that, apart from one or two insiders, no one here knows her real identity--which, given the hothouse nature of publishing offices, seems overly optimistic." "The novel's publisher, by the way, was Picador. And so, Zellweger finds herself sitting here, in her little cubicle, cutting out, highlighting, and copying every single Bridget-related article. Then again, she is not without recourse. "Crap!" she scrawls above each tabloid report. "Absolute crap!" Her "boss," head of publicity Camilla Elworthy, has been indulgent. "She hasn't yelled at me because I think she's too smart to put anything like a real author's well-being into my hands," says Zellweger/Cavendish. "I was an English major and I love it. Went to a staff meeting yesterday and they were deciding where to 'slot' each book." Did she say anything at the meeeting? "Yeah," she replies. " 'Does anybody want coffee?' What else could I say? 'Cream and sugar?'" On the need to gain weight for BJD: "It should be noted that the fictional Bridget Jones is not fat--in fact, she's described as "slender"--but Zellweger is nevertheless "porking up" in order to conform to the character's jaundiced self-image." RZ says: "To be self-deprecating but have no reason to be self-deprecating (about the weight) --I would think that would be annoying to watch for two hours. You'd go, 'Stop talking about her chubby thighs!'. It would be ridiculous, and even unlikable, as a character."

(Mari) --" .. the British media's predictably whiny backlash against the hiring of an American--a Texan, no less--to play the effete Bridget Jones."    effete?!?! Really?? (Sadie) -- Barring Magda, bet Embeth would covet Perpetua, (I would) although I keep thinking Perpetua is a big, big woman physically. What was the description of her, anyone remember? She was described as never having to go on a diet (because she was socially well-fixed) and had a "bulbous bottom", if my memory hasn't failed me altogether.

UK droolers - Eric Sykes is on Steve Wright in the afternoon today (Radio 2), perhaps he will talk about his role in BJD, I am dying to know who he is going to play.

In this week's Heat magazine, 17-23rd June, "Jim visits Renee on Bridget set", caption "Carrey's heart warmed at the sight of Renee with Tesco carrier and frumpy coat". "RZ didn't look entirely overjoyed when she was snapped in King's Cross on the set of her new movie, the long-awaited adaptation of BJD. Perhaps she was fed up listening to co-star HG moaning about his split from LH. At least she had a visit from her current beau, JC, to cheer her up. Zellweger, who starred opposit TC in JM, was filmed in the middle of a specially-created wintry scene for the4 movie, which also stars Colin Firth. Zellweger has been eating like a horsein order to pile on the pounds for her role as the weight-obsessed book publisher. During a recent magazine cover shoot she ate her way through a large portion of garlic bread, pasta, ice cream and a glass of beer." She does look a bit frumpy but I can see that she could easily go from the "Ugly duckling to th beautiful swan".

Mean't to say can't see Mark in the crowd, damn.perhaps next week.

Mari: Mark. Hmmm, has someone on this board been less than forthcoming on *all* the details of reel life?;-) ;-) Seems he's one part bouncer too... LOL, Mari; surely people who have met me know that I am neither amiable nor physically awe-inspiring; but any more revelations like that and I'll break your legs. :-) There's just a lot of Marks around: me, the driver, Mark Darcy... Eileen: It's stuff like this that makes me wonder about Renee's 'undercover' stint at Picador. What entry-level go-fer gets interviewed on the job, unnoticed? I completely agree. The whole thing has the whiff of week-old mackerel. KJArt: Perpetua had a "bulbous bottom" Someone else may be "porking up". Note to self: always check with Karen before believing the IMDB. Some people do. their. f******. homework.

Ann, can you scan in the pic from Heat? Frumpy coat? Bridget? (Mark) but any more revelations like that and I'll break your legs. :-) Think someone has spent some time in US, more specifically, the East Coast. (will wait for Eileen or Mari's more phonetic spelling of above)

(will wait for Eileen or Mari's more phonetic spelling of above) I was just going to say that! LOL!

For Mark, who may want to get in more screen time and be with La Lips: Wannabe With Angelina? It's the dream encounter of many a fevered fan's mind - the chance to appear on screen with Angelina Jolie. And now that dream could come true, if you can persuade the lovely people at Casting Collective that you're the diplomatic type. [Absolutely!!] The British-based casting company is looking for extras to appear as 'international diplomats' in the production of Tomb Raider, currently filming in the UK. Those in with the best chance of sharing screen space with La Jolie need to be in possession of some smart clobber. People of all nationalities are welcome to apply, but the company is particularly looking for Japanese businessmen to take part. [might have to work on that] If you think you meet the criteria, fax, e-mail or send photographs and contact details as soon as possible marked for the attention of Rosie, to: The Casting Collective 5&6 Olympic House 317-321 Latimer Road London W10 6RA Fax: 020 8962 0333 email: enquiries@castingcollective.co.uk

Karen, there are 3 pictures of RZ with the article, one quite big one, I will ask James if he can scan it and send to you but we have not been very successful so far. I could always send you the article and photos. In one photo she is smoking heavily and it looks as if it is snowing.

Those in with the best chance of sharing screen space with La Jolie need to be in possession of some smart clobber. As in 'I can brake both your legs'. ;-)

LOL! Mark: you can drive cars, you can break legs, you can walk down streets! What more need a diplomat be able to do? Yes, Perpetua's bulbous bottom! Well, if they can pad up Michelle Pfeiffer for Cat Woman, they can make serious bulb for Embeth. (Hmmm, didn't intend all that alliteration and ASSonance)

(Mark) but any more revelations like that and I'll break your legs. :-) Ok, I hadda 'nuff outta youse guys awready! ROTF, Mark! If the Recon Man/Hollywood extra/Japanese businessman/driver slash enforcer to the stars gig doesn't work out, my cousin Guido can use you in his, ah, collections business. Have you ever worked with cement? Had the urge to craft shoes? Repeat after me: FUGGEDABOUDIT (Drop the r's, and change the t's to d's except for the last one.) Ladies and gentleman, I give you . . .Markie Blue Eyes.:-)

Hmm...in NYC, we'd say "I breaka you face." Never mind the legs. ;-D If Renee goes on to need a full-time bouncer, the actor who played Big Pussy in the Sopranos might fit the bill. Since his character went to sleep with the fishes last season, he could use the work until the next Mickey Blue Eyes comes along. I missed the ET story on Renee last night, but caught a glimpse of her just at the end. She's been very successful at porking up. Her face looks quite full.

Ladies and gentleman, I give you . . .Markie Blue Eyes.:-) LMAO....I'm gonna tell;-)

*sudden snort lol * Mari, you could be charge for dialogue coaching: you know, advertise in the English tradepapers. Nevah know you might get to, er, train!

PS, you could also help me write coherent English sentences. I'm getting trigger-happy. Omit the 'be'.

write coherent English sentences Depends on where you live. Lots of people 'round here use extra *be's* in their sentences, as in "I be going..." ;-)

Mark..There's just a lot of Marks around: me, the driver, Mark Darcy... That's what comes of having such a common name ;-D "Ooh Hello Mr Kettle I'm Ms Pot....you want to break my what? Wait a mo me ol' china an' oil jus' dance aroun' me 'andbag in me white stillettos" [big apologies to those not conversant with the whole Sharon/Tracy Essex-Girl references] Karen -Depends on where you live Lots of people 'round here use extra *be's... And over here too! Wur am vrum we be tawking lyke thas m'dear. 'Ow be 'ee me luvver? (translation from West Country dialect to my present Home Counties accent ..Where I am from we tend to talk like this my dear. How are you old bean? ) Not quite New Joisey - but I thought I'd try and redress the balance! Do you reckon they might need someone in the part of first yokel for a "mini--break" scene??

BTW, found an interesting quote of Helen Fielding's from an old article in the Electronic Telegraph, 7 Nov., 1997: 'Occasionally, Helen admits to a temptation to claim that she is Bridget. "I'm afraid it has all gone to my head and I have become an embarrassing show-off: She has only played her for real once, when interviewing Colin Firth, and says she found the experience liberating. '"I could ask all sorts of questions I'd never have dared to if I'd been me, like whether being called Colin was a disadvantage and whether, instead of his Italian fiance, {now wife} he shouldn't be going out with someone who was English and more his own age." 'It is precisely this kind of straight talking which has made Bridget more famous than her creator but Helen insists she has only been jealous once -- last year, when Bridget was sent 13 Valentine cards while she only got one. "Otherwise, I am incredibly grateful to her."'

What is it with Bridget (HF) and Valentines day. Get over it, it is all commercialized. If he loves you everyday is Valentines day! *hic* ;-)

RZ on Today, today... Coming up! Turn on your TV...

From Popcorn (6/16) Jim Carrey Defends Girlfriend You couldn't accuse Jim Carrey of disloyalty, at least not when it comes to his celebrity girlfriend Ren�e Zellweger. She's currently over in Britain filming 'Bridget Jones' Diary' and her beau tells Popcorn that she is going to be "brilliant". The Texan-born actress faced a lot of criticism when she was cast in the 'ever-so' British part but has thrown herself wholeheartedly into the process of becoming English. Carrey says she's been doing "a lot of research", which as far as we are aware involves perfecting the accent, eating junk food and working in an office. Despite all that, Carrey says "she's having a blast and she's done a great job too". There may be a teensy-weensy touch of bias in his words but he maintains that despite the "flak" she got for taking the role, "people have got to have some faith in her because she'll do you proud." And while he may be proud of his woman, Carrey isn't too happy about the locations, saying, "She's lived there [London] far too long as far as I'm concerned." So much so that he travelled over to visit her on set recently. Click to hear Jim Carrey's comments in full: http://www.popcorn.co.uk/multimedia/audio/news/realaudio/jim_carrey1.ram

A mission for Moon: we count on you to translate, please. ------- Star maschili del film tratto dal bestseller di Helen Fielding: Hugh Grant e Colin Firth Bridget Jones sposa Hollywood di TERESA SERRAO ROMA - Lei, Helen Fielding, autrice forse suo malgrado di uno dei bestseller della fine anni Novanta dedicato alle ultratrentenni single, in carriera e un po' depresse, aveva un uomo nei suoi sogni. Era proprio lui il Mark Darcy del Diario di Bridget Jones, l'attore britannico Colin Firth, amatissimo protagonista di una fiction della Bbc, adattamento di Orgoglio e Pregiudizio di Jane Austen. Ora, quasi per incanto, Colin sar� davvero Mark, eroe della ragazza Bridget, nella versione cinematografica del libro che si appresta a diventare una commedia sul fil rouge di Quattro matrimoni e un funerale e Notting Hill. E a rinforzare l'evento, la notizia che l'altra star del film, a interpretare Daniel Cleaver, sar� il simbolo dei movie del genere sentimentale, l'altro britannico doc Hugh Grant. Le riprese partiranno quest'estate a Londra e il team sar� proprio quello di Notting Hill. A rompere il "made in Britain" la protagonista femminile, Ren�e Zellweger, texana, star di Jerry Maguire. Nelle due commedie sopracitate Grant non era stato soltanto uno dei protagonisti, ma aveva lavorato insieme all'aiuto sceneggiatore Richard Curtis. E cos� si suppone sar� anche per questo film. La maggior parte delle scene del Diario di Bridget Jones saranno girate proprio a Notting Hill. L'accordo principale preso con l'autrice del bestseller � infatti che il film non venga in alcun modo americanizzato. Come dire, passi per la protagonista texana, ma � l'unica eccezione. Quanto alle colorite espressioni del libro pare che avranno la stessa voce della Fielding, forse preoccupata degli accenti di Hollywood. (26 marzo 2000) ---------- Pic of Colin and RZ each. Link to the Roles Page project, too. http://us.f5.mail.yahoo.com/ym/login?.rand=8qjtqp2jja0a4

BTW, I *know* Moon has already read it. ;-) Here's the link to the actual article: http://www.repubblica.it/online/spettacoli/bridget/bridget/bridget.html

The Texan-born actress faced a lot of criticism when she was cast in the 'ever-so' British part Vanity Fair refers to this as : Bridgetgate;-) ~~~~~ What a drag...the Republica website doesn't even mention his Italian heritage or that he's married to Livia Giggoli;-) Write and tell'em, Moon.

his Italian heritage His? Sorry, but that's too upper class for him to acknowledge. ;-) Where's Markie Blue Eyes? Working hard on the set? Wonder if he'll get higher billing than Colin. ;-)

His Italian heritage? Did I miss something? I thought he was as English as steak and kidney pie. (And that isn't kidney beans, is it? Feeling queasy.) :-D

But he really, really wants to be Italian. :-) The article is basically a repeat of what has been written in English. It stresses the fact that HF always had CF in mind for the role of MD (because of P&P), and that he got it. The usual thing about RZ being a Texan BJ and the misgivings. And the return of HG with RC. They did not mention the fact that CF is married to an Italian, but I feel very strongly that it is one of the reasons the article was written. CF is not known in Italy, and I feel a PR person is behind this.

(Sadie) I thought he was as English as steak and kidney pie. (And that isn't kidney beans, is it? Feeling queasy.) :-D Gee...don't want you to get sick or anything...but didn't he mention in an interview last year that some family member had traced his lineage and ther is is Italian and Portuguese heritage in his background.... I know, I know...we can't believe what journalists write. The author probably made it up...;-)

I'm sure no Portuguese journalist would leave that out ;-)There's never a mention of Sam Mendes here that doesn't say "of Portuguese descent"...

Oops, I wasn't too clear here. When I meant that I felt queasy, it was at the thought of eating steak and KIDNEY pie, because I'm wimpy about organ meat (no offense to people who do). And if CF has Italian heritage, that would be great --- but, if it were a strong heritage, wouldn't he dress better? :-D *imagining CF in well-cut suit, sitting in a piazza, sigh*

KIDNEY pie, is beans, not real kidneys. Kidney beans;)

So Mark, are you going to leap at the chance to play a diplomat as background for Angelina Jolie and her lips? Will Jolie be using an English accent for playing Lara Croft? The Tomb Raider is supposed to be a Brit. Intially, she was named Laura Cruise, but that was deemed as sounding "too American." Then the name Lara Croft was suggested and the rest is history. How can anybody eat kidneys? Shudder. I mean when you know what it is they do.

E!online had to report on the RZ pigout stuff too, which starts out with the great lines: "Don't walk away Renee, you still have a Ring-Ding left. We're glad to see not every actress in Hollywood is on the Calista Flockhart dryer-lint diet..." You can read it here: http://www.eonline.com/Gossip/Soup/

and with all this discussion about accents... thought this final paragraph from The Observer's review of "Return to Me" was particularly nice to see:Oh, and one more interesting thing. Minnie Driver is English, but plays Americans time and again in a flawless accent. Joely Richardson here does the same. Samantha Morton and Emily Watson both have their Hollywood outings this year. Meanwhile, Gwyneth Paltrow does English English to the manner born and Renee Zellweger is Bridget Jones. We may not have noticed it and we may not understand why, but Britain, for actresses, is already the fifty-first state.

Jeez, I hope Renee doesn't overdo it piling on the pounds. To my way of thinking, Bridget's just a little squishy, not obese. But then, it's probably the journalists who are expanding the truth... (Evelyn) I know, I know...we can't believe what journalists write. The author probably made it up...;-) There are so many insider jokes around here, that one went right over my head. ;-) (Laura) KIDNEY pie, is beans, not real kidneys. Kidney beans;) Hmmm, well maybe in Boston, Laura. Like that last Observer paragraph too, Karen. Maybe it will put the controversy to rest once and for all. Holding my breath.

http://www.pierecipe.com/az/SteakandKidneyPieII.asp http://www.thefoodweb.com/Recipes/steak_and_kidney_pie.htm http://www.cdkitchen.com/rfr/data/920311583.html Maybe in Beantown, everything has beans in it? ;-)

O.k.! Got it: beans in Boston, ox, beef or lamb across the ocean. Thanks Heide and Karen, for clearing up one of my cross-cultural confusions. The recipes look v. tasty. I fear tofu would lack something as a substitute? Tofu-de-beasts roaming everywhere here! True confessions of a lazy vegitarian: secret passion for lamb, but hardly anyone eats it around here. Is strickly a MacDonald's and KFC culture. But Bridget is universal. I read somewhere (from link on this board)that RZ is intentionally gaining more weight to 'legitimize' Bridget's weight obsession. Not sure how I feel about this. After all, if she's only "a little squishy" (I'm with you Heide), makes a v. strong point about how we torture ourselves because self-perception is skewed, and the ideal so unrealistic. That's the insecurity I relate to! Of course, a v. heavy self-condemning Bridget also makes an equally valid point.

Here's a link to the interview where he says he is "Dutch, Portuguese, Italian" It was done during the promotional junket for SiL: UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE I don't think we have a reserve on understanding Shakespeare. Quite the contrary, actually. I think the Americans have just as much authority to represent him as the English do. I think it's very healthy to see Shakespeare in the hands of another nation. We've really fossilized [Shakespeare] or in great danger of doing so. [His time] was in 1592 or so. Many of the people that went to see his plays ended up here [in America]. You are the descendants of the people going to see Shakespeare's plays. My family is Dutch, Portuguese, Italian -- I may not have a descendant who ever saw a Shakespeare play and yet [the English] still have the sense of, "He's ours, he belongs here." I think it's been damaged. I get lectures on the way to do Shakespeare and a lot of that is very arch, very pompous nd it doesn't let it live at all. I think there's an argument to the English putting Shakespeare away for a few years and then just coming back to it. Read full article here: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Theater/5640/interviews/shakespeare/firth.html

... My family is Dutch, Portuguese, Italian .... Thanks Mari (who knew where he had said that)...and Karen who found it. Around here ya' gotta give 'chapter and verse' ;-) Now Gi you can tell the Portuguese journalists that they can add ODB, along with Sam Mendes, to the list of Portuguese heritage....;-)

Unfortunately, Evelyn, I'm sure they'll ask "Colin who?" :-(

Yes, thanks for that link! I hadn't seen that particular paragraph before, although I recognized other parts from the interview. (Evelyn) Around here ya' gotta give 'chapter and verse' ;-) I wasn't doubting your info, Evelyn. I was just surprised and curious. Sounds like CF has an interesting family history.

There's an interesting article about RZ at http://us.imdb.com/NewFeatures/reneez Mentions starring with CF (not HG!)

Try again! http://us.imdb.com/NewsFeatures/reneez

(Bethan) Mentions starring with CF (not HG!) Yeah! URRRAH! Go Colin! Kick it. Kick it in the net...and he's down, HG has fallen over his...v. sorry, CF is actor, actor...MD in sweaty jersey...MD with sexy bruise on cheek...Yes it's the Drool zone, where Sadie gets all confused about soccer, CF-Darcy, and being a Bridgeteer.

MD in sweaty jersey...MD with sexy bruise on cheek... Have always preferred MD striding around room in barrister mode, only clad in towel, but can get into this as well...

He could compromise for us, and play "indoor rugby".

Empire has posted *exclusive* pics from the BJD shoot. Unfortunately, two are of Hugh Grant arriving on set and the other is Salman Rushdie (I kid you not). Here's the news blurb and go to the link for the pics: Exclusive Pictures From Bridget Jones Set Finding the location of the Bridget Jones' Diary crew currently shooting in London wasn't a particularly difficult task for Empire Online - the signs saying BJD LOC kind of gave the game away. Both Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant were on set today, filming in a building in central London belonging to the HRH The Queen. Staff in the building have been asked not to approach the actors - 'they're very busy' one office worker was told. Although the crew were keeping tight-lipped about which scenes were being filmed, Empire Online did spot someone in the crowd who hasn't been on any official cast list - Salman Rushdie. Whether he happened to be there on business or as a cast member is anyone's guess. Working Title weren't available to comment at the time of writing this story, but we'll keep you up-to-date if we hear anything. Click on the links below to see our exclusive pictures from the set. Go here: http://www.empireonline.co.uk/news/news.asp?2320

No further clue where this "building in Central London" is specifically? Doesn't sound like Kings Cross (an area I wasn't planning to go loitering in, in hopes of finding the set - it's a little too "divine", I hear, in that part of town) - I await Karen's usual map-provision service.

divine, huh? *hee hee* Thought Horse & Hounds would've gotten the scoop as its Ace Reporter rubbed shoulders with Rushdie at TEOR launch party. Am guessing that the cameo will show Rushdie visiting his publishers. Will check to see if Rushdie is with Picador/Macmillan or maybe he is just a Bridget fan? I await Karen's usual map-provision service. Oh my...the pressure... ;-)

Write to Empire Editor, boss, and tell her we want pics of ODB...never mind wats-hiz-name. I await Karen's usual map-provision service. ROTF. Mark, she has several assignments from me too....

Thanks for the pics and news, Karen, very interesting as usual.

(MarkG on Kings Cross) it's a little too "divine", I hear, in that part of town I had the misfortune to be working there last week...er I mean...mmm. (Dash it, the secret of my recent career success is out ;-P). Seriously, the area (Pentonville Road at any rate) is not to put too fine a point on it..NASTY.. lots of unsavoury characters hanging around peddling various...er wares! Very Divine. It is so bad there that colleagues (male and female)leave the office in groups rather than walk alone to Kings Cross Station itself! Mark don't go there! *showing my palm to your face in a Jerry Springer stylee*

Maybe Salman Rushdie is a guest at the glittering literati party attended by Bridget (and Perpetua, Mark D and Daniel). A sort of in-joke...he'd be instantly recognisable. More so than Julian Barnes.

Mark!!! Go read your email. Have sent you coordinates. ;-)

and Bethan, don't think it would be the party, as the location is an office building and they are using the *office sets*

I await Karen's usual map-provision service. Oh my...the pressure... ;-) But how she responds! I shall try and have a look after work, but if it's a building, it's probably a closed set (oh, see how I bandy these technical terms around these days) Will check to see if Rushdie is with Picador/Macmillan or maybe he is just a Bridget fan? I'm sure he has made comments published before that Bridget is a very funny & very important character in English fiction, or similar... Tracy, hope it wasn't one of those "promotions" that means you get to work in Kings Cross every other week. The life of a working girl...

Netscape's news has an interview with RZ that was done for Entertainment Tonight, snippets of which were shown last night on TV. It's about Me, Myself and Irene, Jim Carrey, etc.: http://etonline.netscape.com/etonline/interviews/reneezellweger/irene_reneezellweger_int.html but if it's a building, it's probably a closed set didn't it say something about shooting outside as well? ;-) Good luck, Mark. Hope to see your report tomorrow from the set.

Exclusive: Salman's 'Bridget' Cameo 22/06/2000 Salman Rushdie has nabbed himself a role in the film of Bridget Jones's Diary. However the Satanic Verses author, who Empire Online pictured on the set of Bridget (click here for the pictures), will be spared having to stretch his acting skills. 'He plays himself,' the film's publicist told us, 'in a scene set at a literary party.' Fans of the book won't be surprised to see Rushdie linked with the film, given that the paperback version of Bridget Jones's diary featured a positive quote from Salman on the cover reading, 'Even Men will Laugh.' In the meantime, filming continues apace in central London - click on the links below for today's pictures of Renee Zellweger on the set.

From the Telegraph's Peterborough column (6/21/00): TWO of Britain's foremost writers and self-publicists - Salman Rushdie and Jeffrey Archer - have pulled off a coup: they are to appear, playing themselves, as extras in the forthcoming film of Bridget Jones's Diary.

'in a scene set at a literary party.' You called it, Bethan! Where's that from, Mari, as it refers to new pictures?

Never mind. I see it is Empire again! signed, Emily Litella

If it's the party in the book, then Colin would be there. Where are the pictures of him????? Maybe tomorrow. ;-)

Wow, great scoop on Rushdie. Thanks to you Karen, for first noting it, and you Mari,for finding that exclusive. I have a nosy question. Is there still a price on his head? (TracyT)I had the misfortune to be working there last week...er I mean...mmm. (Dash it, the secret of my recent career success is out ;-P). Lol! "The Secret of My Success" eh? (MarkG on Kings Cross) it's a little too "divine", I hear, in that part of town. But a rising celebrity, diplomat and, well, wise guy (I know nothing really, so just keep the cement to yourself) has got to do what he's got to do.

Ha! Told ya, literati party it is! Maybe (if we are to be be true to the text!) Bridget asks Salman where the toilets are. It'll be a nice moment, whatever it is.

Is there still a price on his head? Nope, not anymore. But this doesn't mean that he's safe now, he'll never be truly safe.

Report from the Set III Very boring this time. I found the set as instructed (thanks KR), building in St James with huge "Pemberley Press" banner outside (haw, haw). I watched from across the street mainly, but was treated with suspicion and hostility by self-important young whippersnappers with mobile phones, and film-truck drivers. No CF and I don't believe he was there for this (understandable at Bridget's office), but early on RZ popped out looking very bubbly, not very fat, black skirt, black boots. Her driver (of the Lexus), who I recognised from my last visit (must be Mark the ex-bouncer) gave her some gum and told her presumably that someone had rung (JC?) as she leapt on the mobile phone and started to dial before being interrupted to go back in to the set. Ten minutes later, HG (dark suit, could it have been velvety?, no tie) wandered out with a character actor other Brits would recognise (older chap, bowtie, dodgy eye?). For no apparent reason they crossed the street, a security guard in tow, had a quick look in an auction-house window, and then pottered back to the set. The only other star sighting was when HG came out to the Audi to pick up a script copy. Other happenings: cardboard cut-out prop of life-size ugly man on motorcycle advertising his bike book; at some points a few extras (men in suits, women, security guards) were delivered, as was pizza, camera equipment, yadda, yadda... Bizarre sightings, nothing to do with film: man in neat skirt walking past (caused RZ's driver to exchange a few words with me, mostly "is that a dress?"), two men in top hat and tails (but it was Ascot Ladies' Day 30 miles away). V dull.

Mark, thank you again! You should definitely be invited to the wrap party. Karen? I will be in London the second week in July, would love to congratulate you in person. :-)

Mark!! Always a pleasure reading your accounts even though THE man wasn't there. Don't you just love those young whippersnappers who are usually dressed for mountain climbing or moving furniture? Even better are the ones with headsets, mobiles and walkie-talkies! You know that they are important as are plugged into to White House Communications Room. For these shoots, are there lots of vans parked along the streets? Could you tell if there were dressing room trailers (or caravans) nearby? Have there been crowds of other people watching or was it just you and the truck drivers? ;-)

Karen: Could you tell if there were dressing room trailers (or caravans) nearby? Have there been crowds of other people watching or was it just you and the truck drivers? ;-) Some vans were parked, but the street wasn't blocked off and there could not have been room for dressing-room trailers - I think the idea is that costume changes happen somewhere else and actors are driven or brought in a bus to the set (which is in a busy area). Though, mind you, one of the trucks was clearly a wardrobe lorry, but I didn't see it being used except as shelter from a shower. Since the major activity is waiting, the pub next door was brought into play, but I decided not to try and go in, having aroused so much suspicion already. The chief whippersnapper asked me sarcastically if they were "doing it according to plan" and one of the truck-drivers asked if I was doing a survey and had a look at the paper in my hand. He then twice told me it was all very boring, so I think any other watchers would have been bored/warned off by so much attitude.

Ahhh, quite different. Can now see why they shoot so many things here. Signs go up and there's no parking for blocks. The film companies take over the streets, and businesses/residents have to fend for themselves. Doesn't matter if it's a residential area of the heart of the city. Same thing. Some time the street is blocked off (depending on what they are shooting), but most often is not. He then twice told me it was all very boring, so I think any other watchers would have been bored/warned off by so much attitude. They usually don't care about onlookers, unless they are causing a disturbance or getting too close. Can remember during one outdoor scene with Minnie Driver, where one pedestrian herder had to move the crowd (in manner similar to sheepdog) over as were in Minnie's line of sight and could be distracting. Was v. useless endeavor. So what was going on in the pub?

They usually don't care about onlookers They were much more relaxed at London Bridge, although one idiot truculently refused to let the herders stop him walking around in shot: "this is a public street". This time I was surprised by the lack of onlookers, so have put it down to the hostility (though it could have been general boredom or sporadic rain that had driven them away). So what was going on in the pub? Just drinking, though there could have been some catering in there too. I originally thought it was local office workers drinking, but it then seemed that everyone at the pub had a connection with the film-set. And there were two guards outside it. Judging from the photos, filming started on the other side of the street in the building with scaffolding on, which belongs to the Crown Estate, and has now moved across to the one they're in now.

From today's Telegraph: The shock of the Hugh THE boys and girls at Broadview, a financial services company on King Street, near St James's Square, were in their best suits yesterday, hoping for a glimpse of Renee Zellweger or Hugh Grant. They were filming Bridget Jones's Diary, avoiding the admiring glances of the M&A advisers, whose offices had been turned into a film set for the day. "We've bought a little piece of Hollywood to London," says Victor Basta, head of European operations, proudly. I'm sure he'll be first in the queue when the film opens, eagerly trying to spot his paperclips on screen.

(Mark) with huge "Pemberley Press" banner outside (haw, haw). Haw, haw, indeed! Thanks for braving the bore and the attitude to bring us your report, Mark. "We've bought a little piece of Hollywood to London," says Victor Basta, head of European operations, proudly. I'm sure he'll be first in the queue when the film opens, eagerly trying to spot his paperclips on screen. *snort* (she says sarcastically despite doing the same thing whenever the Sopranos is aired).

Mark ...you are indispensible...no kidding. (XXX OOO)

Mark -- Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to observe and then report thereof. It is appreciated muchly!! XX**MmmmWWWaaah!**XX :-D

The Popcorn site has an article today about Colin and Bridget: Firth Accentuates The Positive Colin Firth has been defending the honour of his 'Bridget Jones' Diary' co-star Renee Zellweger. Again. Richard Curtis's adaptation of Helen Fielding's novel is currently shooting in London, and Firth calls Zellweger "a gem to work with. She's generous, friendly, professional and sounds like she comes from North London." The 'Me, Myself And Irene' star's accent has, of course, been the subject of much discussion, and Firth admits that Zellweger's pitch-perfect English accent is causing him some consternation. "I've never heard a peep of the [natural] Texan accent out of her yet," Firth says, "so I've got to know her as thisperson who comes from down the road. "And it's actually a little bit confusing sometimes," he adds, "'cos there's a great incongruity when she tells you something about her childhood in Texas. She says something like 'Dad lassoing mustangs and taking me to the rodeo.' And you think, 'What, in Croydon?'" 'Bridget Jones' Diary' will be released next year.

Colin Firth has been defending the honour of his 'Bridget Jones' Diary' co-star Renee Zellweger. Again. As Paola would say: "He's a real English gentleman".... I know Mum is proud of him..I am. Way to go....

Great story, Karen, thanks. He *is* a real gentleman and a sweetheart. Love the rodeo anecdote; guess she's staying in accent offscreen. USA Today has a big story on Renee today. Colin mentioned. The usual weight gain, British press is angry, and working at Picador stuff. New bits: producer Eric Fellner on why she was chosen for BJ: "She was the best person. It's horribly boring, but it's a simple fact. She grasps the role by the throat and runs with it. And she gets to kiss great guys"--namely co-stars Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. She likes London, and mentions Jim Carrey coming to visit. "I go rollerblading in London when my boyfriend comes out. It's a beautiful and romantic city and a lot of fun when he's there. When he's not, it's all work." Also, Entertainment Weekly has its "It List--the 100 most creative people in entertainment" out in the new issue--and Jennifer Ehle is on it! More on 127. There's also a section on "getting it and losing it--RZ is under the "Who's Getting It Back" section with this: "Divorcing herself from The Bachelor, she shines in Nurse Betty and should be a singular singleton in Bridget Jones' Diary."

(Mark)..with a character actor other Brits would recognise (older chap, bowtie, dodgy eye?). Could it be Paul Brooke (he who played Capt Mitchell in Nostromo)? And no Mark, I don't expect to be back "on the streets" of Kings Cross on a regular basis ;-) Great report, you could take this mallarkey up full time!

Thanks for the Popcorn, Karen! Sounds like RZ is nailing it. So Colin abd Renee are talking horses. I bet he has told her where to go for some riding not far from London. Thoughts of Colin on a horse, again, (*sigh*).

"The Edge of Reason" came out in paperback this week, and according to the papers has sold 20,000 copies in the first week, second only to Harry Potter. It did very well in hardback, so it's good to know there's still a market out there! I like TEOR (it deserved better reviews in the UK)...good basis for BJ:The Movie 2! Great reporting, Mark! Thanks!

Quite the gadfly... From the Telegraph's Peterborough column today: Salman Rushdie enjoyed his cameo in the new film version of Bridget Jones's Diary: "I had great fun doing it," he says, at a party in aid of Camden's Roundhouse. "I even wrote a couple of lines for myself, though I don't know whether they'll use them. The most fun was doing my first on-screen kiss." Who was the lucky lady? "Actually it was Hugh Grant," he says, blushing. A kiss on the mouth? "Yes." History will relate whether the reason behind Grant's break-up with Liz Hurley has been revealed.

Hi all, sorry to have been silent for so long. I've been really busy at work and it's all I can do to read all your interesting posts, let alone respond. Mark, thanks for all the great detective work. I've really been enjoying your "on the set" posts! I went and saw "Me, Myself and Irene" yesterday. It was the first time I'd seen RZ in something since she got the role of BJ so I paid extra attention to her. She's very charming and likable but there wasn't much about this performance that you would remember a few minutes after the movie was over. I don't think that was necessarily Renee's fault. I've seen her in other movies where she made a more indelible impression, it's just that this role was one any young, attractive actress could have played. It's Jim Carrey's film all the way. One other thing I noticed, RZ is very thin - much more than I remembered. She wore a pair of capri pants and a top that showed part of her tummy for almost the entire film (they were on the run from bad guys so had no clothes to change into) and she must be under 100 pounds. It's a good thing that she gained some weight to play Bridget. Someone as thin as RZ playing BJ obsessing about losing weight wouldn't be funny, it would be pathological!

(KarenR)History will relate whether the reason behind Grant's break-up with Liz Hurley has been revealed. Shouldn't they wait for the sequel movie to go into this kind of stuff? ;-)

Unfortunately, all those shots of her on the set done by Empire make her now look like a real porker. I'm sure that can't be the case. (btw, Ebert's review of the movie was entitled, "There's Something Awful About Irene") ;-)

Interesting article, with BJD mention, and almost everybody else but CF. No, Mark isn't listed either ;-)) http://www.thisislondon.com/dynamic/hottx/top_review.html?in_review_id=293108&in_review_text_id=237764 (if that link doesn't work try this: http://www.thisislondon.com/ then "London call for Hollywood elite" in the theatre section.

RZ has not looked that porky from the glimpses I have had. I liked the gentle way she explained that she had had to put on some weight, otherwise the obsessing would appear ridiculous. I thought she managed not to gloat about not really having anything to worry about. Maybe I'll have to go and dig out my roller-blades and try and figure out how they work again in Kensington Gardens. Either that or go looking for mustangs to lasso in Croydon. Otherwise I shall wait for my Chicago expert to spot the next location. Everybody has been v polite about the last dull set report and it is much appreciated. Moon, if you want to say hello when you're here, e-mail me.

Whoops! That should be small not struck out ...heading for HTML remedial

(Mark) RZ has not looked that porky from the glimpses I have had. This I can believe. More likely, Empire picked the most unflattering pictures it could to post. Besides, that coat was intended to make her look that way.

Markie Blue Eyes, fuggedabout da rollerblades; time to dig out those snowshoes. Thanks to Anne R.: The Express Monday, June 26, 2000 That's snow business as Snowshill turns v. white for Bridget Jones movie THERE'S snow business like show business and just to prove it, film-makers have turned a Cotswold village into a winter wonderland. In fact, you could be forgiven for thinking that Christmas has come early to Snowshill (yes, really) in Gloucestershire. For it has been transformed into a snow-white hideaway for the filming of the movie based on Helen Fielding's best-seller, Bridget Jones's Diary. So while residents of the village on the outskirts of Cheltenham bask in mid-summer temperatures and look forward to the beginning of Wimbledon fortnight, stars including Hugh Grant, Colin Firth and Rene Zellweger, who plays the title role, will be wrapped up against the "cold". Yesterday must have seemed extremely odd for churchgoers as they made their way to to the parish church of St Barnabas in the village centre. As they strolled, dressed in shirt sleeves and summer dresses, they could be forgiven for being a little confused to see the churchyard covered in artificial snow ready for filming which begins tomorrow. The movie features a year in the life of neurotic 30-something Bridget, as she keeps a diary of her obsessions over her weight and her love life. In her notes she even comments on her attempts to cut back on cigarettes and alcohol with phrases like v. good. Most of it is filmed in London, but location managers chose the picturesque Cotswold village as the setting for Bridget's parents' home--where she escapes the stresses and pace of London life for a Christmas break. And so to conjure up a traditional White Christmas scene, film-makers insisted that more than 12 tonnes of fake snow be dumped in the village to add authenticity. Specialist firm Snow Business, based in Nailsworth, Glos, made the fake flakes from cellulose, and spent three days creating the wintry scene. The "snow" was ferried to the valley in 350 blocks and 50 drums, and was spread over two acres of the set over the weekend. The rest of the Christmas scene will created after location filming has finished using computer wizardry to make the set even more believable. Grant, who recently split from model Liz Hurley, plays Daniel Cleaver, and rising star Rene Zellweger won the part of Bridget. The film - which was co-written by Richard Curtis - also stars Pride and Prejudice actor Colin Firth as Mark Darcy. The actors will spend tomorrow filming in the beautiful valley before Snow Business gather up every flake from the set and return the village to mid-summer. And the makers have made every effort to produce the right kind of snow. Yesterday Snow Business boss David Crownshaw said: "It is special English snow. It is made of cellulose to produce large, wet snowflakes, but very lightweight. "We only covered about two acres. The valley beyond will be done on the computer. "It took three or four days to lay and it will take the same time to pick up again. "Some people enjoy it and some people find it inconvenient. There is always someone who moans." Bridget Jones's Diary is due to be released on February 1, 2001. The film will recount a year in the life of a woman publisher. During the year she gains 74lb, loses 72lb, smokes 5,000 cigarettes and has an affair she later regrets.All in all, it's simply blizzard.

Ah... you beat me to that one, Mari. Was about to post it and tell Mark to get in his car! ;-)

Somewhat frustrating, as I was in the Cotswolds 2 weeks ago, and am in Somerset early next week ... probably still too far away to drop in - maybe the baton passes to Lizza? :-) Reminds me though, in my second report from London Bridge I omitted to mention that there were signs of snow left in street corners etc (and it hasn't snowed for about 20 months in central London). Also forgot that on returning to London Bridge I noticed that a staircase marked "Station" or "TO TRAINS" that I had thought was authentic had disappeared, so I presume there's a station scene in the script too.

(Mari)Bridget Jones's Diary is due to be released on February 1, 2001. A date already! Wow! :-)

Winter scene?? Like New Year's Day, perhaps, infamous Turkey Curry Buffet Day! Really, some should get out there to check on Mark's sweater and socks or to see him "slipping, lithe as a whippersnapper, across the lawn and in through the French windows," to nab Julio on Christmas Day. (although description of him "sweating and with shirt unbuttoned" does not jive with snow IMNSH experience)

Now that I think about this... what is Hugh doing at this location? Daniel Cleaver never goes to Bridget's parents' home, Una/Geoffrey's or anyplace around there. Moreover, Bridget and Daniel do not see each other in the winter. Oh my *shaking head* what have they done with the story???? Now, am v. worried.

I beg to differ about DC seeing BJ in winter, they do. Valentine's Day is in winter. They work together (obviously in the winter months too). So I can see how DC can be in a winter scene with BJ. :-)

Bizarre sightings, nothing to do with film: man in neat skirt walking past (caused RZ's driver to exchange a few words with me, mostly "is that a dress?"), two men in top hat and tails (but it was Ascot Ladies' Day 30 miles away). V dull. ************ Only in London (or maybe in New York) a man in a skirt and two men in top hats and tails could be glimpsed in the same area at the same time. I love "Is that a dress?" Thanks, Mark, once again. I'll refrain from putting it on the web site after that last blatant steal of your earlier copy by a Renee fanatic. Rai pointed to a few links to the town in the Cotswolds where it snowed in June: http://www.discoverthecotswolds.net/html/core/local_area.htm

(Karen) Oh my *shaking head* what have they done with the story???? Now, am v. worried. Don't panic--yet.;-) Maybe this writer was merely regurgitating the major cast list without any real knowledge of who would be in these particular Christmas scenes at the Joneses'.

Thanks for update on S.R. Tineke. Colin Firth has been defending the honour of his 'Bridget Jones' Diary' co-star Renee Zellweger. Again. What a sweetie! Am thinking he should donate to, you know, one of those banks, Could help raise male gene pool to highly mate-able. (Am picky.) (Moon) Thoughts of Colin on a horse, again, (*sigh*). Sighing with you! (KarenR)History will relate whether the reason behind Grant's break-up with Liz Hurley has been revealed. (Gi)Shouldn't they wait for the sequel movie to go into this kind of stuff? ;-) LOL! (Renate)Interesting article, with BJD mention, and almost everybody else but CF. No, Mark isn't listed either ;-)) Ah well, some things never change. The best go unrecognized. :-) (Mark)Everybody has been v polite about the last dull set report and it is much appreciated. Dull? Nevahhh! (Karen)Like New Year's Day, perhaps, infamous Turkey Curry Buffet Day!...Oh my *shaking head* what have they done with the story???? Now, am v. worried. Hmmm, it could be the Valentine's Day thingy, as Laura suggested. Maybe they wrote Daniel into the scene to add dramatic tension! Or maybe HG had nothing better to do but follow other cast members around, as is now Singleton! Let's hope Mari's right, and the report is misleading! It's so stressfull waiting for our baby to be born isn't it?!! Thanks for info on BJD,softcover,Bethan. I will actually buy a copy now. (Am cheapscape, read hardcover from library.) Not sure that we've met before,Jana. If not, welcome back. If so,well, now you know I have a lousy memory! V.relieved to hear that you're off the streets, TracyT! *chuckle* Well, I have just finished running 'round like maniac, in time to run around on vacation. Will go camping. V.v.natural! See you all (virtually speaking) in a couple of weeks!!

Have a good time, Karen, come back strengthend and refreshed, and don't forget the postcard!

Sorry, should have said Sadie, the menopause has a lot to answer for.

Was wondering where I was going, Ann. ;-) While Bridge and Daniel were in flirtation mode for V-Day: (a) none of it happened at the parents' place, (b) Bridget didn't even know Daniel had sent a card until days later, (c) first real date/shag didn't take place until end of Feb and then Mr. Screwing Around with Her Head returns and nothing happens on the dating front until April 29 (a snowless time, I believe). ;-) Choose to believe reporter looked at press release, saw names of cast members and ran with it, as Mari suggested. Another example of not doing one's f*****g homework. ;-)

Here's a semi-related item about the proposed building of Thameslink 2000 (something to do with railroads) from the Financial Times today: Residents and businesses around Borough High Street, which would see listed buildings destroyed as part of the extension work, are also campaigning against the plans. Simon Hughes, the local MP, said: "This is not the best route for Thameslink. The project would be too big a price to pay for one of London's oldest living jewels." Harvey Edgington, liaison officer at the London Film Commission, said: "It's ironic that just when this area starts buzzing with the Tate gallery, Vinopolis and the Globe theatre, this threat from Railtrack looms up." The area has had a long-standing appeal to film-makers. Scenes from Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels were filmed next to the old Borough market. Several scenes from the film adaptation of Bridget Jones' Diary have also just been shot in the area. Local authorities estimate that Southwark could lose hundreds of thousands of pounds in filming fees and crew catering if the Railtrack plans get the go-ahead. Christian McWilliams, a freelance film location manager who worked on the Merchant Ivory production of Howard's End, which was partly filmed in the area, said locals were making several thousands of pounds a day from film-makers. "This is one of the few unspoiled places of London where a film crew can just walk in. It would be a great loss if it disappeared," said Mr Edgington. Bill Neilly, film liaison officer for Southwark, said: "The Borough has a unique character, it's a typical proletarian area that has not changed for years." The Borough's market, which has been on the site since 1218, has been almost deserted by traders who have learnt of the project. "All that to increase trains from two to six a minute. I don't think its worth it," said Andrew McCulloch, a barman at the Wheatsheaf pub opposite the market.

I have just noticed that according to IMDb, Honor Blackman is in the cast of BJD. Now who is she playing? Perhaps Mrs Darcy?

From This Is London. Hmmm . . .definitely Christmas (as opposed to, say, I dunno, Valentine's Day;-) ;-) Big chill greets the Ms Jones's by Ed Harris The scene is a classic English picture postcard. Quaint sandstone cottages stand around a village green and church, warm sun beating down on the rolling valley from a blue June sky - and children frolicking in a thick blanket of snow. Big chill greets the Ms Jones's This is not another quirk of the English climate - this is Hollywood doing the Cotswolds, and Bridget Jones has arrived. For three days the chocolate-box village of Snowshill in Gloucestershire has been the location for a winter shoot on the film version of the bestselling book, Bridget Jones's Diary. The buzz is considerable. The film is, after all, from the team that made Notting Hill, and the village is very excited. It will star Hugh Grant, and he was rumoured to be dropping in on Snowshill for the shoot. All day yesterday and the day before a small army was busily transforming the village. Sheets of fake snow were laid around the churchyard and a giant snow machine blasted authentic-looking flakes on to rooftops and trees. Festive wreaths, tinsel and baubles were hung on doors and windows of many of the cottages. Some homes even have plastic Father Christmas statues in their gardens. Meanwhile, tourists and locals wander around in shorts and shirt sleeves. The impact on the village, with a population of around 100, is considerable, and the effect on this quiet valley is surreal. The residents love it. "They went to 40 villages before they chose this one," said Pete Wilkes, an electrician whose home overlooks the steep slope of the churchyard. "Everyone I have spoken to is thrilled. Some of the locals have taken part as extras. This is the Cotswolds and you won't find anywhere better than this." This may be the biggest event in Snowshill since the only village shop closed 12 years ago, but it may be that the village's starring role turns out to be a blink-and-you'll-miss-it one. The film makers are shooting just three scenes. Stars have so far been conspicuous by their absence. Grant, who is expected in the village for shooting today, plays Daniel Cleaver, Bridget's boss, with whom she has an on-off passion. (To quote from her diary, "Yessssss! Daniel Cleaver wants my phone number. Am marvellous. Am Irresistible Sex Goddess. Hurrah!") Bridget, a Chardonnay swilling, chain smoking, calorie-counting neurotic, is on her way to her parents' house for a Christmas party. It is her arrival that is being filmed in Snowshill. Bridget is played by the Texan actress Renee Zellweger, best known for starring opposite Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire. But her part was being played yesterday by a stunt driver. (My note: anyone heard from Mark G. today??;-) Ms Zellweger's absence was not a great loss to everyone. There are still pockets of England, apparently, which resist the Bridget Jones phenomenon. "The Diary of Bridget who?" asks a middle-aged woman studying a sign on the church notice board warning that filming was taking place. However, Dolly Maude, 28, who lives with her husband Chris and their two children in a home overlooking Barnabas Church, said: "Chris is quite keen on what's-her-name, Renee, so he is quite excited." The village was snowed in last winter, so their children, 10-month-old Nell and Billy, three, were prepared for the fake version. "I don't know when anything this exciting last happened here," said Mrs Maude. The film, which also stars Colin Firth as the smouldering Darcy, is due to be released next February. It could do for Snowshill what Shakespeare did for Warwickshire. Imagine the signs as you enter Gloucestershire: Welcome to Bridget Jones Country.

THE smouldering Darcy?

Honor Blackman? Pussy Galore? Wooowooo Maybe she's the pilot for the parachuting senior? (think about it) Mrs. Darcy? I don't think so. More like Grandma Jones. But her part was being played yesterday by a stunt driver. (My note: anyone heard from Mark G. today??;-) *Snort!* ;-)

It will star Hugh Grant, and he was rumoured to be dropping in on Snowshill for the shoot. Only rumoured...unless they're re-writing the book. Another Christmas scene?

Perhaps they shag in the snow at end of Feb. in Cotswolds? Or is that Devon?

Popcorn had the following from 27 June: Helen Fielding Defends Zellweger It seems that everyone's been coming to the defence of 'Bridget Jones' Diary' star Renee Zellweger recently. First it was co-star Colin Firth, then it was boyfriend Jim Carrey. Now it's the novelist herself, Helen Fielding. Speaking to Popcorn, Fielding says she met Zellweger on the film's set recently and thought she was "extremely nice and very sweet. There's no trace of an American accent." Fielding also downplayed rumours that she wasn't happy with 'Notting Hill' writer Richard Curtis's script, noting, "You have to let a movie be a thing in itself. It's based on the book but it's a separate thing." The novelist says she enjoyed seeing her characters being brought to 'life' on set and says she "had a great time there. It was really fun being there and very interesting for me seeing the whole thing coming to life with real actors." 'Bridget Jones' Diary' will open in the UK next year. ********** Did she wear the gold lame outfit?

HF""You have to let a movie be a thing in itself. It's based on the book but it's a separate thing." "..based on the book.....separate thing...." Lukewarm enthusiasm, IMO. But kudos for trying to diffuse rumors.

From The Sun: Pride and Prejudice actor Colin Firth shed two stone for his new film role�so he could look better than rival Hugh Grant. Colin plays Mark Darcy in the film version of best-selling book Bridget Jones's Diary. In the movie he fights Hugh for the affections of Bridget, played by Jerry Maguire star Ren�e Zellwegger. A film source told me: "Colin obviously figured he needed to lose some weight to look more the part of the romantic lead. "He looks fantastic and I'm sure he'll have all the ladies rooting for him in the film." Bridget author Helen Fielding has clearly been impressed by Colin's new look - I hear the two have a lunch date next week. Nothing too fattening now, Colin! Article and pics posted here: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjd.html

Don't shoot me down, but I think he may have overdone it, don't you think he looks a bit hollow-cheeked, poor Colin, he can't win.

I think he looks marvelous! And he has a nice tan too (hope Hugh gets the lovely pasty look). He's probably only slightly thinner than when we saw him in January. You know what a camera can do and how his face has photographed rather jowly. Is probably existing only on coffee nowadays. ;-)

Oh I don't know, Ann, that "slim line Colin" looks pretty amazing to me. He kills me; every time I get a teensy bit upset with him, he has to go and do something gorgeous.;-) ;-) Thanks for the story and pic, Ann, and Karen for adding to the BJD "Bouquet." :-) That Porky Colin pic on the left looks to me like it's from the BAFTAS, three years ago. If they said he lost 28 pounds since wrapping SIL, then I'd *almost* believe it, but otherwise he had absolutely no weight to lose. Remember how thin he was at the Donmar, just in January? Maybe they're confusing CF and RZ.;-)

Yes, the left pic does look like the Baftas (bigger bowtie and hair) - not often he dresses up in tux - but his face is thinner than our pics from January (am quietly drooling here over Evelyn's masterpiece)

(Mari)He kills me; every time I get a teensy bit upset with him, he has to go and do something gorgeous.;-) LOL Mari, my feelings exactly. "All is forgiven, Colin....it's OK if you do all those crappy films...":-)

(Mari) He kills me; every time I get a teensy bit upset with him, he has to go and do something gorgeous.;-) ... (Evelyn) LOL Mari, my feelings exactly. "All is forgiven, Colin....it's OK if you do all those crappy films...":-) Glad to hear it, guys [and SO relieved ...]. Now engrave that on your eyeballs as a reminder for the next time ... ;-D KJ

KJ...is there a new rule on Drool that says one must read all the posts? I don't;-D

(Karen)(am quietly drooling here over Evelyn's masterpiece) Is the masterpiece available for others to drool over (quietly or otherwise!!)? Thanks for the photos in the BJD bucket Karen. I can't believe any normal woman would choose Hugh over Colin [regardless of where he is on the scales;-)]

"Porky" or "slim-line", I don't care... Let's have more of him! :-)

(Evelyn) KJ...is there a new rule on Drool that says one must read all the posts? B-b-but I have to read all the posts to find out which ones to avoid ... All v. v. confusing .... ;-) KJ

When is Mark getting back from Gloucestershire? Hmmm, will be indepth report in manner of Times Insight Team ;-)

Sorry to disillusion you, but there is no report due. You forget that the locations I have attended have been ten minutes walk away and halfway home from work, making them easy to get to. Although I am driving west tonight, I shall be turning away as soon as I touch Gloucestershire (where I expect they've finished already). I may actually disappear for longer soon, as all my routes into these boards are apparently being cut off one by one, by my IT department, I suspect. Time to shell out for a home computer?

(MarkG)Time to shell out for a home computer? Whatever it takes. We'd be devastated to lose you, Mark :-(

What about via a link in an email message or one of those places on the net that give you hard-drive space in which to store things? One of Freedrive's features is storage of bookmarks/favorites. Can't say it any better than Gi: "we'd be devastated to lose you." :-(

(Mark)...as all my routes into these boards are apparently being cut off one by one, by my IT department What??There will be insurrection in the colonies.... (Have an Internet cafe close-by?I know of one in Bloomsbury;-) Have a good weekend Mark.

(Gi on ODB) "Porky" or "slim-line", I don't care... Let's have more of him! :-) (and on MarkG) We'd be devastated to lose you, Mark :-( And so say all of us!!

You might try writing a letter to yourself, containing the URL's you want to bookmark. (dating it in the subject window is usually a good idea). Then: 1. save it to "draft" 2. call it up from draft and send it. It will arrive in your inbox with the URLs as hotlinks. If at a later date you want to revise or add URLs: 1. call it up from draft and change contents and date. 2. save new copy to draft and delete old therefrom. 3. call up the new one from draft and send to yourself. I don't know if this will get around your IT dept. or not, but it's worth a try. P.S.: This is a good way to store any URLs you want to have at your fingertips in hotlink form.

All the links in my saved drafts are "live" without the need to send them, so check before posting needlessly.

Mail programs can be very different, Arami, Netscape Messenger which you use has this feature, but other programs have not.

A thousand apologies - what I meant was - check before SENDING a message TO YOURSELF in case the links are live in the saved draft... Sorry for the inadvertently curt tone! I was a little tired and worded the POST incorrectly. (Oh, the subtleties of the netiquette... Oh, woe is me.)

Mark, please do shell out for a home computer, if you can. It's worth the investment (and the hassle). We'd hate to lose our BJ "lifeline!" (hi everyone! ....am writing from KarenR's place, as am visiting for the long weekend. Chicago is lovely, and I've already raided the Michigan Ave. shops within the first 20 mins of being here. BJ woudl be proud.)

(winter) hi everyone! ....am writing from KarenR's place Wow, Kommander Karen and winter on the town. Watch out Chicago :-)! I hope you guys are having a great time. Wish I was there! Mark, please don't leave us :-). Take the plunge, buy a home computer and foil the cyber police once and for all. My DH insisted we get a computer at home and I didn't think we'd ever use it but ahem, here I sit well into the wee hours.

Karen and winter, hope you've been having fun on this long weekend :-)

Winter is back at school already. She only got to see a bit of Chicago, but will be back. Had a good time.

Sorry to interrupt but just spotted in this weeks TV Times a small article on BJD with three small set shots- one of a gorgeous CF!

Judy, no need to apologize. News about Bridget is never an interruption! ;-) Are the pictures different from the ones we've seen? Can you tell what is going on? To the newsagents, ladies!! Get those scanners revved up.

Karen,had to dash off before without posting more detail but better late than never. The photos are of CF,RZ & HG.Colin is wearing a navy suit,paper in hand,and grinning.HG is also wearing a suit plus sun glasses,there are a couple of other people in the picture.The one of RZ is the familiar onewith case & Tesco bag. Here's the article London was sweltering-but the script called for arcticconditions.So the team adapting bestseller BJD for thebig screen shipped in tons of fake snow and transformed London's St Pancras into a winter wonderland.The fake chill provides a cool contrast to the two hot male stars. British heart-throbs CF & HG star alongside US actress RZ in the tale of a Brit woman & her experiences on the battlefield of thirtysomething singledom. Until the films release next year C & H fans will have to console themselves with these snapshots from the set of the British comedy,written by RC,responsible for NH & FW&F. Ironically,Colin,famous for playing D in the BBC,s adaptation of P&P,plays Darcy,a character author HF named after the hero of JA's classic.Hugh,meanwhile, drops the bumbling bear act and plays a cad,DC,the rival love interest to Firth's Darcy. Author HF has had to watch Renee canoodling with both of them-but that's not why she's jealous.Renee had to put on weight for the role,and the poor girl's been forced to go on a diet of Guinness,hamburgers and cakes.tough life,eh...? Glad to see plenty of mentions of Colin for a change!

Thanks for the tips, folks. It's actually not that I can't save/bookmark favourites, but that certain http addresses (whether from favourites, typed in or hotlinked), instantly generate an error. And I'm guessing it's those that I use most. I am determined not to be consigned to oblivion! As Gi says, whatever it takes.

From today's Times Diary: Salman Rushdie has expressed his delight at playing a cameo in the forthcoming film of Bridget Jones's Diary, although he says he has only a "few lines". I trust he saw all the script. In one scene the Bridget character (played by Renee Zellweger) is about to make a speech and feels she might be aided by a recreational drug: "I could swear I saw Saaalman doling out the cocaine," says the fictional Bridget. "I could do with a bit of a livener for my speech."

Thanks, Judy, for posting the article. All these descriptions of scenes/shots from the movie have convinced me...it will only be loosely based on the book (*hee hee* much like Valmont). Bridget contemplating taking ccocain to enhance her speech-making abilities at the star-studded literary party? A fight between a padded-up Mark and Daniel? Bridget serenading Daniel? Winter train station scene at which Mark and Daniel are present? A role for a 70+ year old Honor Blackman? Must have missed those bits in the books. ;-) Nice to see you've outwitted your IT police today, Mark. :-)

"Loosely based"....you said it, Karen! Thanks for the TV Times tip, Judy...the photos are small but terrific. So much so that instead of my usual browse but don't buy, I forked out 69p. As Judy says, CF has a huge grin on his face and looks very lawyer-ly in a dark blue suit. Shortisn hair (a la Donmar). As usual, I can't scan, but will send my copy to anyone who can! Also a photo of HG, who looks rather a creep (no contest!) and a somewhat plumptious RZ.

I'll try scanning tonight. Unless someone else beats me to it... in which case, good luck and hurry up, as my scanner is still dodgy ;-)

(Karen) All these descriptions of scenes/shots from the movie have convinced me...it will only be loosely based on the book My thoughts exactly. IMO you were right on target with your comments way back when HG was cast as Daniel. Remember? Something about the role of DC taking more significant proportions? (Karen) A fight between a padded-up Mark and Daniel? In IOR Mark punches Daniel but that can hardly qualify as a fight. And it's from the second book...though HF responsed to a question during the CNN (I think?) chat that very little from IOR was to be included in the film, it seems there's more than just Magda shouting 'on the potty', e.g., Mark meeting Bridget by the dustbins. I'm fine with the film being somewhat loosely based on the book as long as they leave the MD character intact and the script does not include this famous RC line: "I'm just a girl standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her." *barf* Thanks for taking the time to type that article, Judy. LMAO over the description of HG as 'British heart-throb'. Prefer the 'bumbling bear' term, myself. Indeed, it is v.v. refreshing to see CF mentioned on par with HG (without the words 'Pride' or 'Prejudice' squeezed in somehow).

Arami: Ann's DH is doing the scanning now, so hopefully will be up shortly. From the image I've already seen, looks pretty cute. (Eileen) Mark punches Daniel but that can hardly qualify as a fight. And it's from the second book Quite right, near the end. But in this movie, Mark apparently hits the dirt. *boo hiss* ;-) P&P was mentioned

I second what Bethan has said "no contest", CF looks really cute, the is one to keep, however, I think his hair is a little curlier that the Donmar but not unruly, and what a lovely grin. This is the best photo I have seen of CF in a long time, so huggable, if only it were bigger, not sure how it will scan,as it is not that clear in the hard copy, especially without my glasses. Yum!

the=this

A belated welcome to Judy! I'm all for anything that brings us more Mark Darcy. But, have you noticed that all the publicity thus far has focused on the romantic triangle of BJ/CD/MD? Nothing on Shaz/Jude/Tom. I don't think that's an accident.;-)

(Karen) P&P was mentioned Duh. Of course. Must go unpack the contacts. Am looking forward to this new CF photo. Thanks in advance for your speed, Ann, James and Karen.

(Mari) But, have you noticed that all the publicity thus far has focused on the romantic triangle of BJ/CD/MD? Nothing on Shaz/Jude/Tom. I don't think that's an accident.;-) Eileen said, that with other pair of lenses she unpacked (those labelled "trick lenses"), she saw hordes of Shirley Henderson fans lining the streets to catch glimpses of fav movie star. ;-)

(Karen) she saw hordes of Shirley Henderson fans lining the streets to catch glimpses of fav movie star. ;-) HA! And you mocked me when I said who cares re: casting of the pals. Curtis knows what sells: ROMANCE.

Am looking forward to this new CF photo I think, heavens be praised, we're finally going to get Mr Darcy on the Big Screen. (Hollywood, please take note....this is the guy you should be chasing and showering with $1million offers, not Vinny Jones!) BTW, eagle-eyed spotting, CF is carrying a copy of The Guardian (I recognise the banner colours) For himself, or himself as MD? Although he does the Guardian crossword, doesn't he?

Glad you said loosely based- I was beginning to think I had read a different book. I know Colin was worried about not being good lookingenough to play the original Darcy [he proved himself wrong] and it seems he thinks the same about Darcy Mk2.In my eyes Colin has always been better looking than HG and these photos prove it.CF looks handsome and relaxed,HG just looks rough! Bethan,you mentioned VJ,I can't believe the publicity this guy's getting at the moment.He's on the front cover of Radio Times with a large interview inside. I would love to know what CF makes of it all or any 'real' actor for that matter.

(Mari) HA! And you mocked me when I said who cares re: casting of the pals. Curtis knows what sells: ROMANCE. Phoarrr!!! Everyone knows BJD is a romance. Singleton woman in search of her Mr. Right. If want to see movie about three woman friends, will pick up latest Ryan-Hawn-Keaton slop by Nora and Delia Ephron. ;-) (Bethan) I think, heavens be praised, we're finally going to get Mr Darcy on the Big Screen. Thought you didn't want that? ;-)

About the VJ thing, I believe that's only going on in your press. Will be interesting to see how BJ is publicized here: which clips will Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood use. They always talk to everyone when they go to shoot a film in progress, but they usually only show clips of the biggies.

Do you know who is doing the music. Have been listening to Notting Hill soundtrack....terrific..(esp. Elvis Costello's "She"). Trevor Jones produced the music...is he one of the Notting Hill Crowd? (Bethan) I think, heavens be praised, we're finally going to get Mr Darcy on the Big Screen. (Karen)Thought you didn't want that? ;-) Gee...when I had that on my "wish list" last week, I wuz flamed....

Thanks for all the news, Judith, and welcome from a sometimes poster. Saw Maria's quick version of the CF picture at Three Deer, but want MORE views! He looks delicious. As to the Guardian he is holding, I know from my friend Clive the sound man, as Bethan has noted, that Colin does the Guardian crosswords each day. Art imitates truth. Anybody willing to part with a scan for my news page? I'd be very grateful. Murph

Have put up the picture at the Bucket's page: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjd.html The other shots of Hugh and Renee are on the location page. Will have to have the paper in hand in order to do any better. Sorry. :-(

I understand Arami has scanned the TV Times pic and it's larger and clearer. Planning on posting it? Let's not deprive the ever-faithful. :-)

It's larger but hardly clearer, I'm afraid.

Ahhh, the mysterious mechanics of scanners. Looks good though. And Murph has received a scan and put it on her Bridget pages http://www.geocities.com/firthfan/jones/bjones.html I've been working with Ann's DH's latest and will have all 3 pics up and replaced later.

He's looking great! Now mag has an article on RZ,CF has his usual co-starmention but thats all.There's nothing new just a rehash of previous BJD articles and her relationship with JC.There is one large photo of RZ & two smaller ones - RZ with JC and RZ in Jerry Maguire.

Whew!....Killer smile. Same suit as he wore to the premiere? Thanks everybody for lookin' fer us :-)

Hiya, nice to see some new pix. I don't know whether anyone else has spotted a piece in August 2000 edition of Empire Magazine? It's a piece concerning the top 20 films in production and lists BJD at no8, theres a very poor picture of a scuffle...and I think I recognize the face of ODB plus possibly the backside of HG.. could be wrong though what do you think??

On second thoughts it's difficult to make anything out from that! Perhaps somebody else out there can do a better job?

That looks like Colin to me, Tracy. What a funny thought to see these two rolling around like this. The film really is changed from the book, as Karen has noted, since my memory puts this scene in EOR.

Tracy,it does look like him,in fact it reminds me of the scene in FP where he's rolling around on the floor. I also thought that this scene was in EOR ,however I thought it was MD who punched DC.

Judy, it certainly seems as if they are indeed taking references from EOR which is good news since MD features more (if memory serves)than in BJD itself..hurrah!

Tracy, I think I've found my excuse for another re-read,all in the name of research of course.

Judy, research absolutely it's only proper that we should get our facts right and do our "f*****g homework" ;-D Now where did I leave those books?

Yes, I too am going to do a reread of TEOR, as there is not a knockdown fight in first book. From what I remember, Mark punches Daniel (who drops up to Bridget's flat) toward the end of book. This was probably the scene that was being filmed when Mark (our onsite reporter) was there.

Wasn't it HF who said that no part of EOR was to be included in the film-there must have been quite a drastic re-write after she left the scene to include this skirmish and I presume other scenes from EOR. My only worry if they have incorporated EOR is have they left enough for a sequel or am I jumping the gun.

I have that scuffle on my BJD page. Scroll down to the bottom. http://www.geocities.com/firthfan/jones/bjones.html

Not really new inof, but this was in The Mirror: ANOTHER ACT FROM ARCHER AFTER Salman "Showbiz" Rushdie's cameo in the film version of Bridget Jones's Diary, we have news of another author who, bafflingly, has been asked to play himself in a fleeting appearance in the movie. Disgraced Jeffrey Archer pops up during a book-launch scene in the �20 million movie. Bridget, played by Renee Zellweger, for some reason gets over-excited on spotting the two famous authors at the launch party. Little Jeff is very keen to tell us all about his first big-screen outing: "I really enjoyed it." Rushdie snogs Hugh Grant in the film. Does Archer get to kiss Hugh, too? "Those are your words, not mine." Now, now, Jeff. It's too late to go all shy on us.

Karen it doesn't matter if its not new-its all publicityAlthough CF had better watch his back with all these celebs trying to get in on the act he might end up with only 5th billing! It seems the press pick up on any thing to mention BJD,Now mag has a small snippet about LH visiting theset to give HG a home-made packed lunch-again I don't think thats new info.

Although CF had better watch his back with all these celebs trying to get in on the act he might end up with only 5th billing! LOL, too true, Judy. Our well mannered, faithful, easygoing Colin needs a little controversy in his life to at least get him ahead of Salman.;-) Do I see a Divine moment? (Horrors!)

(Disgraced Jeffrey Archer pops up during a book-launch scene in the �20 million movie) Could someone please help out a poor, uneducated 'Merican? Who is Jeffrey Archer and why is he disgraced? TIA

Jeffrey Archer is a thriller writer and sometime politician friend of Margaret Thatcher. He disgraced himself mainly by telling lies about himself and various other things which I can't quite remember at the moment. I am sure our U.K. friends are more up to date on his shortcomings.

Jeffrey is a much more interesting character than is likely to feature in any of his rather two-dimensional, but very popular, novels. Having made a fortune from his books, he became a Conservative politician, on the strength of the money and a glamorous CV, which included claims about his attendance at Oxford University and a student athletic career that turned out not to be supported by research. Somehow shrugging this off, he became disgraced (for the first time) after the revelation that he had paid a prostitute two thousand pounds (an amount of money now sometimes known as an Archer) in cash at Victoria Station not to reveal some apparent lies about his affair with her. In the trial (the sympathetic judge famously referred to Jeffrey's wife Mary as "this fragrant lady") he was acquitted of whatever they had managed to charge him with. His next disgrace came when he was accused of insider-dealing - another trial led to another acquittal, with his story accepted that just because someone had sent him a fax advising him to buy shares which he happened to have bought later that day didn't mean that he had read the fax. Now lately, his soaring campaign to be elected London Mayor was ended when a friend of his revealed that Jeffrey had persuaded him to provide a false alibi for one of the evenings of significance in the original prostitute trial. The subsequent charge of perverting the course of justice saw him suspended from the Conservative party for 5 years, and we are still awaiting another trial. Meanwhile his books continue to sell like wildfire. Tracy, I am intrigued by the confirmation about the long-lens picture; if the fight scene happened the day I attended (elbow-pads etc), I can't see how anyone long-lensed the set, which was completely blacked off from the outside. Or could "long-lens" be used to mean someone on the set just firing off their own picture?

Either or, it would account for the darkness of the picture as (1) couldn't use a flash or (2) it was far enough away to render the flash useless.

And thanks, Mark, for the detailed account of Mr. Archer. I remember seeing the headlines of his campaign for mayor and subsequent withdrawal, but didn't read any of the details.

The Sun is reporting that RZ is officially engaged to marry Jim Carrey and is wearing a �40,000 engagement ring. Article here: http://www.the-sun.co.uk/bizarre/

Mark, the Jeffrey Archer story reads like a novel... Do you think he'll write it? ;-)

I've uploaded a scan of the supporting cast article that was in Heat magazine: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdcast.html They used that ugly sneering Jongleurs pic for Colin. Now that I see the whole thing, interesting that one cast member is missing. :-o

My, my, yes. Guess Heat figures HG doesn't need their publicity.

While its quiet on here I just give you some trivial info.I was talking to my sister about CF and Darcy (original one that is)and mentioned him playing MD 'who's MD?'aagh couldn't believe it,turns out she's never read BJD.Of course I rushed home to get my copy for her.I consider it my duty as a drooler to spread the word & promote the book & film.That's my good deed for the day. Hope you don't mind me boring you with my personal life.

This is something that I was emailed to me. It may be of interest to some of you in a Bridget-wise way. The importance of keeping up a front On the reality of single life Shane Watson Friday July 21, 2000 It seems that people who live together as couples - well the women at any rate - continue to be fascinated by the living arrangements of the single population - female, that is. India Knight's much discussed book My Life on a Plate dwells on the agonies of envy experienced by the married woman (living in a house resembling a toy repository after a visit from a family of beavers) when she visits her unmarried girlfriends who live in airy flats filled with white sofas. Because uncluttered, expensive rooms equal sexy, A1 kind of people, married females are unhealthily preoccupied with the loft-style existences of their single peers. I know of at least one woman who has left her husband and sprawling family home purely so she can live the one-bedroom-sheepskin-draped existence, devote her bathroom shelves to chunky glass products, and generally elevate herself in the eyes of her neighbours from average woman to cool-chick-with-world-at-her-feet. All this is terrific for the single female, who knows that while the married world is convinced she clips home with armfuls of white flowers and curls up under a cashmere throw before bathing by candlelight, her domestic arrangements probably have more in common with male medical students. This image of environments as they might be were they not compromised by men's things (speakers like Tardises, trophy cups, sports bags, wavy CD holders), dotted with petites cafetieres and giant pillows, is a fantasy dreamt up by girly stylists. There undoubtedly are people who live in an ice cream ad, but these are generally record producers and never, ever single females, who tend to lurch from loo paper crisis to moth infestation and never remember to light the smelly candles. Single women have simply learnt, to the letter, the mise en scene that they must present to the world. Like those raids in prohibition-era movies, when the gaming tables are flipped to hide the booze and chips, so the single girl's bachelor pad can be instantly transformed from sluttish tip to fragrant room of one's own, should the single police come calling. We know that the effortlessly fabulous environment is crucial to maintaining the facade of a measured lifestyle choice. Bottles of valium, toenail clippings, empty pizza boxes: these are things you found lying around the flats of single girls in the 80s, back before we got our act together and realised that front is everything in the battle over who is having the better time. Them or Us. The difference now is if you're having Them round you take all the crap and stuff it under your white piqu? duvet. You cannot afford to give them the ammo. Next thing you know it'll be: "I wonder if she even bothers to wash these days, poor thing." Thanks to the likes of India Knight, the scales have tipped in favour of singles over the past couple of years and the Smug Marrieds, of Bridget Jones' experience, have been forced to concede ground to those still able to sleep around and fritter away their cash. But now it looks like we may have been rumbled, and those nights of self-indulgent pampering exposed as long, lonely vigils empty of human contact. This potentially disastrous setback to singles' propaganda comes in the form of a CD featuring the sounds of household activities designed to simulate the presence of a live-in partner, including tracks such as Fry a Roast Beef in the Pan, A Bath Sounds Perfect and A Hastily Ironed Shirt. The compilation's German creator has not shied away from making this a truly authentic home-sharing experience "for those who have everything - except a life-partner", but I can honestly say that there's only one track guaranteed to make the eyes brim on a home-alone night and that's The Fridge is Finally Full Again. Nonetheless, Alone No More is a big hit (4,900 copies sold thus far) so I propose to produce an equivalent for the younger female British Single Market (Bernd Klosterfelde is a fiftysomething divorcee). This will feature The Fridge is Finally Full Again ... of Bottles, Honey, Something Tells Me You've Lost Weight (club mix), and for those of us who haven't surrendered yet, tracks to play while on the phone to attached persons such as Background Party Noises A) mixed company B) all male; Are You Ready Babe the Table's Booked featuring the voice of Russell Crowe; and Hello I'm the Man Who's Come to Sort Out Your Pension Plan, which is one for the hardest marrieds to deceive, your parents.

Judy, I did a similar thing for a friend. She had actually read BJD, but had not seen (or read) P&P2! Horrors! When I was trying to explain the whole CF playing MD -isn't that great thing, and the P&P references (and my obsession), her eyes glazed over. I immediately loaned her my P&P tapes (have the DVD now, so it's OK), and explained she must watch the series, THEN re-read BJD. She hasn't watched the tapes yet, so I don't know how it will work out.

Meredith,I was shocked to find she hadn't read BJD but am flabbergasted to hear that someone had not read/seen P&P!Where has she been and surely she must have read P&P at school?Keep us posted on whatshe thinks please. I have some good and bad news regarding the family BJD front,last night at a family bbq,my sister was engrossed in BJD,now for bad news my sister-in-law wanted to know why she was being so ignorant,turns out she's never even heard of the book let alone readit,now who's ignorant.So she is my next convert,am going to be without my copy for a while!

Sorry, I have a worse story. Loaned my P&P (from television) tapes to older sister, who eventually returned them unwatched. Said she couldn't get "into" it. Then, when I was raving about BJD and the book was finally published here, she went out and bought it. Not sure if she finished it, but was not very enthusiastic. But then again, we have very different tastes. She thought Return to Me was "great"; I thought it was a joke. Younger sister returned BJD to me; smiled and said, it was good. Not v. enthusiastic either. IMO think has to do with having read and loved P&P. It is not required reading here BTW. Older sister was all excited about seeing the Count of Monte Cristo on TV because had read and liked the book and is usually not much of a Masterpiece Theatre (or Bravo) type person. However, all the librarians I lent BJD to have loved it!! :-)

Never mind Karen they do say that you can't choose your family so we won't hold you responsible, at leastmy sister seems to be responding to treatment.As for my sister-in-law I don't hold out much hope for her asshe's not over- bright at the best of times-but that'smy brothers problem not mine. My sister is a rarity in England anyway-a 40 year old cinema goer! I forgot about it not being required reading in other countries-shame.

Any idea why once I post my words join together?

Where has she been and surely she must have read P&P at school? It was the set book for O-level English when I took the exams so I doubt whether there can be many thirty-somethings out there (in England at any rate) who haven't had the pleasure. Have to admit something terrible (which I am putting right as of now BTW) - I haven't re-read P&P since I was at school and .....dare I say this...I didn't enjoy it much the first time round *duck*. Is it safe to come out? Am I de-drooled now? In my defence I would say that this lack of enjoyment probably had to do with the way we studied it rather than the content which of course "improves of further acquaintance", so I am resolved to read it this week and I know I will enjoy it this time.

Whoops pressed submit too soon.. was going to say, maybe we could pressurise all world education boards to make BJD and P&P required reading and so achieve world domination. Ha-ha-ha! **evil chuckle**

(Tracy) I haven't re-read P&P since I was at school. That was some admission,do you feel better getting it off your chest?I think you'll have to make up for itwith extra drool!Now of course I'm a perfect P & P drooler-read it at school at 13(can still remember the lesson like it was yesterday)went to a bookshop on way home from school & bought a copy which I still have,yellowed/dog-eared and sellotaped. My own confession would be that I only read BJD when I heard about the CF & P&P connection. BJD & P&P required reading-ah your method of atonement,you've won me over.

(Judy) -I think you'll have to make up for it with extra drool! Oh dear - what a hardship, I'm just going to have to watch all those Col-films as penance....drool-city here I come. My own confession would be that I only read BJD when I heard about the CF & P&P connection A heinous crime indeed - I sentence you to watching BJD untold times at the cinema when it comes out. Just as long as you don't go out and buy yellow diamond patterned sweaters for the same reason!!

Tracy I think all droolers should wear diamond patterned jumpers as a uniform so that we would all recognize one another out and about-a sign of our secret society-or maybe just a towel? I hereby promise to see BJD as many times as possibleproviding it stays released longer than one week.

Judy, I'll wear a towel only if it's a very large one or provided MD is still in it!

If MD's still in the towel then I'm whipping it off so at least keep your knickers on.

Judy- LOL! (It does not 'bare' thinking about - believe me). It seems like it's the Jude and Trace show tonight! So given your confession about BJD, do you think you would have read it if there were not the connection? Is it your kind of thing...not exactly LOTR!

Who's following who here?Yep its just you and me! and no its not my usual thing although I would like to think that I would have read it after all the publicity just out of curiosity.I am definitely a big JA fan and have read all her books,finished & unfinished,many times and also anything about her life & times. BTW what does LOTR mean?,

Lord of the Rings sorry this abbreviating thing is a difficult habit to shake!

Thanks ,sleep tight.don't let the bed bugs bite and sweet filthy firthy dreams.

Sorry, Gi, it appears that Albufeira may have been written out of the movie, as Julio is now Julian... [Murph has info from one of the production co's websites] Renee Zellweger ('Jerry Maguire', 'Me, Myself & Irene') plays Bridget Jones, the London girl who is looking for love. She watches in horror as her mother, in mid-life crisis, leaves her father to live with Shopping Channel presenter Julian. Meanwhile her friends Jude, Sharon and Tom provide her with entertainingly hopeless advice as she embarks on an affair with her boss, sexy publisher Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). Bridget's unsuccessful attempts to control her chaotic life and to develop inner poise are charted by her hilarious diary entries, as are her disastrous first few meetings with the snooty Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Gradually though, Bridget has the chance to get what she really wants - true love. The question is - will she blow it?

...as are her disastrous first few meetings with the snooty Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Oh , he is gonna go into the Mr. Darcy mode ....no wonder he viewed P&P again. Sure beats the "nerdy" mode I thought they would feature MD as. Can't wait....Thanks K.

Have thought of other problems, given up synopsis... Wonder what they've done to the book if Julio/Julian hasn't bilked all the friends of family out of their life savings. How will Mark Darcy save the day? Will we or won't we have Mark Darcy slinking amongst the hedges, hot and sweating at Christmas dinner, before whisking Bridget off to nice holiday hotel for nookie-nookie? I suppose Mum could've overdone it on the Shopping Channel and put whole family in debt with vast quantities of useless, time-savings and bargain merchandise. ;-)

(Evelyn) Oh , he is gonna go into the Mr. Darcy mode Was there ever any doubt? After all, CF's been sporting those sideburns ;-P I am all curiosity about this script. Given what we've heard so far (thanks, sleuths!) it's v.v. different than the book(s). Tsk...I was looking forward to the Tarts and Vicars party. But as long as BJ doesn't bring MD a painting of a goat playing the violin, all will be well. Hmm, youngest sis still has my copies of BJD and EOR. Will get 'em back this weekend when she visits. Thanks for the reminder!

(Karen) I suppose Mum could've overdone it on the Shopping Channel and put whole family in debt with vast quantities of useless, time-savings and bargain merchandise. ;-) I think you're onto something there, Karen. During the climactic scene, Julian threatens Mark with a Ginsu knife; fortunately for MD, the blade strikes his trouser pocket, where it is blocked by the 3-carat Diamante ring that MD wanted to present to Bridget. BJ sidles up to MD and asks, "Is that cubic zirconia in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?" Using Andrew Davies' detailed stage directions, MD acknowledges that he is indeed happy to see her and they set off for the nookie nookie weekend. The police arrive to haul off Julian, who is subsequently sentenced to 100+ hours of community service during which he must rid the area's households of Fashions By Ivana and More From the Joan Rivers Jewelry Collection.;-) ;-)

LMAO...Oh Mari...Too Funny.....Welcome back...We needed you....

The info Karen mentioned is from LittleBird Films, a co-producer of BJD. Here is their web site: http://www.littlebird.ie/littleb.htm And Mari, did we miss you at all the various Firth places around here! Welcome back from the Joisey Shore!! (I'm off to Cape May tomorrow - in the pours of rain)

Thanks, ladies. It's nice to be back in such pleasant company. Murph, we didn't do Joisey shore--this was our wild, wild west trip to Nevada & Californy. Had a super time. Enjoy Cape May--one of my fave Jersey towns. All those beautiful Victorian homes, great restaurants and quirky shops--you'll have a great time, rain or shine. Thaks for the Little Bird website link; it's interesting to note that Andrew Davies isn't listed there on the BJD screenplay credits. I wonder if it's just an oversight. Also noticed that they produced Croupier (nice article and pic on Clive Owen in EW from a couple of weeks ago, BTW).

LOL! Of course, it had to be a cubic zirconia climax!! But if I see one smidgen of Joan Rivers or hear her voice, I reserve the right to pelt the screen with Victoria Principal's Principal Difference (or whatever it's called) or the beauty cream hawked by Ernest Borgnine's wife (she used him as a test case). (Mari) it's interesting to note that Andrew Davies isn't listed there on the BJD screenplay credits. I wonderif it's just an oversight. Probably because had major falling out with Richard Curtis, who kept insisting on keeping the line about "taking love heroin." (top of my list for worst line in NH)

LMAO Mari! So glad you are back. (Eileen) Tsk...I was looking forward to the Tarts and Vicars party So was I! How will they humiliate her instead? (Evelyn) Oh , he is gonna go into the Mr. Darcy mode (Eileen) Was there ever any doubt? After all, CF's been sporting those sideburns *sigh* Do you think sideburns function like "love-handles"? You know, something to hang onto during, er, intense moments? I reserve the right to pelt the screen with Victoria Principal's Principal Difference ROTFLOL, this is too funny Karen!

Wot, no Albufeira? No Julio? I wonder how else they will change the story. Of course, while Albufeira means something to the English (many do come there for their holidays) it means nothing to the US public. Is this why? I feel frustrated, however, and aprehensive as well (it started with the fight, and now this) :-( Thanks for letting me know, anyway, Karen...

I've just come over from 127 to cool down only to find Sadie at it again with sideburns as love handles but I have to agree- you could use them like velcro so where to put the othersides;- 1 palm of hands-to keep a grip for a quick snog 2 in your cleavage if big enough(no good for me then) 3 for that extra special Colin Clamping your inner thighs... now for those people who call a handle a knob*crash*

Sorry for that temporary aberration but SADIE led me astray what I wanted to say was that Jerry Maguire is showing on C4 this Sunday and as I've not yet seen our Bridget in action this is a must see for me.

Definetly watch JM, Judy. Renee and Cuba are the best parts of the movie. As for the sideburns, Sadie, I don't think Darcy (definely not Fitzwilliam, doubt Mark, too) keeps them long enough to grab. Now Mr. Hurst, his sideburns were long...eeewwwwwww...

Oh Judy, it's all Heide's fault, as I've explained on Some other board (I forget which). She got me going! Which is how hosting a board ought to go, eh? You see, it's that wonderful principle of the universe. What drool goes around, comes around! Aren't we beautiful beings *Mystical drool experience, not unlike the raptures experienced by St. Theresa after watching the Parish priest all day.* Sorry, evil demon has control of the keyboard. Blasphemy.... Velcro, I knew it was a brilliant invention. knob? *crash, thump* Ouch. (Eileen)As for the sideburns, Sadie, I don't think Darcy (definely not Fitzwilliam, doubt Mark, too) keeps them long enough to grab. Now Mr. Hurst, his sideburns were long...eeewwwwwww... eeewwwwwww is right! He's only one step up from Collins! But, you know, you have to give a girl credit for knowing what to do with short hairs.... Judy, we are going to get each other tossed out of DRool!

(Gi) Of course, while Albufeira means something to the English (many do come there for their holidays) it means nothing to the US public. Is this why? Oh Gi, I will be so disappointed if they do not include some shots of Portugal. Is main way I get to travel these days! It would be much better if they altered the story to have Bridget go to Portugal and discover MD's good deeds there. Could have very romantic scenes in manner of Shirley Valentine, but on the Atlantic (Albufeira is on the Atlantic, I hope?) and without any thoughts of "where's me tea?"

(Sadie) It would be much better if they altered the story to have Bridget go to Portugal and discover MD's good deeds there. Well, I can do without RZ in Albufeira, but I would love to see Colin there ;-)

Yes, but if RZ is there, CF would be there filming all that much longer!

Sadie tossed out or OFF now don't get me started.

(Gi) Well, I can do without RZ in Albufeira, but I would love to see Colin there ;-) I understand there are some great hotels. ;-) Speaking of filming longer, I wonder if they're done. July's almost over.

I've been wondering the same thing Eileen,everything seems to be quiet on the filming front,HG has been playing golf in Scotland not that it means filming is over of course just thought I'd mention it.

Anybody checked The Bucket's new On Location with BJD's layout lately? http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdloc.html Very creative....boss.Like the film strip and camera... I can spot a theme gal when I see one;-)

HG is on the front cover of my fave(!) magazine, "Hello", at an Elton John bash, in the company of none other than his estranged housemate, Liz Hurley (wearing a tiara!). Huggie is tanned and still has long floppy hair, a la Daniel Cleaver. I would guess they've finished by now though...it's over 10 weeks since the beginning of the shoot. I'm not sure what we're going to see...the Richard Curtis "version" of BJD?... Loveable cute sexy Daniel versus the "snooty" Mark? The Portugal episode was the part of the story which allowed us to see MD as the chivalrous male (and the most obvious parallel with P&P). I remain deeply suspicious of the fact that Huggie decided to come on board after RC's 8 week major re-write of the screenplay!!!

My guess is that the most basic plot lines will remain unchanged--BJ misjudges Darcy who eventually proves himself a hero and they ultimately fall in love; DC is the potential spoiler. Otherwise, millions of BJD fans will be horribly disappointed and so would the box office. It's how they get there, though, that has me stumped. RC can be so formulaic. If HG utters a phrase that even remotely resembles 'whoopsie daisies', I'm outta there! Seriously, we know a few things--the DC character seems to figure more prominently in the story (though on this point we could have been easily misled by all the Hugh-focused publicity); there's a substantial fight between MD and DC; the actors playing the Tom, Jude and Shazzer characters weren't happy about their screen time, and...what else?

(Eileen)the actors playing the Tom,Jude and Shazzar characters weren't happy about their screen time-I'venot heard about that can you tell me more. I'm also worried about all the HG publicity and the RC re-write I think it's definitely going to be a HG vehicle.

Oh no! Why? Why? What will be bloody point if is HG vehicle? Do these people not know what real red-blooded BJD fans want? Maybe DC is in more scenes but not for very many minutes each time? They could build up the dramatic tension with MD that way, and that would mean that HG has to be around more in filming. I am v. disappointed to hear that Tom, Jude and Shazzar screentime has been cut down. ARRGH, that RC is nothing but trouble. (The man, not the Church.)

(Bethan) I remain deeply suspicious of the fact that Huggie decided to come on board after RC's 8 week major re-write of the screenplay!!! Let's not go too nuts here... Nobody but nobody with half a brain would alter the fundamental story underlying the whole thing. If RC were fool enough to mess with the Darcy character, he'd be as vilified as Patricia Rozema was by the press and audiences. Hughie is merely a name that the international press can use to sell papers.

Eileen -If HG utters a phrase that even remotely resembles 'whoopsie daisies', I'm outta there! That's something that has worried me ever since I first saw NH and I know I'm being pedantic here but I'm in that kind of mood. Who says Whoopsie Daisies? Not even 'little girls in ringlets' in my experience, 'Whoopsie Daisy' singular perhaps. Let's have a little realism RC. Signed Ms Angry-&-Frustrated-at-lack-of-BJD-News ;-D

The "Whoopsie Daisies/little girls with blonde ringlets" is No. 2 on my list of lame-o dialogue in NH. It follows the "love heroin" line and precedes, "how far is it in yards?"

I purposely missed NH because HG is in it and after reading these snippets of dialogue I'm glad however whether this bodes well for BJD I'm not sure-only timewill tell.I only watched Four Weddings to see what all the fuss was about,It made for easy viewing but it is not a film I could watch time after time.I'm not particularly struck with HG for his acting or his looks and was quite disappointed when he was cast but maybe he will be better as a creep than a heart-throbObviously they've had trouble with the script with HF AD & then RC on board.It will be interesting to see how such a blatant womans book is adapted by a man.I suppose that's sexist and perhaps a little bit naive since RC is a very successful scriptwriter.

(Sadie) RC is nothing but trouble. (The man, not the Church.) LOL, Sadie! (Karen) The "Whoopsie Daisies/little girls with blonde ringlets" is No. 2 on my list of lame-o dialogue in NH. It follows the "love heroin" line and precedes, "how far is it in yards?" Wait a minute, wait a minute, I've got one. Here we go: "I'm just a girl. Standing in front of a boy. Asking him to love her." LAME! Still, I do think RC knows what he's doing. He's got a solid track record in making commerical hits, and we all want CF in a commercial hit, right? Daniel *does* have a much bigger part than MD in the book, so we shouldn't be surprised when we see lots of him in the film. And, face it, Hugh doesn't do thankless little supporting roles (and more power to him for having managed his career in such a way that he doesn't have to). They won't fool with the basic story structure, though, and MD will still be the hero. How that translates into a win for CF's career remains to be seen.

Everyone has different tastes in movies, but I can somewhat tolerate the "I'm just a girl et al." and the violin-playing goat thing. Judy, just to clarify, NH is a very enjoyable movie. I will fast forward through my make-me-gag lines and Emma Chambers, but will rewind that final press conference scene numerous times. Puts a huge smile on my face. There are loads of cute and clever lines that are difficult to explain out of context, like "Down boy" "well..." or anything Tim McInerney mumbles under his breath or the classic, "if I employ a wet rag, would I have to pay it as much as you?" or "You never get anyone in Wings of the Dove saying 'inform the Pentagon we need Black Star cover.'" I love the running gag about putting problems in the correct perspective and the commentary about celebrity and the role of the public/press. Nothing beats that scene of Hugh opening the blue door for sheer impact. Come on, who didn't laugh at "those carrots, they've been murdered"? or when Hugh utters the line about "getting her quickly back on the street in a nonprostitute sense" (quite the sense of humor)? There's even one shot of Hugh at the di ner table where he's all smiles that's simply irresistable (WHOA!! Incoming tomatoes!!) Do rent it. There are some bad lines, grant, but the movie overall is very enjoyable. Besides, how can any movie miss that has Bill Withers' Ain't No Sunshine? (she says, being a proud owner of the original LP)

I was just at the video store tonight, had my hand on NH, but couldn't do it! Was all unsettled. Then couldn't decide on anything! Got out The Advocate again instead. Then after I walked out of there, I thought, I really ought to stretch myself and give Hughy another chance. Like Judy, I missed NH purposely to avoid HG. But you're softening me up Karen. Now if you can tell me that he actually utters a complete sentence at least once, I may just see NH before the snow flies again (real snow, not movie snow) :-) (Tracy)Signed Ms Angry-&-Frustrated-at-lack-of-BJD-News LOL! And v. much how I'm feeling. Will the baby have all its toesies? Yes, will fundamentally be a baby, but will it be a beautiful baby? Cannot stand the waiting! How many months left of film's gestation?

(EileenG)I understand there are some great hotels. ;-) There certainly are ;-) (judy)HG has been playing golf in Scotland There are also some great golf courses near Albufeira, as Mark can tell you ;-) (Karen)NH is a very enjoyable movie Well... Julia Roberts is very good in it...

(Karen)If RC were fool enough to mess with the Darcy character, he'd be as vilified as Patricia Rozema was by the press and audiences. Sorry, I know this is slightly off topic, and I suppose this would put me in bad books at 'that other site', but I adore Patricia Rozema's films, including MP; I think she's bloody brilliant. (OOps, is one long run-on sentence --- but at least I finished it.)

(Karen) Besides, how can any movie miss that has Bill Withers' Ain't No Sunshine? Don't forget Elvis Costello's "She". I hope Trevor Jones does the soundtrack for BJD.

From Film Unlimited today: The makers of the film of Bridget Jones' Diary held a mid-shoot party to erase any doubts about Texan Renee Zellweger's British accent. Ten minutes of the film were shown at the Zeta Club in Park Lane and greeted with cheers from the cast and crew. It is understood morale was low due to rumours that co-star Hugh Grant wanted to quit the film because he thought Renee would be implausible as the 30-something singleton.

Hmmm, not sure what to make of the above report from, ahem, FU.;-) My inclination is to say it's mostly bull. Colin praised her accent, saying he couldn't tell the difference; would HG really be hearing something different? And HG walk out on his pal Richard Curtis? Oh, I don't think so. Some segments of the media seem to be gunning for this film, which is a shame. It remains to be seen whether the above is repeated ad nauseam in other publications (remember the HF brouhaha which was totally twisted and took on a life of its own with each repeat), and whether Working Title will be trotting out "the guys" again to diffuse.

Thought the same. Rumors? Really? Haven't seen them even intimated elsewhere and no one else has picked up on this story yet. WT probably sent HG off golfing.... ;-) [HG] thought Renee would be implausible as the 30-something singleton. I still think HG is implausible as a leading man. :-p

(Karen) Let's not go too nuts here... Just a little harmless speculation to pass the time, that's all. (Mari) I'm just a girl...LAME Oh, yes. *barfing sounds ensue* Sorry, Karen, can't stomach that one. Best line in NH: "I'm sure you all have di*ks the size of peanuts..." (Mari) Still, I do think RC knows what he's doing. He's got a solid track record in making commerical hits Yes, formulaic commercial hits. He does have a talent for zippy one-liners, though. If he's made BJD as fresh and funny as 4W&AF (one of my faves), then I'll gladly take back every negative thing I've said about him. Judy, I can't recall precisely where I read about Jude, Shazzer and Tom's roles (either here or at Karen's Bucket). It was a small piece containing comments from the actors playing them. As for that bit from FU, I agree with Mari.

(Eileen) as fresh and funny as 4W&AF (one of my faves) But how can you tolerate Andie McDowell? *barfing sound ensues from this end* ;-)

I'm glad you all seem to be taking it well just leave me to slip into hysteria *scream* HE thinks SHE is implausible (I agree with Karen on that matter) and half way through filming. He's a bigger creep than I thought.He's probably takenthe huff-obviously Colin's out-acted him & RZ told himthat CF is the better kisser!Yes am feeling better now, HG is having a silly tantrum.

Don't scream, Judy, it probably isn't even true. Don't believe everything you read (typically cynical advice dispensed from this ex-New Yorker). Y'know, I liked 4W so much that Andie didn't bother me--same way you feel about that fiddlin' goat scene in NH, Karen ;-P

(Judy, the Bletchley graduate) He's probably taken the huff-obviously Colin's out-acted him & RZ told him that CF is the better kisser! This is could only be the correct translation.

I thought there were reports in the early stages of BJD that quoted both Colin and Hugh saying Renee was going to be great and that her accent was fine. I feel sorry for the girl; she (or at least her voice) is going to be under the press microscope when the movie is released. My 2 cents on NH - one of my favourite parts was Spike deciding which T-shirt to wear to impress his lady friend.

Well Eileen and Karen, I hope you are both recovered from your barfing incidents earlier today? If not, then just focus on MD wearing a towel --- you know, a sort of guided meditation on the road to health. (Karen)I still think HG is implausible as a leading man. O.k., I did try a guided meditation on this, but it didn't work! Kept seeing certain scenes from The Advocate instead, which I watched early this morning! As others have said, I'm sure the HG desire to quit the film is only a rumour...Unless of course he's been reading this board regularly and is beginning to realize how little we all hope he appears in the film! :-)

I say: Let HG leave the film, re-shoot his scenes with a new actor (who was that one-take extra?), and search out the team spirit. But would he really threaten to leave the film after weeks of shooting?

Ah ha Mark maybe you've already replaced him-you've been quite for a while now.I think you're just trying to break it to us gently.

Its very quiet tonight has everybody re-lurked? I'm still doing my bit to promote BJD-my dad's now reading it!

I've been doing a bit of quiet promoting of my own i.e. getting all friends to read it so that I'll have someone to go and critique the film with when it eventually comes out. Maybe will avoid embarrassment of going to see RV on my own and only another 5 strangers in the place!

Did we ever discover who Honor Blackman is playing BTW?

I think you're v.brave going by yourself but at least you saw it.By the time my hubby was going to take meit wasn't showing.I can't see me going to see BJD with my dad tho' so if hubby doesn't take me I'm definitely going on my lonesome. I'm quite surprised at how many people haven't either read it or haven't even heard of it,Where have they been?

(Sadie) As others have said, I'm sure the HG desire to quit the film is only a rumour...Unless of course he's been reading this board regularly and is beginning to realize how little we all hope he appears in the film! :-) Speak for yourself! :-)

I could never drool about HG, but think he is very good in that comedy stuff he does, and as far as I know also in talk shows. I saw him in a talkshow on German tv and really liked him, was even impressed. [tomatoe: *splash*] He was funny, relaxed and absolutedly in charge. - I believe he's too much of a professional [*splash* *splash*] to only consider to walk out of a film, and I would rather believe that the reported comment on RZ was a misinterpreted joke. As we all now, tongue-in-cheek doesn't translate well out of context. Also have to give my 2c re Notting Hill: the script was very thin and implausible re Anna's part, but when I just took it as a fairy tale I enjoyed it a lot. The actors were better than the script, and 50% of the fun for me was that London equivalent of the village pervert played by Rhys Ifans. Note to self: wonder who else auditioned for that part? ......erm, just realize this is not the HG board, what was I going to say? Oh, yes. Just face it: ODB is rather shy, and is not a natural on the talkshow circuit, and will never be, so it is great for BJD that there's HG on board, and I guess RZ will be good at promotion, too. Another HG film, and where's ODB? Never mind - those who have eyes will see...... PS: what's the exact meaning of "waffle"? It's not in my dictionary.

(Renate) 50% of the fun for me was that London equivalent of the village pervert played by Rhys Ifans. Ah, then, you'll want to see an upcoming movie with Keanu and RI called The Replacements. Saw the trailer the other day and RI was dancing around and appearing to do something rather intimate with a flagpole. Looks like same character, but hair was shorter. ;-)

Well I'll be seeing NH next week its on pay per view so I'll splash out �2.95 just for the pleasure, yuk HG Renate by waffle I mean long-winded, using more words than necessary.

(Sadie) Albufeira is on the Atlantic, I hope? Yes, my atlas indicates Portugal as having only an Atlantic Coastline; being blocked from the Mediterranean as it is by Spain. (Sadie) Oh no! Why? Why? What will be bloody point if is HG vehicle? Do these people not know what real red-blooded BJD fans want? They don't care, as this movie is not being made for BJD fans. It is being made to appeal to the same audience which enjoyed "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Notting Hill". Do you think that people who make mainstream movies, or sometimes just movies, care about books. A case in point is Patricia Rozema's "Mansfield Park". Phooey. I thought it blew chunks. That is much less eloquently phrased than the Janeites would put it. However, that is very much their position, on which I wholeheartedly agree. My point is the makers of MP didn't care about people who love Jane Austen's novels -- so why should the makers of BJD even remotely care about the readers of that book. (Mari) Wait a minute, wait a minute, I've got one. Here we go: "I'm just a girl. Standing in front of a boy. Asking him to love her." LAME! On paper yes, but Julia Roberts can sell it, and does. I'm no fan of hers, in fact, I call her the Dread Julia Roberts. She just rubs me the wrong way, but to be fair, she isn't a bad actress. Yes, there are many better actressess, and Roberts is never better than her material. What she has in abundance is star quality. It is old fashioned star quality, at that, like the movie stars of the 1940's. No other film actor, star or non-star, of her generation has that old time crowd appeal.

(Karen)(Renate) 50% of the fun for me was that London equivalent of the village pervert played by Rhys Ifans. Ah, then, you'll want to see an upcoming movie with Keanu and RI called The Replacements. Yes, The Replacements looks like great fun. Another trailer shows Rhys doing something in the football locker room, looks like pulling at his nipples, but I might have misinterpreted it. :-) Did anyone see Dancing at Lughnasa? Rhys played the heartthrob Gerry Evans in that movie, very appealing, so it took a while for me to believe that it was the same actor in NH. (FYI, Stephen Dillane originated the hearthrob role on the London stage.) So I guess he is capitalizing on his geeky NH role. (Cheryl)Roberts is never better than her material. Agree. I have nothing against Julia, I just don't happen to like most of the movies she's in. And while we're on the BJD topic... Was JE ever discussed or under consideration for the BJ role?

Renate, they'll have to save some tomatoes for me too, because I agree with everything you wrote.:-) Hugh *is* good at comedy, and he *is* a wonderful talk show guest; he is on U.S. shows regularly whenever he has a film to promote, and the audiences love him. Comes off as appealing and always ready with amusing anecdotes. (Renate) Just face it: ODB is rather shy, and is not a natural on the talkshow circuit, and will never be, so it is great for BJD that there's HG on board, and I guess RZ will be good at promotion, too. Yes, this is not CF's "thing" (though I dearly wish it would become so). RZ--to tell you the truth, I can't ever recall her being on a talk show here, though she has done the type of brief, entertainment show "sound bites" that CF has done here. I think she is much more like ODB than Hugh--sort of shy and unassuming, not glib or quick with a snappy one-liner. She will probably (reluctantly) do the talk shows for BJD, though, since it is her film. They do need Hugh to help sell this, and he will come through. Cheryl, I agree with you re: Julia Roberts and star quality. NH is not, IMO, a great film, but with her in it, it works, even the lamest of lines. At the risk of being cliche, she literally lights up the screen whenever she is on. That's why audiences the world over flock to her films, why those films make tons of money, and why they pay her the big bucks. She's worth every penny of it.

(Donna) Was JE ever discussed or under consideration for the BJ role? Someone asked HF that at a booksigning and she said: "Yes, she was considered. But decided she was not suitable for the role". Read: she doesn't have star-wattage. And I agree, it needed a bankable star.Though I think RZ resembles JE in looks. Same age,blonde, little round- baby-face,curvy ...

(Judy)I'm quite surprised at how many people haven't either read it or haven't even heard of it,Where have they been? I'm surprised too. Whenever I've mentioned the upcoming movie, most people have not heard of the book. But this is N.A. (KJArt)Speak for yourself! :-) I stand corrected. A certain number of us who have been posting lately have expressed concern over HG getting more film time than CF. But you're right, even in jest I should speak only for myself. :-) And on that note... (Cheryl)Yes, my atlas indicates Portugal as having only an Atlantic Coastline; being blocked from the Mediterranean as it is by Spain. Ouch! I was actually refering to the possibility of its being on the coast as opposed to inland . Couldn't remember from BJD, and a map lists more than one place in Portugal as beginning with 'Albufeira' as part of its name. But I assumed the stand-alone Albufeira was meant, and now you have confirmed it.

(Cheryl) A case in point is Patricia Rozema's "Mansfield Park". Phooey. I thought it blew chunks. That is much less eloquently phrased than the Janeites would put it. However, that is very much their position, on which I wholeheartedly agree. My point is the makers of MP didn't care about people who love Jane Austen's novels. I disagree with you about this. The first time I watched it, I felt upset, as I lean towards a purist position on Austen's works. But I thought it was worth examining my upset, so I went to see MP for a second time, and took extensive notes (for a review I never got around to writing). In comparing the novel with the adaptation, I found that Rozema had still maintained Fanny as the moral center of the story, and I thought Rozema's shift from adultery to slavery as the main ethical issue to be highly acceptable. I also find her premise intriguing: that wealth built on injustice will tear apart the moral fabric of a family. And I liked her contrast between characters capable of redemption and characters who are not. Oh Christ, I'm having flashbacks of school debates. But, as I said in a previous message, I admire Rozema's filmmaking.

I attended the premiere of MP at the Odeon last November. Part of the British FF offerings...Patricia Rozema was there (as was Harvey).The audience laughed as the credits rolled to the tune of some African composition and when she came on the stage she was booed. To which she declared :"This was Patricia Rozema's MP NOT JA's." More boos....louder this time.

Oh well, one good boo session and you know you're doing something right as an artist. Made myself watch NH tonight. Had no choice, as P&P2 was rented, and it was four minutes to closing time. (Still have not seen those extra minutes!!) Have to give HG more credit than I thought I would; he did finish an entire sentence, and more than once! He said "umm" a lot though. Still, I enjoyed NH. It did have funny one-liners. I would have liked the HG character to be a little less wimpy, but perhaps there really are people that good, kind, gentle, and forgiving? (Nobody I know.) But I thought the film had some moments that lifted it above run-of-the-mill fluff. But I still want MD screen-time, and hope that DC role has not been expanded at expense of MD. Yes I know, I know, MD is not in the book that much. But he's still the romantic interest. *Arggh* Is there nothing I could take for my present relief?! When? When will this speculating be confirmed or denied?

(Sadie) even in jest I should speak only for myself :-) that's okay you can speak for me on this one. BTW whats N.A. I've searched my brains only to find I've lent them out. Evelyn I was interested to hear about the boos.As a JA fan I was put off seeing MP but I really should be more open minded about seeing her work in all its forms so I'll put it on my must see list which is getting longer everytime I drool. Talking of my must see list my diary for this week is JM tonight & NH in the week.So I'll be able to give better views on RZ & HG, well RZ anyway (only speaking for myself of course & perhaps Sadie) Because I've never seen RZ's work before I've not been able to give my opinion as to her suitability as BJ.The 'problem'of her being an American in an Englishrole has never bothered me.I'm ashamed of the Eng press(not a new emotion) in stirring it up,I think she'sgot a difficult enough job being BJ without the press constantly harping on about her accent,the more self conscious you are,the less self confident you become & the more mistakes you make. (Sadie)Is there nothing I could take for my present relief?-A glass of wine;-shall I get you one?-You are very ill.' No I refuse to believe that MD is given little screen time-how could they he is the hero after all!

Another mystery solved. Honor B. as . . .Jenny? From the Sunday London Times; thanks to Francoise for spotting. ******** A singleton before her time, Honor Blackman, 73 going on 30, is perfect for the new Bridget Jones film, finds Jackie Rowley The point of Honor before Bridget At 73, most of us are ready to slow down, to step out of the spotlight, to sidle away. Not Honor Blackman. This month she spent seven days filming a guest spot in Bridget Jones's Diary; she tours with her one-woman show (Dishonorable Ladies); there's a forthcoming Anouilh play; a television series and so on - into the future. It's 36 years since she drawled "my name is Pussy Galore" and a husky, Hollywood icon was born. Today she still tops the Bond girl polls. But contemplating that as she sits on her cream sofa in her elegant, sunny top-floor London flat, she frowns. "Actually, I hate to be referred to as a 'Bond girl'." She rolls that word "Bond" around, drawing it out. "What does it mean? I wasn't a bimbo. It was a very good character. She didn't fall flat on her back when she clapped eyes on him . . . she turned out to be quite a moral person." That devastating voice invites no argument, although despite the glamorous aura Honor Blackman is not intimidating. She's good fun - bubbling underneath our conversation is a wry and ironic wit. Anyway, she's done all right out of Pussy Galore. It was the part, together with the equally lethal Cathy Gale in The Avengers, which made her. In their day, each character caused a stir. She smiles now, remembering promotional tours as the outrageously named Pussy in America: "There were quite a few interviewers who just wouldn't say it at all." But at this year's Bafta awards, where she collected a gong for The Avengers, Honor Blackman made a point of mentioning how delighted she was that she had been the first actress to portray such women in a "strong-willed and positive" fashion. The Avengers burst on post-war Britain when women knew their place in entertainment. They were either wives or temptresses. But Cathy Gale was neither - or both. She was "intellectually equal to John Steed and sometimes a little ahead" and she did judo and wore black leather. Born on August 22, 1926, Honor Blackman was brought up in Chiswick, west London. It was tough emotionally and physically. "I suppose my parents did love each other but my father was so difficult. He was a disciplinarian and ferocious. My poor mother wasn't a fighter, so she was knocked flat - and I think that's part of what's made me." It was her father who taught her selfdefence - she learnt to box aged five. Very close to her short, dreamy, older brother, she got into fights on his behalf. "There were two occasions when I knocked boys out. Other kids understood that you don't mess with Ken Blackman because he's got a sister!" She began acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in the 1940s. "Everyone thinks I was in the Rank Charm School for starlets. I wasn't. I'd done my training." She likes to "keep her hand in" with movies. She plays Penny, a family friend, in Bridget Jones's Diary. So how was it? Too canny to criticise fellow actors, she is effusive about Ren�e Zellweger, who is playing Bridget. "She's terrific. Her English accent is very good and she's a lovely person - totally unspoilt. She embarrassed the hell out of me by saying that she must have my autograph for her boyfriend - you know her boyfriend, [pause], Jim Carrey?" With her own rather chequered history, she enters into the spirit of Bridget Jones. Two marriages - one at 20 and a second in her thirties to the actor Maurice Kaufman - both ended in divorce. "Bridget is great - but if women spend their time worrying about what she's worrying about, it's a nightmare. That's no fun, drinking so much and being sick in the lavatory." The whole problem for Bridget is men. Honor Blackman has scarcely had the same difficulties - "I was proposed to so often". But, she, too has struggled with lasting relationships. She worries about how women approach men and sex today. "They don't get proposed to, they just go to bed. It's an entirely different world. The trouble is that women have this enormous freedom to sleep with whoever they wish and yet they are still tainted with this 'some day my prince will come on a white charger'." Would she marry again? "I haven't made a success of marriage. My prince didn't really come, did he? I like the freedom and independence of being alone. I know an awful lot of people don't like it, but it's my passion to live alone." Not very Bridget Jones. Yet this is a woman who was often ahead of her time and is thoroughly in tune with today's career girls. Her single status, work focus, relationships damaged by career, success and her money, plus the independence - all make her 73 going on thirtysomething. She's cheerfully confiding about having lovers although - unlike Bridget - she keeps the juicy details discreetly quiet, and she is quite matter of fact about affairs. "When you reach a certain maturity and you meet someone and it's just chemistry and that's it - you needn't make a long thing of it. Just do it and it's great," she grins. As she talks, her eyes sparkle. Reluctantly, she admits that looks do matter to her. "I've always had everybody worrying about what I look like and therefore I worry about it, too." She is critical of how people appear on television today. "They scrag about looking like the back end of a bus . . . I can't help it - it's always been important to me." She won't accept that she's beautiful, though. "What is weird is that I've gone through life not thinking I was beautiful. But now I do wish I had known, because men used to say, 'Oh, you're so beautiful,' and I immediately thought, 'I know what you want.' I always used to think it was because they had another agenda. Now I think I could have been a femme fatale or something. It's just astonishing - especially at this stage of life." She makes faces when I ask her about ageing and why she still works. "What should I be doing - tottering around with a stick or something? It's an adrenaline I would miss terribly." Sharing a birthday month, August, with the Queen Mother, she was a guest at the recent pageant. "I thought it was perfectly marvellous. The parade stirred memories. And, though I'm no royalist, the troops do it so well. It's theatre." But about the Queen Mother herself she was uncharacteristically terse. "If you want to know what I think about her, I think she is a very privileged lady and I leave it at that." For someone who has just been sweetness and light about everyone in her bitchy profession, this is teasing. But she won't be drawn further. As Honor Blackman sees me out, that little touch of steel is back in the voice. "Don't deaden me. I hate that, when my throwaway remarks come out all serious." Bridget Jones meets Cathy Gale and Pussy Galore. Sassy, moral and spiced up with minx.

Thanks, Mari, for posting. So she's Penny Husbands-Bosworth, the one Bridget's father brings to the Tarts and Vicars party, who was also not informed about the cancellation in theme.

(Judy)BTW whats N.A. I've searched my brains only to find I've lent them out. I'm using too many abbreviations lately. I meant North America. (Judy)Talking of my must see list my diary for this week is JM tonight & NH in the week.So I'll be able to give better views on RZ & HG, well RZ anyway (only speaking for myself of course & perhaps Sadie) I too am finding myself with longer lists, just to keep up! By now you've seen JM, what did you think? I believe I will actually fork out $$ to see the new Jim Carrey movie co-starring RZ. Thanks for that article, Mari. Honor Blackman sounds like a pretty cool 73-year old. And Yea! it means the Tarts & Vicars party must be in the script!

North America it would have to be something simple she says feeling foolish. Yes I've seen JM now.Well if I hadn't wanted to see RZ I would never have lasted I found it long and slow (mmm like the sound of that)I won't say too much about the film because I'll get kicked over to movies! I enjoyed RZ's performance but I would have liked to see more of her.I especially liked her interaction withher sister & I can see that translating to her relationship with the girls in BJD. She is pretty,but not too pretty and I can see her as a 'normal,everyday' woman who doesn't always look her best.I'm not sure she needs to put too much weight on,she is thin but at times looked quite muscular and she has a rather plump looking face anyway(this is rich coming from me).I've never had anybody fixed in my mind as an ideal BJ so it is easier for me to imagine her in the role than for somebody who already had someone in mind. Now to more seriarse matters the TARTS and vicars party-I think I've missed an opportunity here as an extra,anyone else-eh Sadie?.. ducking & diving :-D

(Judy)Well if I hadn't wanted to see RZ I would never have lasted I found it long and slow (mmm like the sound of that) LOL! I can believe it! Now to more seriarse matters the TARTS and vicars party-I think I've missed an opportunity here as an extra,anyone else-eh Sadie?.. ducking & diving :-D No need to duck. I've always had a strong interest in theology. she is thin but at times looked quite muscular and she has a rather plump looking face anyway(this is rich coming from me). I really find her face endearing. I think she has the right sweetness for BJ. Other than that, like you, I haven't a strong picture in my mind. Another film to add to your list: One True Thing . I think RZ was excellent in this. Have others seen it? I'm sure it's already been discussed here, so sorry if I'm simply being boringly repetitious.

(Sadie)I really find her face endearing.me too I loved all the different expressions and the way her emotions showed but I don't want her to look too fat. One True Thing yes I've added it to my list and I do want to see more of her work I found it fascinating watching her & trying to see her as BJ,not my usual way of watching a film.

I agree. Normally only good-looking men get that much concentration from me.

Know what you mean I don't know why I bother about RZ or HG when I won't be able to take my eyes off CFthe only problem being I won't know what's going on inthe rest of the film especially if they've altered the book that much.I'll just have to watch it again & again & again.

Oh, what a trial that would be. Imagine, when DVDs become available over the net (legally), we'll be able to edit our copies of different films into one long Firth Frenzy.

And my point was, we won't need to bother with silly inconsequential things like plots. But my concentration was elsewhere...

Yes I've tried to do that with videos,Colin at the Baftas,arriving at Premieres,Lifeline etc.but sometimesI've had to tape so quick they're all on different tapes.Waiting for the BJD premiere to tape(next morning of course)I really think I should try & make it to that one in person though oh what a thought- better be nice to hubby for a while.

Sadie, sorry about the misuderstanding concerning the coastline of Portugal. As William Burroughs noted, "Language is a virus." I took your phrasing of "the Atlantic Coast" to infer that Portugal had more than one coast. My mistake, I shall give myself a virtual kick now. If Rozema chose to make a statement on the subject of slavery through the metier of deconstructing Jane Austen's work; she would have been better served by writing an original work, suggested by Austen. She also most emphatically should not have called it "Mansfield Park". I am now going to return to the cheap seats and boo Rozema with the Janeites, but I tend to be cranky.

Judy, I'd echo Sadie's recommendation to put One True Thing at the top of your "must rent" list. It's a wonderful story, so well written and acted, and will give you an even better sense of RZ's range than JM. She more than holds her own with Streep and Hurt (though they too are v. good); it's really RZ's film. Karen, thanks for the reminder of who Jenny is--couldn't place it when I posted the HB article. So glad that Tarts & Vicars made it into the script!

From a profile of Julian Barnes in the Guardian: Literature's Mister Cool by Nicholas Wroe Saturday July 29, 2000 There is a scene in Bridget Jones's Diary when Bridget unexpectedly finds herself standing in front of Julian Barnes at a literary party. Ms Jones, paralysed by Barnes's intimidating reputation for cool intelligence and languid wit, is struck dumb. The agonising silence is eventually broken when, to her own horror, she blurts out, "Do you know where the toilets are?" The resulting "faint smile that hovered over his thin-but-attractive lips" ensured her humiliation was made complete. The scene has been included in the film version of the diary which is currently in production in London. Although lots of real writers were gathered together by the producers to act as up-market extras, it was thought Barnes wasn't quite recognisable enough to a cinema-going audience to justify Bridget's level of mortification. So while Barnes stands around holding a glass of warm white wine and muttering "rhubarb", Salman Rushdie was parachuted in to precipitate the social catastrophe. When Barnes tells this story, he goes through the motions of huffing and puffing at the lack of respect shown to him and the cavalier attitude to the text adopted by superficial film-makers. But far from complaining that he is not famous enough, in reality one senses that Barnes feels he has more than enough fame, meaning in this case celebrity, already. He might be adamant that he is not an autobiographical writer, but when the narrator of his novel Flaubert's Parrot at one point asks, "Why does the writing make us chase the writer? Why aren't the books enough?" there is little doubt that he speaks for Barnes. ********* You can read the rest if you want here: http://www.guardianunlimited.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4045327,00.html

This woman looks way too good for her age!! (IMO the medical profession has intervened)

Harumpf! Why didn't it show up? Oh well, this is Honor Blackman:

(Cheryl)Sadie, sorry about the misuderstanding concerning the coastline of Portugal. Thanks. 'Nuff said. :-) I am now going to return to the cheap seats and boo Rozema with the Janeites, but I tend to be cranky. Fair enough. You boo, I'll cheer. How boring it would be if we all made the same sound! Ms Jones, paralysed by Barnes's intimidating reputation for cool intelligence and languid wit, is struck dumb. The agonising silence is eventually broken when, to her own horror, she blurts out, "Do you know where the toilets are?" LMAO, thanks for including this Karen, it's one of my fave Bridget moments. I'm glad to hear this scene is included in the film. Should be fun to see Rushdie too, and Barnes sounds like quite a character in his own right.

(Karen) (IMO the medical profession has intervened) She does look good (after all, she could look like Joan Rivers--have you seen her lately? I swear her ears have moved to the back of her head). Don't remember too much about Penny Husbands-Bosworth. Will have to refresh my memory, now that I have my books back :-)

Eileen, I was actually about to say that she *does* look like Joan Rivers. Are we sure HB isn't selling costume jewelry on QVC?;-)

LOL! You ladies are bad, although Joan Rivers must be a case study in Plastics 101 for what NOT to do (in Glamour parlance: a Fashion Don't). Sheesh! Her eyes are at a 45 degree angle from her nose these days! Now that other shot of HB was a fashion thingie. Here she is at the television Baftas a few months ago, when all the Avenger women were honored:

Gulp. She does look like Joan Rivers. Or rather, Joan Rivers looks like her! Just think of how many operations it took JR to begin to approach this woman's beauty. But I still think HB has got "good bones" to her face, whereas JR has got good placement of silicone. What angle would you place HB's eyes at. I'm guessing one face-lift?

It doesn't matter how many facelifts she's had she still looks better than me!(that tribute at the baftas was embarrassing & wasn't JL's name put forward to play opposite CF in something or other?) Eileen glad to hear you've got your books back,mine are still doing the rounds & its frustrating when you want to re-check scenes when you get new info on the cast. Karen liked the Honored missed it first time round:-)

It doesn't matter how many facelifts she's had she still looks better than me! LOL! You and me both. I really don't think she's had that many though, unlike Joan Rivers. I didn't see the tribute, so please tell more, and whose JL?

The tribute was to the different women playing opposite 'John Steed' I just found them too gushing in praise of each other.JL=Joanna Lumley-she played Purdy in the Avengers.In the past few years she's become more famous for Patsy in a Brit sit-com called Absolutely Fabulous(which I've got on Tv at the moment strangely enough) In an article In TV Times mag she was mentioned for a role in Flashman

BTW the reason I mentioned her is because she's the one in the pic with HB

Yes, now that you've told me, I can see that it's Joanna Lumley. As I have only seen her a few times, I keep getting her confused with Saunders of French & Saunders (I clearly do not have a good memory for faces). I suppose at the Tribute they didn't want to sound the least bit critical of each other as the press would have picked it up and run wild with it? But I hate gushing moments all the same! (Well, gushing over CF is fine, as long as it's accompanied by some honest drooling.)

I don't watch QVC but Joan was making the talk show rounds last week to defend herself in her latest scandal (suspended from her NY radio show for saying the s-word). Not only is her face *ahem* taught (as is HB's) but her eyebrows are fixed in an arch, giving her face a permanent surprised look. Her eyes probably don't close when she sleeps. She's on my list of cosmetic surgery disasters along with Michael Jackson (have you heard his theme song? "If I Only Had a Nose"), Cher, Dolly Parton, Melanie Griffith, that society dame known as 'the lioness' (Jocelyn Wildenstein??? something like that)...I could go on and on... Getting back to the topic at hand ;-), the character of PH-B was kind of primpy, wasn't she?

(Eileen) the character of PH-B was kind of primpy, wasn't she? Wots primpy? Have skimmed through and found only two refs to PH-B. First, she's the "asbestos widow." Her husband died of leukemia. Her appearance on television to discuss asbetos sparks the who can program their VCR bit. The only time she ever appears is at the T&V party and is wearing bunny ears, a bustier, etc. I'm guessing they've made more changes here.

From memory, PH-B is also mentioned in passing occasionally by Bridget's mum, mainly in a keeping-up-with-the-Joneses (no pun intended) way in the first book, and then in a possible-affair-with-your-father way in the second book. I don't think the film we see will be much like the book in terms of narrative at all, frankly. I hope that the re-write gives us effectively a third book to enjoy (although with the P&P theme retained) by being very different, but I worry that the spirit may be lost - especially if HG gets a happy ending (or just endless screen time - at the expense of CF - as I am beginning to suspect).

(Mark)I don't think the film we see will be much like the book in terms of narrative at all, frankly. That's my concern...it's Bridget's thoughts and perspectives that are hilarious:her diary. Not the story & antics....which could get a little 'Jim Carreyish'... Unless they do a lot of voice-overs... But I have great faith in Richard Curtis...aft viewing NH several times...I still find hidden humorous lines.

(Mark)especially if HG gets a happy ending...I'll thank you not to use such language:-) I nearly fell off my chair when I read that & had to re-read your post a few times to make sure I hadn't read it wrong. What on earth put such dreadful thoughts in your mindyou've voiced the ultimate nightmare scenario for me! I'm supposed to be watching NH tonight for research purposes but I don't think I'll be able to watch it objectively now!Oh Mark what have you done to me I think I better go & hit the bottle:-D

Yoohoo, Markie...they're back!! Filming location for August 7th: "As a resident of a London flat on the below-named street of Shad Thames, a notice was slipped under my door (as well as the doors of everyone else in the building, and probably other nearby buildings as well) which was a Notice of Intended Filming from BJD Productions Limited, and signed Adam Richards, Location Manger (for and on behalf of Working Title Films). This is not the first notice I'd received, as there was a simliar one in May, but it didn't affect me and I soon forgot it. From this latest notice, I will quote the relevant paragraph here: 'As you may well be aware, back in May, we filmes a couple of scenes for this film in The Cantina Restaurant and also in Shad Thames. Unfortunately, after we had finished filming and as the film was being developed, the film tock was ruined and so, we would like to come back to film the scenes again on Monday 7th August 2000. As before, we would start by filming in The Cantina Restaurant between approcimately 5.00pm and 10.00pm and then move outside into Shad Thames and finished at about 3.00am in the morning. The exterior scene involves Bridget getting into a taxi after having a meal at The Cantina, with Daniel, her boss. The taxi then moves off up the street and then has to stop to let some people cross the road. As the taxi stops, Daniel, played by Hugh Grant, then takes this opportunity to get into the taxi with Bridget where a conversation between the two of them ensues.' "Following this paragraph is an explanation of the lighting that will be used and that people whose windows face into the street may request black material to cover their windows, and a promise to keep the noise levels down. "So, that's it. Not much of a scoop- some film stock lost, some reshooting, and the whereabouts of Hugh Grant at the referenced time and date - but I thought I'd pass it along."

Hey Super Sleuth...what a scoop!! So they're still at it.. Now where is Shad Thames street? I guess none of ODB's film stock was lost.I bet he flew the coop to Italy.

Mark! Isn't that the scene you were in? The thought of all your hard work having fallen into some Kodak dustbin has me rather upset!;-) Neat scoop, Scoop.;-) Makes sense that they'd do re-shoots now. RZ's next film, Nurse Betty, will be showing at the Edinburgh Film Festival (I think next week), so I'd imagine she'd been planning to be back in the UK anyway.

(Mark) I hope that the re-write gives us effectively a third book to enjoy Now there's a positive way to look at it. (Evelyn) Unless they do a lot of voice-overs... They probably will, with occasional shots of BJ writing. (Evelyn) I bet he flew the coop to Italy. Yup, I have that feeling too. Unless they're waaaay behind schedule and shooting hasn't finished, though it sounds like it has ('cept for some ruined film stock here and there). Thanks for the news, Karen.

Yes, that's the same location...by the London Borough Market. Is that the same scene where our Roving Reporter-cum-Actor-on-the-Brink-of-Stardom played such an integral role? Remember to wear the same outfit and walk up to 2nd Asst Director (who is in charge of extras) and say, casually, "I know where to go from last time..." ;-)

Karen your detective work is impressive and very much appreciated.Can we take it that this is the end of filming? (Evelyn) I bet he flew the coop to Italy.I hope he has because the sooner his hols are over the sooner he can start Armadillo,talking of which did I see it on the back of a mag HG was holding in NH? Another thought on the ruined film I think its more likely HG's acting ruined it than any other reason. sorry to HG fans out there.

ruined film stock hmmm, perhaps, is of Jane nodding head in slo-mo to beat of music. v. charming. Should keep it in movie for future trivia experts. ;-) (Judy) Can we take it that this is the end of filming? I know nothing more than what's written, but given when they started, should be about done. (Judy) did I see it on the back of a mag HG was holding in NH? A mag? He is reading Captain Correlli's Mandolin in the final scene. Up on the roof, he's reading a mag, something like "Booksellers" I think. Will freeze frame and squint at TV screen later. ;-)

Karen it was the scene with Booksellers and underneath it looked like the figure with cardboard box over his head.

(Eileen) Joan (Rivers)...Shes on my list of cosmetic surgery disasters along with Michael Jackson (have you heard his theme song? "If I Only Had a Nose"), Cher, Dolly Parton, Melanie Griffith, that society dame known as 'the lioness' (Jocelyn Wildenstein??? something like that)...I could go on and on... I think that Pamela Anderson Lee, or whatever she's calling herself this week, is deserving of being on the list of Plastic Surgery Disaters, as well. She looks like a walking cartoon. (Apologies to Jessica Rabbit in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit".) My Mom says that back in the sixties there was this famous picture of Honor Blackman and a teenage Prince Charles with the caption of "Pussy and the Prince". Apparently, "Pussy" was the name of her character in the movie "Goldfinger", which out about the time the photo was taken.

(Eileen and Cheryl) cosmetic surgery disasters Burt Reynolds joined that club too. I can't even look at him now.

I have to second Judy's remark, Karen. Impressive detective work. Mark G, so nice to hear from you again. Have you been away starring in more roles, haunting the margins, launching your writing career, or breaking legs? :-) Have missed a "Man about the House"! I fear your fears about script are true, but they would not really dare force happy ending with HG, surely. I like your way of looking at it as more Bridget chronicles. Let's hope your faith in Richard Curtis is deserved, Evelyn. Will hold breath until film release. (o.k., so clearly I can't do that, but will not eat chocolate until film release, a sort of sacrifice to the Gods of film.) BTW there is no Michael Jackson, only Janet Jackson and Janet Jackson in drag.

From the Sunday Express (yes, a tabloid): HAD PEANUT BUTTER SARNIES AND PIZZA. NOW CAN BE BRIDGET Renee Zellweger is counting calories. Like Bridget Jones, the fictional thirtysomething who is on a permanent quest for self-improvement, Rene conscientiously notes her calorific intake. The difference is, the unfeasibly small actress is trying to gain weight - wolfing down large quantities of peanut butter sandwiches and pizza, heresy for an actress who has spent the past seven years in diet-obsessed California. "I'm really trying. Mark [her burly driver-minder] brings me sandwiches, McDonald's breakfasts and multi-vit, multi-fat, protein bodybuilder shakes. I've put on more than 15lb and I'm very proud. I'm down to three pairs of sweatpants and four T-shirts that still fit. Everything else is in boxes ready to be shipped home." Besides bingeing, Bridget's quirky English ways have proved rather alien to the 31-year-old Texan actress (her casting didn't go without protestation, with the likes of Helena Bonham Carter and Kate Winslet overlooked for the role). "I've learned so much about a culture that I hadn't been exposed to and it's helped me learn about who I am," says Rene, who won fame as Tom Cruise's girlfriend in Jerry Maguire. To ease herself into the role, Rene has been renting a flat in Kensington, shopping at Harvey Nichols and humming Spice Girls tunes. "I needed to get away from the Los Angeles subculture to understand Bridget," she says. Co-stars Hugh Grant, Colin Firth and Jim Broadbent have been helping her research - as did working undercover as a temp in a publishing company. "British women are less hard on each other and less judgmental than Americans," observes Rene. "I suppose it's because they're not judged as harshly themselves. When it was somebody's birthday, everybody had a piece of cake. In Los Angeles, nobody would have eaten it." Despite the cultural chasm, Rene could identify with some of Bridget's emotions. "What woman over 30 isn't concerned about men, body image, work and relationships? I understand what it means to love and fail at it and what it means to contemplate being alone. I've spent evenings alone eating a bag of chips in front of the TV." But not any more. Rene's evenings are spent with her boyfriend Jim Carrey, whom she met on the set of the forthcoming comedy Me, Myself And Irene. She insists, though, that nothing happened between them while filming was still in progress. "In a lot of respects I'm an old-fashioned girl and I'm not interested in having flings on movie sets when I'm supposed to be working," she says. "Jim and I became friends and we laughed a lot together. After filming was over we spoke a couple of times on the telephone and I realised I missed him. It was a very innocent, old-fashioned way of getting to know a person." Carrey has been a frequent visitor to the Bridget Jones set at Shepperton Studios and Rene has run up huge bills calling him in America. It's not just Carrey, though, who is racking up the charges. She also regularly rings her dog, Dylan, at home in California. "I have a speaker phone and I'm told she wags her tail and goes looking around the house for me," says Rene. It's nearly lunchtime and Rene faces the prospect of another round of pizza and peanut butter sandwiches. One wonders if it is necessary, given there is no mention in the book that Bridget is overweight. "It's a character choice," says Rene. "She is self-deprecating, probably with no reason, but it would be silly if she was talking about her chubby thighs if they weren't." But filming here has been a welcome break from the Californian fixation with image. "The scrutiny can be hurtful and unjustifiable, so it's been good for me to come to London and find out that a doughnut doesn't do a thing and 20 doughnuts don't do a thing. You have to eat 20 doughnuts a day for five weeks before you get results." ********** *hee hee* A scientific breakthrough

Evelyn, your post #936 says my thoughts precisely. Judy, sorry I scared you with the idea of HG getting a happy ending. Make that one in which his cahracter doesn't die. :-) This Shad Thames location is a different one from the previous spot. Think Tower Bridge instead of London Bridge (though they are easily confused - check with the Arizona corporation who paid for the old London Bridge to be shipped over and were disappointed to find it had no towers). I shall try to get along and see what gives. It sounds like a different scene from "my" one - *praying that the film stock that was damaged wasn't too extensive*. Great investigative work, O sleuth of sleuths! Quite a good article from the Sunday Express. Hands up which other Brits read RZ's line about "I've spent evenings alone eating a bag of chips in front of the TV." and just nodded, without realising that "chips" has to be translated? Cultural as well as linguistic difference, maybe, a bit like that birthday cake anecdote. Hey, weird, why is everybody, like, eating it?

Very enjoyable reading today. Thanks for the news, Karen. :-)

what is this all about please

Have made to many mistakes its been ages since I have used the PC and even now I am is a cyber Cafe in London so too much going on around and I am not used to Apple Macs. Went and saw Notting Hill some weeks back but rained the whole time I was there. I did not see any action either, was V dissapointed as it was the only day I could get away from the job. Am flying home day after next I have been here nearly two months working and v, home sick. Have kept my eyes pealed for CF in the burbs but never so lucky.

(Mark) This Shad Thames location is a different one from the previous spot. Ooops, must blame other laminated foldout map without noteworthy tourist details. Was on other side of river, near bridge ergo same location. Also was late and eyes don't work so well at that hour. ;-) "I've spent evenings alone eating a bag of chips in front of the TV." Are you sooo subtlely telling us that RZ hasn't quite settled into her English ways? Perhaps she was referring to what we would call French fries from a takeaway or from McDonald's. What however are peanut butter sarnies? Merely a sandwich?

(Karen) Perhaps she was referring to what we would call French fries from a takeaway or from McDonald's. Well, I believe "chips" is the English term for what Americans would call french fries, whereas what we would call potato chips, the English call "crisps." I think she meant potato chips (the bag reference). Yes, sarnies are sandwiches. Glad she qualified the cake comment by saying she was talking about LA (and even there, the tiny slice called Hollyweird;-) Just read a report that says we're the fattest people on earth--*somebody* here is scarfing down the cake and chips, big time!

Yes, do know difference between chips and crisps, although what does one call the container for French fries (she says whilst dropping blueberry crumbcake on keyboard). Ah well, she should have said crisps... ;-)

You can get French fries in a bag (or in newspaper, or both) so the statement reads OK both ways. And the British version is even more of a comfort-foodfest than the American one (unless you get a reeeeeally big bag of crisps, I suppose). It's just I reckon she was talking about crisps, not French fries (as I understood it at first). Enough potatoes already.

Is the Shad Thames location in Hoxton, Mark? From This Is London, see 4th paragraph. Hoxton, the new Hollywood by Tim Cooper Lights, camera, action! Film makers are turning Hoxton into the new Notting Hill. Already the epicentre of London's ultra-hip fashion scene, the tiny area in east London is rapidly being colonised by film crews eager to cash in on its trendy status. Yesterday, as Minnie Driver shot a new Disney-backed movie in Hoxton Square, you could not move for film crews, with two other units simultaneously at work within sight of its cameras. On one side, in a caf� on the square, a TV crew was busy making a drama called Men Only, while on the other side, in a nightclub, a pop video was being shot for a new R&B single. And, in the centre of the square, Miss Driver and co-star Mary McCormack were being put through their paces by director Mel Smith in the $10 million action-comedy High Heels And Lowlifes. Next week, as soon as Minnie and Mel move out, it's the turn of Notting Hill star Hugh Grant to move in for location scenes for his Bridget Jones movie with Renee Zellweger - final proof that this little corner of N1 really is the new W11. Not that London-born Miss Driver was aware of just how trendy it is. Her main home is in Los Angeles although she keeps the flat in Chelsea that she took when she went to drama school here. "I had no idea Hoxton had become so fashionable," she said. "I once went out with a guy in Old Street but I don't remember the area being very exciting at the time. I've always been a south-west London chick myself." With its derelict warehouses being turned into loft conversions faster than you can say "oblong glasses", and coffee shops and clubs competing with website design companies, graphic designers and videomakers for each new lease, Hoxton is fast becoming London's answer to New York's TriBeCa district. The fashion world has already discovered it and the film makers are following suit. Only last week makers of a low-budget Britflick called Daddy, starring former pop idol Luke Goss, were confronted there by location scouts for Mel Smith's picture and officials from The Film Office, which licenses locations for film makers on behalf of local authorities. Emma Plimmer, their agent responsible for Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets, says: "It's the most popular area in London for film makers at the moment. We've got feature films, TV dramas, pop videos and commercials all going on. People come because it's trendy and it's an up-and-coming area." She added: "Three months ago I sat down in Hoxton Square to discuss High Heels and Lowlifes with the production team and we decided that Hackney needs a little boost. I was hoping this film would do for Hackney, and Hoxton in particular, what the film Notting Hill did for west London. Film makers like it because it's pretty here, aesthetically pleasing and easy for film crews to park their vehicles." That was certainly proved as Minnie and Mary spent the whole of yesterday unhindered by onlookers - apart from a drunk punk who wandered towards the camera to ask if he could be in the film. In it, Miss Driver plays a hard-up nurse and Miss McCormack her best friend, a struggling American actress, who accidentally overhears plans for a heist and devises a crazy plan to blackmail the gang, becoming armed robbers themselves in a get-rich-quick scheme full of comic pitfalls. "It's like a contemporary version of one of those classic Sixties caper movies," said Smith, who directed Bean - The Movie, one of Britain's most successful films of all time. "We chose Hoxton not because it's trendy but because it's rough and arty and a bit like New York. And that will give the film the contemporary flavour we are looking for." For Miss Driver and Miss McCormack, one of the big attractions was a pair of strong and funny starring roles for women, written by Kim Fuller, writer of Spiceworld - The Movie and the S Club 7 TV series. "It's so rare that you get to be funny in a leading role with another woman," said Minnie, while Mary added: "Usually, as an actress, you just get to say: 'Hello!' and 'I love you' and 'I'll stand by you no matter what' - I must have said that 50 times!" Offstage, the pair have been mirroring their roles as best friends by turning up at social events together, including an introduction to the Queen at the Coronation Cup last week. "I'd met her before when I was a kid of seven, because my dad used to play polo," said Miss Driver, whose co-star was rather more impressed. "It was surreal," she laughed. "I'm from New Jersey and my dad sold cars ... I felt like Julia Roberts!"

(Mari) Is the Shad Thames location in Hoxton, Mark? On behalf of Mark...have checked map and Hoxton (as the article says is N1), which is North. Is situated between Islington (on NW) and Shoreditch (on SE). Shad Thames is on other side of river (the south bank); couldn't possibly hazard a guess as to the postal code there. ;-) Hmmm, French fries, all slathered in ketchup, in a greasy bag - takes me back to grammar school and walking home past hot dog joints. The ultimate comfort food.

This is the picture of RZ that was with the Express article: Didn't she say something in a previous article about filling out a bra for the first time... ;-)

I'll say! She doesn't look bad but looks v. different from baseline. Hope those 15# come off as easily as they went on (doubt it)--wonder if that'll make as many headlines (again, doubt it).

Yes she's definitely developed a fuller figure.How come when I put weight on it goes straight for my hips?

Hmmm... when I had chips in Dublin they were slathered in vinegar and salt (yumm) but smelled terrible in the garbage the next morning! (phew!!) She says as she has potato chips all over desk, keyboard and rug!

Next week, as soon as Minnie and Mel move out, it's the turn of Notting Hill star Hugh Grant to move in for location scenes for his Bridget Jones movie with Renee Zellweger - final proof that this little corner of N1 really is the new W11. Are they still filming...or is this an old article? Hugh Grant..."his" Bridget Jones movie. Eeech! Have to say that HG mentions seem to outnumber CF's. I do hope he's not going to be a surrogate Fiennes brother! The "sexy" charming adulterer as opposed to the "dull" stolid decent type? I saw RZ in "Jerry Maguire"...she looked pleasantly rounded. Why all this emphasis on putting on weigh?.(BTW Not a flattering photo of RZ!) BJ's "fatness" was mostly in the mind...8 stone 12 isn't exactly Weightwatchers territory!

(Bethan) I saw RZ in "Jerry Maguire"...she looked pleasantly rounded.You're politer than me I thought she looked muscular.I agree I don't think she needed to put on too much weight & in that photo she looks bigger than I thought BJ needed to be. Its bad enough having to mention HG(am still recovering from NH last night)but did you have to bring up the Fiennes brothers-double yuk;-)

(Mari)Just read a report that says we're the fattest people on earth--*somebody* here is scarfing down the cake and chips, big time! LOL Mari! I wonder too, if they arrive at the average weight with the Hollyweird crowd factored in? Isn't there a rule in statistics which says you ought to discount "outliers"? Or is that "outliars?" Imagine what fat average is without them. V. embarassing, especially since I do my share of scarfing (especially in front of screen while drooling!) Make note, must get new bag of chips (crisps) and some cake in manner of RZ. (Bethan) Eeech! Have to say that HG mentions seem to outnumber CF's. Am having a bad dream, and will soon wake up. Wait, I smell coffee!

(Sadie) I wonder too, if they arrive at the average weight with the Hollyweird crowd factored in? Isn't there a rule in statistics which says you ought to discount "outliers"? Or is that "outliars?" LOL! Very punny, Sadie. Just think: Cameron Diaz and Calista Flockhart are all that stands between us and title of "most gargantuan people in galaxy.;-) Bethan, that article is dated today, so I assume it's new. RE: Weight and RZ--I think she got much thinner after Jerry Maguire. If you see her in One True Thing, she was very, very thin, ditto for Me, Myself & Irene. I think her bod looks nice in the new pic--I should be so "fat!";-) Lemme see, what was regimen again? 20 doughnuts/day for 20 days? 8 stone 12 of chips? 12 ladies and 7 gentlemen?;-) (Judy) Its bad enough having to mention HG(am still recovering from NH last night) Hee hee, Judy, you're incorrigible! Now, tell the truth, don't you feel just a tiny bit sorry for the man, now that Liz H. has decided to provide us all with entirely Too Much Information about their former, er, relationship (or lack thereof)? ;-)

Listen, o world, HG is crap in bed, crap in general and crap in all particulars... Liz - getting her own back? ...

Yes, Jerry Maguire was made over 4 years ago, long before a two-digit weight limit was established for actresses.

Renee is in Saturday's Times, according to yesterday's Times newspaper, "Renee on her most unlikeliest role".

O.k. I'm down to my last day of drooling for awhile, as I start moving process tomorrow and am disconnected. :-( I am completely in dark about all that Liz is saying about HG. But sounds v. unkind, low-down and generally smutty. Will someone please post it NOW?! (Mari)Cameron Diaz and Calista Flockhart are all that stands between us and title of "most gargantuan people in galaxy.;-) LMAO Mari! How noble of them! I bet my cats eat more food during course of year than either of them do. Doh, where'd that cute little donut get to? Is time I ate breakfast. LOL Karen! Two-digit weight limit is proof that can be 99lb weakling and yet huge success. No bullies kicking sand in their eyes! Judy, did you post somewhere a more indepth comment on NH? I am v.v.curious to know what you thought!

Thanks for the advance notice, Ann. Hopefully, we'll see it online; otherwise, it will be Monday for me. Sadie: why don't you join in on the FP discussion on 98?

(Bethan) BJ's "fatness" was mostly in the mind...8 stone 12 isn't exactly Weightwatchers territory! Yes, that's what we've been saying. Didn't Renee say the producers or other powers-that-be thought the repeated references to the size of her thighs would wear a bit thin if they were, in fact, thin? I guess they've interpreted the book differently (and would bet my lunch that there's a long list of additional differences to follow) or they're just being PC--perhaps want to avoid any body image controversies. Who knows. Judy, I also thought she was muscular in JM. The pic Karen posted shows she got thinner since. (Mari) Lemme see, what was regimen again? 20 doughnuts/day for 20 days? 8 stone 12 of chips? 12 ladies and 7 gentlemen?;-) LOL! Too many ladies...

(Mari)Now,tell the truth,don't you feel just a tiny bit sorry for the man, Oh come on its the best news I've heard all week.'less than adequate' thought it was a polite critique of his acting ability at first but when I realised it was Liz talking about his sexual prowess I cracked up,the mans got nothing going for him. If I'd heard it earlier it would have given me something to laugh at during NH. No Sadie I haven't given an in depth slaughter of NH yet I'm still receiving treatment from my doctor for it. (Arami) Listen,o world,HG is crap in bed,crap in general and crap in all particulars...there is nothing more to say!

Karen, thanks for the skinny (pic) on Renee from MM&I, but I thought you of all people would have posted the pic with her and Jim *and* the cow!;-) Ann, we'll look forward to seeing the Times article, thanks for the heads-up. Just a little something from a few weeks back: Zellweger Refusing To Drop English Accent - Even In Time Off Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) star Renee Zellweger is so smitten with her role as the English PR girl - she's refusing to revert back to her native Texan even in her spare time. Zellweger, who's being coached by Barbara Berkeley, the voice-guru who perfected Gwyneth Paltrow's speech for Sliding Doors (1998), never drops her middle-class British tones, even in the canteen. The film's spokesperson Stacy Mann explains, "Whenever I see her she's speaking in the English accent. It's extremely convincing - and it fooled the publishers where she did two week's undercover work experience. Renee's got the same voice coach as Gwyneth Paltrow. She's on set at all times, listening to everything Renee says. And if necessary they take time out to do voice exercises. They stretch different facial muscles to get the accent."

There's a large new pic of RZ from the BJD set in the new issue of People (new Mr. & Mrs. Pitt on cover). Wearing tight pink short-sleeved sweater and a black and white fur skirt, black stockings and boots. Says something about her showing off her new curves on the London set after 15 lb. weight gain. She looks very voluptuous.:-)

(Mari) She looks very voluptuous.:-) but sounds tarty?

Oh dear its going to be one of those nights!

(Judy) but sounds tarty? Welllll . . .it's not exactly what my dear mother used to call "a classic look." ;-) Just checked and they now have it up online. Go to: http://people.aol.com/people/000814/photo/photo2.html

Yes,well,erm I don't quite know what to say about that! quite a contrast to that photo Karen posted earlier.MD's certainly going to have his hands full there.Maybe fat will be fashionable again in which case I'm stopping my diet right now. Thanks for finding it Mari

*banging head against wall* have just wasted $2.99 Had no idea People had its pics online! Oh well, in the mag, it isn't so pink. But WHO decided Bridget dressed so horribly? I haven't seen one outfit that looked decent. And those thigh-hi boots all the time! (we won't say anything about that skirt) Incredible thing is that all throughout the book, her mother keeps nagging at her about the dull, boring, neutral clothing she wears and how she needs to brighten things up. Mother must be suggesting she shop for clothes at a clown shop. Thanks, Mari, for finding it.

Does that mean you won't be rushing out to copy her style Karen?

I haven't got her legs or chest. ;-) (and my poor feet couldn't handle those high-heel boots anymore)

and the black bra under the pink jumper, a definite no-no. imo. Poor Bridget, what are they doing to her.

Yikes! who dressed that woman? ..wonder what stuffed animal had to die for the skirt to be possible? *sniff* poor little thing...

What's even worse is that on the same page, they've got Bridget on half the page and the other half shows Jerry Hall (1/4 page shot) as Mrs. Robinson in lacy bra and slip and very bony and a street shot (other 1/4 page) of Matt Lauer and his MODEL wife Annette Roque, whose shadow is fatter than her. With those stick people next to her, RZ looks like a Titan woman, and a poorly dressed one as well.

I've just been looking at the few on set shots we've seen of her & they do seem to be dressing her a tad tattily,lets hope they're not hoping for best costume. Had a few worries this week about BJD 1 HG for being well himself 2 RC's script for NH not boding well for BJD 3 BJ being fatter than I imagined and now BJ's clothing being like nothing I could have possibly imagined.

Looks like A LOT more than 15 pounds to me. Is she v. short? I didn't think so... I don't envy her getting it off, but then, there's probably a personal trainer waiting for her at the end (in her contract).

Judy! Armadillo is being advertised on the back of that magazine HG is reading in NH. What eyes! (she has a good shot at spotting Nessie)

I am afraid thats a sign of looking everywhere exceptat HG*snort* definitely the redeeming feature of the film!

RZ, as Ann mentioned, is feaured in the Sunday Times magazine supplement, looking very svelte, slim and glamorous. Quite unlike the pink T shirt/see thru' bra BJ look! A tad over-plumptious IMHO, and as to the dress sense.....it's kinder not to comment! Obviously DC and MD are both attracted by big breaths, to quote with a lisp. The Times article is mostly RZ and her burgeoning career, but there are some BJ bits. "Shooting will continue to the end of the month". So they must be shooting until the end of August (from the beginning of May). Is this a longer than normal shoot, or average for a bigger budget movie? "work alongside a strong British cast, which includes Hugh Grant as Bridget's office lover and Colin Firth as her potential lover" "Potential"? Huh! (Dictionary definition = existing but not in action, latent) A latent lover? Wot, no towel scene! BTW, I have a theory that they shot all the MD scenes first (phone in bin, fight, etcetera, etcetera (hopefully!) in order to release CF for his non-latent lover starring role in "Maid of Buttermere" which is being "filmed this year" and therefore has to be shot before the late autumn mists and murk descend on the lakes. We're off to the Lake District in a couple of weeks, so any confimation would be gratefully received!! Am quite prepared to rubberneck, if only I knew where and when :-)

(Bethan)A latent lover & wot no towel scene- this is getting worse by the day,my worst fears are coming true its a B-grade disaster movie 'The Gargantuan BJ Never Finds True Love' 'Is this a longer than normal shoot,or average for a bigger budget movie?' No its all the re-shoots needed when HG 's on board!! 'big breaths' LoL Bethan drooling does make you lisp more Has RZ got fatter as the shoot has gone on & if so does that mean they are trying to show her fluctuating weight in the film? MOB or Armadillo? how's he going to do both?

I've just been out for my copy of The Times and the difference between the RZ & the BJ look is marked,she looks bony on the front cover.I think they must be kidding us about 15lbs-that accounts for her boobs alone! I don't remember Gina McKee being mentioned as BJ, considering my hubby kept getting her confused with HG the other night in NH its a good job she wasn't chosen

Jeez,and here I thought Renee looked adorable! Perfectly squishy, perfectly Bridget. I'm quite pleased. Funny how those 15 lbs all seem to be above the waist. I'm not that lucky.

(SBRobinson) ..wonder what stuffed animal had to die for the skirt to be possible? *sniff* poor little thing... It's even worse than that, the stuffed animal sacrificed was covered in the pelts of the plentiful, but vicious acrylic. The acrylic is, of course, a small animal and it takes many to cover a large stuffed animal. Although small, it is a pity that all those acrylics, compounded by the demise of a large stuffed animal, had to die for that skirt.

(Judy) I think they must be kidding us about 15lbs-that accounts for her boobs alone! (Heide) Funny how those 15 lbs all seem to be above the waist Indeed! Not that the black bra calls more attention to 'em or anything... (article) Colin Firth as her potential lover Shhhh! They don't want to give away the plot *snicker*

That skirt looks like it's cut from the same cloth as the vests Sonny Bono used to wear in the '60s. I Got You Babe meets Carnaby Street.;-) Anyway, I can understand the horror over the wardrobe and general frumpiness, but I look at it this way: if the film was about a gorgeously dressed, svelte gal who regularly consults her 3 best friends for advice, and whose biggest fashion decision was Manolo Blahnik vs. Jimmy Choo . . .it would be Sex In The City, not Bridget Jones. I actually like the fact that BJ is a bit pudgy and seems to be lacking fashion sense--and *still* has 1.5 gorgeous guys in pursuit of her.;-) I think Richard Curtis may be onto something here; this may really strike a cord with the many women who are sick and tired of having some unnatural, unattainable idea of beauty shoved down our throats, and face it, the target audience for this film is women--not the 18-year-old guys who go to see Coyote Ugly;-). I wouldn't worry about the "potential lover" phrase; these publications don't know any more about the plot that we do, and probably a lot less.

Mari you made some great points 'strike a cord' there's so much publicity over ultra thin women in mags & films being a cause of anorexia that BJ as a normal 'one of us' women is a good selling point for the film,as you said "the target audience for this film is women" '1.5' gorgeous guys I know of one but whose the .5?;-)You're too kind to him or have you already forgotten he's less than adequate in the maleness rating stakes

I've heard he's moving back in with her... He may be inadequate as a male, but he's still tops as a publicity stuntman.

Yes one of the papers had pictures of him moving clothes back into their home-maybe he's begged for another chance to prove himself now that Colin's told him how to do it properly.

Report from the Set IV Virtually nothing to report from Shad Thames - everything while I was there was being shot inside the restaurant, which was completely blacked out by screens over all windows. Extras waited at outside restaurant tables, and the occasional "Quiet please" was isued from inside. Eventually RZ and HG emerged for 15 minutes sitting outside. They sat as far apart as humanly possible, RZ chatting with friends, HG largely alone but occasionally talking to a stagehand for a while. Costume: HG in a suit this time, dark blue, pinstripe (a little subtler than CF's last time, but not much); RZ in another surprising fashion statement, matching shiny black halter-neck top and skirt to the knee. Possibly the scruffy sneakers were just for walking outside, which she did in a very clumsy way (those extra pounds, perhaps). She is quite small, so in real-life does not show the weight gain like in the photos; I guess the celluloid will restore the cellulite. She looked very pretty, and still seemed the giggly optimist who it is hard to conceive as the more introspective BJ. That's acting though, I suppose.

Mark, you did it again! Great report, thanks. I guess the celluloid will restore the cellulite ROTFLOL!

Thanks Mark ..RZ in another surprising fashion statement, matching shiny black halter-neck top and skirt to the knee. Getting worse....ug.Maybe she's en route to a costume party.

(RR) They sat as far apart as humanly possible, RZ chatting with friends, HG largely alone Ooooo!!! It's going to be mighty difficult to fake "chemistry" if she's ticked off about his criticisms of her (that is, if they're true). But on the positive side, maybe then the press' attention will be focused where it should: on RZ and CF! RZ in another surprising fashion statement, matching shiny black halter-neck top and skirt to the knee What's surprising about this one? Sounds pretty normal if you ask me or was that what you meant, i.e., not another outfit from RB&BB (Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey)? Thanks, Mark, for taking the time and stopping by? Have you been scoping out Hoxton yet? ;-)

Thanks for coming through for us once again, Mark! Aside from the suit, how did HG look? I'm looking for an honest assessment, though in deference to Judy and Arami words such as "haggard," "unkempt," and "pathetic" wouldn't be altogether unwelcome in this neighborhood.;-)

Hoxton's a bit out of my way ... unless we have a definite date for filming ... HG looked fairly normal to me, maybe just a little careworn. 2 girls were passing by at one point, and one burst into fits of laughter on recognising him, with the other suppressing the laughter until they were past - he pretended not to notice.

Great report Mark. RZ's obviously a great judge of character in not talking to HG,I like her even more now;-) 'maybe just a little careworn.' ah come on Mark you don't have to be so polite I can take the truth,I won't laugh I promise.

(Mark) 2 girls were passing by at one point, and one burst into fits of laughter on recognising him, with the other suppressing the laughter until they were past - he pretended not to notice. *snort* Poor Hughie, he can't catch a break. Glad to hear RZ looks better in person that the photos. Thanks for your reporting, Mark.

(Mark) 2 girls were passing by at one point, and one burst into fits of laughter on recognising him, with the other suppressing the laughter until they were past - he pretended not to notice. So you couldn't recognize who Liz Hurley was with?

Thanks for another report Mark. V. interesting that RZ and HG sat so far apart. I still have not read any of the gossipy news articles about him. Will have to dig up stuff online. Although he's not my fave person, I am beginning to feel sorry for him. He may have brought the previous humiliation on himself (when arrested in L.A.) but I don't like to see anybody humiliated. (Cannot help it, I feel for the underdog, even if he is a hound dog!) So what did he do this time that was so terrible? I missed the news when it broke because I was packing, and I still have not caught up, because I've been unpacking!

So what did he do this time that was so terrible? Weeelll, not that I like gossiping, but.... Liz told the American magazine Jane that HG was not Mr Excitment in bed. She is now denying she ever said that, but the magazine is standing behind its story and has the interview on tape.

(Sadie)Hound dog-you're too kind just a dog will suffice. Karen I read in one of the papers over here that Liz intends to sue (usual course of action in these circumstances) and that there is no tape,but don't believe a Brit paper

Oh well, if we publicly humilated every man who was not exciting in bed... I hesitated about just 'dog' 'cause I did not want to be unfair to dogs, but did not wish to malign wolves either.

According to the upcoming movies site, the movie's release date has been changed to April 13, 2001 - "away from the crowded Valentine's season into April." Let's see, move a romantic comedy away from Valentine's Day... right.

Noooooooooo! Cannot take two more months of waiting. And I gave up chocolate too! And it makes no sense! What does this say about their confidence in it as an appealing romance?

Aagh they're not real,it would have been a great excuse to go to the pictures. Double aagh now we've got to wait even longer to see it.

What does this say about their confidence in it as an appealing romance? Nothing of the kind. All it says to me is: they're behind schedule. period.

The stars in their courses (well, at least the people behind them)conspire against us!

Oops, we crossed posts Karen, and now mine makes no sense. I was adding to Judy's comment. But as usual, you are being v. levelheaded. But why not just say that they are behind schedule, instead of comment about Valentine's Day? As an excuse, it is a poor one.

I'm losing track of where I'm up to,it's flowing tonightIf they're behind schedule its because of HUGH,I knowI know I'm like a broken record but a girls got to stick to her beliefs

LOL Judy, the more you detest HG, the less I do. Soon my heart will be as light as a feather. ;-) (But you're probably right *she says conspiratorially, while entertaining the idea of a good HG bash session*)

LOL Sadie you mean- 'the more you detest HG,the lessI do.It was you standing up for him that set me off again;-) & now you tell me its all pretend,oh & I had my fists raised ;-)

LOL Judy. I wasn't standing up for him though. Just feeling a little sorry for him. He's still not my type! Well, once again I have to get going! We should try out chat next time. I haven't yet and I'm curious to test it out.

If thats chat on Colinfirth.com I can't get in!

(Mari)...not the 18-year-old guys who go to see Coyote Ugly;-). I doubt if any 18-year-old males would be interested in it as it is a PG-13 rated movie. Translation: no chance of seeing models "in the flesh" as it were. So why would 18-year-olds bother with it when no bimbos get naked. (Sadie) I hesitated about just 'dog' 'cause I did not want to be unfair to dogs, but did not wish to malign wolves either. What are your views concerning coyotes and dingos? My guess is that you wouldn't want to be unfair to them as well. I have on occasion liked Hugh Grant; it just depends on which particular film. He's much better in some than others.

I think that moving the release date from February 2 to April is a real blessing and a vote of confidence in the film. Oscar noms are announced late January, and it would have been buried with the February date, as people scramble to see the nominated films and performances and all the media focus is on the nominees. Plus, the nominated stuff tends to get the "expanded screens" treatment, meaning that it's tougher to book theaters at that time. So, while I hate to wait any longer for BJD, I really do think it's for the best.

Hmmm, I hadn't thought of that Mari! Thanks, a v. good point and I feel cheered up by it. BTW, when does the summer blockbuster season start to gear up? Will this be a good positioning to catch early filmgoer enthusiasm, do you think? You know, after the blahs of winter are past.

BJD release date pushed back to April--here we go, ladies. *sigh* Suppose I can wait 2 more months for washboard/six pack abs. You're right, Karen, they are behind schedule (hardly surprising with first-time director). Mari, your points are well taken also. I read somewhere that studios dump their losers in January releases--Feb. is closer to Jan. than April! BTW, Karen, did the site specify a US release date?

His first posting of a release date did say US. The change doesn't say specifically, but I'd be shocked if this movie didn't open in the US first or virtually simultaneously with the UK. Even Notting Hill premiered in the US (May 13) before it opened in the UK (May 21), although it didn't open here until the following week. I would expect something fairly similar. Unfortunately, the Valentine Day's line is being fed by someone associated with WT. It does violate my rule-of-thumb about official explanations. Doesn't have to be accurate, only plausible. Really, Mari, they should've consulted you. Your hopes and aspirations for the change in release date are far more plausible. ;-)

(Karen) Even Notting Hill premiered in the US (May 13) before it opened in the UK (May 21), although it didn't open here until the following week. I would expect something fairly similar. Okey dokey! *resetting countdown calendar*

Ah Mari the voice of reason,beginning to calm down again after nasty shock of release delay. Okay spoke too soon (Eileen)hardly surprising with first-time director.yikes I'd forgotten about that,ah well maybe she'll do a Mendes Feeling better again,learning to cheer myself up with positive thoughts.

Since it's a bit slow here, I thought I'd post the full Times article. It's long, but I didn't have the URL (not sure if the article appeared online). Thanks to Rai. The Times (London) August 5, 2000, Saturday SECTION: Features HEADLINE: Starring roles, 3(vg) Renee Zellweger was not the obvious choice to play neurotic singleton Bridget Jones - for a start she's American, she's as thin as a rake, and she's landed a Hollywood leading man of her own. And with three major film roles in the offing, there's absolutely nothing for her to get angst-ridden about Renee Zellweger, deep into her role as the very-English-indeed Bridget Jones, has been immersing herself in all things British. There's the accent to master, of course - and judging by a brief demonstration she's doing rather well on that front - and the fact that Bridget likes a drink or two and a diet that is not exactly Rosemary Conley. To these ends, Renee has taken to supping a daily pint of Guinness and munching slices of pizza and chocolate bars - purely for the sake of authenticity, you understand - rather than sticking to her usual salads and Evian, and has intentionally piled on 15lb as a result. Furthermore, before filming started she had also been working in a "normal" nine-to-five job at a publishers and soaking up pop culture in the evenings, in particular vegging out in front of the telly for research purposes. "Yep, I'd come home at the same time every day, like people with normal jobs. I'd get back, you know, tired, and click on the TV, and there were the soaps," she says. "What's that one on at 6pm about the football team? I watched that one a lot. Dream something it's called. I really got into that one..." The thought of Texan-born Renee devouring a pizza, unwrapping a KitKat and knocking back a glass of stout while tuning into EastEnders, Coronation Street and Dream Team (I think that's the one she's referring to), is somehow rather odd.But then, some would say that the choice of Ms Zellweger to play the thirtysomething, angst-ridden, eternally single and searching for Mr Right, Ms Jones is a little strange, too. A fact that she is very well aware of herself. Take today, for instance, when we meet in one of Cannes' most fashionable hotels, where Renee has been visiting the film festival. She's on a brief break from filming Bridget to promote one of two new movies, Nurse Betty (released next month), a comedy in which she is very good indeed. Talk of Bridget Jones's Diary produces a slightly defensive reaction. "I've been working very, very hard on the accent. I've been taking dialect classes since February and I'm pleased with the way it's going. But I know it has to be perfect, especially for you guys." Ah yes, us guys, the English. And in particular the ones who felt that maybe someone like, say, Kate Winslet or Gina McKee might have been a more appropriate home-grown choice for the part. Even Helen Fielding - and after all, it is her book - was apparently somewhat bemused by the choice, backing off from the script ("retired gracefully"was the phrase) after the casting was announced, and adding later: "I am very surprised that nobody asked my opinion." So perhaps it's hardly surprising that this usually polite and affable young woman gets a bit prickly when asked about Bridget. "It's been tough, dealing with all the things that are printed about me," she admits. "I mean, I can understand some of the negative reaction, but there are so many films where British actors are playing Americans and vice versa. I'm an actor and this is a great role and actually I'm thrilled to death to have the chance to live and work in London because I love the city." She has a point. And at least this time around - unlike with say, High Fidelity, where Nick Hornby's quintessentially English novel was transplanted to Chicago - the filmmakers have kept Bridget in London. And Bridget is, says Renee, a woman whose fears and anxieties strike a chord from Los Angeles to Luton. "With this character there are links that we have as women. All the women who have read this book - and it doesn't matter where they are from - can really relate to her and what she is going through, whether that period is in the future or they have already been through it or they are living it now. "There's that self-deprecation that a lot of women tend to have about trying to aspire to achieve certain things in terms of successful careers, in terms of finding love and in meeting the sort of paragon that the media presents to us as 'the right partner'. I guess that's what's so lovely about her, about Bridget, is her honesty and how she's so earnestly trying to find happiness. And we can all relate to that..." Certainly, no one could fault Zellweger on her preparation. She has been living in London since February, almost three months before filming began (shooting will continue until the end of the month). "I feel a strong responsibility to work hard at it," she says. So presumably by the time she turned up for work alongside a strong British cast, which includes Hugh Grant as Bridget's office lover, Daniel Cleaver, and Colin Firth, as her potential lover, Mark Darcy, she at least felt confident enough to give the doubters a run for their money. As well as daily voice coaching, Zellweger also went to work in the offices of Picador - publishers of Bridget Jones's Diary - as Bridget Cavendish, a new recruit in the press office. Apparently, very few people were in on the secret and she would turn up for work each day in London's Eccleston Place, and few of her colleagues guessed what was going on. "The people there were great," she says. "I just wanted to blend in and it helped me a lot, you know, just building up the character and soaking up the lifestyle. I enjoyed it." Then there's the diet, to pile on the pounds to make her a more convincing Bridget, a character prone to bingeing when life gets tough. "I'm used to working out and running a lot to stay in shape, so I've had to deal with the mental side of not doing the things that I normally do to stay fit and trim. But the positive side is that I've made a lot of friends at the Italian restaurant where I've been having dinner every night. "People have to keep in mind that Bridget isn't really fat as much as she has a negative self-image. So my challenge was to bring her state of mind out as much as anything else. The physical aspect of how she looks is secondary really." Although, Zellweger will tell you how much she loves London - it's almost a mantra - she does confess that the long months away from home have left her feeling rather lonely. Ah, that would be understandable, what with missing superstar boyfriend Jim Carrey and everything. "I am having a wonderful time, but I am the loneliest human being you ever met because I couldn't bring my dog..." Er, sorry? "My dog, Dylan, is back in the States. She'sa collie golden-retriever cross and I've had her for 11 and a half years and I take her everywhere, but she couldn't come to London and I miss her big time." Carrey, unlike Dylan, has been a frequent visitor to London. They first met a little more than a year ago when working together on the Farrelly Brothers comedy, Me, Myself and Irene, which is released next month. The Farrellys, Peter and Bobby, are the kings of bad-taste comedy thanks to Dumb and Dumber (an earlier Carrey vehicle) and last year's blockbuster There's Something About Mary, which earned $ 340 million worldwide. Me, Myself and Irene is the follow-up and even with an adult-only rating in the States, it's expected to match that kind of money. Anyone who has seen a Farrelly Brothers' film - Kingpin with Woody Harrelson, for instance - will know what to expect. Carrey gets to display his range of comic talents - lots of funny faces and physical comedy - and Zellweger basically gets to play his beautiful straight girl. The humour is, shall we say, crude at times (a set piece involving a chicken and a policeman is memorable for its grossness). On set, Carrey and Zellweger were apparently well aware of their mutual attraction but neither made a move. And it was only when filming finished that Carrey found the courage to phone her and ask for a date. "People think that we were involved during filming but I was there to work and I didn't want to start anything because of that," she says. "After filming was over I was missing Jim really, really badly. And I knew then that I had to spend more time with him. And we sort of hooked up." And now there's speculation that he has asked her to marry him, I point out, and that she has said yes. "Oh listen, I've been reading a lot of things. I read that I'm getting married, that I'm pregnant, that I've got a big old ring on my finger - I don't even like jewellery, so that's a guy who really knows me well, huh? So what do you say? What I will say is that I love him, so there we go." If they do end up getting married - and I wouldn't bet against it - Carrey will be a lucky fellow. Zellweger, the people who work with her will tell you, is a very nice woman. And given her status in Hollywood, she remains refreshingly down to earth and easygoing and somewhat nervous in conversation. Today, she's dressed in jeans and a white shirt. Her face, because the pounds piled on for Bridget, is slightly rounder than the one you've seen on screen, but it comes alive when she smiles, which she does a lot. She's quite small with a tumbling mane of blonde hair. Her face has the kind of open girl-next-door quality that Tom Cruise was shrewd enough to spot and insist she be cast as his love interest, the downtrodden single mum who's been unlucky in love in her breakthrough movie, Jerry Maguire, in 1996. That movie was to change her life and she admits that she still feels the aftershocks today. "I still get people saying, 'Hey, you're the girl from Jerry Maguire...' It does become boring after a while but that film put me on the map and it gave me the chance to go up for the best roles. It was a turning point." It certainly was. Although it's taken four years to get to the point where Zellweger is now really cashing in on that. At 31, she is now claiming roles that others would happily swap agents for. She grew up in the country town of Katy, Texas, where her parents, Emil and Irene (Swiss and Norwegian respectively) had settled after leaving Europe in the Sixties. She was not, unlike many other young Americans, particularly aware of cinema as she grew up. "I liked the movies but we wouldn't go and see too many as a family. I started to try out for school plays - even though my drama teacher would laugh me off the stage sometimes. But I wasn't all that interested in acting. I never really saw myself as an actress." Instead, she studied English at the University of Texas in Austin and it was there, through taking drama classes to supplement her degree, that she began to believe that there might be a career to follow. "My room in the college dorm was right above the theatre and I saw a lot of repertory, a lot of art-house films. It sort of gave me the acting bug. So I started taking acting classes and then made some money doing beer and hair commercials." During that time she had been involved in a serious relationship, with Sims Ellison, a bass player with the heavy metal band Pariah. They were together, on and off, for five years but had separated by the time Zellweger eventually moved to California to pursue her career. Ellison, who according to reports had become more and more depressed after his band had been dropped by their record company, committed suicide in 1995. Zellweger, understandably, has not spoken of the tragedy but his mother has praised her for staying in touch with his family and she has lent her support to a charitable foundation set up in his name. Indeed, those early post-college years were often a struggle for Zellweger and money was tight. She had made a couple of low- budget film, including Love and a .45 and the horror flick, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation, in which she played opposite an equally unknown fellow Texan, Matthew McConaughey. They have remained friends. "I got to know Matthew well and he was the happiest person when Jerry Maguire was my big success. That's what I love about people from Texas - there's a rawness and earthiness to Texans and not too much ego and status involved - and you can get to know them really fast and not worry about why they're enjoying having a good time with you." Zellweger then went on to land small parts, working with McConaughey again in Dazed and Confused, in 1993, and a year later, a dialogue-lean performance in Reality Bites. To pay the bills in between acting jobs, she did what most struggling actors do - waited tables. But at the end of 1995 - by now living in a "grungy little apartment" in LA - out of nowhere came the role in Jerry Maguire. The film won over critics and made $ 240 million at the box office, turning Zellweger into a star virtually over night. "I don't think it was ever any grand plan," she says of her career. "I mean, I took the drama class at university because it fitted in with my schedule. And I loved it and it was like, 'We'll see what happens here...' But by the time I graduated I didn't really need to make a decision, I kind of had a life that I liked a lot. I could make enough money along with my job at the bar and at the restaurant to kind of get by and be very happy with the process. It was a really big adventure, and it kept becoming more important to me as I went along because the level of involvement started to increase, as did the ability to express something. It just sort of became my life. And now I feel really lucky." After Jerry Maguire, she has earned good reviews without repeating the box-office success. She played alongside Meryl Streep, as a magazine writer who abandons her career to nurse her dying mother, in One True Thing, and a Hassidic wife with religious doubts in A Price Above Rubies. She also played Chris O'Donnell's true love in The Bachelor. The next 12 months will be crucial for Zellweger. There's Me, Myself and Irene and its anticipated box-office returns and, of course, Bridget Jones, which is eagerly awaited on both sides of the Atlantic. First up, there's Nurse Betty, a dark comedy from director Neil LaBute (whose previous work included In The Comp-any of Men and Your Friends and Neighbors) with Morgan Freeman, Chris Rock and Greg Kinnear. A bizarre, sometimes surreal film, Zellweger plays Betty Sizemore, a waitress obsessed with a daytime soap opera. When she witnesses the brutal murder of her low-rent husband, reality and fantasy become confused and she sets off from her home in Kansas to track down the star of the soap (Kinnear) who she is convinced is in love with her. On her trail are the hitmen who murdered her spouse. "You know, doing Me, Myself and Irene and Nurse Betty were such good fun. I'd had three years of really dramatic and emotionally challenging work and I just thought, 'I want to go mad and have some fun,' and not brood in my trailer all day. I wanted to laugh. And it's different. It required a lot of work, but it was a different kind of focus, a different kind of application and it was wonderful for me." In Cannes, where Nurse Betty won very good reviews, Zellweger found the whole Hollywood-goes-to-the-Riviera experience overwhelming - the red carpet rolled out for the film's premiere, the legion of snappers, rubbing shoulders with the other celebrities in town, the superstar bit. "I don't think I understood the magnitude of it until I got there. I must admit that I didn't think it would be quite so incredibly emotional, I really didn't expect that. It was bizarre because it was totally elevated and yet serene. At one point everybody was standing back and you have this moment to reflect on what it means." What it all meant, of course, was that Renee Zellweger had arrived. And her next trick will be to convince everyone that she was the right choice to play Bridget Jones. After months of pizzas, Guinness, trips to Harvey Nicks and nights in front of the telly, she may well prove the detractors wrong. After all, as she says, it's all about acting. And she's rather good at that.

and, of course, Bridget Jones, which is eagerly awaited on both sides of the Atlantic. Eagerly? Says who? BTW, did you know there's only 245 days left until April 13th? ;-) Thanks for sharing, Mari. It sounds as though RZ has a good handle on the BJ character. However, if I read this bit of cr*p one more time: Even Helen Fielding - and after all, it is her book - was apparently somewhat bemused by the choice... *rolling my eyes*

Thanks, Mari, for posting the entire article. Writer must have spent months with RZ as talked with her at Cannes and a now (engagement thing). Liked this: After months of pizzas, Guinness, trips to Harvey Nicks and nights in front of the telly, she may well prove the detractors wrong. My question: Are Bridget's clothes indicative of what is sold at Harvey Nicks? ;-)

(Eileen)Eagerly? Says who? BTW did you know there's only 245 days left until April 13th? ;-) LOL I like the way your mind works.That happens to be hubby's b/day-an ideal present don't you think;-) (Karen) My question: Are Bridget's clothes indicative of what is sold at Harvey Nicks? ;-) That doesn't say much for H/Nicks then,but it made me think its always mentioned in Ab Fab & they do dress strange/vulgar in that so maybe yes;-) never been myself though so don't know!

That doesn't say much for H/Nicks HN is like Bloomingdale's in NY.Smaller.V.posh. Female apparel only. Carries cutting edge of fashion.Harrods is on the next block.Other designer shops are nearby in Knightsbridge. Ask Emma, she knows 'em all;-)

(Evelyn) Carries cutting edge of fashion.Doesn't mean its any good though;-) My home town is getting Harvey Nicks,in so many years hence,so I'll be a fashion plate like our Bridget,I've already got the black bra!

(Evelyn) Carries cutting edge of fashion. (Judy) Doesn't mean its any good though;-) Just goes to show, you can put together hideous outfits from even the best of stores ;-)

I really hope for RZ's sake, as well as CF's, that BJD is a huge smashing hit. I guess only the release of the film will silence all the speculation about her accent. Thanks for posting entire article, Mari. I'd forgotten about the small part in Reality Bytes.

I guess only the release of the film will silence all the speculation about her accent. I pray they release it in the US first. The accent knives are being sharpened in the UK press as we speak. You'll see....

(Evelyn) The accent knives are being sharpened in theUK press as we speak.You'll see.... I think it's worse than that I think the reviews are already written.

Apparently, according to the Times, HG's next role will be in "Two weeks of love", a romantic comedy about an undistiguished tennis player who suddenly manages to win Wimbledon. Sounds like an absolutely dreadful premise! Makes me wonder just how many good scripts HG has got lined up. And maybe he was keener to be involved in BJD than we were led to imagine. No re-writes in his favour necessary? I posted at #134 about (OT) George Clooney being offered (and turning down) the lead in Nick Hornby's "About a boy". I wonder if HG is still doing this?

Weren't both of these posted already at 136?

Sorry!

Just wanted to let you know that, if no one commented, it wasn't for lack of interest...just that we had already discussed elsewhere. See what you're missing by not reading 136?

I was wondering if y'all could answer a question. I posted this at RoP but was never answered. I read somewhere that the British edition of Edge of Reason is different from the U.S. edition. It seems the US edited some parts. I noticed on Amazon.com that the British edition is longer. Has anyone read both editions? I have the US version and want to know if it's worth reading the other version. Are important/funny parts edited? Thanks...sorry if this is confusing b/c of my repeated use of version/edition. Sarah

Hi, Sarah! I don't think it's edited (as abridged), but some British references (i.e., jumper, stone, fag, etc...) is Americanized. The reason why the British version is longer is typeface, they used different font. I hope that answers your questions.

Welcome Sarah! The British edition is still available, but in paperback now. And it should be pretty much as Laura explained, although I did read (I think) there was a change involving the Princess Di funeral thing.

There were also references to Donald Trump and the TV show 'ER' in place of their British counterparts.

Thank you everyone. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything. :) I was very upset when I learned the release date moved from APril to February. What's going on? Is post-production taken longer than usual or was Feb. a bad time to release? I thought it was a good idea to release it around Valentine's Day so all the "singletons" could rejoice with BJ.

WHOOPS!!! I meant February to April not vice versa.

You know now that I think of it, I didn't read the American version. I had it (accidentally ordered via cell phone!!! V. Bridget thing to do, eh?), but gave it to friend who fell in love with book (she's 16!).

Evelyn: HN is .... female apparel only. Hmph. I have decided to return my Harvey Nicks' tie & trousers.

Here we go, from an online interview with Helen Fielding: Question: Is there any difference between the UK edition of the new book and the one released in the U.S.? Helen Fielding: A few differences. The U.K. edition had a section about Princess Diana and I think they took it out in America because it highlighted the fact that the book was 77 weeks late. Most of it is the same. There are only a few details that changed. And weirdly, in the first book, they did not change the word fags for cigarettes. This caused some confusion. Sarah, if you want to read more, go to my Bridget page and you'll find links to other interviews and the actual articles that were published on The Telegraph. http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjd.html

Evelyn: HN is .... female apparel only. (Mark)Hmph. I have decided to return my Harvey Nicks' tie & trousers. They have a Ambisextrous Dept ;-D Will not tell DW

Thanks for the link. Great BJD page, Karen. KUDOS!!! I'm getting really excited now. Can't wait until April 13. Colin!!! Thought I'd share this tidbit: I lent BJD and EOR to a friend and now she is just as obsessed. Her screen saver has her favorite lines scrolling across the computer. "Fantasies about Mark Darcy/Colin Firth/Prince William bursting in saying, 'In the name of God and England release my future wife.':constant." ...also the one about cubes of frozen urine falling on the roof. :)

Looks as though Mark's career as a location reporter is over. Word has reached me that Heat magazine (15 Aug) said that filming finished last week. Renee shot her final scene at the Piccadilly tube station wearing a winter coat.[again??] Then there was a wrap party for cast and crew at the Naval and Military Club where they were entertained by an Elvis impersonator. If anyone can pick up this issue, let me know the precise wording and if there is more...

(Karen) wearing a winter coat.[again??] Maybe it was the only thing that still fits.;-) Welcome, Sarah!

Sorry Karen I can't help you til tomorrow,I sent hubby out but local newsagent shut (for god's sake its only 6.40 in the evening bloody useless b*******-his words not mine) part of the problem was that he did insist on going on foot & isn't amused by his wasted journey *snort*

Karen, from this week's Heat:- (19th-25th Aug) "Bridget Jones shot. RZ finished filming BJD last week - shooting the final scene at Piccadilly tube station wearing a winter jumper. (not coat - my words). The crew enjoyed a wrap party at the Naval and Military Club where they were entertained by an Elvis impersonator." (That's all, folks).

Thanks, Ann. Does anyone know if Colin moonlights as an Elvis impersonator? ;-D (Judy) he did insist on going on foot & isn't amused by his wasted journey *snort* but, apparently, you were! *snort* ;-)

Thanks Ann & Karen...That was a long shoot....it's gotta be a winner or RC would keep doing retakes. Poor Renee...now she's gotta take all that blubber off ;-(

(Evelyn) Poor Renee...now she's gotta take all that blubber off ;-( Colin Loses Weight . . .Renee Finds It!;-) I hope he gave her Cornel's business card.:-) Nurse Betty should have its premiere in about 3 weeks, so we'll get a look . . . maybe she can drop a stone by then.

(Evelyn) Poor Renee...now she's gotta take all that blubber off ;-( I'm sure Colin can recommend someone to help in that regard. Jeez, if Cornel thought CF was flabby as Darcy, what will he say about Renee? ;-) (Karen) Does anyone know if Colin moonlights as an Elvis impersonator? Gawd forbid! =8-O (Am now going straight to hell for insulting The King on the anniversary of his death.)

Blubber! Sheesh! You'd think that she'd put on enough to last her through a winter's hibernation. OK, what fat farm is she going to? The one in Baja? Canyon Ranch?

(Karen) OK, what fat farm is she going to? Do you think there are any 2 for 1 offers on only I could do with going with her.

Hi. Slightly OT, but I thought I'd share: ************************************** (From MrShowbiz) 8/16/00 Clooney Too Hot for Hornby? Is George "I'm not as good as Mel" Clooney getting too big for his britches? If you believe the British press, it seems that the star who faced monster swells of water in The Perfect Storm is fighting a swollen head. According to a London Daily Express interview with hipster author Nick Hornby, Clooney rejected the chance to star in a film based on Hornby's latest novel because he's too attractive to successfully play a single guy desperate for love. Hornby, whose High Fidelity book was the basis for the recent John Cusack flick of the same name, apparently told the paper that Clooney was offered the lead in the movie adaptation of his About a Boy. The former ER hunk supposedly told Hornby no, adding, "You would need someone more average-looking." If we know our Clooney like we think we do, this is a bloody lie. The same man who once told People magazine he didn't want to be their "Sexiest Man Alive" cover meat could hardly have gotten so conceited overnight. Or could he? The actor's reps could neither confirm nor deny whether he'd been in talks for About a Boy. Hugh Grant had previously been considered for the role of 36-year-old Will Lightfoot, a lying man-child who tells women he's a dad in order to get dates. Since the book's characters are British, Grant would have been a preferable choice for Hornby fans � although High Fidelity was Americanized for theater audiences with some degree of success.

Yeah, this story's making the rounds.

Did High Fidelity ever open in England and was it successful? (she says who STILL hasn't seen it.) However, have new beau reading and LOVING it. What can I tell you, she (me) has good taste in authors. To tie this in with BJ, don't think I could get him to read that one.... :)

(Laura)To tie this in with BJ, don't think I could get him to read that one.... :) V. sad Laura! What is point of dating if boyfriend will not read BJD, in manner of sensitive new age guy? (Hmmm, ex-boyfriend read and liked Bridget because he did not realize that he was actually Daniel.) Cancel that thought Laura. What do Singletons like me know anyway. Am world's worse judge of men, in manner of Bridget before MD.

Oh Sadie, how v. wrong you are. New beau is now ex-beau (how do I do it?). I'm glad to say that this one was not my problem, his issues (didn't even know he had issues, go figure) proved to problematic for him (i.e., he decided that he preferred to be alone and watch life pass him by (be a bystander), guilt of being divorced (Catholic guilt at its best). Right now, I'm thinking a Daniel Cleaver is probably way to go. Will be singleton (with child) forever. In manner of Bridget, tonight is 192 with v. bad chardonnay (I'll go for the merlot) and talking about how all men have v. bad issues. I seem to recall even MD had issues.... (normal relationship or normal guy is definite oxy-moron.) Sorry bad evening. Swollen eyes. Can barely read what wrote!

Ephraim Hardcastle - today's Daily Mail Cast and crew are relieved that the much troubled filming of BJD is complete. Director Sharon Maguire was a surprise choice. A newcomer to feature films, she had previously directed only two documentaries and commercials, including a campaign for the Irish Tourist Board. But conveniently, Miss Maguire is a close friend of author Helen Fielding and the inspiration for the boyfriend-obsessed Shazza character upon which Bridget's best friend is based.

Thanks, Aishling. "much troubled filming"? hmmm. Must be referring to (a) how long it took to bring this to screen, (b) the Fielding flack over RZ, (c) HG's alleged disgruntlement, and now (d) the problem with the film stock. the inspiration for the boyfriend-obsessed Shazza character upon which Bridget's best friend is based. Of course, this is totally wrong, as Shaz was NOT boyfriend-obsessed. That was Jude. Wonder if first statement then is similarly wrong. ;-) BTW, have just seen "Wonderland," in which Shirley Henderson (Jude) is one of the principal actors. Initially, I thought (based on looks) she was more suited to be Shaz. Could visualize her in full rant mode. But her voice is Jude's. It could definitely be termed "sheep-like." BTW2, go see Wonderland. Is fabulous.

(Aishling) Director Sharon Maguire was a surprise choice. Depressing undertones to this remark from cast and crew who usually can assess a good director.And what clout did Helen Fielding have to select a director when she had none for the cast?Would feel better if whole thing would have been under RC's aegis...at least he has a track record.

Yes, it is a bit depressing and points the finger squarely at the director. Frankly, I never bought that "the dog ate my film" story; 3+ months is a long time for a film like this to be shooting. Maybe much more re-shooting has been going on than we'd thought. I still think Curtis can pull it off and maybe he even oversaw the reshoots; he'll bring in a sharp editor and make it work.

Well I'm really glad I dropped in this evening all this talk of ex-boyfriends & much troubled filming is enough to send me on a choc'n'wine binge (goody!) Sadie you've still to meet your MD Laura I am sorry it didn't work out I've never been happy with the first-time director thing so lets hope RC can rescue it I don't won't Colin involved in a high-profile flop.

Depressing undertones to this remark from cast and crew who usually can assess a good director.And what clout did Helen Fielding have to select a director when she had none for the cast?Would feel better if whole thing would have been under RC's aegis...at least he has a track record. I've also wondered about the choice of Sharon Maguiure.. why go for a debut director? Working Title got John Madden for Captain Corelli. But the producers of BJD...Eric Fellmer and Tim Bevan...have a superb track record - Captain Corelli, NH, Elizabeth, High Fidelity, Borrowers, Oh Brother where art thou, 4 Weddings, Fargo - the list is endless. Can't believe that they'd just give a multimillion dollar movie to someone because she is HF's best mate. HF sold the rights...she has no clout. The crew seem experienced. The cinematography (always important) is by Stuart Dryberg (?) who (apparently) did The Piano, Lone Star, Portrait of a Lady, and more recently Analyze This and Runaway Bride. And the First Assistant Director has worked on some successful projects...East is East, for example. Talented cast and crew, and screenwriter...has to be successful! But I don't like the Daily Mail comment or its tone. But, then again, so much reporting is inaccurate, biased...HF is permanently (mis)cast as the grouch who didn't approve of RZ. And didn't CF say the first day of filming was hitch-free! BTW the shoot for NH was a long one...about three months.

oh sorry! Did I close the italics? Looks like not.. :-(

(Bethan)BTW the shoot for NH was a long one...about three months-they shouldn't have bothered at all IMO.As for HG is he always involved in these overlong shoots-perhaps something to do with the fact that hecan't act.

(Mari) I still think Curtis can pull it off and maybe he even oversaw the reshoots; he'll bring in a sharp editor and make it work. As a screenwriter, does he have that perogative?Isn't that up to the producers?

There's a new pic of Renee (as Renee, with JC;-) in the 8/28 issue of People looking surprisingly svelte. It's in their Startracks section which is generally right up to date. Must have been taken earlier this week. Doesn't appear to be on the website. Cover is the baby boomers--Madonna & Guy, Michael & CZJ, David & Iman. (Evelyn) Isn't that up to the producers? Ooops! You're absolutely right, Evelyn. Don't know why I keep thinking that RC is on the production team as well. Bethan, you're right, WT certainly has a v.impressive record, and you can add one of my faves, Dead Man Walking (Sarandon & Penn) to the mix. They haven't had a dog yet that I'm aware of, so BJD should be in good hands. It occurs to me that this carping in the press always has a decidedly sexist tone, with HF, RZ, and now Sharon as the heavies. It's an awfully tough business, with jealous parties having been known to plant negative "spin" in the press. This is likely just more of the same. Ok, am calmer now and have achieved inner poise.;-)

Not to worry - April is a long time away. All will be forgotten and hopefully the U.S. will see the film first.

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Article about Hoxton in the Sunday Times. Only brief mention of BJD filming in this paragraph: To entertain the Hoxton Set, as this trendy crowd has been dubbed, one-off bars, restaurants, boutiques, galleries and nightclubs, with the emphasis on cool, have mushroomed. Now everyone seems to want a slice of the action - including Hollywood. At the beginning of the month, Hoxton resembled a studio back-lot. The nightclub 333 played host to the filming of an R&B video. Down the road, at a strip joint called Browns, a television crew filmed scenes for a new drama, Men Only. On Hoxton Square itself, Minnie Driver was put through her paces by Mel Smith, who is directing her in a new action-comedy film called High Heels and Lowlifes, which also filmed scenes at 333. It was impossible to move on the square for catering vans, trailers and thick black electrical cable. Then, 10 days ago, it was the turn of Hugh Grant and Renee Zellweger, who were shooting scenes for the Bridget Jones movie. Next month, the BBC begins filming a documentary about the East End art scene. http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/2000/08/20/stistlstl02011.html

Hi Bob!!!

(Judy)I've never been happy with the first-time director thing so lets hope RC can rescue it I don't won't Colin involved in a high-profile flop. Judy, I'd join you in the binging if I hadn't given up chocolate as an offering to the Film Gods for sake of BJD. On other hand, there is nothing to stop me from drinking a great deal. And LOL! it's all HG's fault really! (Bethan) Can't believe that they'd just give a multimillion dollar movie to someone because she is HF's best mate. HF sold the rights...she has no clout. A v. good point, Bethan, lets hope. Is wuld ne gof nif it wers so. Sorry to hear about ex-boyfriend, Laura.

(Bethan)why go for a debut director? Forgive my ignorance, but wasn't it a first time for Sam Mendes as well?

You don't want a Daniel Cleaver, Laura, you've had too many of those. Keep heart!

Bob, your email is bogus. To bad! This is not the place for that...

Just thought you gals would like to know that on cover of Time Magazine there is story about Sex and the City, and women who prefer to stay single rather than get married. They do refer to Melissa Bank's novel and Helen Fielding's BJD series....

(Laura) on cover of Time Magazine there is story about Sex and the City, and women who prefer to stay single rather than get married. Well, being singleton has its advantages, but I could be talked into considering the possibility of coupledom if they develop cloning in the near future. Let me see, whose hair strand should I secretly snip for its DNA? So many men, but I can only think of half a dozen in all of my acquaintance...(vicarious relationships through virtual fansites do count here)

(Laura) on cover of Time Magazine there is story about Sex and the City, and women who prefer to stay single rather than get married. Well, being singleton has its advantages, but I could be talked into considering the possibility of coupledom if they develop cloning in the near future. Let me see, whose hair strand should I secretly snip for its DNA? So many men, but I can only think of half a dozen in all of my acquaintance...(vicarious relationships through virtual fansites do count here)

You even cloned your post! such a singleton thing to do!

OH MY GOD! How did that happen? Must be a sign to be patient ;-P

Has anyone seen this site (Karen, there's a link to your BJD pages)? http://www.portowebbo.co.uk/nottinghilltv/BRIDGET.htm It's a Notting Hill newspaper...says that the shoot was 10 and a half weeks. Didn't they have rehearsals at first? Shoot started mid-May? Still makes it over-run.

Yes. They wrote their article based on my pages and used my pic of Cafe Rouge, which I photographed myself.

Well, obviously a site with good taste: used Karen's pic and site link, have v. nice photo of CF, and mention his name before HG's. Classy all round!

You can say that again!

Absolutely, good to see they have their priorities in the right order ;-) Zellweger was a waitress in a topless bar... Really? I didn't know that. She'd get better tips now ;-) Writers and self-publicists Salman Rushdie and Jeffrey Archer also appear in the film playing themselves. 'Self-publicists' LOL! Karen, didn't all those pictures come from your page?

Yes, but I can't claim ownership to the others. ;-) says that the shoot was 10 and a half weeks. The summary page was put up on August 3rd.

I think it's an ugly page with a hideous yellow background. And they had some nerve using your Cafe Rouge pic without your permission.

(Evelyn)I think it's an ugly page with a hideous yellow background. Agree. Didn't feel like I wanted to go beyond the opening page.

I seem to be having trouble with people answering my posts at RoP. Hmmpphh!! Has anyone read the other Bridget Jones type books such as: 'Love:A User's Guide', 'Getting Over It', 'Watermelon', 'Girl's Guide to HUnting and Fishing Are these books any good? Your response is greatly appreciated. Sarah

i agree with everyone else by saying Karen's page is far more superior to that thrown together page. (patas)Agree. Didn't feel like I wanted to go beyond the opening page. I didn't go past the opening page either.

Thanks, ladies, but that place is not a Bridget site and there aren't any pages beyond that. It merely is a recap of news-to-date, and I think they did a good job summarizing the relevant parts of all the stories.

Sarah, i read the first 1/2 of Watermelon - it didnt interest me enough to finish it. Although i have a couple friends who really injoyed it. Havent read the others, sorry. :-) -Esbee oh, and there is a new one, just released this month i think, that is also a wanna be BJD, called Lucy Somebody is getting married. Havent read that yet, either.

Wasn't that a TV series shown awhile back?

(Sarah19)'Love:A User's Guide', 'Getting Over It', 'Watermelon', 'Girl's Guide to HUnting and Fishing Sarah, sorry I can't help you - haven't read any of these books, don't even know anyone who did. ;-)

Heard they were BJD knock-offs, so I haven't read them either. 'Girl's Guide' has been on various bestseller lists in the US for awhile, though.

Article in the Guardian (8/25) about Lewis Taylor. Here's the relevant part: If the guitar-heavy, synthesised soul of Lewis II only appeals to his small yet fanatical cult following, there is always his soundtrack work to pay the bills. So far, he has provided songs for Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer's Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) and Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels; this year cinema audiences will hear Taylor's voice on a reworked version of Todd Rundgren's I Saw the Light, for the forthcoming adaptation of Bridget Jones's Diary. He even gets to croon New York, New York - "a horrible song," he winces - in a new British gangster movie starring Ian Hart called Strictly Sinatra. You can read the complete article here: http://www.guardianunlimited.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4054900,00.html

Click to listen to the Todd Rundgren version: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/clipserve/B0000032WL001001/026-1239541-3475662 It will be *perfect* :-)

It doesn't appear to work from outside the site. You can copy the above url and go to it and that will work or try clicking on this link to Tower, which seems to work OK: http://www.towerrecords.com/ra/hurlPNM.exe?/towerlink/~m-450351/1577525912000a01.ra

(Sarah19)'Love:A User's Guide', 'Getting Over It', 'Watermelon', 'Girl's Guide to HUnting and Fishing Sorry Sarah, I'm not much help either. I've been meaning to read 'Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing'. I saw an indepth interview with the author. She sounded cool to me. Apparently, it was her first novel! She worked at some other job by day and wrote by night. I understand it's quite different than BJD, and I didn't get the impression that it was a deliberate copycat effort, although it's interesting to see a whole genre spring up around being a thirty-something Singleton. (Hmmm, so I've got that goin' for me at least.) As I said though, I don't think it's like BJD; it's not wickedly funny or even trying to be that. That was my impression, anyway. Hope that's some help.

(Sadie) although it's interesting to see a whole genre spring up around being a thirty-something Singleton So you think it has. spored. a. confessional. gender?

Can't swear, but I think this Todd Rundgren "I saw the light" is the song I saw RZ singing up at a window from the street. Not up to much, IMHO. Both "Watermelon" and "Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married" (which was an eight-part TV drama here in the UK a few months ago) are by Marian Keyes, and quite entertaining. The book shops here are awash with a whole flood of yellow- and pink-covered search-for-love books, half of them by Irish authoresses, chronicling the ditzy struggles of new-urban trendy girls - This is the. gender. spored. by BJD (I quite like it personally). As for confessionals, I was reading yesterday about a slim volume called "100 ways to scare off a man" or similar, already released in the US, in which the two LA authoresses claim to have unwittingly achieved all 100 in their personal experience. Originally a pamphlet which they shared with their friends, they were persuaded to get it published and it has taken off. Sounds like a laugh.

(Renate) So you think it has. spored. a. confessional. gender? LOL! BTW, what's your favorite color? ;-) Agree, Karen, 'I Saw the Light' will be *perfect*! Thanks for providing the link--it's one of those songs I knew that I knew yet I couldn't put my finger on it. (Mark) Can't swear, but I think this Todd Rundgren "I saw the light" is the song I saw RZ singing up at a window from the street. Not up to much, IMHO. Well, this takes some of the air out of my balloon--as long as she's singing to Mark, not Daniel, it'll be brilliant. ;-)

Well, this takes some of the air out of my balloon--as long as she's singing to Mark, not Daniel, it'll be brilliant. ;-) Thought the exact same thing when I read MarkG's post above. Any connection with Daniel would be sooooo wrong. Just look at the lyrics: It was late last night, I was feeling something wasn't right, There was not another soul in sight, Only you, only you So we walked along, though I knew there was something wrong And the feeling hit me oh so strong about you Then you gazed up at me and the answer was plain to see, 'Cause I saw the light in your eyes Though we had our fling, I just never would suspect a thing 'Til that little bell began to ring in my head, in my head But I tried to run, though I knew it wouldn't help me none, 'Cause I couldn't ever love no one, or so I said But my feelings for you were just something I never knew 'Til I saw the light in your eyes But I love you best, It's not something that I say in jest (ha ha) 'Cause you're different, girl, from all the rest in my eyes And I ran out before, but I won't do it anymore Can't you see the light in my eyes

(Karen) Any connection with Daniel would be sooooo wrong. Indeed. And singing up at a window beats the he*l out of 'I'm just a girl...' crap.

Small snippet in Daily Express,although the info in it is probably already known. Helen Fielding Favourite word: Singleton Why:It is replacing the derogative and outdated word "spinster" with its ridiculous connotations of shelves,spinning wheels,rejection and failure which have nothing to do with the lives of modern single woman.everyone thinks I invented it in Bridget Jones Diary,whereas in fact it was PG Wodehouse.

And singing up at a window beats the he*l out of 'I'm just a girl...' crap. LOL Eileen! Yes Gi, I do think it has spawned a new --- blue, my favourite color is blue of course! I don't think our dear Bridget should be confused with something that's always been around; I'm thinking most recently of that aweful book about The Rules (how to catch a man), and all the endless COSMO articles I grew up reading telling me what new ways I could entice, capture etc..As though finding happiness with a man was all my responsibility, and none of his! To me, Bridget is just too basically honest a soul, too endearingly and sincerely seeking to be categorized like that, even though Fielding does a good job showing how that social climate keeps our Bridget a little neurotic. (You can tell I am v. fond of her!) O.K. so she's massively insecure, but I can relate to the shakey feeling of being alone in a world of coupledom. Fielding really manages to capture the ironies of being of a generation with more freedom than any other generation of women have seen, and yet not really knowing what do to with it, or how to it love into it. There's just a growing number of us searching, trying to figure that out, so it's only natural that published stories would follow. Hmmmm, am beginning to make Fielding sound like an existentialist, sorry!

hmmm, that should read "how to find love in it". System is making words disappear... Could be divine hint?

RZ interview in Saturday s Telegraph:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=001533513654540&rtmo=V6Dw8qJK&atmo=YYYYYYYp&pg=/et/00/8/26/tlrene26.html This is the role that will turn her into another Julia Roberts? What about ODB? No mention of him. According to this article they are still filming.

I'd guess the interview was done awhile ago. Mari pointed out that picture from People, where RZ is walking along the beach in California with JC. We should see quite a bit of her in the press as Nurse Betty opens after Labor Day.

Thanks for the links, Karen and Moon. And for your comments, Mark, which were very elucidating.:-)

There's another interview with RZ in The Observer's Life mag.Its much of the same with no mention of ODB.HG obviously gets his usual mention as they refer to it as "effectively,the third instalment of a trilogy, made by the same gang". I'm unable to direct you to it as my browser won't let me in.

Here's the article: http://www.observer.co.uk/life/story/0,6903,359655,00.html Definitely think there's a pattern here. Every two weeks... ;-)

LOL, yes which one's next? (thanks for finding it Karen my browser's useless for things like that)

Here's a good part: When it was announced in February that the role of the very British Bridget Jones would be going to an American, the newspapers had a field day. 'As Bridget approaches 40, she is to be played by a pert-breasted nymphet barely out of her teens,' said The Times. 'Of all the clunking, Hollywood idiocy. The only funny thing about Bridget Jones is that she's not young and perfect,' piled on The Evening Standard. 'Casting her as a young and perfect thing is like remaking The Elephant Man with Jude Law.' According to Jonathan Cavendish, producer of the film, the decision to go with Zellweger was not taken lightly. It was a two-year search to find the right actress. And though they met the obvious candidates ('all the people you'd expect us to look at'), it was Zellweger who knocked them out. 'The problem with something that is so defined in terms of people's perception as the character of Bridget Jones is that we had a very clear idea of who we were looking for,' he explains. 'They had to be the person. When Ren�e walked into the room, Sharon [Maguire, the director] and I looked at one another and said, "This is Bridget."' It makes marketing sense, too. Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill scored massively overseas courtesy of their American stars, Andie MacDowell and Julia Roberts. Bridget Jones is, effectively, the third instalment of a trilogy, made by the same gang (Richard Curtis, Hugh Grant, et al). Helen Fielding - who now lives in LA - has given Zellweger her blessing. As executive producer (not to mention a big mate of Curtis and Maguire's), she had a consultant role in casting ('She was kept very closely informed all the time,' says Cavendish). Fielding and Zellweger get on well (the author turned up on-set to hobnob recently). When Fielding appeared to criticise the project at a book function, Zellweger interpreted the comments as a joke. 'They ah sked her about this American girl, this actress being cast, and she said she was just upset that they hadn't ah sked her ,' says Zellweger, all Liza Dolittle again. 'Not that they hadn't ah sked her about casting, but that they hadn't ah sked her if she'd play Bridget Jones. That's what she meant.' 'Helen's been nothing but entirely supportive,' Cavendish asserts. [...] Next spring, when she comes back to do publicity, the British public will get their chance to determine whether she's pulled it off. 'We'll see, I guess, won't we?' she chuckles. 'If I'm lynched and hanging off Tower Bridge, we'll see...'

(Judy) LOL, yes which one's next? *looking into Madame Eileen's crystal ball* The Independent ;-)

(Karen, quoting RZ)'Not that they hadn't ah sked her about casting, but that they hadn't ah sked her if she'd play Bridget Jones. That's what she meant.' I'm glad someone finally cleared that up :-)

Thanks Judy and Karen for this next article. Regarding HF comments, some rumours really die hard! Hope this one is laid to rest.

Karen, thought I heard you choking on this line: [from the article] Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill scored massively overseas courtesy of their American stars, Andie MacDowell and Julia Roberts. Yeah, we all ponied up to see 4W because of Andie. *snort*

(Eileen) Yeah, we all ponied up to see 4W because of Andie. *snort* Isn't that a riot? Almost as funny as the part that speculated that what's held RZ back is her supposedly "unpronounceable" surname (geez, what would they say about *mine*?). BTW, Renee will be on David Letterman's show on Tuesday, September 5.

Article in the Express about that adorable split-up couple (Hugh and Liz) on holiday on Sardinia. Says: Hugh, star of the film Notting Hill, appeared to have been working out since the "separation," his slender frame looking well toned. Now, I ask you, people, does this look well-toned? Can read rest of sordid details, with no mention of Bridget or CF here if want: http://www.lineone.net/express/00/08/28/news/n0320-d.html

(Karen) Hugh, star of the film Notting Hill, appeared to have been working out since the "separation," Getting in shape to convince us he can credibly play a Wimbledon winner? (Karen)Now, I ask you, people, does this look well-toned? Welllll, I'm not a particular Hugh fan but there does seem to be some pectoral definition going on there. Can't tell whether or not he's sporting six pack abs though ;-).

(Jana2) there does seem to be some pectoral definition going on there You are looking at the person on the left, aren't you? ;-)

I thought Elizabeth Hurley looked fairly defined;)

(LauraMM)I thought Elizabeth Hurley looked fairly defined;) No doubt about *that*...

Its as I've always thought, people with fat thighs shouldn't wear white pants. BTW how tall is he-he looks a short arse on this one short & dumpy.

Lookin' at the faces--*squint*--don't think those two are HG and EH. However, the fellow does look 'in trim'. ;-)

Hm ... when Hugh and Liz have split up, why are they together on holiday? (I read Hugh comment somewhere that all this split-up business was a spoof) Not that this woman looks a lot like Liz, and the man could be anybody. But what is Tom Selleck doing in this picture? There's a report on Whatsonstage that the Caretake is revived, with Michael Gambon and Rupert Graves (forgot the third name). Donald Pleasence is mentioned but guess who is not. http://www.whatsonstage.com/

Teletext has an item from the UK press junket for Nurse Betty: In addition, the busy actress has had to work on mastering an English accent. "But it's a great part, I'm having a ball. I love the character and I love the book. I'm actually deep into it." She's reading the book now? Well, I suppose you wouldn't want to get confused over how things are portrayed in the book and what's in the script she had to work from. So what does the new boyfriend make of her fuller Bridget Jones figure? "He wasn't grossed out, he's actually just fine with it." *hee hee* Sounds like JC is pretty normal. ;-)

(Karen) She's reading the book now? The quote sounds a little dated to me, perhaps from the time NB screened in Cannes (??).

Oh, no! Cornel will be wild(e);-) From the imdb: Dicaprio Increases Presence Leonardo DiCaprio has stunned the Italian public with his new image... a stomach big enough to brand him a new Brando. Leonardo - currently filming his new movie in Italy - proved to onlookers that he may have sank his teeth into a few too many plates of pasta while enjoying sights such as the Colisseum in Rome. Leo is starring in the new Martin Scorsese movie Gangs of New York, The (2001) about Italian immigrants travelling to America and getting caught up in violent riots. ******* Tsk,tsk . . . all that hard work. . .gone like so many fusilli;-) What won't these guys do for their art.;-) BTW, I rented The Beach tonight to check out Cornel's work on Leo: v.v.g. pecs; arms (not bad, making good progress); legs (best to wear long trousers);-)

LOL Karen! Did she think JC would say, ooh gross, their huge! (Mari)Oh, no! Cornel will be wild(e) LOL Mari! And outbrandoing Brando, no less! Does anyone remember that Chris Elliot skit, where he imitated Brando? He danced around the floor, occasionally uttering "Bananas" as he circled around, well, bananas. Somehow, this Leonardo article made me think of that.

Ack! This I gotta see.

I think it was on Dave Letterman Karen. Was years ago now, but it stayed with me.

From This is London. Projecting a March release for BJD in UK. Cannot believe One True Thing went straight to video there. The Tex factor by Marianne Gray Had things been slightly different, Ren�e Zellweger might have been writing this interview instead of me. If she'd stuck to her original career choice of journalism, that is. But after taking an obligatory acting class for her literature degree, hey presto! - suddenly acting became her new career choice. Now she's acting's 'everything to everyone'. This week she's a psychotic nurse in the very dark comedy Nurse Betty, and in three weeks she's the girl on the run with Jim Carrey in another gross-out comedy from the Farrelly brothers (of Dumb And Dumber and There's Something About Mary fame) called Me, Myself & Irene. Then, due out next spring, she's the absolutely British Bridget Jones in that much-vaunted diary movie of Helen Fielding's bestseller, with Colin Firth and Hugh Grant as the gents who vie for her affections. As Betty in Nurse Betty, directed by Neil LaBute, the man behind controversial comedies In The Company Of Men and Your Friends And Neighbors, she plays Betty Sizemore, a soap opera-addicted Kansas waitress. Traumatised by the murder of her heartless husband (Aaron Eckhart), she begins to believe she's a nurse and the ex-fiancee of a doctor (Greg Kinnear) in her favourite soap. LaBute, who saw her as the loyal secretary who thawed Tom Cruise's heart in Jerry Maguire, knew she had to be Betty. 'I told them I didn't know what she meant in box office terms, but I wanted her,' he says. 'There were no qualms about that for me. There was no reading. It was just, "Can we get her?"' 'Betty's not a role people would normally see me right for,' says Zellweger, in her Southern-fried Texan drawl. 'The film is about a woman accidentally living her dreams. She's delusional and from being a generous dreamer she falls into a state called "dissociative fugue", which is something that can happen to protect the conscious mind after experiencing an unmanageable emotional trauma. It allows the person to continue to function by taking on a new identity and also wipes out their recollection of their past. 'I'm not a soap fan like Betty. In fact I didn't watch television beyond the seventh grade. I didn't seek out soap fans for my research although I have to admit to watching Days Of Our Lives while shooting and loving it. Nurse Betty, however, is no soap opera. Nor is it a Doris Day-ish kind of comedy.' And neither is her next film, Me, Myself & Irene with her off-screen love Carrey playing a schizophrenic Rhode Island cop who has to escort the felonious Irene Waters (Zellweger) across state lines to answer her warrant. (Apparently Carrey and Zellweger had met at a friend's dinner a couple of years ago and not clicked, but during the shooting of the film Carrey, according to Peter Farrelly, fell in love with her. However, Zellweger's trepidation against on-set relationships meant they had to wait till after they'd wrapped.) 'This is a very different comedy, the sort where you have to be honest with the character and the comedy takes care of itself,' explains Zellweger. 'And then, of course, there's good taste, there's bad taste and there's Farrelly taste. You can't imagine some of the stuff these guys came up with. I still can't believe it. My dad's not going to believe this. In fact my dad can't see this movie!' Seeing her in Cannes earlier this year, if she hadn't been there in an official capacity to promote Nurse Betty, Zellweger could have been just another petite (she's 5ft 5in tall), sparky blonde with a ponytail who swigs her mineral water from the bottle and has a laugh that projects across the room. For a small, slim, innocent looking girl, Zellweger's got one helluva chuckle. But then she's earned it. She is, after all, only 31 and since her first film, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (made with another now A-list actor, Matthew McConaughey, when they were both at the University Of Texas), she has had plenty to laugh about. She says she still has the scars from the chainsaw, although nowadays her scars are more likely to be caused by Hollywood agents flinging scripts at her. The Zellweger story starts some time before Jerry Maguire. 'I never took acting classes,' she says in her girly voice. 'I just went along to auditions until somebody said OK and eventually the walk-on roles became a few words. Then suddenly I was cast in Jerry Maguire. That came like a bolt from the blue. I mean, really, I'm a dork. The idea that a dork was in a Tom Cruise movie is hysterical! 'I got a call saying, "You should go and meet this guy Cameron Crowe [director of Jerry Maguire] who's directing a big movie." I went along, had a really good time with Cameron in Los Angeles, then headed straight home to Austin, Texas, thinking the role of Dorothy was a little outta my league... Then I got another call to go back to read with Tom. I had to keep my hysterics at bay. The day before I'd run out of money in the laundromat and had to dry my clothes by hanging them around my living room. And then here I was reading for a role with Tom Cruise.' Suddenly she was living in Hollywood, the new honey with the funny name. ('If Arnold Schwarzenegger and Helena Bonham Carter can keep their names, I can darn well keep mine!') Zellweger comes from fleck-on-the-map Katy (pop 8,005) in Texas. Her mother Irene is Norwegian, a former nurse and midwife, her father Emil is a Swiss-born engineer who was raised in Australia. They met on a trip to Denmark and emigrated to America in the Sixties. On 25 April, 1969, Ren�e was born. Growing up in a rural town with no cinema, she and her older brother, Drew, enjoyed a seemingly idyllic childhood of tramping through the woods and fishing. A true tomboy, she became basketball and track champ and football cheerleader. She says she can still change a tyre and fix the oil in her car, and is happier hiking the Hollywood Hills with her dog, an 11-year-old collie-labrador called Dylan, than going to a premiere. She seems remarkably grounded and when she says she's coping with fame well, you really do believe her. 'I can't separ te myself from it and I can't be objective about it,' she says, pondering the fact that right now is her moment. 'I can't see that my life is different. All I see is that every now and then a person will stare and point and whisper. Usually that means you've got gunk on your face or your fly is undone, but nowadays it's more about people coming up and saying, "Weren't you in that film, oh what was it called? Danny Maguire?" or something like that.' Her post-Jerry Maguire films come in as odd choices: noirish thriller Liar with Tim Roth, directed by her (then) boyfriend Josh Pate; playing a Hassidic wife in A Price Above Rubies, co-starring Christopher Eccleston; One True Thing opposite Meryl Streep and William Hurt (straight to video here); and the feeble Bachelor with Chris O'Donnell. (The story goes that until Bridget Jones she refused to accept jobs where she couldn't take her dog, which might explain her choices.) 'I'm ambitious to do good work, not to be famous. I'd rather stay home and hone my writing skills if I haven't got the right sort of film to do. I feel I'll soon write a novel because I've got one story that keeps coming back. I've had it on my mind for a few years and it grows and grows.' With Bridget Jones almost in the can, the publishing world shouldn't seem too strange. 'Shooting it in London I finally got to use my college degree prepping for my role by working under the name of Bridget Cavendish in a truly British publishing house called Picador. Because Bridget Jones is obsessed by her weight I had to eat loads to pack it on and I wasn't supposed to do any exercise or run or anything in case I burnt off too many calories. I look forward to no more teabreaks of cream-filled doughnuts and evenings downing pints of Guinness.' Nurse Betty opens Fri 1 Sep, Me, Myself & Irene opens Fri 22 Sep, Bridget Jones's Diary is due for release in Mar 2001.

Thanks for the article, Mari. It points out (as others have) that Neil and Aaron are tighter than George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg. (The story goes that until Bridget Jones she refused to accept jobs where she couldn't take her dog, which might explain her choices.) OK, that explains her choices...

(Mari)Nurse Betty opens Fri 1 Sep, Me, Myself & Irene opens Fri 22 Sep, Bridget Jones's Diary is due for release in Mar 2001 Astonishing. Me Myself & Irene has been in the theaters here forever, nobody even heard of Nurse Betty yet, and I wonder what'll happen to BJD...

((Mari)The story goes that until Bridget Jones she refused to accept jobs where she couldn't take her dog, which might explain her choices.) (Eileen)OK, that explains her choices... My kind of girl ;-)

In general, it seems most UK critics like Nurse Betty and RZ. Here's the Teletext review, which I'm posting because of the HG comment at the end. I think somebody needs to take him out back of the woodshed.;-) Review by Victor Olliver Here's your chance to size-up the Zellweger woman who's playing Bridget Jones in the movie of the Helen Fielding creation. Terribly sweet, seemingly untouched by life, she's the antithesis of bitter and twisted Jones. But, meanwhile, what of Nurse Betty? Cannes loved it and awarded a prize for the script. Cannes loved LaBute, who's a literary film-maker with a sharp line against misogyny (see his In The Company Of Men). And Cannes loved Zellweger, who gave cutie-pie interviews - and she's going out with Jim Carrey. Stellar comedy couple! She plays waitress Betty, who's obsessed with TV soap character Dr David Ravell (Kinnear). When he says on the box "I know there's someone special out there for me" her heart strings twang as she serves up the muffins and espresso. But it's not until she witnesses a violent killing in the diner at the hands of two hitmen (Freeman and Rock) that she pops off into shock and succumbs to fantasy. She drives off to meet her TV hero - with the two killers in hot pursuit. There's so much that's good here it's hard to know where to begin. Freeman and Rock make a wonderful double act, dreaming up wildly comic fantasies about Betty, while sundry bit players such as a Latina called Rosa, deliver many funny oneliner volleys. It all works largely because of the screen presence of Zellweger, who imbues the light satire (mainly of soaps) with naturalistic feeling and unworked compassion. It's a must-see film - and she'll make a great Bridget Jones (despite what her co-star Hugh Grant reportedly thinks). 31/08/00

Thanks for the article Mari,I for one don't care what HG thinks but I think its going to be another of these stories (along with the HF one) being trotted out every time BJD is mentioned.I've not seen much about NB,the film getting all the attention seems to be Snatch,its on the radio,billboards etc.However, yesterdays Daily Mail gave it 2 stars,its verdict being'Skilful comedy is less of a joke than it thinks' The RT doesn't mention it & TV times gives it 3 stars and says of RZ 'Zellweger just shines as the simple girl chasing her fictitious dream,confounding everyonewith her combination of naivete and innocence. I've not seen ant of the weekend papers though so hopefully/naively there might be more in them.I would like this to be a success for RZ over here to give an extra boost to BJD.

re Teletext review - "bitter and twisted Jones"? Sheesh, suppose that's a typically male viewpoint on singleton women. Nice to see this positive publicity on RZ in the UK which can only help. This film's gonna sink or swim with Renee's appeal. Besides, would hate to see her hanging from Tower Bridge.

From a review on http://www.virgin.net/movies/whatson/ "Zellweger just simpers feebly: if she's this wet as Bridget Jones the diary will be waterlogged."

Uh oh, Arami. Looks like the folks at virgin.net have already written their BJD review. The BBC was much much kinder--one of the nicest reviews I've seen anywhere: Splicing together an American road trip and an American story about succeeding is to risk wringing any remaining life out of both genres. Weak films which take to the road are generally reduced to on-the-road encounters of forced eccentricity, while most American films which are pumped out week after week contain a central character who wins through, a reality perfectly clear from scene one. Yet Neil LaBute - rightly praised for "In the Company of Men" (1997) and "Your Friends & Neighbors" (1998) - is hardly your average American director. Having created splendid roles for men in both films, he now turns his attention to Ren�e Zellweger - who successfully cut her creative teeth on "Jerry Maguire" (1996) - and presents her with a rich, tasty role which depends on her ability to swing from tearful soul-searching through frivolity and charm to girlish exuberance. Zellweger grabs the chance and so turns "Nurse Betty" into her best film to date. She is required to pack her character with all kinds of nuance and ever misses a beat. This is also true of LaBute himself who brings a variety of intriguing, different, even eccentric details to a scene without once removing it from the realms of reality. The reality here is that Betty, an obsessive fan of a particular TV soap, is so traumatised after witnessing her husband's scalp being removed by criminals that she wishes for the handsome soap doctor to become hers. Even when she is in the thick of the TV studio in Los Angeles, she still earnestly believes that the soap world is real. LaBute ensures that the two worlds cross imaginatively and that other actors - even when not on screen all the time - have full roles too. Morgan Freeman is particularly amusing as a low-key, warm-hearted killer who starts lusting after Betty, but it is Zellweger - perfect as the innocent waiting to be mauled by life - who makes you realise that another star, and great actor, has been born.

(Mari)I think somebody needs to take him out back of the woodshed.;-) LOL! and thanks for posting both the Teletext and BBC reviews. (Judy)I for one don't care what HG thinks but I think its going to be another of these stories (along with the HF one) being trotted out every time BJD is mentioned. Ditto on HG, and agree, the stories get tiresome but persist. (Heide commenting on Teletext review)"bitter and twisted Jones"? Sheesh, suppose that's a typically male viewpoint on singleton women. I can't imagine where he got this idea though. It's so bizarre! I can only conclude he's never read the book himself, and maybe he found out about the story by playing "broken telephone" in a pub while on a bender?

Thanks Mari for the BBC review...that and The Times are the only ones that carry any credibility IMO. Re: virgin.net review..... Who are these people, anyway? Related to the airlines??

CONGRATULATIONS KAREN Yahoo has your BJD Page listed and before that ugly one with the yellow background ;-) http://dir.yahoo.com/Entertainment/Movies_and_Film/Titles/Comedy/Bridget_Jones_s_Diary/ Way to go!!

RZ has got almost universally good reviews for her performance, sometimes better than the film review itself.. Check out the Guardian site http://www.filmunlimited.co.uk for the reviews...."RZ emerges as a very accomplished performer and comedian" Even the venomous Anne Billson of the Sunday Telegraph likes her and urges people who doubt that she'll be a good BJ, to go see it. Th critics like her, which will go a long way to ensuring the success of BJD. It's important for the the male critics in the movie mags give a good rating and to give RZ rave reviews,(forget what they say about HG and CF) then the multiplex crowd will go, and see CF as a handsome romantic lead, at long, long last !

Congrats on the Yahoo placement, Karen! I've told you before, they should hire you for the official site. So glad that RZ is gaining critical credibility in the UK. That can only help the reception for BJD. When I saw that her best work (One True Thing) only showed on video in the UK, I started to understand some of the initial skepticism. Nurse Betty doesn't open here until Friday, but I expect the reviews will be good here as well, where LaBute is a critical darling and RZ is well-regarded. Bethan, I can't find the Anne Billson review--is it available online?

Re: virgin.net review..... Who are these people, anyway? Related to the airlines?? Used to be. Richard Branson (Virgin boss) has just sold the Virgin ISP business to a cable telecom company.

Congrats on the Yahoo placement More to do with the alphabet than any other factor. ;-) I'm sure they put Nurse Betty off until after Labor Day, as it is traditionally a very low turnout weekend. *polishing up my BBQ for tomorrow* ;-D All the reviews I've seen have pretty much liked RZ's performance, although Chris Rock's appears to be the standout of the movie. Apparently, AE does his usual and customary turn as a despicable one. Wonder if he's involved in the one scene of gratuitous violence (?) mentioned. Probably.

Congradulations on your page being listed Karen! (Bethan)Th critics like her, which will go a long way to ensuring the success of BJD (Mari)So glad that RZ is gaining critical credibility in the UK. Just wanted to add my gladness too. Thank you for posting the review link Bethan.

Pardon if this has been posted already, but RZ is scheduled to be on Rosie O'Donnell's show this Friday, Sep 8th. (And a reminder, she's on Letterman on the 5th.)

Can always use reminders, Donna. Didn't know about Rosie. Probably on the early morning shows too, as will be in NY.

Probably on the early morning shows too, as will be in NY. Thanks Donna & Karen...RZ is a great at film publicity , she and HG will do the same for BJD I'm sure.

I just saw RZ on Good Morning America...she's looking pretty svelte. I'd say she's lost her 2 stones (she was wearing black!!). after they finished discussing Nurse Betty...Matt Lauer (host) zeroed in to BJD..."I expected to see you waddling in..."She described her regimen for gaining weight..then he said I heard the British press went after an American for portraying BJ.. did that bother you? She was v. cool about the answer.. said she understood their feelings after being over there ...small market and lots of British actresses etc.It seems to me he also made a remark about how odd that is since so many British actors get parts over here...the tone was pseudo-hostile anybody else get that feeling. So early in the game, this seems to be part of the publicity.Not good.But it was bound to happen.

Barry Norman in this weeks RT has some decent thingsto say about RZ in his review of NB RZ a pleasingly round-faced actress from Texas,is theunexpected & possibly controversial choice to star in the screen version of BJD.The controversy arises because Ms Jones is,of course,quintessentially EnglishBut,on the evidence of NB & assuming she can get theaccent right ,I think Zellweger will do it very well.Theroles are quite different,but Betty & Bridget share similar romantic yearnings & mild ditziness.... ....Good as the others are,it is very much Zellwegers film & she comes across with just the kind of warmth & appeal that we would hope for from BJ.

(Barry Norman) she comes across with just the kind of warmth & appeal that we would hope for from BJ. Isn't that exactly what we've been saying from the beginning? ;-D

(Karen) Isn't that exactly what we've been saying from the beginning? Yup. I didn't see the Today Show, Evelyn (had GMA on). Sorry I missed it.

(Eileen)I didn't see the Today Show, Evelyn (had GMA on). Oops...I mean't Today Show. RZ is scheduled to be on Letterman tonight , and Rosie on Friday (thanks Donna). Keep watching GMA, I bet she's on it this week too.I know her voice irritates Moon ( I don't like MT's!), but I find it endearing...

E! will have a "Behind the Scenes" show for Nurse Betty on these days/times (all Eastern): Sat Sep 9 02:00P Sun Sep 10 03:00A Mon Sep 11 03:30A Fri Sep 15 08:00A Fri Sep 15 06:00P

Both DH and I saw the interview with Matt Lauer on "Today". I didn't think the questions or answers were hostile. What struck both of us was a decidedly clipped accent, which Renee didn't have before. We LOL, because we knew where it came from! Perhaps a few more weeks in the States, and she'll lose it...

Article on RZ in Scotland on Sunday (3 September) by Garth Pearce. Lots of same old, same old stuff rehashed, but liked the lead-in: The secret diary of Renee Zellweger Cigarettes: none (v.good); Alcohol: 12 units (bad); Weight gain 15lbs (aargh!); Love interest: Jim Carrey (aargh!); Career: Jerry Maguire to Bridget Jones's Diary; Prospects: Excellent. Here's a paragraph about the casting: "Hugh Grant plays Bridget�s office lover, Daniel Cleaver; Colin Firth, in a nice casting twist, is the gallant Mark Darcy and supportive friend Sharon is Sally Phillips, first noticed as the acerbic receptionist in I�m Alan Partridge and then co-host of comedy series Smack The Pony. With Gemma Jones playing her mother, Pam, rediscovering her sex life at 60 and Jim Broadbent as the long-suffering father, Colin, there were a few cultural shock waves during filming. But Zellweger insists that her nerve held." Also says at end that the movie opens early next year... Is very long, so here's the link: http://www.arts.scotsman.com/cfm/film/headlines_specific.cfm?rankuniqueid=101

Colin Firth, in a nice casting twist, How could CF be a nice casting twist when HF practically screams his name out in the book? Where do these people live? Thanks, Karen!

Possibly because Garth is only familiar with Colin's work as a masturbatory village pervert. ;-D

(Meredith) What struck both of us was a decidedly clipped accent, which Renee didn't have before. Sounds as though Renee had an easier time losing the weight than losing the accent. Lucky her! Will try to get hubby to see Nurse Betty this weekend. He usually brands anything I want to see as a 'chick flick' (what can I say, he can actually sit through a Steven Segal movie without vomiting).

Saw RZ last night on Letterman. She looked slim to me. Was wearing *black* and side of slacks had vertical black stripe (satiny), possibly more helpful illusion. Her upper arms however looked a tad flabby but not fat. I didn't notice anything about her accent. BTW, she only mentioned BJD once and that she'd been living in England for 7 months. Letterman is NOT noted as being a serious interviewer, just silly.

Renee was just interviewed on a show called Homepage (on NBC). Looks like it was taped from the Nurse Betty junket. On BJD: gained 17 pounds, a "character decision" made by her and Sharon Maguire. Said it reflects BJ's drinking and eating habits, which she uses to comfort herself. There will be an article in this Sunday's New York Times on her. The clips I've seen of Nurse Betty look really good--will try to see it this weekend. Anyone here seen it yet? U.S. reviews are starting to come in and are mostly raves. Working Title got her cheap! LOL!

Just got back from seeing Nurse Betty - most timely: You get the impression that this film was more an offbeat comedy in the making that somehow became a really sweet (almost uplifting) film because of Ren�e Zellweger's qualities. Eileen, tell your hubby that there is more than one helping of utterly brutal violence. This seems quite out of place in the film, except that it provides some excuse for the peculiar post-traumatic stress condition into which Betty lapses, which is of course the hinge of the plot. Aaron Eckhart is a sadly short-lived swine, but some excellent characters are created by RZ, Chris Rock and the phenomenal Morgan Freeman. Betty's survival in her new character from her first meeting with her screen idol Dr Drake Ramore, oops I mean David Ravell (yes, not hard to see where the plot idea came from, Friends-lovers) is deftly scripted, and allows RZ full scope to offer up her perky vulnerability. I enjoyed it, and felt that if it wasn't for MF, you would have to say that RZ carried the whole film. Greg Kinnear for instance plays his actor character quite as cardboard as his actor's screen role (and where did they get the idea for a heartthrob doctor acted by a George, ER-lovers?). The sentimentality is sometimes over-ladled (bad for Eileen's hubby) and the plot is a bit glib at the end of the day, all of which will mean that this will not act (in the UK at least) as a film to prep the public for RZ as BJD - about 30 people watched the 1pm sitting at the most central of its ten London venues today - and I think it's only showing for two weeks.

(Moon)How could CF be a nice casting twist when HF practically screams his name out in the book? CF could have refused and then what? But he accepted and there's your nice casting twist, no?

Thanks for the NB review, Mark. I look forward to seeing it.

CF could have refused and then what? But he accepted and there's your nice casting twist, no? (Shaking head), you are quite right. Thanks, Mark! Will try for this weekend too.

Time to complain to Harper's--outrageous. From Excite UK: 'Bridget Jones' too fat for fashion mag� Renee Zellweger, the star of the film version of Bridget Jones' Diary, has been dropped as next month's Harper's Bazaar magazine cover girl because she is overweight. Zellweger pounds put on because she plays a weight-obsessed character in the film of the Helen Fielding book . The 31-year-old American actress is now back in the US after spending almost a year in London filming 'Bridget' with Hugh Grant. She had to put on weight for the role - a feat she said she accomplished by wolfing down peanut butter sandwiches and pizzas. The New York Daily News reports that the new look has proved too much for the fashion magazine's editors, who dropped her after the expensive cover shots had been taken. Her agent told the newspaper: "The reason why Renee is not on the October cover of Harper's Bazaar is because (editor) Kate Betts and her staff felt that the weight gain, which was for a movie role, was not the image Harper's wanted to present to the public - an actress 10 pounds overweight. "

Oooh, I have a feeling this one is going to take off!

Here's the NY Daily News article: http://www.nydailynews.com/today/News_and_Views/Daily_Dish/a-79239.asp Pic taken Wednesday at the Nurse Betty premiere. Note upper arm ;-D

Thanks for the link and pic, Karen. Good for her agent for exposing their piggery (new word;-) to the media. Would love to see Rosie bring this up on today's interview--is Rosie live or taped in advance? Must dash to work--will need someone to fill me in! It's Weightgate!;-)

Kenny Tynan's review in the LA Times: "Nurse Betty" is a masquerade that doesn�t work. A noticeably sour fairy tale that mixes violence and cynicism with once-upon-a-time qualities, it was never fated to be "Snow White." But having Neil LaBute as the director has made the worst of the situation. As demonstrated by "Your Friends & Neighbors" and "In the Company of Men," pictures LaBute has written and directed, this filmmaker has an ice-cold sensibility that divides its bemused contempt between the characters he creates and the audiences who have to spend time with them. "Nurse Betty" marks the first time LaBute has taken on a script he didn�t write himself but, in a perverse tribute to the auteur theory of directorial authorship, his frigid fingerprints can be found all over it. Given that the film includes bloody shootouts and a graphic scalping, "Nurse Betty�s" John C. Richards and James Flamberg script (which managed to win a prize at Cannes) always had designs on being as edgy as it is fantastical. But with the addition of a director whose sensibility does not connect with all aspects of the material, who has to be dragged more or less kicking and screaming toward the film�s minimal needs for warmth and humanity, "Nurse Betty" seems more like a charade than it should. Though it manages to be involving and even amusing in fits and starts, its warped, disconnected sensibility makes for an oddly distant piece of work. For rest: http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/review_betty000908.htm

From CNN today: Renee Zellweger takes on Betty, now Bridget By Donna Freydkin NEW YORK (CNN) -- For Renee Zellweger, thin most definitely is not in. The actress, an elfin woman with a big pouf of blonde hair untidily pulled away from her round face, is doing her best to pack on the pounds. But if pigging out looks this good, the diet industry is in serious trouble. "Trust me, this is just a really good dress," she sighs. Actually, it's not. The frock in question is, in fact, a snug wraparound black creation, hugging Zellweger's petite frame. Gallingly enough, the months of gluttony haven't left their mark. And not too many of us can pity an actress who, in the name of high art, has to stuff herself full of pasta, chocolate and junk food. So why the great weight debate? Zellweger, 31, was most recently in London shooting "Bridget Jones' Diary," a film based on the massively popular tale of one neurotic Londoner's quest for thinness, confidence and true love. And to stay true to her character, whose weight fluctuates throughout the novel, Zellweger had to plump up. "I was very successful until we started to do night shoots," she said. "They just leave you so fatigued and with absolutely no appetite and I was repulsed at the thought of those obligatory Snickers bars." But for now, Zellweger's days of forced feedings and faux Brit accents are over. ... http://www.cnn.com/2000/SHOWBIZ/Movies/09/07/renee.zellweger/index.html CNN's lead-in to the NB review: Writer-director Neil LaBute's latest picture, "Nurse Betty," is an intentional change of pace, although not the complete 180 degree turn that press releases are trumpeting. First-time screenwriters John C. Richards and Flamberg have created a comedy about identity and self-delusion that contains enough brutal, distastefully intimidating moments to keep LaBute's morbid cult happy.

New York Times loves it..... 'Nurse Betty': Fragile: Handle With Dreams' ...". This whimsical rose-colored fairy tale with tragic undercurrents suggests a contemporary "Wizard of Oz" for grown-ups. It is easily the finest American comedy since David O. Russell's "Flirting With Disaster," another road movie that never ran out of poignantly funny surprises. " "None of it would work if Ms. Zellweger's Betty weren't such a perfectly blended mixture of sweetness, innocence and stubborn determination tinged with a streak of petulance. Utterly likable but never saccharine, flighty but not dumb, Betty is a contemporary grown-up Dorothy Gale skipping down the yellow brick highway to meet the wonderful wizard." "Nurse Betty" is as much a triumph for Mr. LaBute as it is for its cast, because its success is so dependent on its sustaining a precarious balance between humor and pathos, realism and fantasy. Compared with his vicious examinations of yuppie sexual cruelty, "In the Company of Men" and "Your Friends and Neighbors," which went for the jugular, "Nurse Betty" is almost warm and fuzzy. Yet the director gives the film enough of a misanthropic edge to hold sentimentality at bay." [Hey...Renee's sticker price just went up...Working title got a bargain!] ""Nurse Betty" is as much a triumph for Mr. LaBute as it is for its cast, because its success is so dependent on its sustaining a precarious balance between humor and pathos, realism and fantasy. Compared with his vicious examinations of yuppie sexual cruelty, "In the Company of Men" and "Your Friends and Neighbors," which went for the jugular, "Nurse Betty" is almost warm and fuzzy. Yet the director gives the film enough of a misanthropic edge to hold sentimentality at bay." [Let's hope ole Neil keeps the warmth in Possession too.] Entire review.... http://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/08/arts/08BETT.html?fl0907

Holden (NYT) is the first reviewer who had anything good to say about the violent murder scene. He must be a card-carrying member of LaBute morbid cult. ;-D "The brilliant and terrifying murder sequence at the beginning of the film establishes its deliberately bipolar mood and lays out its vision of modern America as a land of colliding, television-fed dreams of romance and upward mobility."

La Bute sounds like a creep. It seems that the reviewers are concentrating more on him than the film itself. It must be great for his ego. How on earth did he manage to snag Possession? He is not worthy. Karen I saw RZ on Letterman and thought her thighs were big. I get Harpers B. and their attitude is unacceptable. I hope they get flooded with letters. I will send one. Thanks for the articles.

(Karen), Holden (NYT) is the first reviewer who had anything good to say about the violent murder scene. He must be a card-carrying member of LaBute morbid cult. ;-D And he also knew her last name, Dorothy Gale! This is one weird dude.

(Moon) It seems that the reviewers are concentrating more on him than the film itself I have only excerpted the parts that dealt with him...in fairness. Ebert gave it 3 stars and our other paper gave it a v.g. review, without focusing unduly on LaBute's trademark vision.

My Okla. paper says; "Make Believe or Not, 'Nurse Betty' a Winner' ..."but it's Zellwegger's mixture of wide-eyed innocence and lovable moxy in the role of a modern-day Dorothy tht makes it all work. with fantasy on a collision course with brutal reality, one roots for her make-believe, fugue-state romance to come true"..." [Sounds like some good ingredients here to make BJ work] "..If the dull summer season's got you down, 'Nurse Betty' has the cure". Hey....I hope BJD gets as good reviews. This one won Best Sceenplay at this year's Cannes FF.

Jay Carr gives it 3.5 out of 4 stars. I snipped out the plot points. Time magazine, Entertainment Weekly, and People give it raves. Philly Inquirer didn't like it. Wall Street Journal liked RZ, but not the film. Best to plunk down your bucks and see for yourself. 'Nurse' is welcome relief By Jay Carr Boston Globe Published: 09/08/2000 Neil LaBute's ''Nurse Betty'' is just what the new season needs to momentarily outrun the soon-to-be-unleashed flow of fabricated plastic. I'm not sure if it's a dark light comedy or a light dark comedy. Either way, it's lively, edgy, full of zigs and zags, juicy performances, and offbeat fun. It'll pop the careers of Renee Zellweger, Chris Rock, and Greg Kinnear up a notch or two. The only reason it won't do the same for Morgan Freeman is that he's already at the top of the A-list. After the limited delights of his misogynistic ''In the Company of Men'' and misanthropic ''Your Friends & Neighbors,'' it's also something of a breakout film for LaBute, too. Working for the first time with a script by somebody else (John C. Richards, James Flamburg) has opened him up. ''Nurse Betty'' is never going to be confused with ''Mary Poppins,'' but as of now, it's LaBute's crowd pleaser. Zellweger's Betty is Dorothy hurtling out of Kansas in ''The Wizard of Oz.'' She's Mia Farrow escaping an unbearable life in ''The Purple Rose of Cairo'' by slipping her moorings and taking refuge in illusion. The hit men, inevitably, will recall the ones of ''Pulp Fiction.'' And Betty's skewed odyssey detonates memories of ''Desperately Seeking Susan.'' You won't have enough fingers and toes to count the film references in ''Nurse Betty,'' but it doesn't just rip off its sources; it regenerates them with bright inventiveness, putting its own distinct spin on the characters, especially Freeman's cool old pro and Rock's hotheaded protege. Amusingly, the more trigger-happy Rock gets as they pursue Betty, the more courtly Freeman becomes. Convinced that she's essentially innocent (she is), he finds a protective instinct surfacing on Betty's behalf. He's the charmer in the film, although Zellweger's confused but softly persistent Betty keeps you wanting to see things work out for her. One of her funniest detours occurs when she actually meets Kinnear's George, who's as insecure off the set as he is suavely commanding in front of the cameras. When she addresses him as his doctor character, he assumes she's an actress launching a brilliant improvisation in hopes of getting on the show. Another reason the soap-opera element works as well as it does is the wry, dry producer played by Allison Janney. It must be said that the film's bullet-strewn ending doesn't live up to the level of the kicky inventiveness that precedes it. Still, if you're in the cinematic doldrums, take two hours of ''Nurse Betty,'' and you won't have to call a doctor in the morning. ******

Fascinating to see these reviews after the film. Although LA Times and NY Times are poles apart, I found myself nodding at both. Overall, I think I have to agree most with WSJ: liked RZ, but not the film, which augurs better for BJD than Possession. I will be very interested to hear what others think when they have seen it. Re NLB, you do get the impression that the director has stamped himself all over this film, something I've never really thought before. Obviously I missed most of the filmic references - I've already mentioned the sitcom references I spotted, and the Dorothy Gale tribute was made clear; more educated film buffs, please educate me when you get the chance...

Here is my local paper Miami Herald: 'Nurse' eventually comes to worse By Rene Rodriguez Nurse Betty is a cracked romantic comedy, with an emphasis on cracked. The movie has the structure of classic farce, and it's mostly sweet and tender, except when it turns bloody. Like a scene where one of the characters gets scalped. With a kitchen knife. In semi-closeup. Notting Hill, it's not. This is director Neil LaBute's third film, and it's the first one he didn't write. His other two, In the Company of Men and Your Friends & Neighbors, were cruel, psychologically violent films about the battle of the sexes. They were small, personal movies, brimming over with satirical bile, and they cut uncomfortably deep. Nurse Betty is a much bigger, frothier movie: LaBute says he decided to direct it precisely because no one would expect him to, and he was right. Because it's LaBute, the movie still has an edge. It's just not personal at all, and thus much less interesting. The script, by John C. Richards and James Flamberg, won the Best Screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival, where genre-busting concoctions are often celebrated, whether or not they hold together (Wild at Heart and Barton Fink were also big winners there). And Nurse Betty, while certainly bizarre, does not hold together. The movie stars Ren�e Zellweger as Betty, a Kansas waitress stuck in a bad marriage to a shady car salesman (Aaron Eckhart). As a way of escape, Betty loses herself in her beloved soap A Reason To Love, a General Hospital clone about the hunky Dr. David Ravell (Greg Kinnear) and the women in his life. Then a traumatic experience sends Betty into a fugue state, making her believe she's one of Dr. Ravell's ex-flames from the TV show. To her friends' befuddlement, Betty packs her things and sets out for Los Angeles to win back the good doctor, unaware she's being followed by a pair of hit men (Morgan Freeman and Chris Rock) out to reclaim a stash of drugs hidden in the trunk of her car. The premise sounds wobbly, and it plays even worse. Nurse Betty looks wonderful -- the movie's beautiful widescreen images are by cinematographer Jean Yves Escoffier, who shot Good Will Hunting -- and there isn't a single weak link in the cast. Zellweger, an immensely likable actress, earns your sympathy without ever tugging at your sleeve. She's like a plainer, more attainable Julia Roberts, and the entire movie is built around your desire to see Betty attain personal happiness: Her smile alone is reward enough. Freeman and Rock strike some sparks as the bickering murderers, and Kinnear is terrific as the vain soap star, whose shallowness runs formidably deep. There is also a nice turn by Allison Janney as the soap opera's unforgiving producer. Her blunt, carnivorous demeanor isn't just funny; it also feels perfectly right. The problem with Nurse Betty lies in its script, which can't overcome its incongruities. It feels like three movies stitched together. The film has some fine individual scenes: Its depiction of the TV soap industry, with its petty personalities and breathless overacting, is particularly good. But the movie lacks a cohesive tone. It feels concocted, artificial; LaBute can't sell the fantasy. Betty's inability to snap out of her stupor is as annoying to the viewer as it is to the other characters, because it doesn't make any sense. At times, you just want to shake her. And the sudden shifts in tone are jarring. You can picture LaBute behind the camera, saying, "This is where we'll sock it to 'em!" Well, he socks it to us, all right. It's a weird little movie, with references to The Wizard of Oz bumping up against gory shootouts. But at least you can't accuse LaBute of selling out. Nurse Betty doesn't work, but it's certainly different. That alone has to count for something, right?

Here is the picture that goes with it.

More distinction for RZ: she's made People mag's 10-worst dressed list. I thought they might have seen the BJD get-ups, but no, judging from the pics, she's earned this all on her own.;-)

Meant to mention this..(seen in the newsagents, not bought!)..one of our more rubbishy tabloids had an article on HG and BJD. He is quoted as saying that he went to a "fat farm" (ie health clinic) in Thailand, and lost 40 (!)pounds weight (nearly 3 stone). He also worked out in a gym for 6 months. There's a pic of him, obviously in Daniel mode, in a white suit, very tanned. Also quoted as saying that he loves his new look, and likes to study himself in the mirror. Also a mention of BJD abd Salman Rushdie's cameo appearance, in the Times. All publicity is good publicity!

The only Wizard of Oz things I noticed were: (1) as she's lying in bed at her friend's house after the massacre, there's a mobile hanging in front of her face with a rainbow (as in "Somewhere Over the Rainbow..."), (2) the Kansas sign ("You're not in Kansas anymore" and Morgan Freeman's big speech to her at the end (it was always in her heart, yadda yadda yadda); thought she was going to click her heels three times. No sign of ruby slippers at the Bland Canyon, but the dress was dead ringer for Dorothy's. ;-D Didn't see any flying monkeys either. Overall, I thought the movie was a hoot. I do agree that LaBute didn't have resort to such an ugly violent scene at the beginning to make his point that Betty is traumatized. Also, I found Chris Rock's performance and character the worst of the bunch. He was totally one-note not funny. Most of Morgan Freeman's dialogue went over the audience's head; it was too smart, which begs the believability of the two characters' relationship. RZ was excellent.

BTW, thought they really hit you over the head with her Doris Day-ability. "Que sera sera..."

Thank you Mari, Karen, Evelyn, and Moon for posting all those film reviews. I'm very curious to see Nurse Betty, not only because of RZ, but because opinions vary so much about the film, and I find images that harken back to other films add a great deal if the referencing is done well. It's not playing in my area yet, though. I probably won't get to see it until this discussion is history!

I found myself laughing at times all by myself and not laughing at all when the audience did! It was not as funny as I expected. I give it two stars. I liked the Dorothy references as well as Doris Day. RZ is cute but I have a problem with her. All those faces she makes and her voice. I will keep an open mind for BJ. Doris day in all her wonderfully silly roles was still a woman and looked like a woman. RZ looks like a little girl. BJ is a woman. I hope she can rise to the occasion. Do not like Aaron physically. He is lucky to be a friend of La Bute. Enjoyed the part in Rome. BTW, filmed where HF interviewed CF and you can even see the Pantheon (my favourite place in Rome), where Colin took Helen.

On the Rosie O'Donnell show, RZ mentioned how she was not good at dialects. I just hope she is not going to mangle the British one too much. BJ seems so British which is so much more than just what comes out of her mouth. It's all in the attitude and I hope Renee is up to the challenge. She's an immensely likable actress so I will keep an open mind.

Thanks Sue. I take it then that no mention was made of BJD on Rosie? Ah well, soon enough. Hugh Grant having to lose 40 pounds sounds as absurd as Colin's Darcy being compared to a porker. Trashy tabloid notwithstanding, I will believe the part that says Hugh likes to look at himelf in the mirror. ;-)

RZ and Rosie did talk a bit about BJD. I think it started with RZ saying she had trouble gaining weight for BJ due to the British cuisine. She said no problem with a Texas diet of biscuits and gravy and tamales. I say throw in some chicken-fried steak and she could gain a stone in a week. :-)) Renee asked the audience who read BJD. There was a little show of hands which we did not see. Both she and Rosie both loved the book. I hope Rosie will book some (or shall I say a special someone)of the actors from BJD come promotion time. Rosie invited Renee back when her next project opens. Renee said as far as she knows BJD will be out in the Spring, that was the last that she heard. The conversation then moved on to Nurse Betty.

From today's New York Times. Lots on BJD. CF mentioned. There's a new Bridget pic also. Will post the URL; you might have to register (it's free) ******* Ren�e Zellweger: A Character Actress Trapped in an Ing�nue's Body By DANA KENNEDY Ren�e Zellweger plays the title role in Neil LaBute's black comedy "Nurse Betty," which opened Friday. She also stars in "Bridget Jones's Diary," opening next spring. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Alex Bailey/Miramax Films Ren�e Zellweger plays a chronically dissatisfied woman in "Bridget Jones's Diary," opening next spring. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ OS ANGELES -- Ren�e Zellweger, from a distance, has all the trappings of a rising Hollywood starlet: the blond hair, the thin frame, the bee-stung lips, the colorful but homespun childhood in Texas, no formal acting training and a boyfriend who gets $20 million per picture. So when she arrives in a big black SUV with her dog at her favorite coffee shop on Sunset Boulevard and suggests a late-morning hike, it might seem as if this outdoorsy scene has been as strategically scripted as a movie montage. But it takes only a two-hour trek through Runyon Park to discover that Ms. Zellweger, though best known for playing Tom Cruise's girlfriend in her breakthrough role in "Jerry Maguire" in 1996 and, more recently, Jim Carrey's girlfriend in this summer's "Me, Myself and Irene," is not simply another actress who has succeeded by perfecting the art of playing herself. It turns out that Ms. Zellweger, who is leaving the girlfriend parts behind with starring roles in two new movies, Neil LaBute's black comedy "Nurse Betty" and an adaptation of Helen Fielding's best-selling novel "Bridget Jones's Diary," is actually a character actress trapped in the body of an ing�nue. This revelation has nothing to do with the fact that Ms. Zellweger has shown up in sweats, running shoes, no makeup; talks to anyone she meets; and blithely hikes straight up the steep hills in the searing lateAugust sun without so much as a sip of water or a drop of sunscreen on her lily-white skin. It doesn't come just from anything she says, either, though she is warm and chatty, especially when talking about something other than herself. Rather, it comes from what Ms. Zellweger does not say, which is considerable, and how strikingly different she is from the characters she plays in "Nurse Betty," which opened Friday, or "Bridget Jones's Diary," arriving in spring. "Both of them seemed a little scary to do," Ms. Zellweger says. "And that was the appeal. They were both a really complicated challenge." In "Nurse Betty," Ms. Zellweger plays a na�ve small-town wife who is traumatized after witnessing her husband's murder and becomes fixated on traveling to Los Angeles to find the handsome doctor she watches on her favorite soap opera. As Bridget Jones, she is the neurotic 30-something "singleton" who drinks and smokes too much while obsessing about how to land a man. It is not inconceivable that Ms. Zellweger, 31, could have drawn on her own life to play both roles. Her character in "Nurse Betty" develops a real-life psychological disorder called a disassociative fugue, which usually surfaces after a trauma or life-changing event and causes a person to flee. Ms. Zellweger researched the condition and consulted a psychologist who specializes in treating the disorder before she tackled the role. "It's mystical almost," she says of the illness. "It's unbelievably bizarre, but learning about it was half the fun of the job." Ms. Zellweger experienced a different kind of shock in 1995 when, after a few minor roles in small, Texas-based independent films, in B-movies like "The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and in the critically acclaimed but little-seen love story "The Whole Wide World," she was chosen to play opposite Tom Cruise in "Jerry Maguire." The film went on to make $240 million and made Ms. Zellweger a star. Up until then, her life had been remarkably parochial. She grew up in Katy, Tex. (pop. 12,500), just outside Houston, with a Swiss father and Norwegian mother who immigrated to Texas after their marriage. Ms. Zellweger graduated from the University of Texas and began her acting career in the Austin area with a beef commercial. Yet by all accounts, far from going into any fugue state, Ms. Zellweger remained exactly the same after "Jerry Maguire." She has just moved into a new $1.5 million home in Nichols Canyon in the trendy Hollywood Hills and has been involved with Mr. Carrey since they made "Irene" last summer, but her most constant companion is still her 12-year-old collie-retriever mix, Dylan. "There's very little that's worth everything to me," she says calmly. "I love my job, I love what I do. I couldn't ask for a better life. But I'd be O.K. if this all went away and I had to do something else, too." Those who have read "Bridget Jones's Diary" know that such sanguine, Zen-like sentiments are hardly what the nakedly ambitious and chronically dissatisfied Bridget, a publicist turned wacky television feature correspondent, would be likely to utter. There was controversy, mostly stirred up by the British tabloids, over the selection of Ms. Zellweger for the part, since she is American. "Don't think I didn't have a lot of nightmares and sleepless nights," says Sharon Maguire, the director, of her decision to hire Ms. Zellweger after a lengthy search (which included British actresses). "After she came in, I thought, `She's perfect but she's a Texan. What do we do?' " In the end, Ms. Maguire was won over by Ms. Zellweger's promise that she would nail the accent. "Her attitude was, `If I don't get this accent right, we are both so busted,' " Ms. Maguire says. "She worked really hard and I think she got it." To ensure that she got it, Ms. Zellweger was asked by the filmmakers to come to London three months early to study with a dialect coach and immerse herself in the culture. She even went undercover, using the name Bridget Cavendish, at the Picador publishing company in London for two weeks, calling editors to ask them to review books, skimming the newspapers for pertinent articles and getting coffee for the executives. Throughout her seven-month stay in London, she spoke with a British accent. "It was very technical," says Ms. Zellweger. "They wanted a very specific accent from a particular social class in a particular area outside London. We started by overenunciating and speaking the Queen's English, then taking it back a notch. It got to be a habit." Ms. Zellweger even used her newly acquired accent when she met her co-stars Hugh Grant, who plays the caddish Daniel Cleaver, and Colin Firth, who plays Mark Darcy, on the set. "They were really kind about it. They knew I wasn't some geek trying to sound English. They knew it was part of the job." Mr. Carrey, who visited Ms. Zellweger but mostly spoke to her by telephone from the United States, was less understanding. "I'd call my boyfriend and he couldn't take it," she says. "He'd ask me to please speak normally." Ms. Zellweger also had to gain about 17 pounds for the part. Usually she is a size 2 and loves to run or hike every day, but in London she went on a nutritionist-guided diet to pack on pounds and was forbidden to exercise. "I'd have an omelet with cheese and sauce for breakfast with a fatty yogurt and then a fruit salad with a topping and juice and coffee and cream and a bagel with butter and a few hours later a chocolate shake with weight-gain powder in it," she says. "It was like, do the research, learn your lines, eat the shake. It was all part of the job." But learning to talk and eat like Bridget Jones may have been the easy part for Ms. Zellweger. Truly becoming Bridget, which means being blunt, impolitic, gossipy, envious, needy and a little too obvious about everything, must have been like acquiring the traits of an alien. In person, she is relentlessly positive, eager to see, as she puts it, "the good in everybody," and will not utter a negative word about anyone or anything. She says she has not had one really bad experience in her career. Often, she firmly but politely says, "I don't know" to even the most softball questions. In a move too cool for the perpetually desperate Bridget, Ms. Zellweger became legendary for what she said to Cameron Crowe, the director of "Jerry Maguire," when he called to tell her she had the part of Dorothy Boyd. "What makes you think I want it?" she replied. Ms. Zellweger, who is normally unfailingly pleasant, says she acted flippant because she thought Mr. Crowe was joking. Almost everything � her role in "The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre," her pre-"Jerry Maguire" job bussing tables at the Three Clubs in Hollywood, even having to gain weight in London � was a "gift" or a "learning experience." She is equally enthusiastic about her co-stars, like Mr. Cruise or Meryl Streep, whom she reveres and with whom she starred in "One True Thing" (1998). She frequently labels both her colleagues and all her adventures "fantastic!" and "amazing!" "I've just been showered with good fortune," she says, in most un- Bridget fashion. Yet while that may sound annoying, the net effect is that you admire Ms. Zellweger for refusing to disclose her own personal struggles and pain. In fact, she comes across as if straight from the pages of another best seller, the often-scorned 1995 book "The Rules," which advocates setting strong boundaries and saying no whenever possible in order to get a man and get ahead. "I know how people can get hurt by what you say, so I don't feel a need to share everything about myself," she says. "Just because I'm an actress shouldn't mean that I can just talk about difficult things that involve other people." It is hard to find anyone who will do anything except gush about Ms. Zellweger. But some of her directors, while fans, hint that there is some steel under the sugar. "I think she's very savvy underneath about a lot of things," Mr. LaBute says. "But I don't think it's anything dark. I think Ren�e just braced herself to deal with an industry that can be crushing and made the decision to be buoyant as a way to rise above it all." Peter Farrelly, who directed Ms. Zellweger and Mr. Carrey in "Me, Myself and Irene," has said Mr. Carrey fell in love with Ms. Zellweger during filming but she was unresponsive. Mr. Farrelly said Mr. Carrey was a "whipped puppy" and that she "played him like a violin." The two did not get together romantically until after the movie wrapped. "I was not played like a violin," says Mr. Carrey stiffly, if a little unconvincingly, when asked. "Neither of us were playing or were played." But when asked what makes Ms. Zellweger different from other actresses he has worked with, Mr. Carrey could have been describing her on or off screen. "It's her ability to withhold her emotions," he says. "She has it all working inside, but she doesn't prostitute her feelings. A lot of actresses can't wait to show their feelings all over the place. As a result, when you finally see a glimpse of Ren�e's feelings � it's something much more powerful." The best way to glimpse those feelings from Ms. Zellweger is to knock off the formal interview and talk hiking or some other outdoor activity. At the moment she's excited about her coming trip to the Palm Springs area. True to form, she won't be kicking back and pounding down the margaritas either. "My friends think I'm crazy," she says. "But I love it when it's like 120 degrees and I go running. It feels great. Fantastic!"�� Dana Kennedy is an entertainment reporter for MSNBC.

Here's the URL for the BJD pic and article. http://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/10/arts/10KENN.html

Thanks, Mari. Nice that Working Title is giving out publicity stills already.

Thanks, Mari! Now if we could only have a look at Mark Darcy. :-D

Another little item from 9/6 Jeannette Walls' Delivers the Scoop column: Renee Zellweger couldn�t be persuaded that she had, indeed, lost the weight she had packed on to play the lead in �Bridget Jones�s Diary.� When a group of journalists tried to convince her otherwise, Zellweger turned around and pointed to her backside and declared, �This is still very, very big.�

The "Too Fat for Harper's Cover" story at the Guardian: http://www.filmunlimited.co.uk/News_Story/Exclusive/0,4029,367142,00.html

I saw Nurse Betty, and absolutely loved it. Everything about this film worked for me. The performances are stellar--Renee Zellweger and Morgan Freeman are nothing short of superb and will well deserve any end-of-year accolades they may get. Just to comment on what others have noted: the violence against Del was not out of line, IMO. We not only need to believe in Betty's trauma, but in Charlie's (the Freeman character) as well, and the manner of Del's demise sets this up. Roger Ebert really hit the nail on the head in his review, in which he states that these are parallel characters. Also really enjoyed Greg Kinnear, alternately playing the faux sincerity of Ravell and the actorly self-absorption of McCord. The writing is excellent--it's not designed to be a ha-ha funny film, but a wise, witty, and sometimes poignant take on any number of things, not the least of which is our fascination with celebrity. I have some observatons on LaBute's direction, but I'll take them to the Possession board at some point. Nurse Betty was the #2 film at the U.S. box office this weekend, and was especially strong in drawing over-35 women (bodes well for BJD).

(Mari) Nurse Betty was the #2 film at the U.S. box office this weekend It played on only half the number of screens as The Watcher did, so if you extrapolate, it could've been #1. ;-D Roger Ebert really hit the nail on the head But did Roeper ever hate it. (Don't get me wrong, I did like it overall and agree on many points, but not all.)

(Sue) On the Rosie O'Donnell show, RZ mentioned how she was not good at dialects. I saw this too--but my interpretation was not that she couldn't do them, but that she needed help. Renee referenced the coaching she received for the specific Brooklyn accent required for her role in A Price Above Rubies. I wouldn't worry, Sue. As the NYT article (thanks for posting, Mari) mentions, Renee and Sharon Maguire would be 'so busted' if the accent wasn't perfect. Otherwise, I thought Renee came across as shy and warm on the Rosie show. There was no mention of her BJD co-stars--perfectly understandable since she was there promoting NB. (NYT Article)Truly becoming Bridget, which means being blunt, impolitic, gossipy, envious, needy and a little too obvious about everything, must have been like acquiring the traits of an alien. Huh? Dana doesn't make BJ sound very appealing. IMO (s)he left something out. (Mari) it's not designed to be a ha-ha funny film Too bad that's how it's being promoted. Nurse Betty was the #2 film at the U.S. box office this weekend, and was especially strong in drawing over-35 women (bodes well for BJD). Indeed!

ARGH! Just saw this in The Mirror--a good news/bad news sort of item: THE DIARY : I'M BIGGER THAN HUGH, CRIES COLIN A BATTLE of the breeches is brewing on the Bridget Jones movie. Insiders tell me that Colin Firth was most distressed to learn that Hugh Grant was likely to be billed above him on the posters. A source said: "Colin's character is much bigger than Hugh's in the film so he has every right to be upset." Padded doublets at dawn, I reckon.

Thanks for all the articles .I'm glad NB is doing well but as per usual its not showing in my area, yet I hope.So to make up for it I forced,& I mean forced myself to watch a HG film(The Englishman etc etc) all can say is never again,I'm sorry but I can't take to his portrayal of an Englishman,IMO its the same in every film. Mari definitely a good news/bad news article.I thoughtit was about weight at first-oops.Surely the billing would have been sorted out before filming?(admit to being totally ignorant on these matters) But the thought that he's got a much bigger part fills me with delight,thats if we can believe what the Mirror says!

(nameless insider) "Colin's character is much bigger than Hugh's in the film so he has every right to be upset." Am happy to hear that MD's part is bigger if can be believed. More important we always knew, but whether he had as much screen time was questionable.

(Judy) I thought it was about weight at first-oops. LOL, Judy! Hey, the way some of these press reports have been describing CF's and HG's weight losses, I'm visualizing a pair of zygotes fighting over our Bridget.;-) (Judy) Surely the billing would have been sorted out before filming? I would think so, too. It would seem like a contractual matter at the time the actor first signs on, but I honestly don't know. Anyone know how that works? Am clinging to the report that the role is substantial, screen-time wise! (Eileen) Too bad that's how it's being promoted. Yes, you make a good point. Sometimes there seems to be a real disconnect between how studios promote their films and what the films actually are about. I think it's the "let's try to get the biggest crowds in for opening weekend" mentality. Anyone going to see Nurse B expecting to see the typical road movie complete with bad guys with hearts of gold will be surprised to say the least.

I'M BIGGER THAN HUGH, CRIES COLIN Of course you are, Colin dear ;-) Will be interested to see if this turns into another 'HF's mad about RZ's casting' or 'HG thinks RZ stinks' debacle. Let's see how many other places it turns up.

Well, we all know CF is bigger than HG in so many ways --- as you've already pointed out Karen. But I just doubt CF would say something like that! LOL Judy! Regarding HG in The Englishman etc. Talk about your stuttering village masturbatory character! (Not that I mean to give the sport a bum wrap or anything!) Glad you were able to get your system working Sister B Judy! (Mari)Hey, the way some of these press reports have been describing CF's and HG's weight losses, I'm visualizing a pair of zygotes fighting over our Bridget.;-) LMAO. Guess I better tuck those danishes away...

RZ will be on The View, Wednesday, Sept 13 and the Tonight Show on Thursday, Sept 14.

(nameless insider) "Colin's character is much bigger than Hugh's in the film so he has every right to be upset." (Karen), Am happy to hear that MD's part is bigger if can be believed. More important we always knew, but whether he had as much screen time was questionable. (Sadie), But I just doubt CF would say something like that! Listen Colin, HG, the Movie Star, is more famous than you are. You should not care who gets the public to the movie theatres. What is most important is who will they go back for the second time to see. And, I hope to never hear you say that you are happy as a character actor. They never get top billing. As much as Colin deserves the part because he is MD and it was written for him, he should consider himself very lucky to have landed the part. In Hollywood, that was not a given.

TTOTS starring CF and JM....;-)

FYI, I've just noticed that Smack the Pony, which stars Sally Phillips (Shaz), is on Bravo. There are two half hour episodes on weekly on Fridays at 8:00 pm ET. The website says that this week's are Episode 3 and 4, so they must have started broadcasting the series last week. Will be good opportunity to see what she can do.

TTOTS starring CF and JM....;-) That of course, is your pet peeve, Evelyn, British TV. ;-)

TTOTS starring CF and JM....;-) (Moon)That of course, is your pet peeve, Evelyn, British TV. ;-) Moi?;-)) (I was just reinforcing what someone said about screen time has nothing to do with billing;-) And I am resolved that he is principally a TV actor. Albeit, an excellent one:-))*smiley,*smiley...*happy, *happy*

Does "smack the pony" have some slang meaning? Or is it just a nonsense title meant to get a laugh?

Renee's brief appearance (about 7 minutes) on The View was mainly about Jim Carrey, with some NB thrown in for good measure. Two mentions of Bridget and all weight-related. First, she was asked about the Harper's cover. Said she didn't know reason but was disappointed after doing the hard work of a photo shoot. Then, the thinnest person on the couch (Ling) asked--with huge twinkle in hers--if it was fun to eat as much as you want and how long did it take, etc. RZ said it took about 2-3 weeks to put on the weight. Her peak weight was 17 pounds, but it fluctuated between 10-15 during maintenance which was constant. Said it was fun for about 2 days. Oh yes, per usual, she was wearing all black. Slacks and a long-sleeved top (to cover those upper arms). She looked normal weight, although not by H'wood standards. They showed a pic of her taken at the same time as this one, but was even less flattering:

She cut her hair.Looked pretty square in that "one-size -fits-all"outfit.

As this was initially reported here: Apology for Liz Hurley Liz Hurley has received an apology from the US magazine which last month published an article in which she had allegedly described former boyfriend Hugh Grant as "less than adequate" in bed. New York-based magazine Jane, conducted an interview with Ms Hurley entitling the piece "Down and Dirty with Elizabeth Hurley". Hugh and Liz were together for 13 years, and in a complaint to the magazine she insisted she would never say anything derogatory about her former boyfriend as she still "truly loved him". In a letter to the magazine Ms Hurley said: "I never at any time said anything disparaging about my sex life with Hugh Grant. "I never referred to it as 'less than adequate' and never said that I don't miss sex with him." Initially the magazine claimed to have the interview on tape but in this month's edition printed a full apology to Ms Hurley. It claimed that a professional transcription of the interview had revealed no reference to Hugh's performance in bed. [ed. note: and an "unprofessional transcription" did??] The apology reads: "The tape recording itself of the reporter's interview contains no derogatory statements by Ms Hurley about Mr Grant or her relationship with him, including no reference by Ms Hurley to her sex with Mr Grant being inadequate. "Jane magazine apologizes to Ms Hurley for any distress our article may have caused." A spokesman for the star says she is delighted that the situation had been resolved amicably.

I prefer to believe it the first time round :-) RZ is getting more publicity this time in TV Times,to promote Me.Myself...BJD only gets brief mention,CF none but the good news is HG isn't mentioned either-D

Hi People....just a quickie word about Colin being " upset " at Hugh Grant getting top billing over him in the BJ Diaries. Please consider the source of this story...its a Fleet Street tabloid and, you wouldn't believe the crap they come up with. Do we have any English Firthians out there who will agree with me on this this ? I'm sure we do. Anyway, I am Irish and I am very familiar with the kind of rubbish the English tabloids can come up with. So don't take this report at face value. I would place as much credence in this story, as I would in something I read in the National Enquirer here in the States. Colin himself, has gone on the record talking about how the tabloids make up stuff about him, all the time. Didn't he talk in an interview, about the tabloids inventing a crush he was supposed to have on some actress who he has never even met ? Besides doesn't a Hugh Grant/Colin Firth ego catfight seem totally out of character for a man who is so famously modest and down to earth ? Anyway, I think its all just a load of cobblers if you ask me ! ( That's " rubbish " for all you uninitiated Yanks out there ) See ya Beth.

Hi People....just a quickie word about Colin being " upset " at Hugh Grant getting top billing over him in the BJ Diaries. Please consider the source of this story...its a Fleet Street tabloid and, you wouldn't believe the crap they come up with. Do we have any English Firthians out there who will agree with me on this this ? I'm sure we do. Anyway, I am Irish and I am very familiar with the kind of rubbish the English tabloids can come up with. So don't take this report at face value. I would place as much credence in this story, as I would in something I read in the National Enquirer here in the States. Colin himself, has gone on the record talking about how the tabloids make up stuff about him, all the time. Didn't he talk in an interview, about the tabloids inventing a crush he was supposed to have on some actress who he has never even met ? Besides doesn't a Hugh Grant/Colin Firth ego catfight seem totally out of character for a man who is so famously modest and down to earth ? Anyway, I think its all just a load of cobblers if you ask me ! ( That's " rubbish " for all you uninitiated Yanks out there ) See ya Beth.

OOps..scuse the double post !!

Yup Bethanne have to agree with you. Being an Ex-Pat Brit living in Aust. and know the British Tabloids only too well.

I kind off like the fighting spirit of wanting top-billing and will believe it. At least if it were set alphabetically, and it is done on occasion, he would be first. :-)

(Moon)I kind off like the fighting spirit of wanting top-billing and will believe it. "You mean I trained for this new body and you're giving me third billing? No way"

I read an article a while ago about billing--said it was part of an actor's contract and was determined up front when he/she signs on to do the film. Billing includes placement of the actor's name in the ads and specifies the font size. I'm with Bethanne (welcome, by the way), IMO the story's cobblers (or as we say where I come from, it's a crock of sh**). ;-)

From the 'Nothing New But I'm Sharing It Anyway' file... From the MSN home page: E! Online exclusive: Q&A With Renee Zellweger On crazy nurses, hefty Brits and dating the world's most famous funnyman by H.W. Fowler Ren�e Zellweger has gone pretty far for a little gal from li'l ol' Katy, Texas. Since beating out much bigger names for the romantic lead opposite Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire some five years back, she's gone head-to-head with Meryl Streep (One True Thing), to London for most of this year to star in the controversial film version of Helen Fielding's bestseller Bridget Jones' Diary and straight into Jim Carrey's heart. /.../ Q: Guess that made playing chubby, self-defeating Bridget Jones seem like a return to normalcy. Congratulations, by the way, on not looking fat. A: It's a good dress, honey. [Laughs.] Yeah, it's a real good dress. Q: How much weight did you have to put on to play Bridget? A: It fluctuated, of course, depending on whether we were at a point in the script where she'd taken a little bit off. I'd go down 10, but then I was up 15. Luckily, we shot a lot at night, which always leaves you with a voracious appetite. All you can really do is rest during the day. Q: Besides eating too much and exhausting yourself, you've had to cope with seven months of people being pissed off at you for playing such a totally English heroine. They've been saying you'll never get the accent right, that the role should've gone to Kate Winslet or Helena Bonham Carter or Emily Watson, that Helen Fielding hates the very idea of an American playing her creation. How trying has all that been? A: I feel very lucky to be part of something that meant a lot to young women--to a lot of people. Plus, I had to do research, because Bridget works for a publishing company with Picador Books, which published the book over there. I was in the publicity department for a couple of weeks, where my job was to go through the newspapers and magazines every day for reviews and articles about their books. I had to clip out anything that pertained to Bridget Jones the movie, too. I'd have to go through all these things about how upset the author was that they'd cast this unknown American actress that nobody likes. There was loads of it; I was like, Okay, that's a nice one, guess I'll clip it out. I do understand that attitude, but I've met many more people who are familiar with my work and pleased that I'm playing her--but that doesn't make for very interesting stories in the newspapers, does it? /.../ *** Blah, blah, same old same old. At least BJD is getting almost equal time with NB on RZ's NB publicity tour.

Having suffered the so called news stories from our tabloids for more years than I care to admit, I agree with Bethanne (Hi, BTW) and am inclined to take reports this "fight" with a whole ton of salt!

Someone - doesn't really matter whether it was Colin or HG or the agent's secretary - has probably been overheard just chatting somewhere, probably just casually discussing the contract negotiations, as people do, but for the gossip page it had to be embellished. Easy.

(Tracy)Having suffered the so called news stories from our tabloids for more years than I care to admit Not to mention that totally fabricated story about a certain Firthette at Lyme. ;-)

(Tracy)Having suffered the so called news stories from our tabloids for more years than I care to admit But they are v. popular in England, far more than tabloids in the US. And say what you will, Tracy...they wouldn't be in business if so many people didn't buy them. I see folks queueing up at the newsagents for the newest "Hello";-)

THE DIARY : I'M BIGGER THAN HUGH, CRIES COLIN Think that's a direct quote? Waaah... LOL! A source said: "Colin's character is much bigger than Hugh's in the film Notice it say's his "character" is much bigger, not his screen time. Doesn't that mean his character is more important than Daniel's? May not mean he's got more screen time. 'Course IMO the whole thing's a crock of sh** (thanks, Eileen) so it's all irrelevant anyway. But interesting publicity!

Hmm.... just got back from seeing Nurse Betty. -The theater was packed, and audience laughed a great deal. I enjoyed it (well... most of it. hard to enjoy a scalping scene) and though it was clever, if slightly odd. Just as the movie was starting, my friend seated next to me, leaned over and whisphered "did you know she's going to be in that Diary movie with that guy you like?" LOL - No! Really? ;-) *hee hee*

Evelyn on tabloids - they are v. popular in England, far more than tabloids in the US......they wouldn't be in business if so many people didn't buy them. I see folks queueing up at the newsagents for the newest "Hello";-) All true of course..and I'd be a hypocrite if I said I'd never bought one (only in the interests of Firth research and on the rarest of occasions, promise ;-D) and perpetuated the whole business. Let's face it we do have a great time at their expense, what would we talk about? (for talk about read pull apart and generally vent a lot of spleen assassinating the character of the journalist).

Am getting used to the bag I wear over my head when I have to purchase one of those papers

I have every faith that you only purchase the tabloids in the pursuit of CF research, Tracy. I would like to thank you for your bravery.

Kinda funny, from The Telegraph today: JANET JACKSON needs taking down a peg. When she learnt that Ren�e Zellweger - the unassuming star of the forthcoming film version of Bridget Jones's Diary - was to present the MTV Video Music Awards, she threw a paddy. "Who is she? She's nobody!" the ageing warbler declared, according to OK! magazine. "I'm Janet Jackson. I don't even like her boyfriend, Jim Carrey. He's a fool." Charming. [columnist's comment, not mine]

LOL Karen. I still say Janet is really Michael butched up.

At the risk of spreading even more tabloid swill (my motto: if they print it, I'll spread it;-), I offer the following, from the Daily Mail. Many thanks to Jennie for spotting: ". . . it says about Davies "In addition, he wrote much of the screenplay for the film of The Diary of Bridget Jones, but bowed out before the end of the project after 'artistic differences' with the director. 'I was brought in, rather sweetly, to increase the Darcy quotient' says Davies 'Not to put more sex in; it was more about the structure. 'Helen (Fielding, the book's author) had already done two quite good drafts' he says in a rather tepid tribute. 'I was delighted to get a crack at it. I had met Helen once before, so insisted - as a condition of my doing it - that I had at least one night out with her doing Bridget Jonesy things; drinking lots of chardonnary and eating lots of food.'"

From the Sunday Times (9/16/00) Author dumps Bridget Jones THE creator of Bridget Jones is taking a break from her fictional heroine, writes Adam Nathan. Helen Fielding has told friends that she has had enough of Bridget, the angst-ridden singleton who has made her rich and famous. The news is likely to cause trauma to the millions of Bridget Jones fans awaiting another book chronicling her mishap-filled love life and social neuroses. On numerous websites and bulletin boards devoted to Bridget Jones, talk has been of little else. "Oh please, pleeeeease. I have also devoured the first two (several times over), and need more. Helen, if you read this: more please, 'coz we love Bridget," reads one message. However, a spokesman for Fielding's literary agent, Gillon Aitken, said she was sure that any book Fielding wrote next would be "equally fulfilling". The author Jilly Cooper, a friend of Fielding, said her decision to drop Bridget Jones was "very brave and probably a very wise move". She added: "Hemingway said 'Stop when you are going good' and she's been going brilliantly. Bridget launched her, but she has so many imitators now, the market is flooded with distraught women tearing their hair out." The feckless Bridget, who started life in a newspaper column in 1995, went on to become a global phenomenon, with Fielding's book, Bridget Jones' Diary, selling 4m copies in 30 countries. A film of the book, starring Renee Zellweger, an American actress, as the eponymous heroine, comes out next year. http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/2000/09/17/stinwenws01015.html

(Davies) 'I was brought in, rather sweetly, to increase the Darcy quotient' says Davies Yeah!!! (Davies) 'Not to put more sex in boo hiss Thanks for spreading the smut, Mari. ;-D

Spread it as thick as you can, Mari. Especially when you find articles with the words "Darcy" and "sex" together. BTW, I find it hard to believe Davies wouldn't sexy it up a little, just by increasing the Darcy quotient. -D

(Mari), (my motto: if they print it, I'll spread it;-) LOL! I find it hard to believe Davies wouldn't sexy it up a little, just by increasing the Darcy quotient. Words of wisdom, Sadie!

I do like that increased Darcy quotient too. Hope he cubed it. (It's fun to pick and choose what I want to believe and to hell with all the rest.) Thanks for posting. Don't blame Helen for getting tired of BJ. Agree there are too many imitators and you know what happens then... singleton backlash - bring on the smug marrieds. Anyone know who came first - Helen or Candace Bushnell (Sex and the City)? Saw an article on Bushnell in a recent Vogue. She was supposed to write an article on what it was like to sleep with a Brit male. Well, I'm sure there are enough women who post here who could tell us that for free. ;-) But gaah, she really thinks she's one hot tamale.

(Heide)It's fun to pick and choose what I want to believe and to hell with all the rest LOL! She was supposed to write an article on what it was like to sleep with a Brit male. Well, I'm sure there are enough women who post here who could tell us that for free. ;-) LMAO! But they have yet to kiss and tell. (Not even Liz Hurley, which is just as well, 'cause I don't really want to know about HG.)

Now that I've got your attention.... Spring needs money in order to operate. There are many different kinds of expenses we incur at Spring. Some are one-time only and others are ongoing. Right now, we are raising money to pay for the very specialized software (Yapp) that makes these discussion boards very unique. We need a larger license to accommodate all the people who visit these boards, whether they post or not. If you are a lurker and visit here and just read, you are still creating a "hit," and the license we have is not sufficient for the number of visitors we get on a daily basis. When we exceed the license limit, the conference boards shut down automatically until Yapp determines that a new day has started. To keep Spring alive, we need to raise $1,000. In the past, a handful of people have kept Spring afloat. Many of our Drool supporters in the UK have taken advantage of get-togethers with US friends in order to pass along cash contributions. So for this fund-raising effort, I have put out the call for everyone to do what they can. For those in the US, payment can be made by check or by an electronic transfer via the PayPal system. In the UK, we will have a person who can accept your payments (by cheque or bank draft) and see to it that the monies reach us. For those of you in other countries, please email me. No addresses will be posted on these boards. Please email me for details.

Karen already has my contribution! Please do not let Spring dry up! Whatever you can do will be enormously appreciated!

LisaJH has written "Bridget in LaLa Land." She posted Part I of the story on Topic 130. For those of you who don't read that topic, here is link that will take you directly to the beginning of her story: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/131.435

Lisa's story is so Bridget-ey, I could have been reading Helen herself. Kudos!

We saw Nurse Betty last night at Leicester Sq....sell out audience...not an empty seat in the house.....LOL 100 total...72inch screen...No kidding... We liked RZ...and Neil too. Can't say much for AE....

Dunno about ya'll, but I would like Nurse Betty to be a huge hit and to really increae RZ's starpower. The bigger star she is, the more media coverage there will be, here in the States, when the BJ Diaries comes out next April. I mean, CF and HG are huge stars in the UK and their presence alone, virtually guarantees it of being a huge hit. However, that is not the case here in the States and, it may need a "star" of the Julia Roberts variety, to "sell" the movie and guarantee the kind of media frenzy, that will ensure people will want to go and see it in droves. I know WE are all dying to see it, but an English film about a screwed-up 30 something, isn't going to appeal to everyone....unless they get a little push from nonstop Access Hollywood, Good Morning America, Tonight show etc etc etc coverage. Anybody else agree or am I being too pessimistic here ?

(Bethanne) Anybody else agree or am I being too pessimistic here ? No, you're probably right. Renee Z. has done a lot of v.g. work but has not yet shown that she can open a film. Good publicity for Nurse Betty certainly can't hurt BJD's cause. Hopefully they will also be able to use the fact that it's the same production team as "Notting Hill" and "Four Weddings..." to whip up enthusiasm for those as yet uninitiated to BJD, but who enjoyed these other two films. We saw Nurse Betty this weekend also. I liked it and thought the script was clever although I agree with Evelyn that AE was sure hard to like. Of course he was playing a horrid, bigoted red-neck character but it was hard to imagine him as a serious college professor type. For the sake of Posession, I hope he's a really good actor ;-). RZ was quite likeable in the film, although I didn't think that she got to exhibit a lot of range. I liked her work better in Jerry McGuire and even better in One True Thing.

I still think the skill that NLB exhibited in collating the parallel plots so seamlessly in NB will bode Possession well. This is the first NLB film that I have ever seen and I was impressed. IMO NB is a noir comedy in the same genre as American Beauty .Even the violent scenes at the beginning were not ot be taken seriously.Whole thing was a clever spoof to me.Not many people can pull that kind of film off. [Hate British comupter keyboards....hateful!]

Evelyn, I think you should become a citizen! You spend more time over there lately (hate American computer keyborads!):)

(Jana) Good publicity for Nurse Betty certainly can't hurt BJD's cause. It's already started--BJD was consistently mentioned in the course of RZ's NB publicity. Buzzzzzzzzzzz.... Am still working on seeing NB. Went to movies last Sat. Gave hubby synopsis of NB's story and he looked at me as if I had two heads (have to admit, plot is kind of bizarre) so saw Almost Famous instead. Will see NB sans hubby. (Bethanne) CF and HG are huge stars in the UK Huh. Though UK saw CF as somewhat obscure TV actor ;-P

Eileen, goodnes gracious, noooooooooo !! The UK considering CF as an obscure TV actor......O the horror !!! He has become a cultural icon over there and just a few months ago, was voted the all time favourite TV personality by BBC viewers, against some very stiff competition. I know the things he has done since P&P haven't exactly set the world on fire and his refusal to have his personal life plastered all over the tabloids ( a la Hugh Grant/Liz Hurley ) doesn't get him tons of media coverage. However, the mind blowing success of the P&P movie in the UK and, the place that the book has in the hearts of English people, has guaranteed him a permanant place in the very psyche of the English identity. If you don't believe me, go to Karen's articles page here at Spring and, read the Guardian/Observer interview from April 9, 2000. That explains perfectly what I am talking about. There is also another article in ES Magazine from June 9 and the very first line is: "SIX YEARS AFTER PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, COLIN FIRTH'S LOVE-GOD STATUS RAGES ON" I rest my case.....phew....sorry if I was ranting, but I had to defend our beloved's honour.

(Evelyn) I still think the skill that NLB exhibited in collating the parallel plots so seamlessly in NB will bode Possession well My thoughts exactly, Evelyn. Plus the parallel plots in both films have to do with obsession! All will be fine.:-) (Eileen) BJD was consistently mentioned in the course of RZ's NB publicity. Yes, very much so. My fave was when RZ was on Jay Leno's show a couple of weeks back. They spent the whole time talking about BJD (which got a decent smattering of applause from the audience), then *finally* Jay says "oh yeah, you've got this great new film out, NB. Let's roll the clip." LOL! Bethanne, that BBC fave actor poll was more like 3 or 4 years ago. In the latest, P&P barely made the top 100, which was a topic of discussion here a few weeks back. The public, no matter what country, is very fickle, IMO.

...and they don't go see his movies. Have started reading Fielding's Cause Celeb. v. unusual book. Chapters alternate between London (nearly Bridget) and a refugee camp in Africa. The London part comes before she goes to Africa and explains why she went. Love of her life is a Daniel prototype, but worse. Not sure if met the Mr Darcy character yet. Rosie has many of the same insecurities as Bridge and problems with her pantyhose as well. But her mother appears sane. ;-D

Oops, was that fav BBC charracters poll really 3/4 years ago ? Anyway, wasn't the most recent one ( where P&P hardly rated a mention ) done by the British Film Institute. Wouldn't their choices be far more artsey and highbrow than a Jane Austen bodice-ripper ? Believe me, the UK Colin love-fest never really died out. It's not as rabid as it was 5 years ago, but it won't take much to kick it into high gear again, next April. Just look at all the feaures of CF in all the major UK newspapers this past spring and summer. He has nothing major to promote and he still merits full page colour spreads in The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, The Telegraph etc etc. Our darling boy is still 'da bomb. Rejoice !

Karen, let me know what you think of Cause Celeb when you finish. I think I felt it was a little disjointed. I guess I was wanting another Bridget, so when the Bridgety bits were overwhelmed by the Africa bits I was disappointed. But then the main story-line became quite poignant, which was probably the whole point. But I still finished it thinking "not in the same class as BJD". I always thought if I got a chace to ask a question at a book-reading I would say "Are you Rosie Richardson?" as a change from the "Are you Bridget Jones?" brigade that HF hates.

Believe me, the UK Colin love-fest never really died out. I agree with you here, Bethane. Colin's very unusual (but he can get away with it)...in an age of overhyped self-promotion in which most "stars" literally live their lives through "Hello" magazine and Breakfast TV, he's a very private individual, strictly non-tabloid material....must be the only actor who's never given a television interview. But all the major quality papers gave him ample space for RV/MLSF, even TOTS. The interest is there..and BJD will get a lot of promotion in the UK. RZ has had a very sympathetic press which bodes well for the movie. Okay, you might say people don't rush to his movies (all one or two theatres!)...but outside of London, movie going is almost entirely dominated by the under 21, largely male, age group. Just look at the current UK Box Office Top Ten!! Videos and TV are a different matter (FP did much better in video rentals than it did at the Box Office) Re, Cause Celeb. I should imagine that HF will return to the standard novel (as opposed to short sentence diary entries) format for her next book.

I rest my case.....phew....sorry if I was ranting, but I had to defend our beloved's honour. OH Yeah!!How about going to see his movies (����!) instead of waiting til they come out on the telly. Sorry....UK fans...Outside of a very few ...most of the ranting and raging fandom is strictly rhetorical.When I see a queue outside of a cinema for his films,(I'll even take a few hundred people inside) then I'll believe you ...til then... Poppycock..is that what you say??? We'd say....a lot of Hot Air!

(Bethanne) Just look at all the feaures of CF in all the major UK newspapers this past spring and summer. He has nothing major to promote and he still merits full page colour spreads Actually, that's not true. All that publicity was done expressly for My Life So Far and Relative Values. True they were not *major* as it turned out in the UK, but they were all he had. (Mark) I think I felt it was a little disjointed. A little? ;-D I know exactly how you felt about the intrusion of the Africa bits. When she walked (nay, ran) out on Oliver, it didn't go back to Africa for one chapter. Thumbed a bit ahead and could see Africa going on and on for pages and pages. Was not thrilled. Wanted to know what happened the next day. Am far more caught up in "So You Want to Be a Masochist" relationship of Rosie and Oliver. But I realize that the Africa segment will be the more important. Just haven't reached that point yet. (Bethan) but outside of London, movie going is almost entirely dominated by the under 21, largely male, age group. Chicken and egg theories abound.

Jeez, what has started here ? Is CF a star or not ? Do people go and see his movies or not ? I thought WE were supposed to be his fans. Bethan/Lizabeth54 ( what do I call you ?) thank you for your support. I lose all respect for any public figure whenver I see them plastered on Hello Magazine covers. It's so gushing and phoney. I still pay $6.00 for it every week though, so so much for my principles. Evelyn.... Didn't people go and see The English Patient and Shakespeare in Love in droves ? Yes I know he wasn't the "star" but don't foget, an actor is only as successful as the parts he is offered. CF wanted the leads in SIL and The End of the Affair but they went to the Fiennes Brothers instead. He may never get offered a part as wonderful as Mr Darcy again and, I think we should all just get used to the fact. Is Cause Celeb available here in the States ?

Whoopsie daisies, have lured Bethanne into age-old debate about CF's popularity in his homeland. (Bethanne) He has become a cultural icon over there...the UK Colin love-fest never really died out Hmm. You sure it's a UK Colin love-fest? Or is it a UK Darcy love-fest? (Evelyn) OH Yeah!!How about going to see his movies (����!) instead of waiting til they come out on the telly. Wait and see, Evie, when Colin plays Darcy in BJD they'll be queue-ing in droves. Even the 21-year old males. ;-)

Eileen....... Colin-love fest vs Darcy love fest, I'm sorry, but whats the difference ? To quote BJ....CF is Mr Darcy, Mr Darcy is CF...v confusing. I was THERE when P&P was first broadcast by the BBC. I'm not a convert from the American A&E broadcast the following January. I was also over on the other side of the pond, when it was re-ran ( to much hysteria ) in 1997. So I had a ringside seat to all the UK pandemonium and it is still vividly impressed on my mind.

(Bethanne) I thought WE were supposed to be his fans. Eowww! How to answer that one without resurrecting the age-old argument over Colin's career choice. Suffice to say, Bethanne, we are definitely his fans, concerned enough over him to yak about him on a daily basis. Some are content with his career; others are not. Let one thing be understood, no one here has ever advocated a wish that he become a posterboy for tabloid publications. We respect his private life and don't discuss it here. I don't know where you got that idea. However, being a supporting cast member even in AA-winning films doesn't make some of us happy when we know he is more talented than the leads. Parts are offered, but many actors actively pursue choice parts, really go after them. Instead, he's been in a string of very so-so (to be kind) projects. Fans can have different opinions. No one is a lesser fan because they have a different POV and express their own aspirations for CF's career. Quite a few of us have crossed the Atlantic to see Colin on stage--twice. If that's not a fan, I don't know what is.

(Bethanne) Colin-love fest vs Darcy love fest, I'm sorry, but whats the difference ? To quote BJ....CF is Mr Darcy, Mr Darcy is CF...v confusing. To also quote BJ: "Then we had a long discussion about the comparative merits of Mr Darcy and Mark Darcy, both agreeing that Mr Darcy was more attractive because he was ruder but that being imaginary was a disadvantage that could not be overlooked."

Q.What happens when both Mark Darcy and Mr. Darcy are imaginary? ;-) A. We have FF.

Yikes, how did I manage to ruffle so many feathers ? Karen, I never suggested for one moment YOU were not a dedicated fan, Good Lord, no ! I was merely responding to an earlier post about nobody wanting go to see his movies and his stardom or lack of it in the UK. It was certainly not directed at you. Re the Hello magazine/tabloids thing, I'm truely baffled by your response. I too, have no desire to see him become a tabloid poster boy. The fact that he keeps his private life under wraps, is precisely why I respect him as a person as well as drooling over him as an actor. I think I'll shut up now.....cue slinking off into corner in tortured, rejected Mr Darcy mode.

(Bethanne) To quote BJ....CF is Mr Darcy, Mr Darcy is CF... 'Nuff said. AAA (apologies all around, to use an Evelyn-ism) for starting this thread. *smacking self on wrists* And now back to our regularly scheduled topic...

I think we should all just scoot on over to Topic #112 and jump into the lake. Coming everybody ?

Fully clothed, I might add....you never know who we might bump into !

(Bethanne) Yikes, how did I manage to ruffle so many feathers? You didn't ruffle any feathers. But we've discussed this on and on for ages. Sorry, if my response gave the impression I (personally) was offended. I was not. I was just trying to clarify that we all have different degrees of fandom and no one here equates tabloid covers with being a successful and well-recognized actor, one who is recognized for the level of his craft. The fact remains that while there was media frenzy and public adoration for his Mr Darcy, the public in England does not support his movies...if it means physically going to the cinema. We're all hoping that being in BJD gets him the recognition he needs to get good, solid roles in films.

Yup, I'd love to see the plum, juicy roles flood in after the BJD's...but don't hold your breath. If they didn't flood in after P&P, I don't think they will now, especially as he is on the wrong side of 40 and he is by his own admission, a "character actor" . We can hope though. I wonder if Mr Darcy typecasting, affected the roles he was offered post P&P and will BJD just add to the problem. Maybe in the minds of casting directors, they feel he can only ever be one person in the mind of the public, so they are reluctant to give him the parts that can make or break a film. I hope not.

(Eileen) Gave hubby synopsis of NB's story and he looked at me as if I had two heads (have to admit, plot is kind of bizarre) so saw Almost Famous instead. Will see NB sans hubby. I saw NB with my DH and a (male) friend of his, and they LOVED it (which is good, since DH is already resigned to seeing BJD heh heh). Actually, in a way, I kept thinking of it as a "guy" film. I have no idea why--perhaps the little "problem" experienced by Betty's husband early on? Maybe because I saw it with 2 guys who really liked it. BTW, DH said about RZ "she's a cutie"--v. out of character for him. Speaking of NB, is there a place on Spring to "drool" over Greg Kinnear? ohmigod

(Bethanne)Yup, I'd love to see the plum, juicy roles flood in after the BJD's...but don't hold your breath. If they didn't flood in after P&P, I don't think they will now, especially as he is on the wrong side of 40 and he is by his own admission, a "character actor" . We can hope though. You confuse me, Bethanne;-) Actually, you should have stayed in the UK...they could use you here as a fan...one more to have seen MLSF& SLOW . I didn't start this discussion, BTW...but it always surfaces when we have a new person.I personally think he will get better parts after BJD.

No, I think it has something to do with the position of the moon. ;-D

(Evelyn), I personally think he will get better parts after BJD. (Karen), No, I think it has something to do with the position of the moon. ;-D I will be most happy to oblige. ;-D

Sorry, Evelyn....didn't mean to confuse you. What I meant by "plum, juicy roles not flooding in after P&P" were that the starring roles in major productions like The English Patient, Shakespeare in Love, The End Of the Affair etc etc all went to other actors, while CF did low budget, quirky stuff like Fever Pitch. I'm not knocking him here, I just hate to see him only have supporting roles in these blockbusters. As for the wrong side of 40 and the character actor bits, I'm just quoting CF himself in an interview he gave, where he brought up the age thing and he told a funny story of losing out on a role to his own brother, of all people, coz he looked a lot younger. Anyway, he is by ar the sexiest 40 year old on the planet, if you ask me. I would LOVE to see him in major movies and I really, really hope BJD is the answer. Maybe, a gripping courtroom drama as Hollywood is bowled over by his portrayl of Mark Darcy, top barrister. I can just see him now, pacing back and forth in a gorgeous dark suit, or rising indignantly to his feet thundering " Your Honour, I object ! " or intently questioning a witness, overpowering her with the force of his, ahem, intellect as he reduces her to a wet, soggy puddle of drool.....Ooops, sorry, that's really us, isn't it ? O well, I can dream can't I ?

*my arms have been twisted to do this* Contributions received as of 27 September. Thank you all very much.

Finally got around to seeing NB. Thought RZ was wonderful--made a far-fetched role completely believable. Agree with others who make the comparison of NB to Possession insofar as obsession theme. Eerily similar. Am more convinced than ever that RZ will be the perfect Bridget. V.v.g. P.S. Teacher, my check's in the mail and my dog ate my homework. ;-)

And you will be getting mine too.

Oh yes, I know. Have a number of pledges. Will give the amount (in total) collected to date, when Evelyn turns over her local collections next week. It's important to know how we doing relative to goal. BTW, I'm putting names up there in a way so that they are not picked up by any search engines and am not putting up last names and such. If you want to remain anonymous, just let me know. As has been said before, give what you are comfortable giving.

Dane Bowers to sing for Bridget Jones Dane Bowers and American R&B singer Faith Evans are to join forces for the soundtrack to the film adaptation of Bridget Jones's Diary. The ex-Another Level star told Worldpop he also plans to write the track with the True Steppers. Faith Evans is best known as the female voice on Puff Daddy's I'll Be Missing You, a tribute to her estranged husband Notorious B.I.G. Bridget Jones's Diary, starring Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth, is due to be released in the UK next year.

thanks, Mari. I think this link will take you to the source story at worldpop.com (one of those framed places): http://www.worldpop.com/home/cif.cfm?dir=news&url=news_story.cfm¶m=newsid=1765 Here's what he said: "Speaking to worldpop at the recent Disney Channel Kids Awards, Bowers said he plans to team up with True Steppers to write the track. 'We're doing a song with Faith Evans, so that will be cool - me and Faith Evans singing, and I'm going to write it with True Steppers,' he said.

Should we trust anyone that marries a person called Notorious B.I.G.? Not too promising IMO. Do they think she is hip? Todd Rundgren, now there is a true star!

From the 9/28 Evening Standard: How to have a well-dressed Vespa Some scooter riders may have the retro crash helmet, the designer shades and the hand-stitched boots - but is their Vespa wearing the right clothes? Members of London's growing army of scooter commuters now have the chance to buy some of the best turned-out machines in town, including one with Argyll- inspired bodywork designed by fashion guru Jasper Conran. He is one of eight celebrities who have submitted designs for machines to be sold in an Art Vespa auction being held at Sotheby's in London on Tuesday in aid of the drugs charity Action on Addiction. [...] For the girl about town, however, there can be only one choice - the Bridget Jones scooter designed by writer Helen Fielding. It incorporates essential devices such as a CD player for "blasting out Eagles' hits to create pleasing illusion of roaring along desert highway"; "box for small selection of Milk Tray chocolates"; "very large handbag holder" and "plug-in hair tongs to repair damage done by ludicrous helmet". [...] The celebrity-designed scooters will be on show at Sotheby's in New Bond Street from today until the day of the auction. Complete article here: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/lifestyle/bottom_review.html?in_review_id=320969&in_review_text_id=264216 ~~~~~~~ Pretty funny that HF is participating in this, given the Cause Celeb book.

Hi everyone! I am still here but I have had a frantic 3 months and now I am having posting difficulties. Bear with me I am going to post in short chunks.

There is an article in our local paper about Crispin Bonham Carter who has just finished filming BJD in which he plays BJ's clanger-dropping office chum, Greg.

He says KZ's english accent is "pretty good". Why do I get such bad vibes about this film? Sorry this is so brief. Will try and get the article to Evelyn in London so that she might be able to tell you about it at greater length. Am having to use IE/AOL rather than netscape at the moment and posting is a nightmare.

Crispin? What a happy reunion. Clanger-dropping office chum. Hmmm, not ringing a bell but no matter. Thanks, Allison.

Welcome back, Allison, and with news. Lovely! Greg?? Who is Greg?? And what's a clanger, other than a thing that...erm...clangs? And what's it doing in an office? (Heide) Crispin? What a happy reunion. These people are shameless. ;-D Hoorah! Note: The newest version of IE works here, although can't speak to the AOL part. :-(

Maybe he plays her sexist boss? The mystery continues. Hello again, Allison! Loved the Vespa idea. In Italy this summer we kept singing a hit tune about going around in a Vespa.

Karen, loved the piece about HF's Vespa ala BJ. Finally know a little more about BJ's taste in music (aside from the fact that she plays classical or jazz music in background to impress people). Am taking notes for possible future reference for FanFic. A visit to the Hotel California, perhaps? :-) Allison, what interesting news about CBC. My mind is running wild at the possibility of other cast members from P&P2 appearing in cameos.... Does anyone know if HF has a cameo? Oooooh, I hope there are no bad vibes surrounding BJD. Want ODB to score big time with BJD. Hope springs eternal...or is that Spring hopes eternal? :-)

(Karen) Greg?? Who is Greg?? And what's a clanger, other than a thing that...erm...clangs? And what's it doing in an office? Wasn't there a Greg amongst MD's friends or was that a Giles (must read books again to check). 'Drop a clanger' is yet another of our obscure English sayings - it means saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Something which I suffer from, always saying things like ' isn't Fred ugly' when either a) Fred is standing behing you or b) turns out to be going out with the person you're talking to - whoops! *clang, clang* Why it's a clanger and not anthing else I haven't the foggiest idea but I hope that helps,

(Gail) Hope springs eternal...or is that Spring hopes eternal? :-) LOL! (Tracy) 'Drop a clanger' is yet another of our obscure English sayings - it means saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Great! Now we know he's a bit of a boob (sound familiar?). Could not find a Greg while quickly scanning BJD. Perhaps in EOR? I can't find my book!

Thanks, Tracy, for the translation. This board is soooooo educational. ;-) (Heide) Now we know he's a bit of a boob Certainly not a Bingley!? Wonder if he'll do a lot of dopey grins.

There is no Greg ... gaah, wasn't the (multi-best-sellng) book good enough for these d*** scriptwriters? Karen, bet HF wouldn't particularly like being reminded about her views about celebs from CC, now that suddenly and unexpectedly she is one.:-) (Lisa - credit where it's due) Hope springs eternal...or is that Spring hopes eternal? Too funny - and has got me thinking: anybody want to guess what the tag-line for the film will be? you know, the line on the poster usually under the title. For NB, the tag-line used in England was "She needs to see a doctor" which I thought was pretty humorous, but I noticed in the US they were using something else. Dane Bowers and TrueSteppers? Oh lord, judging from their latest effort with Posh Spice aka Victoria Beckham, the soundtrack is not going to kick much bottom. So far, we've got two good leads (out of three), a great source material, and some decent publicity. As for the rest: a first-time director, low-profile support cast, lame-looking soundtrack, fearful costuming, production difficulties, arguments over billing, accent criticism, uncertain release date, mix-and-match screenplay, unfaithful public. It may be all down to one walk-by extra to pull this thing out of the bag!

(Lisa) My mind is running wild at the possibility of other cast members from P&P2 appearing in cameos.... Yes, doesn't it. Julia Sawalha might make a nice Patchouli. Keep your eyes peeled for HF in glitter caftan, sunglasses and cigarette on long holder. Am not clever enough for those movie taglines. Will have to leave to brilliant minds in H'wood. So far, we've got two good leads (out of three), a great source material, and some decent publicity. (Mark) As for the rest: a first-time director, low-profile support cast, lame-looking soundtrack, fearful costuming, production difficulties, arguments over billing, accent criticism, uncertain release date, mix-and-match screenplay, unfaithful public. Don't sugar-coat it, Mark. We can take it straight. So what do you really think? ;-D It may be all down to one walk-by extra to pull this thing out of the bag! We have great confidence in you. Better not end up on big cutting room floor. Will be v. disappointed. Have finished CC. If you thought MD in towel striding in barrister mode was good, ladies, this one's got dueling men in towels. Mmmmmmm (page 302-cannot forget) ;-D Seriously though, it had structural problems. Would've been better laid out in normal linear fashion, rather than annoying back and forth. IMO, it should've had the main storyline be Africa, with her returning to London and her history and what led her to Africa be revealed in flashback. But what do I know.

The Independent on Sunday has an article about Honor Blackman. Said "She's been in six series of the television comedy The Upper Hand and has a cameo role in the film of Bridget Jones's Diary." Cameo. Tarts & Vicars Party is my guess. Why isn't it Honour? ;-)

LOL, Mark! Now, who are the two good leads are we referring to? ;-) I like the three leads. I think HG will make a good DC. Lisa, glad to hear you are condidering another BJ segment. The Eagles? I can think of much better to play as road music. I might fall asleep listening to them.

(Lisa) Hope springs eternal...or is that Spring hopes eternal? :-) (Heide) LOL! LOL indeed! Think this should be our motto. Definitely. (Mark) There is no Greg ... gaah, wasn't the (multi-best-sellng) book good enough for these d*** scriptwriters? Considering which scriptwriter left his imprint all over this, IMO we should consider ourselves lucky that Greg isn't a tall, lanky Welshman who answers the door in his underwear. It's nice to hear from you, Allison. Interesting news about Crispin.

Mark, Judi Dench nabbed the Oscar with only 8 minutes of screentime, so there is every reason to hope that the BJD extra can make a similar impression. It's not the quantity, it's the quality. ;-) Film tagline will probably be something punny, with a reference to the girl with the write stuff.;-)

(Mark) There is no Greg ... gaah, wasn't the (multi-best-sellng) book good enough for these d*** scriptwriters? Maybe they are taking their cue from the writers of P&P1�let's hope not�. As for the rest: a first-time director, low-profile support cast, lame-looking soundtrack, fearful costuming, production difficulties, arguments over billing, accent criticism, uncertain release date, mix-and-match screenplay, unfaithful public. Mark, time to pull out the Power of Positive Thinking book from your self-help bookshelf. You know the one -- it is next to your volume on How to Break into Show Business. ;-)

Yes, have cheered up a bit in the face of optimism above. And even Rhys Ifans was quite funny in NH, IMO. Mari: the girl with the write stuff. Good work ... or "looking for Mr Write"?