Odds and Ends - Part 3

Have opened new Odds and Ends topic as commanded ;-) Judy/Sadie: Think I may have another option for your discussions. email me for details.

Good morning everyone! (it is 11am Boston time and just woke up...) Have been reading all the responses, got confused there for a while. Feel like I've been away for a very long time. Karen, did your sister get married yet???? Evelyn, How are you doing???? Arami, miss the sarcastic wit;) Sadie, you crack me up every time I read something your wrote. Mari, I came thisclose to seeing the Invention of Love in Phila. Went to NYC instead. (what was I thinking???) Am still trying to drag mother to NYC, but my aunt is dying so it's difficult. (Mom's younger sister, breast cancer metastisized. Bad situation all around.) I WILL see The Real Thing before it closes in two short weeks *sigh*. Donna, interested in going with a complete stranger if I drive up for day???? (Um, I will try to find a cheap hotel:)) Anyway, I've missed you guys. The BJD board has been quiet (with news). Karen, your BJD board on the Bucket is awesome!!!!! Keep up the GREAT Work. Oh and on a private note, am dating!!!! Dating a man named Bill who is not 52;) He's 33. Lives in same state as me and is an incredible human being. (My daughter, Rebecca likes him a lot, and his 5 year old son likes me a lot!!! and that is a good!) I survived the *N'sync concert a week ago at Foxboro Stadium with daughter and 16 year old. (I'm glutton for punishment???) My 9 yo. screamed bloody murder, thought CF was around:))))) Well this is a long enough ramble. Really missed you guys!!!!

Judy/Sadie: Think I may have another option for your discussions. email me for details. Which discussion? I've enjoyed reading it all and would hate to miss a minute of something. Laura, glad you found yourself a new feller.

From London Theatre Newsletter: "Hinds to star in ITV Hardy drama Ciaran Hinds is to star in a new ITV two-part adaptation of Thomas Hardy's The Mayor of Casterbridge. He will play Michael Henchard, the central character, and his daughter Elizabeth-Jane will be played by Jhodi May. Filming starts in August and it is hoped that the drama will be broadcast over the Christmas period." [Another Christmas special with Jhodi May....how lucky can you get??] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "My editor has suggested that I create some pages devoted to classic British actors, people like Olivier, Richardson, Redgrave, Gielgud. So I'm doing so. It never ceases to amaze me how few sites there are devoted to these greats of British theatre. There's Mary Murphy's superb Olivier page (see http://britishtheatre.about.com/msub11o.htm ), of course, but otherwise there's nothing to write home about, so I'm happy to follow his editorness's suggestion" [We're proud of you Murph!!!]

(LauraMM) Donna, interested in going with a complete stranger if I drive up for day???? (Um, I will try to find a cheap hotel:)) Sure, but I have to warn you. I don't kiss on the first date :-)

Welcome back Laura! Glad to hear you've met someone! Karen, I didn't even notice that message board had reached the end! That's great news about Ciaran Hinds, Evelyn. Wasn't he fantastic in Hostages and Persuasion!... not to mention handsome, which an actor ought to likewise be if he can help it. And Olivier remains my original fave great actor. (Although, may I be so bold as to suggest that ODB made a better Darcy. Of course, Olivier didn't have much script to work with. Still there's no Hamlet like Larry.) Way to go, Murph!

(Donna) Sure, but I have to warn you. I don't kiss on the first date :-) Don't think the new beau would go for the lesbianism thing, even though it is en vogue;) I really HAVE to see The Real Thing!!! I mean, I HAVE to;)

BTW Karen I did e-mail as requested. Sadie I have to agree about CF making a better Darcy than LO but I would love an opportunity to compare them as Hamlet,but CF did Hamlet at drama school didn't he? (Donna) I don't kiss on first date.LOL. Laura you'll have to tell us if thats true.I think this on line romance is sweet.BTW Laura I've not said hello I'm a new addition to drool.

(Judy) Sadie I have to agree about CF making a better Darcy than LO but I would love an opportunity to compare them as Hamlet,but CF did Hamlet at drama school didn't he? Yes he did! And that would have been amazing to see. Hamlet is my fave. Fell madly in love with Olivier during time was studying the play in school. And wasn't he sensational as Maxim de Winter? He was also adorable in The Divorce of Lady X and fantastic as Heathcliff. And I thought his performance in Carrie made a so-so film into something compelling. Was v. disappointed with P&P; I did think his technique showed through too much (which he's acknowledged about his performances in his bio)and he played Darcy as overly fastidious. Imagine if Vivien Leigh had played Elizabeth Bennet? Ooh dear, I fear this has been discussed already? CF is first performer that doesn't go all wimpy after Darcy is rejected.

I was never really struck with his performance as D & never really understood the fuss made about it and because of this why CF was worried about comparisons being made(Obviously CF was worried he thought everyone loved LO as D-he didn't know that I didn't LOL at own joke)They changed too much in the LO version to ever really consider it as good interpretation of the book but it was still enjoyable and I know & love the book too well to be able not to nit-pick.I would never get rid of my copy though and I always love to see D&E kiss !

Yes, I think LO's D remains one of those "if onlys". If only the script had been better, if only LO wanted to be in that film, and would quit sulking because VL wasn't Elizabeth, if only we Americans hadn't turned it into English Accents meet Little Women! Well, I better get back to work! Boss just gave me a look. Am not searching for new boyfriend, but sure would like new job! See ya later, Judy. It's been a lot of fun. Hope you others out there are not confused. It really is not the Sadie & Judy show. It's just that no one else was posting.

I didn't realise that you were at work I'm sat at homefeet up,coffee in one hand,chocolate in other and typing with nose! Don't work too hard bye

NEW YORK (Variety) - ``American Beauty'' director Sam Mendes has set Dougray Scott, who played the villain in ``Mission: Impossible 2,'' to star in ``To the Green Fields and Beyond,'' a play to run this fall at Donmar Warehouse in London. While Hollywood has been wondering what Mendes will do for his second film since his first won five Oscars, Mendes decided early on that he would first do a play at the Donmar Warehouse, where he's the artistic director. In his last project there, he directed ``The Blue Room'' with Nicole Kidman. Mendes had been expected to mount a production of Shakespeare's ``Twelfth Night,'' but changed his mind when he came across Nick Whitby's ``Green Fields'' play, which revolves around a British tank corps fighting in France during WWI. Scott has signed on to play the role of Lt. Child, with Ray Winstone (``Nil by Mouth'') also expected to star in the production. Rehearsals begin Wednesday, and the play will open in late September and run through Nov. 25. While ``The Blue Room'' was hatched at Donmar and played Broadway, it's unclear whether this one would cross the pond as well. Scott, who, like Mendes, is looking at several possibilities for his next film, recently completed starring with Kate Winslet and Saffron Burrows in ``Enigma,'' the Michael Apted-directed drama produced by Mick Jagger. His last stint on the London stage came in 1993 in ``Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature of Love.'' Mendes has not committed to his next film project, though he has been working closely with ``Get Shorty'' scribe Scott Frank in developing ``The Lookout,'' an original thriller by Frank, at DreamWorks. ****** I read yesterday that Robert Carlyle turned down a role in this play.

Read that too, but which part. Had read about Winstone *starring* in this play weeks ago.

Was just thinking, if the Donmar thought it had a mob scene in the lobby for Colin or even Nicole Kidman, wait till it sees what Dougray Scott brings in!!

Wasn't exactly "Darcy Drool" material... ;-) The Independent: Walks on the Wild Side, No. 6, Ilam Park Derbyshire July 29, 2000 In a series of walks with literary associations, Christina Hardyment ventures out in Mr Darcy's Pemberley IF YOU want to see the lake into which Colin Firth hurled himself in his BBC TV role as Pride and Prejudice's Mr Darcy, you will have to go to Lyme Park in Cheshire, the house used in the filming. However, if you want to find the place that in all probability inspired Jane Austen's description of Pemberley, go to Ilam Park (just north of Ashbourne), for it was in Derbyshire that Elizabeth first laid eyes on Pemberley. She had been touring in search of the picturesque with her aunt and uncle when she saw the house, built "on rising ground and backed with a ridge of high woods". Jane Austen endowed Pemberley with a 10-mile "circuit walk", and described its views, hanging woods and glen-like qualities in detail (chapter 43). In Jane Austen and The English Landscape, Mavis Batey points out that just such a walk exists along the river Manifold at Ilam. Jane Austen could well have visited it in 1806, when she stayed for five weeks with her cousins, the Coopers, at Hamstall Ridware, eight miles south of Ilam and Dovedale. To enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Manifold Valley yourself, park in the National Trust car park at Ilam and cross the terraced garden to a gate, which gives access to a path through the trees and down to the river. Turn right along the river on "Paradise Walk" and continue along the river until you get to River Lodge, where a penny toll is charged to cross a private garden. Mr Gardiner dawdled in this spot to admire the trout before he turned back, but you could do what Elizabeth longed to do and continue exploring. Turn left on the road, then right up a track, keeping left of Castern Hall, and then turning left again on a footpath that follows the contour line high above steep hanging woods and has fine views in both directions. Where the path joins Larkstone Lane, turn left down to the river, cross it at Weag's Bridge and follow it upstream along the Manifold Way, which was once a Light Railway line. Izaak Walton, author of The Compleat Angler, much enjoyed fishing in the Manifold, as well as the nearby (and now very crowded) Dovedale. Cross the river again to climb steps to the dramatic yawning mouth of Thor's Cave. At this point much of the river disappears through swallow holes, reappearing close to Ilam Park. In 1779 Dr Johnson and Boswell visited Ilam to see the egress of the river after its then much-famed underground passage through Thor's Cave. However, despite the gardener's use of corks in order to demonstrate the wonder, Johnson declared himself unimpressed. Follow the footpath up hill to the attractive little village of Wetton. Turn right after the church and go straight on along Ashbourne Lane until it turns into a track called Stable Lane. There are several well-signed footpath options back to Castern Hall and Ilam, where the National Trust has a restaurant.

Karen I can highly recommend this area, Manifold & Dovedale are indeed very beauiful plus have the added bonus of being near the other Pemberley- Sudbury.

Thanks for article on Sam Mendes, Mari. I loved American Beauty. Wish I could see "Green Fields" at the Donmar. Wonder who else will be in it? And thank you, Karen. I've often wondered what place may have inspired Austen's descriptions of Pemberley's grounds. Another place to visit added to my list! So you know this area well Judy, lucky woman. If I ever get back across the Atlantic, I want to tour around there.

Don't remember if the previous posting had this information about who was playing opposite Dudley Doright in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof but it's Rachel Weisz. Am really gagging now (although Fraser does have the bod to play Brick a former jock type)

Captain Corelli damned as racist by novel model July 30, 2000 4:18 PM EDT LONDON (Reuters) - An Italian war veteran, regarded as the model for the hero in the bestselling novel ``Captain Corelli's Mandolin,'' Saturday condemned the book as a racist smear on the Greek resistance. ``To speak of the Greeks as barbarians, who killed for the sake of killing, is not only wrong and unjust, it is pandering to racism,'' Captain Amos Pampaloni, 89, told Britain's Guardian newspaper. Louis de Bernieres' novel, set on the Greek island of Cephalonia in World War Two, has sold 1.5 million copies worldwide and is now being made into a film with Nicolas Cage as Captain Corelli. The Italian war veteran bears many similarities to the book's hero -- he was a captain in the artillery regiment, had an affair with a local girl, played a leading role in the decision to attack the Germans and was shot and left for dead. Pampaloni, who now lives in Florence, told the paper: ``The picture painted of the Greek partisans is unacceptable and completely wrong.'' In an e-mail sent to The Guardian, Louis de Bernieres denied -- despite the similarities -- that Corelli the fictional hero was inspired by Pampaloni.

(Karen) Don't remember if the previous posting had this information about who was playing opposite Dudley Doright in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof but it's Rachel Weisz. No way! A 3rd pairing for these 2? What are they calling it, Mummy On A Hot Tin Roof?;-);-)

Oops, I may have misread this then: Fraser's 'Mummy' co-star, Rachel Weisz, has already appeared in a Williams play in the West End, starring in 'Suddenly Last Summer'last year. ******** I guess they were pointing out the coincidence. Otherwise, no relevance. Forget I wrote that. ********* That Corelli thing just won't go away. Wonder if Greek-Americans will boycott or picket the movie here!

``To speak of the Greeks as barbarians, who killed for the sake of killing, is not only wrong and unjust, it is pandering to racism,'' Captain Amos Pampaloni, 89, told Britain's Guardian newspaper. Louis de Bernieres' novel, set on the Greek island of Cephalonia in World War Two, has sold 1.5 million copies worldwide and is now being made into a film with Nicolas Cage as Captain Corelli. Am surprised Mel Gibson didn't leap at chance to play him! But guess he was too busy slamming the English in "The Patriot".

Karen, muchos gracias for that Derbyshire info it'll come in v. handy in a week or so's time as I am heading up there (thanks to you Judy, I found a place to stay in Monyash) and a visit to Lyme is definitely on the cards as is a wander on the Peaks!

Great news Tracy you'll love it.I'll try & stay around to talk but I keep getting an internal server error message & I can't get back in!

Judy - Sorry to hear that, I'll be online for a little while yet. Yes, it was good to get things organised, wasn't sure whether we'd left it a little late to get into anywhere with character but this place fits the bill, a lovely stone cottage with "spectacular views" so am really looking forward to it. It's taken our minds off things as you can imagine - tomorrow afternoon we say the final goodbye - and I think the break will do us good (I've persuaded Mum & Dad to join me). May have missed something on the boards recently but did you get to see Jerry maguire? What did you think to La Zellweger (or however you spell it)?

Tracy I'm glad to hear you're going away with your mum & dad I think its what you need at such a sad time and you'll be in my thoughts tomorrow. Yes I saw JM,I posted on 131.I really enjoyed her performance even though I couldn't get into the film. I've no qualms about her playing BJ.Sadie & Mari have recommended another of her films which I'm going to try & find.

Thanks for those kind words. I also found JM a bit slow and probably wouldn't have bothered to watch but for the RZ curiosity factor as I have absolutely no interst in sports and sports related things....(except for a fleeting dalliance with rugby..which strangely coincided with Will Carling being England's captain *sigh, swoon*..this was PC (pre Colin) I hasten to add and I have of course renounced this fancy having seen the error of my ways:-D

Will Carling oh how could you he's a naughty boy!My dalliance was with Stefan Edberg strictly PC as well.

Do you think the others will forgive our trespasses?? We were young, we were crayzee and we didn't know any better! Completely different topic going back to Derbyshire and P&P locations, do you (or anyone esle for that matter) recall the scene where Lizzy was climbing 'in the Peaks' and was standing admiring the view standing next to a rock that looked to me like a top hat....where is that?

I think it was around the Mam Tor area but on the two occasions we tried to climb it we were turned back by bad weather.When it was first shown I rackedmy brains over that and that was the only place I could think of.D/shire is divided into the Dark Peak (Lyme is on the outskirts of this & Mam Tor is in it) and the White Peak which has gentler more picturesque scenery & that scene reminded me of the Dark Peak.I am prepared to be disagreed with on this matter though.

FEATURE-Hollywood hits strike zone By Dave McNary and Dan Cox HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - They may not admit it publicly, but studio chiefs all over Hollywood have become terrified in recent weeks that the Screen Actors Guild or the Writers Guild of America -- or both -- will be on strike next June 30 when the SAG contract lapses. As a result, they're stockpiling films and scripts to make sure they won't be left without any product for 2001 and beyond. Hollywood has become even more of a workaholics' paradise. Calls are returned promptly, meetings start on time and projects that had been abandoned to development hell for years have been dusted off for serious reconsideration. The industry has rarely seen a two-pronged union convergence like this. And with a 2002 contract expiration for the Directors Guild of America -- regarded by many as the industry's most powerful union -- showbiz could be hit with a crippling one-two punch that means no stars, no scripts and most importantly, no new films or TV shows for a long time. It could slam-dunk the entire industry: Certainly agents would be hard hit, but the trickle-down effect would KO income for everyone from below-the-line workers to caterers. A strike would have global implications as well, considering the amount of product for film and TV that the U.S. sends overseas. Adding further worry is what many perceive as growing disunity among the corporate owners of studios as shown in Walt Disney Co.'s persistent sniping at the AOL-Time Warner merger. In the meantime, some see the strike concern as a great opportunity. Aware that the studios are sweating, agents and managers are stepping up the pressure to sign deals soon and salaries are being ratcheted up accordingly. Many union leaders are suspicious that the alarm is merely a negotiating ploy since the studios have made few announcements about shifts in production dates. However, senior execs throughout the biz say that with contracts of three key unions expiring, they firmly believe a shutdown is inevitable. The double whammy of labor unrest has created two unofficial new deadlines: Features must be greenlit by Jan. 1 and into production by March 15. Disney and its studio-based producer Spyglass Entertainment have accelerated production on ``Ring of Fire'' so it can make a 2002 release. ``We're assuming (the strike) is happening,'' said Joe Roth, one-time Disney studio chairman who is now heading up his own production house, Revolution Studios. ``So we're accelerating whatever plans we have. One thing's for sure: It's going to be hard to find a good director of photography in March.'' Newly named Fox Filmed Entertainment chairman Tom Rothman also admitted as much, saying, ``We are working our schedules back from the (supposed) strike date. You have to be sure that you can finish by June 2001. We hope for the best and plan for the worst.'' Sony Pictures chief Amy Pascal agreed. ``We're doing all we can to prepare, and we wouldn't start anything we couldn't finish by June,'' she said. On the TV side, speculation has emerged that high-profile shows may forgo the usual late-spring hiatus after taping 22 episodes and get another six to 10 shows ready for the start of the 2001-02 season, which could leave cast and crew exhausted and angry. ``You'd see a lot of talent being burnt up very quickly,'' said SAG president William Daniels, the driving force behind actors' current strike against advertisers. ``You really need the hiatus,'' added Daniels, who's chalked up years as a regular on such TV series as ``St. Elsewhere'' and ``Boy Meets World.'' ``It's hard enough to do 22 weeks -- so if you do more, you might see a real lowering of artistic standards.'' Daniels and others offered a cocked eye at execs' nolo contendere claims that they're speeding up production. ``Perhaps the studios are just posturing now when they talk about speeding up, or perhaps they know that they're dealing with more determined unions,'' said Daniels. ``We all sincerely hope there won't be a strike next year, because it really would shut down the town and be a tremendous blow to the economy.'' In agreement is John McLean, chief exec of the Writers Guild of America West. His union, which will see its contract expire May 1, has not received financial data on residuals that it needs to formulate its contract proposal. ``I see some gamesmanship in talking about accelerated production,'' added McLean, who formerly negotiated for CBS. ``So it's a little premature for us to be talking about a strike beyond telling members to be prudent about their finances. We have not said there is going to be a strike.'' Already, major and middle-size talent and writer agencies in town are discussing the force majeure clauses in their contracts that would allow them to lay off contracted agents wholesale if necessary. The fast-emerging consensus is that SAG and the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (AFTRA) will not only go on strike when their joint film-TV contract expires, they'll stay out for several months -- if not years. The prospect of a shutdown has been on the radar since the spring, when SAG and AFTRA began their strike against advertisers and called it a precursor for next year's contract battles. But nobody was taking it that seriously. Now, the unions have become increasingly angry, not just over the ad industry's hardball tactics but also over what they see as years of being shortchanged in cable and foreign revenues. ``Perhaps what the studios are sensing is a certain determination to address issues that have been given a free ride for a long time,'' Daniels said. ``Cable and foreign residuals are areas that are just booming.'' As it became evident that the unions would not cave in, studios and producers realized that the 12-year period of labor peace -- launched after the 22-week writers strike of 1988 -- is over. The recent collapse of ad negotiations, with no date set for resumption, has underscored the need to prepare for next year. ``It's started to dawn on people what next year might be like,'' said attorney Gary Barkin of Sidekick Entertainment. ``There's a scramble to lock in jobs now because if you're not working next January, you might not be working until January 2002. We're telling our clients to line up as much work as they can.'' Barkin expected better-than-average markets for sellers at the Toronto and Sundance festivals as distributors look to stock up at relatively low cost. And, as has happened in the past as strike preparations were under way, the creative community may see a temporary upward bump in salaries.

Barkin expected better-than-average markets for sellers at the Toronto and Sundance festivals as distributors look to stock up at relatively low cost. May do some twoferone pricing. So Londinium and other "on the shelf" products may find distributors yet! Ha ha!!! We're telling our clients to line up as much work as they can.'' Do you think this will sink in? ;-)

(Karen) So Londinium and other "on the shelf" products may find distributors yet! Ha ha!!! Am looking into crystal ball. I see actors walking around with signs. I see actors bound together with paper chains--oops, wrong protest. I see FP, SLOW and Londinium playing in cineplexes nationwide. I see MLSF in re-release. I see...I see that I'm getting carried away...

I see Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Richard Gere, Julia Roberts et al. dressed in chic rags, demonstrating against low salaries...:-D

Madame Eileen: Do you see Colin working more than 100 miles from home?

This might be a boon for the British Film industry....and give some of our guys some higher profile projects :-) Thanks Mari.

(Karen) May do some twoferone pricing. So Londinium and other "on the shelf" products may find distributors yet! Ha ha!!! Yes, I'm certain the likes of TNT and Lifetime will have their checkbooks at the ready.;-) As for "thinking ahead" . . . his peers sure are snapping up major projects left and right. The slates for major studio films set to roll before the cameras in the Fall read like a "who's who" of British actors and actresses. Am tempted to say "smell the coffee," but won't.;-) (Eileen) Madame Eileen: Do you see Colin working more than 100 miles from home? PFFT! Therein lies part of the rub . . .

Thought this was fun: Survey reveals recipe for greatest ever movie LONDON (Reuters) - A futuristic mafia drama set on a spaceship and starring celluloid greats Humphrey Bogart and Marilyn Monroe would be the greatest movie ever, according to a survey by online retailer Amazon.co.uk. Amazon analysed the genre, plot, stars and film titles in the most popular 100 films in its database in a bid to uncover exactly what makes a great movie. Eight million votes were cast to choose the top 100 movies from the database of almost 240,000 films. Dramas were the most popular genre, with "The Godfather" topping the individual movie poll. The perfect plot was found to combine a battle between good and evil with the romantic simplicity of boy meets girl. Hollywood actors such as Harrison Ford, James Stewart and Robert de Niro were voted the most popular male stars after Bogart, with Marilyn Monroe, Diane Keaton and Jodie Foster topping the poll for leading ladies. Finally, when it comes to the title the key is to keep it simple, with two words being the favoured configuration. Think Star Wars, Schindler's List and American Beauty.

(Evelyn) This might be a boon for the British Film industry....and give some of our guys some higher profile projects :-) Perhaps. It could be. Do you think it will also be a boon for the film industries of other English language speaking countries, as well? Such as Canada (spoken in most provinces) and Australia. Maybe Sam Neill will making films at home in New Zealand. Even the French have started making films in English, to better appeal to the international market.

(Eileen)Am looking into crystal ball. I see actors walking around with signs. I see actors bound together with paper chains--oops, wrong protest. I see FP, SLOW and Londinium playing in cineplexes nationwide. I see MLSF in re-release. I see...I see that I'm getting carried away... LOL! Might as well dream big! (Karen) Madame Eileen: Do you see Colin working more than 100 miles from home? (Mari) PFFT! Therein lies part of the rub . . . But perhaps he won't have to. Film industry will go where it can make films. Surely London would be one of the prime candidates if Hollywood shuts down? Will big studios not find way to pump monies into foreign productions & stars?

(Karen) Judy/Sadie: Think I may have another option for your discussions. email me for details. Karen, up until now, my email has been shared & accessible by boyfriend (that's the reason why I've never been able to list my email address here, as Drool is my secret!)Since we split up, I've still let him login to check his messages. ANd cannot use email at work, as they monitor it! But I am moving and will be setting up new email address soon. And it's about time, as it's been a real drag to not be able to exchange email messages here. Am very curious about discussion options, and will email you as soon as I'm set up --- thanks for suggesting this. I'm moving in a few days so you may not hear from me for a little while. :-)

No need to apologize, Sadie. As regular posters, both you and Judy should be aware of our backup facilities, with their other amenities. Sorry to hear about the breakup. Try looking into any of the free web-based email services. BTW, Judy, I haven't received anything from you.

That's a v. good idea, Karen. Do you recommend Yahoo?

Oh and thanks for sympathies. But you know, boyfriend was really scary with his lifelong plans. I was beginning to feel squished in, so its just as well, before I got locked into a mortgage, matching furniture, mutual funds and purchase of a retirement home in Florida by age of 32! (Not that there's anything wrong with that, if being settled is one's thing.) We're still friends (or will be again).

Oh, thought it might have been the camping trip! ;-D Yes, Yahoo is fine.

Karen I've tried sending another e-mail,but have kept it short just in case I need to re-type it, so keep your fingers crossed. Sadie good luck with the move & try not to be too long before you get back to us-you know you bring out the worst in me ;-D

From The Independent. Hollywood goes even further east British studios with their world-class facilities and technical crews used to be the first choice in Europe for big-budget movies. But increasingly US film-makers are choosing to shoot in the Czech Republic. How did Prague become such a rival in just 10 years? By Justin I'Anson-Sparks 3 August 2000 Just 10 years after the fall of communism and the collapse of its subsidised film industry, Prague has become the film capital of Europe, and has succeeded in taking the lead away from Britain in attracting Hollywood producers. "Paramount, Columbia, TriStar Pictures, and Twentieth Century Fox are just some of the big Hollywood names now associated with film-making in the Czech Republic," says Matous Forbelsky, a marketing manager at Prague's biggest film studios, Barrandov. The renaissance in the Czech film industry has meant that an array of big-budget films that would otherwise have been filmed in Britain are now being made in Prague. "The director of Shepperton Studios himself has acknowledged that we're now the biggest competitor to the British film industry in the fight to attract big American productions," says Forbelsky. "If a film comes to Prague, it's very likely to be a film that would otherwise have gone to Britain." The Monkey King, a Hallmark production that is currently being made for the American NBC channel with a budget of almost $30m (�20m), is one such case in point, according to its producer Steven Harding: "Originally we planned to shoot the film in England, like two other films now shooting in Prague, but to get the quality of film we wanted we would have had to seriously overshoot the budget. Hence Robert Halmi, our executive producer, drew up a shortlist of cost-saving alternatives, which included Berlin, Prague, Budapest, and Lithuania. And, it has to be said, Prague clearly stood out above the rest." While Prague is clearly cheaper than Berlin, it also offers a level of expertise and facilities that, according to industry insiders, cannot be matched by countries such as Hungary, Poland and Lithuania. This, ironically, is partly thanks to the Nazi occupation of the city during the Second World War, when a number of well-equipped studios were set up to produce propaganda movies for the German war effort and to school the local Czech population in Nazi ideology. "The history of Barrandov clearly plots the history of our country, both good and bad," says Forbelsky. "It was built during the pre-war democratic republic, by the father and uncle of the current president, Vaclav Havel. After that it fell into the hands of the Nazis, and then the communists. Now that we've returned to capitalism, it's apt that it's so popular with the Americans." According to Forbelsky, Czech studios are at least a third cheaper than Britain's Shepperton and Pinewood studios. In addition, the monthly wage of a Czech camera crew can be as little as a quarter of that of a British crew, at about �200 a week, and highly skilled set workers can be bought for even less, according to one Czech studio manager. "We've had one artist working on set-building for the last two months who's been earning about as much in a week as his British counterparts earn in a day," he explains, "and he just happens to be a famous Czech sculptor. How can the British hope to compete with that?" Most of the six major films currently being made in Prague do include a small contingent of British crew members, as well one British director, the veteran Peter MacDonald, whose name is associated with blockbuster film series such as Batman, Superman and Rambo. "If you walk down the corridor at Prague's film studios you're likely to meet five or more famous film-makers, all working on different films," says MacDonald. "By contrast, I was in pre-production at Pinewood before I came here, and the place was deserted � and there's nothing sadder than an empty film studio." According to MacDonald, it is not only a cheap, highly skilled labour force that makes Prague so attractive, but also the beauty of the city itself and the locations on offer. "If you're working with a big Hollywood star used to the sort of creature comforts of LA, then it may be difficult to put forward somewhere like Bucharest or Warsaw as a serious option. But Prague doesn't have that problem and, what's more, it has some fantastic locations." From Hell, a Twentieth Century Fox production that stars Johnny Depp and is directed by the Hughes brothers, is yet another film with a budget running into the tens of millions that fled British shores to come to Prague, partly on account of the locations on offer. It is based on the graphic novel about Jack the Ripper by Alan Moore. "If you want to create Victorian London, as in the film From Hell, or medieval England as in the big Columbia picture which is also shooting in Prague, then the truth is that you're better off doing it here than in Britain," claims Steven Harding. "Considering what's on offer in terms of studio cost and locations, it really is no surprise that Prague is currently the film capital of Europe." Ironically, it is the four decades of oppression under communist rule which have saved many of the country's prized film locations from modernising restorations, and which has done much to enchant Hollywood producers. Not all Czechs are jubilant about the American invasion of their film industry, however. "For the last 10 years, our TV sets have been pumping out US culture," says Jan Andel, a Czech film-maker. "And now we're even making their films for them. As a result, the price of studio space and equipment has rocketed, meaning that we can no longer afford to make our own movies." In reality however, the Czech Republic still makes an enviable number of its own films every year, and the current Hollywood investment has done much to modernise the Czech film industry and to expand its skill-base. "There are one or two areas where the Czech film industry is lacking," explains Peter MacDonald. "Visual effects is one of them; another is the number of top-notch crews at their disposal. But the fact is that the US films being made here are expanding and improving the skills of Czech crews all the time. Once they have those skills, they can go on to make Czech movies, and whether it's a porn film, an arty B-movie or a blockbuster, the quality is sure to be high." Ultimately, however, it is not beautiful locations and highly-skilled labour that have made Prague so attractive to Hollywood producers, but rather cheap labour and a lack of unionisation, qualities which have similarly convinced other labour-intensive industries to relocate to Central and Eastern Europe. "While I've been here, one Czech worker fell off a ladder painting a set, and broke his back," said one British crew member currently working on a film in Prague. "He's not entitled to any compensation from what we've heard, and so we had a whip-round for him. And if that's the sort of thing that makes the Czechs cheaper, I don't even want to try competing." Prague's film studios, however, are about to be bought by a Canadian company. According to Forbelsky, this will make them attractive not just because of the cost savings, but also on account of the latest equipment and facilities that will then become available. "With the investment that we're expecting, we're planning to build newer, bigger studios, as well as new sound studios and visual effects facilities, that will all be state-of-the-art," says Forbelsky. "While we're currently enjoying a lot of success at the expense of our competitors such as the British, we know that there's still a lot to be done." More worrying for the British film industry is the fact that American production companies such as Hallmark, which makes up to 30 films a year, are now also investing in new studios in Budapest, and there are signs that British productions are now also heading east. "We've also attracted a lot of business from smaller UK productions," says one Czech studio producer, "with films such as Plunkett and Maclean, starring Robert Carlyle, and the BBC's The Scarlet Pimpernel, which has been here again filming a follow-up with Richard E Grant." The current boom in the Czech film industry has been compared to Britain in the 1970s, when the likes of George Lucas, Stanley Kubrick and Steven Spielberg set up shop in London to avoid the high prices in Hollywood, and thereby revitalised the British film industry. The director Peter MacDonald, however, who has experienced the highs and lows of the British film industry over the past several decades, is far from worried by Czech competition. "In film, everything is relative to the cost of Hollywood," he says. "I once worked on a Hollywood film in which the lead actress's make-up artist earned more each week than a four-man British camera crew. "But nobody's cheap forever, and like the British film industry, which is regularly written off and yet always manages to bounce back, it remains to be seen whether the Czechs have the wherewithal to stay in the running once the American trend for making films in this part of the world has passed on."

Thank goodness, they didn't decide to recreate the streets of present-day London in Prague, as you all know what that might have meant! :-o

He might have refused to go!

Thanks for that article Mari. It helps to understand the reality behind the scenes. (Karen) Thank goodness, they didn't decide to recreate the streets of present-day London in Prague, as you all know what that might have meant! :-o Am a bit thick, Karen, and do not catch your meaning. BTW, would not Prague provide excellent opportunities for haunting the margins? :-)

I think we should be grateful that MLSF actually did get a theatrical release as Miramax is now selling its shelved product to cable: "Sweet Revenge," a movie made three years ago, will premiere on Showtime rather than in theaters. Showtime said Thursday that it had acquired the movie from Miramax Films and would air it during primetime Sept. 24. The movie, written and directed by Malcolm Mowbry, stars Helena Bonham Carter, Sam Neill, Kristin Scott Thomas, Rupert Graves, Martin Clunes and Steve Coogan. Showtime Networks executive vp program acquisitions and planning Matthew Duda said his company has an ongoing theatrical output deal with Dimension Films, a subsidiary of Miramax. As part of that deal, Showtime can take a film as a straight-to-Showtime world premiere instead of having it released theatrically, Duda said...

Interesting--that's a high-wattage list of stars. Thought Miramax was in better fino straights since Scary Movie. Maybe they've changed their strategic plan and will focus only on 10-17 year olds instead of the art-house crowd.

Looks like I better subscribe to Showtime if they're gonna show art-house films. Actually, it seems the art-house audience just doesn't go to movies anymore, they wait for it to come on the telly...so why not send it there in the first place.Theatrical releases eat into their profits...or increase their losses whichever way you want to look at it.Not Miramax's fault IMO...but a sign of the times...I'm grateful they make any of them at all.

Not true. Miramax is not lifting a finger these days. Cannot believe they haven't ridden Jude Law's hot coattails with Wisdom of Crocodiles. The other "specialty" distributors are putting them to shame. They've moved on and aren't interested in arthouse films anymore. This is just clearing off the shelf time.

(Karen)[Miramax]. They've moved on and aren't interested in arthouse films anymore. You mean we're left with the likes of Eric Styles and Max Binder? ;-)

Had to laugh, if it weren't so sad. From The Sun: BRITAIN is finally going to have a Wimbledon champ ... sadly, it's Hugh Grant. He's in talks to play the role in movie Two Weeks In Love. Screenwriters have only one concern - that Hugh may not be athletic enough for the role. Surely that is no longer a concern since his ex Liz Hurley told me Hugh's a sexual dynamo ...

Pfft! Maybe the "Love" producers should introduce HG to Mr. Chin.;-) BTW, Sweet Revenge never got a theatrical release in Britain either. Must be a dog.

Well don't expect me to go & see it,he wouln't know what to do with a set of balls! Karen I know you do a lot of research for us all around here but nobody would have expected you to go that far & check The Sun ;-)

BBC Ceefax are also reporting HG's new project saying he'll be a low-ranking player- a misnomer if ever I saw one!

Hanks, Mendes embark on journey to 'Perdition' By Anita M. Busch LOS ANGELES (The Hollywood Reporter) --- Academy Award winners Tom Hanks and Sam Mendes are walking "The Road to Perdition" together. Hanks will star and "American Beauty" director Mendes will helm a feature film adaptation of the 1930s-era gangster novel of the same name for DreamWorks, sources said. The project will be both Hanks' and Mendes' next. The studio is planning an early 2001 start for the project, which will be produced by Richard D. Zanuck from a script by David Self. Self, who scripted for DreamWorks "The Haunting" and for New Line Cinema/Beacon Communications "Thirteen Days," adapted "Perdition" for the big screen. It is based on writer Max Allan Collins' and illustrator Richard Piers Rayner's serialized mystery comic strip novel for DC Comics. Set in Depression-era Chicago, "Perdition" revolves around hitman Michael O'Sullivan, known to friends and enemies alike as the Angel of Death. Uncompromising in his work, O'Sullivan is just as devoted to his private life as an upstanding husband and father of two young boys. But when those worlds collide, taking the lives of his wife and younger son, O'Sullivan and his surviving son, Michael Jr., leave their sedate home life behind and embark on a startling journey of revenge. Sources said the project was done completely in-house at DreamWorks. When the script was finished, Hanks and Mendes received the script directly from DreamWorks' execs. Hanks and Mendes agreed to come aboard the project late Tuesday afternoon. DreamWorks' feature film chiefs Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald are overseeing the project. The project reteams Hanks and Mendes with the studio where they made films that won them Oscars. Hanks starred in DreamWorks/Paramount's "Saving Private Ryan" for director and DreamWorks co-topper Steven Spielberg. The film garnered five Oscars last year, including best director. Hanks recently wrapped a starring in role in the Robert Zemeckis-directed "Castaway" for 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks. Coincidentally, Hanks also recently agreed to team with "American Beauty" scribe Alan Ball to star in and produce an untitled 1960s drama about a Cleveland cop who tries to solve the murder of a loved one (HR 4/6). "American Beauty," which Mendes directed for DreamWorks, took home five Oscars this year, including best picture, director and screenplay. Hanks and Mendes are repped by CAA.

So much for devoting himself to the theater (one play) or doing a movie based on an Elmore Leonard story.... Wonder if they'll shoot on location? ;-)

Found this amusing article on the ITN website (while surfing net for hours and repeatedly checking my email!) *snort* More people hooked to the net: An increasing number of people are becoming addicted to the Internet, a leading psychologist has claimed. Dr Keith Ashcroft said the power of the virtual world was so great that studies in the US found that one-in-ten users spend at least 400 minutes a day on the World Wide Web. Comparing "Netaddicts" to alcoholics, the Edinburgh-based expert warned of the severe psychological problems that face obsessive computer users. He has coined a new term, "Internet Addiction Disorder", to describe the problem, which has got worse in recent years because of the mushrooming growth of the net. Dr Ashcroft, who works at Moray Place Consulting Rooms in the Scottish capital, said: "I estimate that 5 per cent to 10 per cent of students may have some sort of dependency, with excessive usage of 400 minutes per day or more. "The Internet is so readily accessible and it is very anonymous - you can take on a different personality. That's the hold of it on some people - the chance to be somebody else. It takes over people's lives. They say they are just going to surf the net for five minutes and before they know it six hours have passed. It's a very real problem with very real symptoms - quite similar to gamblers. If they can't keep checking their e-mail or surfing the web then they start getting edgy and irritable." Are you an addict? The Symptoms. Is "surfing the net" a hobby or an addiction? You may have a problem if you have these symptoms. Psychological symptoms: -Having a sense of well-being or euphoria while at the computer -Inability to stop the activity Craving more and more time at the computer. -Neglect of family and friends Feeling empty, depressed, irritable when not at the computer. -Lying to employers and family about activities. -Problems with school, college or job. Physical Symptoms: -Carpal tunnel syndrome. -Dry eyes Migraine. -headaches. -Back aches. -Eating irregularities, such as skipping meals -Failure to attend to personal hygiene. -Sleep disturbances, and changes in sleeping patterns. Here is link for anyone who wants to read full article: http://www.itn.co.uk/news/20000809/britain/06internet.shtml

Sadie great article-'failure to attend to personal hygiene.' is that the same as sitting in ones own drool? I'm definitely addicted I think I must match with most of those symptoms. talking of e-mail I did yesterday but I have had problems in the past,it took me 3 attempts to contactKaren!

How many of the above qualifies you as an addict? And more importantly, does the ADA cover this addiction? ;-)

*hee hee* Tripplehorn in development with CBS deal Jeanne Tripplehorn is eyeing the small screen, signing a one-year development deal with CBS. The actress is said to be leaning toward the comedy arena, but details about the pact were sketchy Wednesday. Sources said Tripplehorn has not begun meeting with writers or fielding potential series concepts. Tripplehorn has made her mark in such offbeat features as 1999's "Mickey Blue Eyes" and 1998's "Sliding Doors" and "Very Bad Things." She starred in the 1997 CBS telefilm "Old Man," a well-received Hallmark Hall of Fame production of the William Faulkner story. Tripplehorn's other movie credits include 1992's "Basic Instinct," 1993's "The Firm" and 1997's " 'Til There Was You." She appears in the upcoming Abbie Hoffman biopic "Steal This Movie!" and the indie feature "Relative Values."

LOL Judy. 'failure to attend to personal hygiene.' is that the same as sitting in ones own drool? You've nailed the real feminine hygiene problem! No more bread then, even if it is the staff of life ('cause you know what's in bread)! (Karen) How many of the above qualifies you as an addict? And more importantly, does the ADA cover this addiction? ;-) LOL Karen, am beyond need to count symptoms myself. Triplehorn to do CBS comedy. What a hoot, Karen! BTW, that's FaulkEner, isn't it? V. confusing.

Where did everyone go? It's the Sadie & Judy show again. Ya wanna try chat?

I don't seem to be able to get into chat?maybe they're trying to tell me something!

Hmmm. I didn't try yet. Maybe you should email Karen. Also, you could email me now, and maybe I could help (am not techno wizard though).

give me a few minutes to e-mail you,I do have problems with that as well.

O.K.!

I'm at egroups now. Judy? Anyone?

I'm on my way!

Well it was worth a try, Judy. I emailed the moderator to find out where it all went so terribly, terribly wrong!

Yes at least we tried but failed miserably,but some good came out of it -I learnt to post over there & I know my e-mail is working again!

Will wonders nevah cease? Thought Hugh was all signed up for this one?? And that last big!! From Empire: Clooney Too Good-Looking 11/08/2000 George Clooney has turned down the chance to play the lead role in a film adaptation of Nick Hornby's About A Boy apparently because he believed his leading man looks were such that they would prevent him doing a creditable job. 'George Clooney read the book,' Nick Hornby told cinemagoers at a Q&A session at London's Screen on the Green cinema, 'and said nobody would believe he would need to join a single parents group. You would need someone more average looking.' The novel, whose lead character is a man who joins a single parents group to meet a woman, would be Hornby's third book to be adapted for the big screen.High Fidelity, starring John Cusack, was released this year and Hornby's debut novel Fever Pitch was made in 1997 starring Colin Firth. The success of High Fidelity, which has brought in $27 million in box office in the US may be the reason that filmmakers are looking to remake Fever Pitch with a bigger budget. 'Someone has tried to develop Fever Pitch into being about the Boston Red Sox,' says Hornby. 'They are the great doomed team of the World Series.'

Thanks to Donna: From today's Liz Smith's column JE back on BroadwayRIALTO RAMBLINGS: Let us remind you that this weekend is your last chance to see the Tony-winning performance of Jennifer Ehle and her co-actors in the truly grand production of Tom Stoppard's "The Real Thing." But not to worry, Jennifer already has a job lined up for next season. She will join another Tony winner, the delectable Alan Cumming (who reinvented the emcee in the current hit "Cabaret"), in a new production of Noel Coward's 1932 classic, "Design for Living." The production will be directed by Joe Mantello, produced by the Roundabout Theatre Company and will open next February at the gorgeously restored Selwyn, a.k.a. American Airlines Theatre." Article with pic http://www.pagesix.com/lizsmith/lizsmith.htm "

GAAAAHHHHHHH!

Ooh, Evie snuck one by me. Said 'GAAAAHHHHHHH' above is in reference to the last two lines of Karen's post, not JE being back on B'way.

Great to hear the news about Jennifer, Ev, but Alan Cumming... *shivering* about the Boston Red Sox,' says Hornby. 'They are the great doomed team of the World Series.' A lot he knows about loser teams! At least, they get to the World Series. :-(

Great to hear the news about Jennifer, Ev, but Alan Cumming... *shivering* My thoughts indeed. Have call in to ICM for confirmation. Maybe they made a mistake on the *leading man*. They cannot take Paul away from Colin.Period. What's Hornsby doing...passing the FP title around all sorts of different stories. Pure greed.

The success of High Fidelity, which has brought in $27 million in box office in the US may be the reason that filmmakers are looking to remake Fever Pitch with a bigger budget. 'Someone has tried to develop Fever Pitch into being about the Boston Red Sox,' says Hornby. 'They are the great doomed team of the World Series.' Oh my beloved Sox (The Curse of the Bambino, be damned!) However, what a great story!!! Who'd play Paul/Nick???? Could CF do a Bahstin accent???? PS: Sports illustrated picked the Red Sox to break the curse and win the series. However, they jinxed us as well. Yeah, Karen we make it to the series but we always have the umps against us and helping the Yanks win! Call attention to game 5 of last years series at Fenway when Boston fans started throwing trash onto the field!

Thanks for the info. Evelyn and Donna. DFL sounds quite fun, and according to Theatre.com Rupert Everett is tippped to play the 3rd party, is that good or bad. Anyway Jennifer has obviously enjolyed her time in NY and is happy to do so again. Good Luck to her. Maybe have to make another trip to NY!! (any excuse) What next for SD I wonder?

I say again: GGAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!

Regarding JE and Alan on stage... I had seen Alan doing an interview a month or so ago. This is when he was promoting the Flintstones II movie. He was already set to do the play and he said his co-star would be Julianne Moore (no rumor). But it is interesting that she dropped out and Jennie stepped in. This is quite interesting news, and probably no limited run engagement too. If Rupert joins them, wow, it will be a box office hit. And I bet the three of them will be a hoot.

Spectacular news about Jen back on Broadway! You may be seeing the next first lady of the Broadway stage here, folks. Am so glad she's sticking to the stage. Ok, now the whining (you knew it had to come): Why oh why couldn't Colin have played one of the male leads??? Rupert Everett--no, say it isn't so, Ann! Actually, I do like Alan Cumming--very talented, versatile guy and well-liked here, though not exactly the first to come to mind when one thinks of leading men. On a happier note, February is a great time for a reunion, folks!

Mari, if only they hadn't put back the BJD release date,m we could have killed two birds with one stone, JE on Broadway and NY BJD Premiere Reunion!

OOh, I could actually see this one! I like Alan Cumming and RE and JE:)

You're right, Ann, we could have had the best of all worlds! (Now who was the idiot on 131 who thought April was such a hot idea for BJD?;-)

(AnnW) we could have killed two birds with one stone Says the play *opens* in February. V. likely will still be there when BJD opens (if the April date is good).

Good thinking, oh wise one, April, will be fine, it will give James a bit more time to save up!!

Good thinking, oh wise one, April, will be fine, it will give James a bit more time to save up!! hee hee

Ok, so maybe am not such an idiot.;-)

I just like to focus my hand-wringing where it does the most good. ;-)

All the B'way theatre websites are buzzing with the story.... Theatre.com gives a synopsis of the play. "Cumming will take on the role that Noel Coward wrote for himself. According to Liz Smith, Ehle has been tapped to play the role of Gilda, which was once rumored to be Julianne Moore's. No word yet on who will be the other male lead in the play. Again, the rumor on the Rialto is that Rupert Everett might play the third party." http://www.theatre.com/news/public/newsbrief.asp?newsid=7806 Sounds like a lotta fun for the cast. I'm glad she's taking advantage of her new Tony -status on- B'way instead of going back to UK to a 'goin-nowhere' Brit indie film.

Cumming will take on the role that Noel Coward wrote for himself. So there won't be any cracks about his "playing against type," huh? ;-) (Evelyn) I'm glad she's taking advantage of her new Tony -status on- B'way instead of going back to UK Why go where you aren't recognized? What WAS the name of that actress and the play for that matter that won the Olivier and all those awards?????????

She's still got time to come back to the UK, do the Queen Mum thing and who knows what else. I guess she won't be doing a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof now, oh well, can't have everything.

What WAS the name of that actress and the play for that matter that won the Olivier and all those awards????????? LMAO, Karen. To say nothing of the musical....something about a duck?...that beat Lion King!"The duck" closed eons ago and Lion King is selling into May '01! The Oliviers are laughable.(Bet Ray Dotrice agrees with me, *hee, hee*)

I guess she won't be doing a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof now, Thankgod.. Brendan"George of the Jungle"Fraser is doing it with his co-star from his latest film...what's her name?

Judy and Sadie, sitting too long in a puddle of drool may lead to a nasty yeast infection. (LauraMM)...to remake Fever Pitch with a bigger budget. 'Someone has tried to develop Fever Pitch into being about the Boston Red Sox'...Oh my beloved Sox (The Curse of the Bambino, be damned!) However, what a great story!!! Who'd play Paul/Nick???? Could CF do a Bahstin accent???? The casting of the Paul character may well go to either Ben Affleck or Matt Damon, as they are both from Boston. Then again, there's always Mark Wahlberg. (Evelyn) Brendan"George of the Jungle"Fraser is doing it with his co-star from his latest film...what's her name? Rachel Weisz.

The Rachel Weisz thing was a mistake. I had misread the article. They haven't said who is playing Maggie the Cat yet.

(Cheryl)Leads to a nasty yeast infection. Yes its the hot,damp conditions experienced here on drool.

Seems like an great excuse for another NYC trip in 2001! Am v. excited. Speaking of JE, we are going to see "Sunshine" this weekend. Cannot believe it, but it is in our LOCAL, chain theater! We thought we would have to drive hours to an "art house". Warned DH that it is 3 hours, with mixed reviews, but I think he just wants to see JE and her mom again ;-) Meredith (already planning spring in NYC...)

(Merdith)Sunshine:Warned DH that it is 3 hours, with mixed reviews... Excellent reviews from all the major newspapers across the country...go to the JE website and hit Articles:NYTimes, AP, Chicago, LA, Dallas, WSJ .S&E gave it a glowing review.Village Voice, and some of the on-line reviews were "iffy"...but even those praised RH/JE performances. It's playing across the country and holding for the fifth straight week in the major cities. Playing in my cineplex too...not art-house. Paramount went all-out for this film and it paid off.

Hi Guys, just a quick post to say that I'll be incommunicado for a week as I'm off to the wilds of Derbyshire for a holiday and I think I'm unlikely to find an internet cafe where I'm going (So you're free to bitch about me all you like ;-D)! Must dash as I still haven't packed and I'm supposed to be leaving in an hour..so why am I still logged on?!

Have a great time Tracy (I'm probably too late) We have had a couple of dry & warm days so Lyme will be drying out ,must have known you were on your way;-)

In case you take a last peak here before leaving, have a great time Tracy!

From Saturday's Times, Metro Section: An interview with David Morrissey. Seems like he's nabbed himself a good one... "He's filming John Madden's highly anticipated adaptation of Louis de Berni�res's Second World War love story Captain Corelli's Mandolin with Nicolas Cage, Christian Bale and Penelope Cruz. He plays Captain Gunther Weber, a German Nazi officer who is sent to the island as an overseer." Doesn't mention his role in 3 DOR.

Aug 14 Times: Matt Wolf meets Alan Cumming, the Scotsman who is Hollywood's hottest new property Who's been a bad boy then? Time was when Alan Cumming was half of the comedy team Victor and Barry, not to mention the frequently Olivier Award-nominated alumnus of numerous London shows (he won the prize in 1991 for the National Theatre's Accidental Death of an Anarchist). But that was before one particular musical - Sam Mendes's revival of Cabaret - polevaulted the Scottish actor to renown (and a Tony Award) in America, since when the now fully bi-continental performer has scarcely looked back. "Here, being famous is the best thing you can be; it's a bit weird to be in a culture like that," Cumming says of America and, specifically, Los Angeles, his adoptive home. "In Britain, you kind of have to play fame down. It's all a bit embarrassing; people think you're slightly naff." Cumming's eerily omnisexual performance as the Emcee in Cabaret in London in 1993 led, four years later, to his Broadway debut in the same role. In the city where the Kander and Ebb classic was born, Cumming managed the impossible, supplanting the memory of Joel Grey with a wounded (and often semi-naked) ferocity of his own. "What that show did for me in America was massive," recalls the 35-year-old Cumming, who appeared opposite four different Sally Bowles-es, from Jane Horrocks and Natasha Richardson to the co-star of his currently shooting film, Jennifer Jason Leigh. "I never grew up thinking the theatre could make you famous; in Britain, doing theatre doesn't mean the rest of the country knows who you are." In America, of course, people positively burn to employ someone newly anointed as hot. That explains Cumming's virtually constant output of work in recent years, up to his imminent turn as the emperor Saturninus in Julie Taymor's film of Titus. "I saw him, obviously, in Cabaret, like everyone else did," says Taymor. "His persona was just so out there, so out front. Not only is he a wonderful actor with great comic timing, but he has this tremendous sexuality that works for everybody: he's dangerous because he can turn on a dime." "What's been great is I get to do what I like," says Cumming, who admits to "meaning to take more time off, but it's hard when you just kind of fall into things". How is he viewed in America, a country that tends to categorise British actors as either baddies or floppy-haired fluffs? "They definitely think I'm eccentric, although I think I'm normal. I get to be myself, and people respond well when you're just yourself and happy with that, happy with what you want to be." As for the screen offers, he laughs, "sometimes I play baddies, sometimes I'm the bad boy with little horns. I've just been lucky: I would get bored playing the same part all the time." In a cinematic output encompassing Spice World - The Movie, Plunkett and Macleane and Cumming's memorably eyebrows-arched hotelier in Eyes Wide Shut, in which he kept a dewy gaze fixed on Tom Cruise, one particular strand undeniably emerges. "I was only in it for a nano-second," Cumming says of Stanley Kubrick's final movie, "but it was almost as if people were expecting me to be quite naughty. It helped that my scene was so memorable and funny that a lot of people noticed it." By then, the actor notes resignedly, "I'd cornered the imp market." Small wonder, then, that a website exists called alanuncensored ("people I'm supposed to have shagged that I've never met," he says drily), which Cumming is countering soon with an official one of his own. Elsewhere, there's little apparent logic to Cumming's CV of late, beyond his own assessment that "you get more choices if you're working all the time". His first American movie was Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, with Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow, preceded by the Irish-set Circle of Friends, with Saffron Burrows, to whom Cumming was romantically linked (he is divorced from Hilary Lyon, who played Ophelia to his Donmar Warehouse Hamlet in 1993). He took time off from Cabaret on Broadway to film Titus, unaware of quite what the venture would become. "We all thought we were in a little independent film; a few weeks in, we realised it was Ben Hur. It was a huge undertaking." But it did enable him to cavort, albeit heavily rouged, with a no-less-made-up Jessica Lange, long one of Cumming's favourite actresses. "I told Jessica I've loved her since I was a little kid. She told me to f*** off." Now, an ever restless Cumming has forsaken ever more salubrious flats in London and New York to take on four jobs (producer, writer, director and star) creating a low-budget digital movie. The $3.5 million The Anniversary Party, set in contemporary LA, co-stars Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Kline and his wife Phoebe Cates, and John C. Reilly (Magnolia) - "all our friends", says Cumming, who clearly has no shortage of them. Indeed, it's not everyone who could obtain a Green Card to work in America on the basis of being an "alien of extraordinary ability", complete with signatories to that fact like Pierce Brosnan and Brad Pitt. (Cumming met Pitt on the set of the film Emma, starring Pitt's then girlfriend, Paltrow.) In January, he'll start rehearsals for his first Broadway outing since Cabaret - Noel Coward's Design for Living, alongside Jennifer Ehle. What, then, of Britain? "I'll be back for my brother's wedding," says Cumming, exulting about the views over central London from his new top-floor flat. Beyond that, he sounds dismayed to hear, for instance, that his once-beloved National has recently stooped to Singin' in the Rain. "They're doing Singin' in the Rain at the National?" cries Cumming. "My God, London needs me." Next page: Edinburgh Festiv

Wow, this guy is everywhere. And I still can't remember what he looks like! Thanks for posting this Karen.

Well I guess that confirms it, Liz Smith's information was spot-on, thanks Karen.

Here's an Alan Cumming's pic, Sadie:

I like Alan Cumming, he really has a definite range. And he's quite brilliant in anything he does. I hope to see him at future Oscar Telecasts!!!

Jennifer's agent confirmed Design for Living role. No Forsythe Saga or Queen Mum (*evelyn, getting up off her knees*). Long holiday ahead. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thank you Karen. I hope Colin reads that.(As he's slogging along with his TV roles :-((

I've always enjoyed AC's work but find him slightly creepy. Karen I read the following info & thought of you.I know we talked about it on 134 but thought it might be better here. This was reported in todays Daily Mail & they are blowing their own trumpet but their source is Audit Bureau of Circulations Ltd. Once again the DM continues to lead the way with its highest July sale for 34 years. In a market where overall newspaper sales are falling the Mail increased its circulation last month by almost52,000 copies a day-a rise of 2.19 per cent compared to a year ago.The six-monthly official figures, regarded by the industry as the most reliable index of a newspaper's performance,show that,in the period from Feb to July,the Mail sold 2,386,770 copies a day- an increase of 32,500, or 1.38%,on the same period a year before.Meanwhile overall newspaper sales fell by 1.43% The decline of The Daily Express continues,with last month seeing it record daily sales of just 1,032,361- its lowest july figure since records began in 1932. Over the last six months,the Express has lost an average of 30,000 copies a day (down 2.75%)compared with the previous year,despite a hugely expensive campaign of price-cutting. The Mails dominance of the market means it now sells more copies per day than the Daily Telegraph,the Times,the Guardian & the Independent combined. The Telegraph only manages to keep its sales above the psychologically-important million mark by a costly subscription scheme.Figures for July show an average sale of 1,023,793 (down 1.24%) but when the heavily- discounted subscription copies are allowed for,the full-priced sales drop to less than 730,000. I'm sorry its a bit long-winded but I hope its of some interest.

(Karen, from Times article) producer, writer, director and star creating a low-budget digital movie. The $3.5 million The Anniversary Party, set in contemporary LA, co-stars Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Kline and his wife Phoebe Cates, and John C. Reilly (Magnolia) Thanks for the Alan C. article, Karen. A good one. This guy "gets it." He can add "hard working," "smart," and "ambitious" to the list of things that it's ok to be here.;-) He's certainly networked wisely in the U.S. (dare I draw a parallel? nah;-) judging from the list above, working with some of the top people in their field. Good for him. The success he has, he deserves.

Thanks for the pic, Gi! I do recognize him now. Can see why he'd be cast in a Joel Grey role. Funny though, I still can't remember him in the various movies I've seen him in. He looks like he belongs in white flannel trousers or evening wear in a thirties screwball comedy. Has a certain sophisticated look. (Judy)From the Daily Mail: The Mails dominance of the market means it now sells more copies per day than the Daily Telegraph,the Times,the Guardian & the Independent combined. The Telegraph only manages to keep its sales above the psychologically-important million mark by a costly subscription scheme. So I guess that explains why Conrad Black is looking to get out of the newspaper business, and in to the internet. Thanks for this article, Judy.

(Sadie) I still can't remember him in the various movies I've seen him in COF Sean, the creepy salesman in Minnie Driver dad's store. EMMA Rev. Elton Lots others. In '93 he played with JE in Rik Mayall's MICKY LOVE (a v. forgetable production!)

Thank you for the report on the Daily Mail's circulation, Judy. Unfortunately, the papers you read (meant in a broad sense) are the ones that celebrities avoid like the plague. Except of course for Liz Hurley who has the tabs on speed dial. ;-)

Ah, Rev. Elton. They didn't mention that one, but that rings a bell. Thanks Evelyn.

I was enquiring whether she had landed any big film roles since her tony The woman just finished the play last night, waddaya expect? She has been working all year...Donmar May til August, Summerfolk at the National August til November, Albery Jan til March, Barrymore March til August. C'mon give her a break, Ann.

Of course, you are quite right Evelyn, and she deserves a break, I just don't want her to miss out on any good roles and get forgotten. (a week is a long time in politics! urh, oh well you know whatI mean) Strike whilst the iron is hot, so to speak.

(Ann) Strike whilst the iron is hot,so to speak. I agree.Is it safe to say that I would like to see her back on TV? or am I going to start an Anglo/TV- American/film discussion/war :-)

Ann) Strike whilst the iron is hot,so to speak. (Judy)I agree.Is it safe to say that I would like to see her back on TV? or am I going to start an Anglo/TV- American/film discussion/war :-) I won't even comment on this...I've said it all before several posts back.

Thanks for reminding us of AC's roles; Evelyn. I remember those.

See, you should've gone ;-) Acting novice wins part in top American TV show A 50-year-old Philadelphia woman whose only previous acting experience was in a play at school has won a part in the hit American TV series The Sopranos. Marie Donato was chosen ahead of 28,000 wannabes at an open casting session in New Jersey last month. She says she only went to the casting session to see if she could spot any of the stars from the top-rated show. None of the real actors were there. But one of the casting directors spotted her and, five days later, she was in New York meeting the show's executive producer. Donato, a grandmother, may even be written into the series on a permanent basis if the producers like her. No details about her role have been released yet, and she has been made to sign a contract promising not to reveal any information. "I'm still in shock," she told the Philadelphia Inquirer (www.phillynews.com). "This was a miracle."

Another Soprano item today: Peter Riegert...has nabbed a recurring role on "The Sopranos." Riegert, who will appear early in the season as a New Jersey politician, also co-stars in Steven Soderbergh's upcoming pic "Traffic" and the comedy "How To Kill Your Neighbor's Dog."

Peter Riegert Ha ha! The pickle man! a New Jersey politician Awww, they coulda got Jim Florio. Heard he's available ;-D Marie Donato Hmmm. Marie. Mari. Philadelphia. Hmmm.....

LOL you guys. I guess my cover is blown. Hey, who needs a stool at Schwab's? Harrison, NJ is da place to be!;-) Marie has been all over the media here; told the Philly Inquirer (which had her pic on the front page yesterday) that Livia used to be a fave character because she reminded her of her own mother. "She's 82, God love her. With her age, sometimes she just comes off as nasty." Eileen, all Florio would have to do is mention taxes, and BADA-BING!;-) I like Peter Riegert!

(Mari aka Marie) Livia used to be a fave character because she reminded her of her own mother. Didn't realize arranging to have your child whacked was so prevalent? ;-) I like Peter Riegert! Yes, who can forget the pickle man. ;-)

ok, for the confused amoung us (namely me) who the heck is the pickle man?

SB, Peter Riegert played Sam the pickle man in Crossing Delancey, opposite Amy Irving. Her grandmother plays matchmaker for her and the pickle maker. Karen)Didn't realize arranging to have your child whacked was so prevalent? ;-) Hey, nuthin' personal . . it's business . . .;-)

I just wanted to say a quick hello to everyone. My work schedule has gone crazy due to a crisis, and on top of that, my operating system conked out for two days! V. little time to drool at the moment, but I just wanted to touch base.

(Mari) Peter Riegert played Sam the pickle man in Crossing Delancey LOL! i wracked my brain, and that was the only pickle guy i could come up with, but figured it was to random to possibly be the one of which you spoke. :-) Thanks Mari Luck at work Sadie

From The Expresss: Why I feel at home at last As he launches a new BBC series on the meaning of home, journalist and former Beirut hostage JOHN McCARTHY writes exclusively on what the word means to him THE word "home" is an integral part of our language but what does it really mean? Is it where you live, where you used to live, or where you'd like to live? Or, rather than being a physical place, is it more a feeling - of community, belonging, security? As a child I remember getting back to our house after the summer holiday and my mother always saying: "East, West, home's best!" In captivity in Lebanon I thought about home all the time. I'd dream of building my own house, creating an environment that would be my private, secure domain rather than the alien and frightening confines of a Beirut dungeon. Sometimes, I'd take imaginary trips to my parents' house for Sunday lunch. But after a while, rather than being comforting, those daydreams only served to remind me how far away home was and that I had no idea what was going on there, what might have changed. And every time I "went home" for a while, coming back to the reality of the cell was even more depressing. I began to realise that however much I thought about it, I had to get on with the situation I was in. Being deprived of the familiar support mechanisms and distractions of normal life, I had to find the strength within me to remain sane and keep my spirits up. I had to look closely at myself and accept my strengths and weaknesses. As time passed, home became less exclusively a real, physical place back in England than a state of mind - somewhere in my head where I could retreat when the going got tough. After a lot of soul-searching I reached a point where I felt pretty much "at home with myself". But home - the place - wouldn't go away. It was impossible not to think of it, to yearn for it and to think to myself: "All will be well when I get back again. That's all I need." As the plane that brought me back from the Middle East touched down, I was overwhelmed with relief at being somewhere that was completely familiar and where I would be surrounded by people who understood me, and me them. Things had changed, of course. My mother had died, so my parental home had changed, and relationships with some friends had also altered. But the main thing was that I was back and could start making plans for a place of my own. After living in one or two rented places I bought a house with my wife Anna at the end of last year. Although I've been back from Lebanon for nine years now, setting up together has been a very positive "homecoming" in its own right. So it seemed very appropriate to be making a Radio 4 series on the theme of Home. The idea was to find out what it means to people and the many ways they go about creating one. Is the idea universal? I asked a range of people what it meant to them. For some, such as interior designer Anne McKevitt, it was a place where you could kick off your shoes and relax, a private place where you could just be yourself. For others, such as Sir David Frost, it was essentially where your family were. To some it was an emotional, spiritual location, somewhere inside you. Anthropologist Desmond Morris described it as "a sort of extended overcoat" - one of the layers of protection we need as human beings. I met people for whom home doesn't become complete until they've added a spiritual element to it, such as the Hindu man who told me that he wouldn't feel comfortable without a shrine in the house where he could worship, or the young family in London who invited me to witness their local priest blessing their house. Wherever I went, people emphasised the importance of security and privacy, often using the phrase "an Englishman's home is his castle". But this widespread idea has a dark side when it allows terrible events and tragic lives to remain hidden from view. Given that such a high percentage of the crime in this country is committed at home, against family members, it's an irony that the person charged with protecting us - the Home Secretary - has historically been hampered by our love of privacy and so been able to do little to change this situation. Talking to Tara, a refugee, reminded me that home is not just about a roof over your head, security and designing your own space but about being part of a community as well; it is also your neighbourhood with its familiar surroundings and faces. Like Tara, I'd been fortunate enough to have had a happy family background and it's perhaps only through my experience of being torn away for so long that I can understand a little of what she is going through and missing. But after my ordeal I returned. People often ask me if anything good came out of my captivity and I feel that that painful period of learning to be at ease with myself has indeed been beneficial in some ways. Certainly, I appreciate better the joy of being able to set down your physical roots in the place where you feel comfortable and safe. In the end, luck has been on my side. Those two sides of home - the physical one and the inner one - have come together for me and at last I do feel at home, in all senses of the word. One afternoon last week I was walking down the street where I now live when a stranger passed by, nodded and said: "It's nice to see you, welcome home!" I smiled back at him: "Thank you very much. Yes, it's good to be home!" John McCarthy's four-part series, A Place Called Home, begins on Radio 4 on August 21 at 9am.

Hope you can get to this link. Long, interesting article in the NY Times today by Ben Brantley on what's happening on the London stage http://www.nytimes.com/library/theater/081700london-theater.html Glad I dropped by. Love reading about Sopranos. I'm ready for the new season....too bad we have to wait so long. I like the pickle man too.

Murph, i've been meaning to tell you this for months.... but last Feb (i think) i was in a resturant and saw a lady reading a print out of your continuing story for Shakespeare in Love- i walked by a couple of times (very slowly) trying to read over her shoulder just to make sure. i was going to strike up a conversation along the lines of "hey! isnt that Murph's story? you must be a CF fan" but i think i freaked her out on my third pass by, cause she gave me a dirty look and i chickened out.

but last Feb (i think) i was in a resturant and saw a lady reading a print out of your continuing story for Shakespeare in Love- See Murph...your legacy lives on....."You should publish".... Thanks Karen...I thought John Mc Carthy had emigrated to Australia. He has aged...doesn't look like ODB anymore.Still feel sad that he and Jill broke up....

Wow, the silent legion of Droolers. BTW, that was a great story Murph. I wonder if I took printed-out fanfic somewhere, if a fellow drooler would approach? With my luck, no drooler, only pervert. Karen, you find the most wonderful articles to post. Amazing that it's been nine years since his release. I was twenty-one, so you can imagine how much attention I paid to who he was. Still, Hostages set off real viseral reactions. I'm sure he has some remarkable insights to share about "home". Too bad Joseph Campbell is gone. That would have been a fascinating conversation. Desmond Morris should be v. interesting (said more like Freud than Bridget).

Where was the restaurant? I am all amazement! Karen, my Radio Times Newsletter mentions the John McCarthy thing: WHAT WE WILL BE LISTENING TO John McCarthy looks into the emotive subject of our home, that place where the heart is, and where the people look familiar. He's talking to historians, architects and even psychologists and anthropologists to learn both what makes a home and why they mean so very much to us in A Place Called Home (Monday, 09:00, BBC Radio 4). Here's something else that's kind of fun that I got from Anne R. No CF, just film related: SUSAN WLOSZCZYNA CREDIT:USA TODAY Heard any good movies lately? The summer's likeliest candidate for a line of dialogue that will resonate in years to come: "At my signal, unleash hell!" It's the command given by Russell Crowe at the beginning of "Gladiator" to rouse his troops. You can imagine a parent parroting it when unloading the car-pool kiddies out of the SUV. But it also boasts a trait often shared by the most popular cinematic quotables: aggression. That is just one finding from a recent nationwide survey that asked 1,083 people for favorite film catchphrases. "The predominant ones are those that allow us to vent spleen, to put people down," says California State University, Los Angeles, media psychologist Stuart Fischoff, who led the study. "It fills in the words that often aren't available to us." That's why such monosyllabic tough guys as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Clint Eastwood are prime sources of verbal bullets such as "I'll be back" and "Go ahead, make my day." As Fischoff notes, "Even President Reagan said, "Make my day.' " But the group surveyed (ethnically mixed with a nearly equal male-female split and an age range of 10 to 90) also showed that repeating quotes in everyday speech can be a badge of hipness. That may be why three phrases from the "Austin Powers" spy spoofs - - "Yeah, baby," "Do I make you horny?" and "Oh, behave" -- made the top 15 for people 26 and under, while none made the cut with those 50 and older. Top quotable source for seniors: 1942's "Casablanca." Some lines, however, transcend generations. "Gone With the Wind's" "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" made every age group's top five. Other findings: -- When men talk, we listen. Of the quotes in the top 20 (27 total, counting ties), only four are spoken by actresses. Two of those, "There's no place like home" and "Toto, I've got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore," are from Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz." In the entire study, 63 percent are from men, 23 percent from women, and the rest from animals, cartoons or objects, including computer Hal from "2001: A Space Odyssey." Blame Hollywood sexism. Says Fischoff: "Most movies are made for men. The dialogue is written by men for men." Al Pacino and Jack Nicholson are the most quoted actors, while Katharine Hepburn and Bette Davis had the most lines among actresses. -- Anger speaks louder to men. While men and women both picked aggressive quotes more often, female respondents were more apt to pick up on lines such as "You complete me" from romance "Jerry Maguire" (1996) and "That'll do, pig, that'll do" from sentimental fantasy "Babe" (1995). If men had a soft side, it came out in their fondness for Bogie ("Here's looking at you, kid") in "Casablanca." Half the phrases named by women were aggressive. "We thought there would be a bigger difference," Fischoff says. "It could mean that certain quotes just naturally seep into everyone's consciousness." There was room for some individualism. Fischoff says probably the funniest and one of the most obscure phrases mentioned came from "Oblivion" (1994), a sci-fi Western: "I have hemorrhoids smarter than you!" The top 10 "I'll be back." -- Arnold Schwarzenegger in "The Terminator," 1984 "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." -- Clark Gable in "Gone With the Wind," 1939 "Show me the money!" -- Cuba Gooding Jr. in "Jerry Maguire," 1996 "Go ahead, make my day." -- Clint Eastwood in "Sudden Impact," 1983 "Mama always said life is like a box of chocolates ..." -- Tom Hanks in "Forrest Gump," 1994 "You can't handle the truth!" -- Jack Nicholson in "A Few Good Men," 1992 "Hasta la vista, baby." -- Arnold Schwarzenegger in "Terminator 2," 1991 "May the Force be with you." -- Alec Guinness in "Star Wars," 1977 "There's no place like home." -- Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz," 1939 "Yeah, baby!" -- Mike Myers in "Austin Powers," 1997

I'll make it CF-related... Wot!! "Would you please, please, please go away, etc." didn't make the list? Says Fischoff: "Most movies are made for men. The dialogue is written by men for men." Duh!

LOL Sadie 'With my luck no drooler,only pervert' sounds good to me! AS has said two of the most memorable lines-oh I give up!

(Murph) Where was the restaurant? I am all amazement! Foster City, California :-)

Hi Guys..the wanderer has returned. Judy & Sadie - I had a great time, v relaxing - stayed at Monyash so quite central for the Peak experience. Lyme was my first excursion of the week - conned the National Trust lady into giving me a Pemberley Trail map (aparently they no longer give these out as a matter of course because they have removed some of the markers and have let the trail go somewhat) nevertheless managed to navigate the trail and trod in the footsteps of Mr.D. Unfortunately when I got to 'The Pond' somebody was occupying the hallowed spot - (own up now who was it) so I couldn't put my bum where ODB had deftly put his! It is a great place and you're v lucky Judy to have it on your doorstep. Also managed to get in some time walking up in the Dark Peak, visited Kedleston Hall and later in the week Sudbury Hall. The Pemberley connection was more low key here - one A4 size sheet containing episode numbers and locations that featured. Will now, of course, have to watch P&P again just to make sure that I haven't been diddled into paying mucho dosho to traipse round big houses and grounds weighed down with cameras in manner of packhorse to see large rooms filled with equally large paintings of old people which may or may not have been walked past by Elizabeth or 'Mr Darcy with his dogs'. I jest of course, with or without P&P connections the houses I visited were wondrous and well worth every penny.

Switching sides: Hornby's new novel is through female eyes Hornby changes sex to write novelthrough woman's-eyes by Tom Robbins NICK HORNBY, the bestselling author who defined the experience of being a man in the 1990s, is to abandon his sex and write his next novel through a female narrator. Until now the heroes of Hornby's books have been commitment-shy obsessive men. The author of Fever Pitch (man mad about football wins girl), High Fidelity (man mad about music wins girl) and About a Boy (man mad about women wins single mother) is to reinvent himself as a middle-aged woman GP. The adoption of a female voice by a male author - especially one who has been so influential in chronicling the minds of modern men - is his toughest test. Hornby's characters - eternal adolescents who are losing the battle of the sexes - have been credited with showing men that they need not fear admitting weakness. His books have sold well, especially to women in their twenties eager for a road map to their boyfriends' brains. He has notched up sales of more than two million and earned a �2m transfer fee when he switched publishers last year. Hornby is putting the finishing touches to the new book, How to be Good, which will be published next May. "When he first said he was writing as a woman, I didn't know whether he would be able to pull it off or not," said Tony Lacey, Hornby's editor. "It has been read here by women in the office and they are all amazed how well he gets their voice." Fever Pitch and High Fidelity have been turned into films, starring Colin Firth and John Cusack, and About a Boy is being cast. The new novel is narrated by Katie, a GP living in north London who is married with two children. Her husband, David, is a cynical journalist and author, who writes a column called "The angriest man in Holloway" for his local newspaper, railing against OAPs taking all the seats on his bus. David undergoes a sudden transformation and decides to become a better person. The book focuses on Katie's reactions as her husband invites the homeless to stay with them and gives his computer to the local women's refuge. Last week the writer Tony Parsons said that using a female narrator was "the decathlon" of novel writing. He found inventing a convincing female voice for a lead character so difficult that all the female dialogue in his book Man and Boy was taken from real conversations. "A lot of the dialogue is the greatest hits of girlfriends I have known," he said. "For my new book I did toy with the idea of telling it from a female point of view and in the voice of a 12-year-old girl - but frankly I just couldn't pull it off." While few doubt that Hornby will succeed in finding his feminine side, there is a risk that male readers may desert him. Women, who buy 66% of all fiction, will happily buy books about men - with Hornby, Parsons, and even the SAS writer Andy McNab winning a large female readership - but few men buy books that are written by, for or about women. [now why doesn't that surprise me] Fay Weldon, the feminist author, said that writing the book through a woman's eyes might be a natural progression for Hornby's 1990s men. "In a funny kind of way, that is how men have to live now," she said. "Men have become so self-conscious that they do try to look at themselves through women's eyes, and I'm afraid that what they get flung back at them is a not very flattering portrait."

Tracy, your trip sounded amazing. Too bad about the bum. So close and yet so far. V. glad you had such a great time. (I asked you to tell about it on another board, just before I hopped here, so was a nice surprise.) Problem is Judy, most perverts aren't good-looking. I have to have some standards! BTW, who said: I'm mad as hell and I'm not taking it anymore, or something like that? Surprised it wasn't on list. Judy, Judy, Judy, whot's wrong with AS? (And how come 'Judy, Judy, Judy' didn't make the list) My God, this entire message is riddled with cliches. See what you've started Murph? *or maybe my messages are always like this, she speculates quietly to herself*

Am staring at my previous message Tracy. It looks ungrammatical but am too tired to know why.

Tracy am glad you enjoyed your trip.It wasn't me on 'the spot' but I was in Derbyshire last week,Haddon Hall & later on Matlock-sat in the park with chips & gravy-jeans still fit after a choc week so thought I could get away with a bit more. I'm glad you managed to see Sudbury.I have to admit to being disappointed with the empty music room,it never occurred to me that the furniture wouldn't be there,naive I know but I grew up fast that day:-)Did you recognize the village from P&P1? Karen interesting article about NH writing thro' eyes of a woman.I think we touched on something like that in our discussion on FP. (Sadie)Judy, Judy, Judy. Whot's wrong with AS? as a mum of a 10 year old son who rates AS as one of his fave actors,I've seen quite a lot of his work,found it enjoyable,more so if I didn't think:-) (And how come Judy, Judy, Judy didn't make the list) LOL Sadie,I want a petition started,I insist on my 15 mins of fame. (Sadie) Am staring at my previous message Tracy. It looks ungrammatical but am too tired to know why. It looks the same as usual Sadie (me* duck*)

(Judy)it never occurred to me that the furniture wouldn't be there I know what you mean, I was also surprised at how small the room is...it looked huge on screen...of course I did the gazing out of the window bit (as did every other woman of a certain age from what I saw!). Didn't get to see much of the village really as we came in from the A something which bypasses it. Went to Matlock but it was chucking it down so no sitting in the park for me!

Nice to see you back from your P&P vacation, Tracy. Didn't realize that THE Pond was actually at Lyme Park as well. Ah, but while you didn't get to sit on the exact spot (am questioning why you didn't push interloper off), you were there. That counts. :-) (Judy) about NH writing thro' eyes of a woman.I think we touched on something like that in our discussion on FP. Yes. Hornby actually mentioned that he was going to do it during his book-signing tour a while back. I have my doubts about its authenticity and that it will be cliche-ridden... But maybe HF has been giving him pointers. ;-) "For my new book I did toy with the idea of telling it from a female point of view and in the voice of a 12-year-old girl - but frankly I just couldn't pull it off." Shocker!! Of course, he couldn't pull it off because during this time he was obsessed with Arsenal and music. Do you really think he even heard anything a girl actually said?? And here's a pic of Katy Murphy: airbrushed, of course ;-)

Love that pixie look. Thanks Karen. Welcome back Tracy. When you got home, did you re-view those Pemberley scenes and marvel? At Lyme Park did you "do" the stairs? Did you buy a lot of junk at the gift shop? (I couldn't help myself.) Were you able to get into that sunken garden? - the Dutch Garden, I think. I couldn't find a way in. Maybe Judy knows if it's open for the hoi polloi. I've never been to Sudbury Hall but I would have been shocked to see the Music Room bare. Wot? Not even a pianoforte? No case of miniatures? ;-) Still sounds like a fruitful pilgrimage.

I'm sorry I asked :-) She does look familiar,I'm sure she was in a kiddies programme a few years back with a very broad Scottish accent-if she's the one then I won't understand a word she says.

Sorry Heide I missed your post. The Dutch Garden is open to the public & there are 2 entrances one near the small bridge (where the path leads around the back of the lake,about opposite the boat house) and the other around the side of the house (sometimes closed).

(Judy)....with a very broad Scottish accent-if she's the one then I won't understand a word she says. I looked at it several times before I understood her...to this day I have a problem with Clive.But folks on the board translated for me....it's worth all the trouble.Great cast.But I can see a problem with an American audience who have difficulty with British accents!

Re Kathy Murphy. I believe she was also in Our Mutual Friend, playing a crippled seamstress. Judy on cliches: You know how to whistle, don't you????? Karen: The plot of the new Hornby sounds great fun. And you can see it as a movie already. CF would be grand as the guy with the change of heart. Totally off topic: Anne R sent me this Cole Porter gem to put on my Clive Owen site. Had to share: I went to Monte Carlo the other day I went to Monte Carlo to have some play I went to Monte Carlo and straight away I went and fell in love with the croupier. The croupier advised me to back the red, The croupier was handsome, I lost my head; And when the game was over and love was dead, I realized I'd played on the black instead. [refrain] For I'm unlucky at gambling And I'm unlucky in love Why should I go on scrambling To get to heaven above? It's bad enough to lose your purse But when you lose your heart it's even worse. Oh, I'm unlucky at gambling, And I'm unlucky in love. I took the croupier to a picture show, I took the croupier to a picture show, And though I snuggled close when the lights were low, The croupier impressed me as rather slow. I said "I like John Gilbert a lot, don't you?" He didn't answer, but when the show was through I realized that he liked John Gilbert, too. [refrain] For I'm unlucky at gambling And I'm unlucky in love Why should I go on scrambling To get to heaven above? It's bad enough to lose your purse But when you lose your heart it's even worse. Oh, I'm unlucky at gambling, And I'm unlucky in love.

Can't we send wav files here?

(Karen) - When you got home, did you re-view those Pemberley scenes and marvel? At Lyme Park did you "do" the stairs? Did you buy a lot of junk at the gift shop? Certainly did with an air of "I've been there, I stood there etc etc". The stairs were well and truly done, several times but the junk was nowhere to be seen at the gift shop. There was the Radio Times Darcy pic displayed in the Park Shop and they were selling copies of the vid and spurious Darcy-esque novels but very little Lyme stuff to choose from it was nearly all National Trust tea towels and presentation boxes of mint imperials - so I declined to buy anything except the Lyme Park guide book. But I did take a few snaps so I'll have some great momentoes. Didn't realize that THE Pond was actually at Lyme Park as well Yes it's a way from the house if you make towards the Paddock Cottage there's a dry stone wall to your left with Drinkwatre Meadow beyond (this is where the post-swim walk was filmed), just the other side of a stile theres an extremely mucky pool called Mill pond and it is instantly recognisable as THE POND! Politeness prevented me from shoving the interloper plus her DH and dog into said pool so I had to content myself with taking in the ambience from a discreet distance. BTW if anyone is planning to go to Lyme and wants a copy of the trail, (I believe that they are phasing the leaflets out and some of the trail has been changed) I have a map which I can copy and email to any interested party. Don't trample each other in the rush ;-D I've never been to Sudbury Hall but I would have been shocked to see the Music Room bare. Wot? Not even a pianoforte? No case of miniatures? I would recommend Sudbury, like I said before they don't seem to 'cash in' on the P&P connection but do have a little handout (20p) to guide you as to where thuings were filmed. It was a bit disconcerting to find the music room empty but the pianoforte was in the next room. They obviously did a spot of furniture removal when filming because the 'case of miniatures' I'm sure had lots of other junk in it and was in another part of the house entirely. Darcy's study (where he wrote Wickham the cheque) and his bedroom with the sumptuous red drapery(where he's choosing his jacket before setting out to see Lizzy at Lambton) were exactly as in P&P - gorgeous!

(Evelyn) But I can see a problem with an American audience who have difficulty with British accents! Unfortunately this Brit has problems with British accents as well :-D Tracy since you can't take photos on NT properties did you by the postcards of the relevant rooms at Sudbury? Your not on your own if you did:-)

Judy - No we bought yet another guide book which has most of the rooms in it. I was very restrained when a girl, clearly a confirmed Darcian, was snapping away in the Long Gallery without anyone stopping her...annoyed only because I'd left my camera in the car.

Oh BTW Tracy 'extremely mucky pool' how could you my fave picnic place (even with all the frogs).I have to confess to being jealous over the pond,it's a place I've visited since childhood,from being a secluded spot it became the place all P&P fans wanted to see.Talking of that couple made me think of the times I've sat there & had to move because people were 'doing' the Pemberley Trail-the funny thing is that most people whispered about it as if they didn't want to admit to it. I hoped you remembered to walk with your hands clasped behind your back:-)

I missed your next post ,I would have been annoyed about the girl with camera,my hubby was asked to leave his camera behind the ticket desk.I must admit he did look a bit eager with his tripod etc (he was on a photography course at the time)

Judy - sorry about the mucky pool reference, it's just that I can imagine anyone wanting to dive in it that's all - Elvis impersonator or no! I can quite see why you're protective of the place it's a lovely spot. I was far too busy being too excited and loud quoting from the guide to my totally non-plussed, non-P&P parents to put on the "let's pretend that we're out for a pleasant walk and not on a Darcy pilgrimage" facade. Because no-one else seemed to have the trail guide - there were no others out on the walk but I did come across a few very confused and lost people hanging around the lake trying to work out from where he dived in only to be told by me that they were in the wrong place xcompletely *tee hee* . I suppose I should have offered them my copy of the Trail like the kind spirited person I am.........Nah!

Here I was feeling guilty over being resentful at having to share it & you're telling people they're in the wrong place *snort* I like your style.It's strange how we all share a love of something yet want to keep it to ourselves. I still walk my hubby & son theretelling them all about it-doesn't matter that they've seen P&P numerous times plus know Lyme like the backof their hands:-)

(Murph) Can't we send wav files here? Yes, as a link (direct to url or as an "a href" type). Has the Pilgrim Progressed to get her film developed? ;-) Remember you can always upload the pics to Sfolks.

Another thing. Saw Kyle MacLachlan on TV this past week; was talking about his role on Sex and the City. Was asked if he appeared in any hot scenes (I assume with Charlotte). He answered, "Yes" and that it "got him to the gym." So... that take me to BJD and a bit of anticipation perhaps. BTW, for those who care, he will be wearing a kilt at the wedding. For those who don't....

From the Press Assoc: Play's West End revival The play that launched the careers of Rupert Everett and Kenneth Branagh in the early Eighties, Another Country, is to be revived in the West End next month. Julian Mitchell's award-winning play is set in a boys' public school in the1930s, where the activities of two rebellious pupils threaten to undermine the school's reputation. Since his success with Another Country, Mitchell has become one of the UK's top screenwriters, his credits including the 1997 film Wilde, and numerous episodes of Inspector Morse. Another Country will open at the Oxford Playhouse on September 6 before coming to the revitalised Arts Theatre in Great Newport Street on September 20. ~~~~~~~~ Did they forget someone else? :-( ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From the London Theatre Guide: Visit Another Country at the Arts Theatre Another Country, by the stage, television and film writer Julian Mitchel, is to open at the Arts Theatre, London for 12 weeks, following a run at the Oxford Playhouse from September 6. The play tells the story of two idealistic, rebellious students in an elite public boys school in the 1930s, and how their personal revolutions threaten to shake the school to its very foundations. Another Country first opened in the West End twenty years ago and heralded a resurgence of great British drama, inspired a film and launched the careers of Rupert Everett, Kenneth Branagh, Daniel Day Lewis and Colin Firth, as well as winning an Olivier (then SWET) award for Best Play in 1981. Stephen Henry directs the play, his most recent project being the controversial Corpus Christi which played at the Edinburgh Festival 1999 and transferred to The Pleasance in London. The cast includes Alex Avery, Jamie de Courcey (Plenty, Albery Theatre, 1999), Martin Hutson, Neil Jones, Ben Meyjes, Edward Purver, Ferdy Roberts, Patrick Ryecart (A Letter of Resignation, Savoy Theatre, 1998) and Tom Wisdom.

Never heard of any of them... However, guess who I met on Friday afternoon???? He's British, He's done Shakespeare and Rosamunde Pilcher and Three Muskateers, give up???? Michael York!!! (he's not very tall, I had about an inch on him (no heels either!):)) He has a new book out "A Shakespearan Actor Prepares", he was talking about the difference between the Theatre and Film. Of course, perfect opportunity for me to ask why he thought the British people supported their theatre as opposed to their films ( with American backing films being prosperous), he said that Movie making in general in considered "American", and we make the best movies here. The British public adores the theatre because its is so accessible to them. As opposed to Broadway in NY (US is quite larger than Britain;)). Anyway, mom was quite perturbed as she's a HUGE fan of his. Told him that mom forced me to see Logan's Run when I was nine (don't think he cared for that;)), but that I adored his Tybalt and D'Artagnan;)

Michael York is on a lecture circuit. I heard and met him two years ago...he gave a compelling lecture on the History of the Theatre. Not only handsome, but he has a great sense of humor and is a brilliant actor. Lives in LA.Wish I would have thought to ask him your question, Laura.

Yes, GREAT sense of humor! And he's very handsome!!! Very personable and amiable on all counts! (Friday was not good day for me, but he made it better!)

(Laura) Never heard of any of them... I believe that is the "hook." Will this play do for these actors what it did for those also then-unknowns: Rupert Everett, Kenneth Branagh, Daniel Day Lewis and Colin Firth.

Thanks for the great exchange about Lyme and Sudbury, Tracy and Judy (and others too). I would like a copy of the trail most definitely. Thanks for the offer! Have already emailed you, Tracy. Karen, thanks for the pic of Kate Murphy. LOL Judy: "sorry I asked". I'm sure the harsh lighting didn't help. Also, people tend to look better when they are caught in motion, because it captures all the nuances of the face and soul. That being said, I confess I thought she looks a little like Leonard Nimoy in this pic. You know, Dr. Spock from Star Trek... Kilts are always worth mentioning ;-D Am surprised Judy has not taken dive under it yet *I'd say I was ducking in return for earlier remark, Judy, but I know just how you'd interpret that! -D Ah, Michael York. A very handsome guy in his day. Was actually my model for George Wickham's "appearance of good", & "soft, captivating manners". The opposite of Darcy's dark, satanic appeal. It all leads back to Darcy.

(Karen) Did they forget someone else? :-( I don't now why it still surprises me when they miss him out but it does. Ear.ear Sadie what's Leonard Nimoy ever done to deserve that comparison :-) (Sadie) Kilts are always worth mentioning :-D Am surprised Judy has not taken dive under it yet If something's worth doing do it straight away but thetruth is I've been reduced to lurking today,even though I logged in there was no box to reply in! (somebody trying to tell me something?) (Sadie) * I'd say I was ducking in return for earlier remark, but I know just how you'd interpret that! -D You got there first but I'm sure he's big enough for both of us so move over:-D BTW Karen before I lose myself completely what kilt, what wedding? I'm surprised to see Michael York described as handsome I've always considered him insipid sorry!

I think Michael York has good features. Personally, I'm attracted to dark hair and brown eyes(and slightly rougher-looking features) but I can still see his appeal, as far as faces go. Am curious about you thinking him "insipid". What particularly about him? I haven't seen him in a movie in years and years. Over here, I would say most women our age haven't even heard of him.

(Sadie) I'm sure the harsh lighting didn't help Some might argue that the lack of lighting was for the best. ;-) (Judy) I've been reduced to lurking today, even though I logged in there was no box to reply in! How unusual. No box usually indicates you haven't logged in and are in "public" mode. If that ever happens again, take a look at the url and whether it says public or restricted. (Judy) what kilt, what wedding? Kyle MacLachlan will wear one for his wedding to Charlotte on Sex and the City. Another article about Hornby's forthcoming novel: http://www.guardianunlimited.co.uk/women/story/0,3604,356998,00.html

(From Empire) Back To College For Gwyneth he production unit for the latest Gwyneth Paltrow movie Possession, currently filming in Shepperton, have been searching for suitably academic-looking extras for a location shoot in Lincoln next week. 'We've been inundated with applications,' said a location publicist, 'I haven't even begun to sort through them!' The fantastic response is probably due to the press release that went out for the shoot which told prospective applicants that, 'Gwyneth will be in all the scenes which we are shooting in Lincoln.' Maybe fans didn't stick around to read the proviso that said the filmmakers 'can't promise that the extras will be able to get close to her!' Possession, which is based on the Booker prize-winning novel by AS Byatt and directed by Neil LaBute features Paltrow and Aaron Eckhart (last seen in Erin Brockovich) as two modern-day academics who discover a love affair between their respective objects of study which they, in turn, mirror. Early reports had Ralph Fiennes in the role opposite Paltrow, but that seems unlikely given his current stage commitments. ~~~~~~~ Not only that, but the reports said Eckhart was going to England. Roland visits Maud at Lincoln, where she teaches. Fiennes must then be playing Ash, the Victorian poet. But who is Christabel?

But GP or as Ted on E! calls her "fish stick!"? They'll probably get Emma Thompson as Christabel, or they'll write her out;)

( Karen) Has the Pilgrim Progressed to get her film developed? ;-) Not yet but I've got a few digital snaps which you may recognise just to whet your appetite - which I've uploaded at Sfolks!!!

Tracy I've just seen your pics-wonderful! Karen I've no idea of what went wrong yesterday but I didn't do anything different so hopefully it was just a one-off.

(Tracy) If you don't know where this is - there's no hope for you! LOL! Do tell! Great pictures.

Am heading right over there to check out pics Tracy. BTW, I got your emails, I hope you got my reply. Thanks! Lots of interesting news here. I confess, I started Possession but did not finish it! (Am too cheap to buy it.) I am v. curious to see how Hornby does, how believable his character is.

Just saw them, Tracy. Love the Lizzy impression! And indeed I do know where that was!

Unbelievable!! This film has had wonderful reviews... The House Of Mirth bound straight to Showtime It appears that Terence Davies� critically acclaimed period piece The House Of Mirth will bypass a North American theatrical release and get its premiere outing on cable channel Showtime, despite a last ditch effort by Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) to buy theatrical rights. Showtime Networks co-financed the film, a lavish adaptation of Edith Wharton�s novel which was warmly received at its Edinburgh Film Festival screening this week, as part of a 12-picture production deal with the UK�s Granada Film. In return it controls North American rights. But while in the past, Showtime has sold theatrical rights to films such as Gods And Monsters (to Lions Gate Films), the cable channel is understood to want to premiere The House Of Mirth on Showtime, rejecting a reportedly generous bid by SPC to buy out the theatrical window. SPC was unavailable for comment at time of going to press, Showtime would only say that there were no negotiations with SPC. The situation highlights the increasing crossover between movies made for US pay-TV and independently financed film. Showtime movie Rated X premiered at this year�s Sundance Film Festival, while The House Of Mirth has screened at Locarno and Edinburgh and is lined up for a North American premiere at Toronto next month. Meanwhile Rodrigo Garcia�s Things You Can Tell Just By Looking At Her, which played at Sundance and Cannes, will also go straight to Showtime even though it was originally bought for theatrical distribution by United Artists - which subsequently negotiated the straight-to-TV deal with Showtime. The House Of Mirth features Gillian Anderson, Eric Stoltz, Anthony LaPaglia, Laura Linney, Elizabeth McGovern and Dan Aykroyd and has won praise for Anderson�s performance and Davies� direction. For Anderson it represents a breakthrough into film acting after gaining fame playing Scully on TV�s The X-Files, while for Davies, it marks a return to form after 1994�s lacklustre The Neon Bible. However, if the film premieres on TV, it would of course forfeit any Oscar consideration, as would have Gods And Monsters which won Best Adapted Screenplay and two acting nominations in 1998. The film's other backers include FilmFour, which has UK distribution, plus the Arts Councils of England and Scotland and the Glasgow Film Fund. Capitol Films is handling international sales. Olivia Stewart produced and Bob Last and Granada's Pippa Cross executive produced. Stewart said she was still optimistic that a deal would go through with SPC, adding "I can't understand why it would not do so, when it is in everybody's interest."

*delurking/decloaking* I've been in the shadows here for a while, and I just had to talk about "Sunshine," which I just returned from seeing... Someone here must have seen it, I'm sure. What did you all think of it? I think that there were a bunch of loose ends that weren't tied up at the end; such as the significance of the clock on the wall, where the recipe book had been all those years, and others. I'd love to hear what you all have to say about it...I hope this is the right board to do it on. Thanks.

Hi Liz, Welcome. I too loved Sunshine, I have only seen it once, several months ago, it opened here in the UK in early April, so I am a bit hazy on particulars but I thought it was a wonderful film. The 3hours just flew by and there were some marvelours performances, particularly Jennifer Ehele and her mother Rosemary Harris, whom I think deserves to be nominated for a Supporting Actress nomination come the Oscars, I thought the scene jwhere she collapses just before she dies was wonderfuly done. I thought RF was very good too, particularly Ignatz and the last character, Adam, is it? Willima Hurt was also good. I could easily have sat through it a second time but unfortunately it did not last too long in the UK. Some characters especially in the last two sections of the film were not fully developed and I missed the fact that Valerie left Ignatz to be with Gustave. I'm afraid I don't remember the clock on the wall just the photo of Valerie in the courtyard which remained there throughout the film. I l ved the upbeat hopeful ending with Adam? walking off down the street to a new future.

soor Liz, for Adam read Ivan, Adam was my least fazvourit Feinnes character, I thought he was rather cold and distant.

that should be "Sorry Liz", its obviously too early in the morning.

(Sadie), I started Possession but did not finish it! (Am too cheap to buy it.) I am v. curious to see how Hornby does, how believable his character is. Reading Possession and Hornby in the same sentence worries me. Have I missed something? I will NOT let my imaginination run with that one. ;-) Ciao tutti!

Welcome Liz. Yes, this is the right topic. I'm sure many of us have seen Sunshine, but our main booster/devotee is out of town at the moment. Perhaps, she'll check in later. I've seen the movie twice because I wanted to double check on several things that I thought I'd missed. Unfortunately, I hadn't. Sunshine had way too ambitious a storyline to be told adquately in the three hours. It really should have been a miniseries or made the bold leap to a film event, which is very seldom done. As the movie was originally 5 hours, the loss of 2 hours of storyline and character development shows. Too many unanswered questions. Too many gaps. Frankly, they could have (and should have) cut out that beginning, with its cartoonish depiction and amateurish acting in the old village. On the subject of acting, all of it was excellent. I thought RF did a great job differentiating the characters; he did far more than rely on different hairstyles and facial hair as has been written up in some of the reviews. I did want to laugh a bit when he showed up the third time at the door, however. ;-) About the recipe book (its significance), I know Evelyn has some interesting observations about it, but will let her tell you. I'm drawing a blank on the clock.

WELCOME , Moon!

Thanks, all, for your plaudits re my holiday snaps..unfortunately the picture I thought I'd taken of THE pond must be on my film (yet to be developed...*slap wrists* - I know it's just too slack of me. If there are any others worth uploading I'll see what I can dig out.

(Moon)Reading Possession and Hornby in the same sentence worries me. Have I missed something? I will NOT let my imaginination run with that one. ;-) The only connection is of course CF. He will not be in the upcoming film version of Possession, but it was discussed awhile back how good he could be in it.

Moon, some things you missed while away (my take on it anyway)... New fanfic treats, by Gail, Esbee, newbie Katherine, and a sci-fi discovered by Hanne. New Drool word coined by Danielle: "sexactly". New Tracyism to express Drool state of Being: "going all unnecessary". Many newbies delighted us by delurking, but I won't attempt to name names for fear of leaving someone out. You also missed usual lively banter about ODB's career and whether or not his fans are devoted enough. Also, some snickering about HG after Liz H revealed unsurprising news that he's not that great in bed. Judy and Sadie forced to watch NH in attempt to give HG fair shake --- then decided that he's still not worth shaking, and certainly, not shagging. Lots of discussion about RZ, and basic worry about whether or not ODB will get limelight he deserves in the film. Many lewd comments by hard-core droolers which shocked innocent little me. Seasoned droolers continued to elevate discussion with knowledge of film and theatre and/or dig up great articles about signicant Colin-related events with impressive detective smarts. The Film discussion board buzzed with a Fever Pitch. Conversation still remained in gutter though, thanks primarily to Judy and Tracy. Incidently, Tracy professes to be mild-mannered, but we all know that she really did deck that other tourist at Lyme for taking Colin's bum's spot. You an read all about it in the tabloids: Mild-mannered Firth Fan engages in Frenzied Activity, Lyme Visitor Sports a Shiner. Details inside. Quote from Firthette. "I don't know what came over me. There it was. The place where Colin's bum once sat. I suddenly felt all unnecessarily. The rest is all a blank." ;-)

Sadie ROTFLOL Loved especially your Tracy skit Innocent you ha ha :-) :-)Put that bottle down girl:-D

This from the Business Press Wire - Partial: Overseas Filmgroup is one of the few truly independent worldwide film distribution companies specializing in the acquisition, financing, packaging and distribution of independently produced feature films of all genre. The upcoming slate includes Cheri (adapted from the novel written by Colette and starring Jessica Lang); Gein (based on the true life story of the serial killer Ed Gein); Till the End of Time (based on the love affair between Georgia O'Keefe and Alfred Steiglitz, and starring Linda Fiorentino and Ben Kingsley); Proximity (starring Rob Lowe and James Coburn); Relative Values (based on the Noel Coward play, and starring Julie Andrews, William Baldwin and Jeanne Tripplehorn); and, Greenfingers (starring Clive Owen, Helen Mirren and David Kelly). Previous films include Titus (directed by Julie Taymor and starring Anthony Hopkins and Jessica Lange); Waking Ned Devine (which grossed over $25 million in the U.S. box office); and, The Prophecy (starring Christopher Walken - achieved $17 illion in U.S. box office). Overseas Filmgroup's domestic division is First Look Pictures. First Look currently has The Opportunists (starring Christopher Walken) in release. First Look's next releases are Me & Isaac Newton (directed by Michael Apted and produced by Clear Blue Sky Productions); and, Blessed Art Thou (directed by Tim Disney). Previous films include: A Map of the World (starring Sigourney Weaver and Julianne Moore, and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall); Antonia's Line (Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film of 1995); Mrs. Dalloway (starring Vanessa Redgrave); and, The Secret of Roan Inish (directed by John Sayles). First Look Pictures also specializes in the video and DVD release of films in the U.S. and is focused on exploiting non-theatrical rights and new distribution opportunities.

Hey Girl, we are actually here at the same time! Nice to run into you again. *wears demure expression as befits innocent state of being* *Hiccup*

Moon: Welcome home -- I loved Possession. Can't wait for more news of the film. One of the most clever things in it is the poetry "supposedly" written by the two lovers. The Christabel ones remind me of Emily Dickinson. Sadie, you aren't too bad yourself! Very funny.

Oh now I'm really worried demure expression indeed You need to wear a bit more than that to keep warm in this gutter with Tracy & myself :-)

Last comment was to Judy. Thanks for this article Murph. They certainly have an impressive line-up of films. It will be interesting to see how much attention RV gets here in the U.S. *Fingers crossed* BTW, I have forgotten RV's current status with regard to overseas release. Can someone tell me?

And my comment was to Sadie-the joys of being here altogether or in Sadie's case in the altogether:-) BTW did they forget to mention someone?

Board is exploding. I cannot type fast enough (for an American, my trigger finger is a little slow ;-) Thanks for compliment Murph, always pleased to amuse. Some of us have no loftier purpose in life. Whot Judy? You got something against me being naked? (Metaphorically-speaking of course, am brilliant literary type in manner of Scaisia. Am bloody poor speller though.)

Nothing against you being naked as long as you don't hold your naked against me or that you don't upload your naked being on sfolks;-)

Holy cow!! Sadie! Would you like to write a Drool newsletter? You've captured the past two months' activities to a T. Am particularly interested if you kept a list of lewd comments by hard-core droolers. ;-) Am checking regional newspapers for real account of Tracy's hols. (if anyone can find it, I will) (Murph) The Christabel ones remind me of Emily Dickinson. Sprinkled liberally with Christina Rossetti, who were both inspirations for Christabel (a poem by Coleridge). I posted info from Murph about the October 22 broadcast of Relative Values on 134. But the reason why Overseas FilmGroup is in the news is that it released more bad financial results on Monday. As far as the US goes, all deals are done. We're going to see it on TV and eventually it should come out on video. Overseas posts deepened loss Indie film distributor Overseas Filmgroup Inc. on Monday reported a widened second-quarter net loss and decreased revenue as it racked up high interest costs related to debt reduction. The Los Angeles-based company, whose upcoming slate of films includes "Cheri" starring Jessica Lange and "Proximity" with Rob Lowe and James Coburn, reported a net loss of $666,705, or 10 cents a share, compared with a loss of $47,714, or a penny a share, a year earlier. Revenue fell to $4.4 million from $6.5 million. The company blamed operating losses during the quarter on distribution and marketing costs. In June, Overseas Filmgroup received a $17 million equity investment from commercial production and studio facilities company EUE Screen Gems but was hit with a $15 million one-time accounting charge.

Don't worry, there is only one person I want to hold my naked against at the moment, and neither you nor Tracy likely look like him! Being demure, I would nevah have even contemplated uploading my Birthday suit to sfolks. Oh my poor innocent state is being shaken. A pic of CF and I'm likely to go all unnecessary.

Help there's a delusional streaker on the board,pleasedon't show her a pic of CF in her present unnecessarycondition.

It happened again! Too slow on the draw. No Karen, I did not keep a list of lewd comments. But then, they flow so freely from my own brain...well, not brain, sexactly. I was afraid to leave names out at that given moment, so I just said "seasoned Droolers" 'cause of course we all know who you guys are....thanks for RV reminder. I know why I forgot. I do not have cable :-(

Have put clothes on now (cold chill of not seeing RV when its shown) and cast away demure pretence. Am drawing feverish sketch of Colin in kilt, in manner of KJ but with rather shocking agenda...

The kilt bit is to torture you Judy, for your corrupting influence on poor little me -D

Oh no, I think I left bold open, how do I fix it. (Bold lettering that is)

The truth will out,this is the Sadie we all know & love But now it's my turn to go all unnecessary ooh Colin in a kilt I can see why you felt the need to strip off, I'm all hot under the kilt as well.

Torture me! torture me!

You mean it's hot under the kilt after awhile.

Especially since its always so crowded.

LMAO Judy! But not too crowded. We seem to have been deserted again!

Just you & me & a pair of...

But only one...

LOL `Me first :-D

Thank you, Sadie! I wish I did not have a hurricane warning overhead and could spend some time on your report. You could be our PA whenever we get round to forming Firthfully Films. Remember, Karen? Gi, ho ricevuto oggi tua cartolina, grazie! Murph, I too enjoyed Possession very much. Any news on the lead male? I heard that Gwynnie wanted the C part. Sadie, Possession is very slow to start but once it does, it is hard to put down. Give it another try.

Did I cut in a a waltz? ;-)

No,no just genital warfare

*Thwack* No need to worry Moon. Just taking over the kilt.

...a highly ignored territory in the South of England, except at Drool.

I'm off now Sadie hubby wants to surf-men! *sneaking off with kilt tucked firmly underarm*

Yes, you may have got the kilt, but I 'm holding what was underneath. See ya later.

LOL! Sadie, don't let slip out, like those kids toys (the gel filled disgusting thing that slips out of your hand.) Grab hold tight and don't let go! Um, then again, not "too" tight... :-)

Don't worry Laura, I have my handling certificate. Sorry Moon, really hope you did not leave because of the low tone Judy brought to the conversation (*ducking*). Truth is, we just keep talking even though everyone else seems to desert us, hence the Judy & Sadie routine above. :-( I actually did like what I read of Possession, but didn't have a solid stretch of time at any one sitting to concentrate and get very far. Finally gave up after second library renewal. Am v. close to Amazon.com binge for some steamy books. Any steam in Possession?

Depends how how much steam you want to see. I mean its about two Victorian poets? Two scholarly nerds and a somewhat lesbian affair... You figure it out.... :)

Excellent summary of summer Drool activities, Sadie, but you didn't mention ODB's buff new bod with six-pack abs. Moon may be interested to know that pic of CF wrapped in chains (and nothing else) is now possible. ;-)

Am drawing feverish sketch of Colin in kilt, in manner of KJ but with rather shocking agenda... Do I detect my initials being used in vain?? Leave me out of this; nothing like that would ever be in the manner of KJ! :-)

Sadie...ROTFLOL! My cover's blown...there's paparazzi at the door ..oh why couldn't I keep my fists to myself..will now have to retreat to Priory-style clinic to curb my violent tendencies in manner or Col-crazed kilt fiend ;-D (Laura) like those kids toys (the gel filled disgusting thing that slips out of your hand. Oh thats a kids toy is is? Whoops! Am trying to imagine Judy's hubby "surf-men" .... cannot get picture of person standing on back of another man in a Hawaii-5-0 stylee.

.... (continuing as far too quick in submitting) out of my warped brain. Saie can I have some of whatever you're having ? *hic*

Welcome back to Moon and Liz K! Moon, I hope that you and your family enjoyed your stay in Italy. Liz, I remember you. Atleast, I hope I have this right -- one of your favorite CF films is "Apartment Zero" and you claim to be a poor speller. I that isn't you I apologize. Now that Moon's back maybe the film discussion on "Apartment Zero" will materialize. Sadie, I am the worst speller on this list -- and don't you forget it. I'm going to go medicate myself now.

(Laura)Two scholarly nerds and a somewhat lesbian affair Sounds like a TV sitcom for the upcoming season. (Eileen)Excellent summary of summer Drool activities, Sadie, but you didn't mention ODB's buff new bod with six-pack abs Quite right, Eileen. I tend to forget to say the most important things! (KJ)Leave me out of this; nothing like that would ever be in the manner of KJ! :-) Deeply sorry. I was merely making reference to act of sketching, not content of sketch. Did not want to say "in manner of Jackson Pollock" and could not think of any contemporary realists at the time. Again, sorry for dragging your name into the gutter where I live.

(Tracy)will now have to retreat to Priory-style clinic to curb my violent tendencies in manner or Col-crazed kilt fiend ;-D Say hello to Judy when you bump into her there! Hey, maybe we should join that Sciasia party and show 'em how literal (as opposed to literary) 'breaking'is done? Nothing like a pack of wild drooling women on the political scene. Porn stars have got nothin' on us! Oh thats a kids toy is is? Whoops! LOL Tracy, and here you thought it was an adult toy! (Cheryl)Sadie, I am the worst speller on this list -- and don't you forget it. I'm going to go medicate myself now. LOL! Ok Cheryl, I won't forget. If I switched to your medication though, maybe I'd be fiercer competition. -D

From Baz, today's Daily Mail Poetic Jennifer returns as lover Hot from her Tony award winning success in Tom Stoppard's TRT, JE has returned to these shores to work in the film version of A S Byatt's novel Possession. The cast, which includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northan, Toby Stephens and Aaron Eckhart, begins rehearsals next week in London on the tale about two contemporary scholars who discover a tragic love story involving two 19th century Victorian poets. Pic of JE from the Tony Awards. Ms Paltrow and Mr Eckhart play the modern-day literary detectives, while Ms Ehle and Mr Northam play the 19th century lovers. Byatt modelled Ms Ehle's character, Christabel and her poems on the work of Emily Dickinson and Christina Rossetti. The project will be given an infusion of 1st centry hipness by writer-driector Neil LaBute, who has charged his work on screen and on stage with a sense of sexual fury.

Great news Aishling, good ole Baz, and quite a coup for Jennifer, don't you think.

Why Jeremy, Colin would have been so good in this role.(sorry Jeremy fans, just wishful thinking!)

Re Christabel: Great news, Evelyn! What a wonderful part for Jennifer. So happy for her. And a wonderful cst too.

Wow!! Fiennes is out; Northam is in as Ash. Amazing! This ought to be adorable with Jennifer and JN and a class act production. Let's see, what would Toby Stephens play? How about Maud's ex-boyfriend and Roland's nemesis? Now, you're going to have to read the book, Ev. You've made our day, Aishling. :-)

From Empire today: Neil LaBute - A Man Possessed After the sweetness and light of Nurse Betty, which opens in the UK next Friday, it looks like director Neil LaBute is returning to more familiar territory. The man behind such caustic films as In The Company Of Men and Your Friends and Neighbours is about to start filming A.S.Byatt's novel Possession in England this autumn. "It will be a surprise for some, others will say it's a natural progression," says LaBute of his choice to shoot the novel. "There are two really f***ed-up couples, and who better to deal with them [than me]?". The story of two contemporary academics (to be played by Gwyneth Paltrow and LaBute regular Aaron Eckhart), the film follows their growing love for each other as they uncover a hitherto unknown affair between two Victorian poets. Unlike the casting of LaBute's Nurse Betty star Ren�e Zellweger in the forthcoming (and very English) Bridget Jones' Diary, the choice of Paltrow, who honed her British accent on Shakespeare In Love and Sliding Doors, shouldn't raise any eyebrows. "She's frankly good," says LaBute. "She's adept at it. I knew she wouldn't have to go through the kind of thing I was watching Ren�e go through playing Bridget Jones. We couldn't even have a press conference about Nurse Betty without people saying 'Could you do the dialect for us?' I knew it was past that." LaBute is currently living in London during pre-production, having scouted locations including Whitby and Lincoln, along with casting a nearly-all British support cast. Backing Paltrow and Eckhart will be Jeremy Northam and Jennifer Ehle as the Victorian poets, with roles also for Trevor Eve, Toby Stephens and Anna Massey. LaBute, who adapted the novel with screenwriter Laura Jones, [uh oh, didn't she do ATA?] came to the book originally as a reader. "I read it a few years ago, and loved it," he says. But - with two previous directors already having tried and failed to adapt it - LaBute's efforts to film it mark the tenth year that the novel has been in the hands of Hollywood. "I was looking at the book from a nationalistic perspective," he says. "My experience of going to the Royal Court, of being the big, loud American, with everybody looking at you. I saw a lot of that in the book." [huh??]

Laura Jones IMO is horrible... She adapted I believe (don't quote me..) Wings of a Dove (which I really didn't like). Am happy about JE and JN in the poets role. Karen, I would suspect TS as the ex-boyfriend. Trevor Eve, eh? Yummy... Anna Massey as the older mentor to Maud????

Anna Massey as the older mentor to Maud???? The flouncy American Leonora? Naw. Was thinking she'd be a perfect Blanche if she was a lot younger. I'm guessing she's Bea, although AM doesn't appear to have Bea's physical endowments. ;-) Trevor Eve has me stumped. Can't be Blackadder or Cropper.

Have been reading about Possession on this board for awhile (haven't read it yet). What great news about JE's casting! LaBute has me a bit nervous, although I found ITCOM engrossing and well acted by Eckhart (particularly at the end when you wanted to disembowel him). Re: Laura Jones--having read the screenplay for ATA, IMO you can't blame her for the final product.

(Baz) The project will be given an infusion of 21st century hipness by writer-driector Neil LaBute, who has charged his work on screen and on stage with a sense of sexual fury. I'm guess we'll get more than the image of cavorting seals between Northam and Jenn. ;-)

Excellent news--thanks Aishling. Way to go, Jennifer! Ann, you called it--I think you had a feeling she'd do something on the big screen before coming back to NY for the play. Smart girl, you really need to strike while the iron is hot in that business. She is choosing wisely. I haven't read the book (but will now). It sounds like excellent source material, and LaBute is a real indie darling and I do like his work. Big question mark is Laura Jones--for the most part, I don't care for her work at all. Aside from ATA, she's done Portrait of a Lady and Oscar & Lucinda, neither of which appealed to me. On the plus side, I did like Angela's Ashes. I do heavily blame her for ATA--she moved the book's action away from the '70s and into the current time, which totally ruined it by eliminating the chance to explore what America was going through at the time both politically (post-Vietnam) and economically (farmers losing their livelihood through corporate takeover and consolidation). Without that, it's a soap opera. Ruined it. Anyway, this is some cast--Ehle, Paltrow, Eckhart, and (YUM!) Northam--I like them all! Ann, I know how you feel, being disappointed that CF isn't doing this, but what can I say that I haven't already said elsewhere. Sigh. He does have that Sciascia gig lined up. Oi. Karen, I doubt if Fiennes was ever really attached to this. He's doing Richard II/Coriolanus in Brooklyn for the next two months, then he's taking it to Japan. He's booked for the rest of the year.

Northam is really far better for the role of Ash than Fiennes. When I read the book and did some mental casting, it was Daniel Day-Lewis in that part. Colin I could see more as Roland, who will be played by Eckhart (who is far more suited to play the narcissistic ex-boyfriend Fergus Wolff). Roland undergoes the greatest changes in the book. He's described as mole-like, but as his name implies, he is far more than that. BTW, everyone's name is highly significant. Gwynneth is Maud Bailey Jennifer is Christabel LaMotte Aaron Eckhart is Roland Michell Jeremy Northam is Randolph Henry Ash This book has so much in it. I've two copies: the original hardback and a paperback which is underlined and full of post-it notes.

This is a huge break for Jennifer, good for her and her agent whom I am sure fought hard for the part. JN will be great as Ash. I even thought RF would be right for the part. I did not see Colin at all. Forgive me. He was better as Roland. Could someone post a pix of Aaron Eckhart? Karen please email me about the Sciascia gig. I am in the dark. LaBute, who adapted the novel with screenwriter Laura Jones, [uh oh, didn't she do ATA?] That is bad news indeed! We need Balzac!

Here ya go:

Here ya go: And w/ Julia Roberts

Don't know why the first one didn't come out;(

Aaron looks so different in each part. Here's a good link with lots of pics: http://aaroneckhart.homestead.com Terrific actor,IMO.

Thanks, Laura and Mari! Who said that Colin and Jeremy had the same agent.It seems he is working just a little bit harder for JN. I am not so crazy about Aaron as Roland, his eyes are weird. Colin would have been much better. I always felt that there should be some kind of physical connection between Ash and Roland. Aaron would have been better as Maud's ex. Anyone agree?

Aaron would have been better as Maud's ex. Anyone agree? Proof positive that no one reads my posts. :-(

This ought to be adorable with Jennifer and JN and a class act production Whoopee....Holy Moses!!What a break. Mr. Knightly, Emma, and Lizzie all in one film....Miramax again...Thank you Harvey. And who was the one who said that winning the Tony had not brought Jennifer any good film break. *Snort* First thing outta Baz's mouth. Shows what you know;-) I am currently in Houston and happen to have the book with me....am starting right away. Thanks Karen for giving the cast and updating IMDb. Don't know Randolph, but feel sure Colin would have been able to play that role...have always said JN is his competition for roles...and is more marketable.Has the Golden Bowl coming soon...another Henry James...but P. should not be art -house, don't you think? Jennifer is sure on a role...after this on to Broadway in January....

Have never felt Colin was right in the role of Ash. Sorry. Forgot to tell you, Jennifer will be blonde, v. blonde for Christabel. Can't remember if it's white blonde or golden blonde. Christabel is a great part. She won't be the lead, with Gwynnie/Aaron, but it's a fabulous part nonetheless. Nothing like people have seen before. Always reminded me of Holly Hunter's role in The Piano. Another reason why Eckhart is wrong. He is going to have to dye his hair. He can't be blonde. You know, based on the Empire interview with LaBute, we can safely assume that Roland is now American. An academic geek is an academic geek, I suppose, anywhere. ;-)

Aaron would have been better as Maud's ex. Anyone agree? Proof positive that no one reads my posts. :-( Karen! I am your most avid reader. Our posts did cross, look at the posting time. Cheer up now! We do have the same idea for casting, naturellement!

(Karen) You know, based on the Empire interview with LaBute, we can safely assume that Roland is now American. An academic geek is an academic geek, I suppose, anywhere. ;-) Hee hee. Actually, maybe not. I was just looking at his bio. California boy, but spent his teenage years in England, so he should be able to pull off a decent accent with some coaching. I *must* get this book!

Mr. Knightly, Emma, and Lizzie all in one film.... But not Mr. Darcy :-( Now I really will have to read the book. I believe all of you who say it's wonderful so I'm very sorry that CF is not going to be in the film. What a missed opportunity! Say what you will about LaBute, I think he's a talented director, and good have got a great performance from ODB. I agree that AE is highly talented. I thoroughly enjoyed hating his character in ITCOM. Great news about JE. Wow, she really has taken off. Imagine if...but I better not say it.

I meant "could have got a great performance"! What is the matter with me today?

(Mari) California boy, but spent his teenage years in England, so he should be able to pull off a decent accent with some coaching. Oooh, didn't know that. But he still will have to darken up. Roland cannot be a golden boy. So against type. Sadie, there's hardly any hanky-panky. But yes, this is a fabulous book. It actually brought be to the web to participate in a book discussion at the Chgo Tribune site and then I found Pemberley's Library, which was going to do a discussion. A core group of about 4-5 of us dissected the book. And that's what got me here. Sorry, it wasn't Colin, but the book Possession. Think a topic for Possession might be desirable?

Hardly any hanky-panky? Well that's ok, I'll still read it. As long as there are no gum-shoes, porn stars, or butterballs....

Well there's not much I can add as I've never read the book & until I found spring I'd never even heard about it.Of course I may have had my head in the sandI'm sure I'll be told if that's the case:-) I'm glad for JE being involved with auch a well known cast but only time will tell about its success over here but you all know my views on that.

Oops meant to add that I worried over TEP & SIL in the same way so I hope this also captures the imagination of the English public.

(Karen)Aaron would have been better as Maud's ex. Anyone agree? Proof positive that no one reads my posts. :-( (Moon)Karen! I am your most avid reader Me too, me too, boss. Don't read everyone's, I must admit, but always yours... (Karen)Think a topic for Possession might be desirable? Please, please, please...can you wait til Mari gets it and and I read it? (Judy)I'm glad for JE being involved with such a well known cast but only time will tell about its success over here but you all know my views on that. Do not mean to be patronizing...but really, a "British success" doesn't make any difference ..whether in reviews or box office receipts.Lots of Brit films bomb in UK and "make it" over here...Sunshine and Croupier , for instance which is a current winner in the US.

Hey, Cheryl. Nope that wasn't me...I've been over at fanfic for well over a year, so you might have come across me there. Thank you all for the welcome though...it was very nice. :) So, when is this JE film due to come out?? Probably sooner in Britain than here in the US, huh?

(Evelyn) and happen to have the book with me....am starting right away So does that mean you've finished "Rose"? (another good one, Sadie, but has other bits you might enjoy) I've cast Colin and Cate Blanchett in this one. ;-) (Moon) We do have the same idea for casting, naturellement! Yes. Sorry, I didn't check the posting times. We are very much in agreement over the main roles and have the same concerns over the directing/writing talent. (Mari) I *must* get this book! Yes, you *must* It just has everything. Literary depth, plus a romance, a mystery/detective story... even a chase scene (which should make the Hollywood types happy as we have ACTION!!) I can just hear Moon exclaim, "the chase is on." ;-) Anna Massey could be playing Ellen Ash when she's older. Small part, but v. pivotal. Have decided that Colin couldn't have played Roland. It might have required that he go to France, where some of the action takes place. ;-)

Hi Liz. Yes, I think many of us had you confused with another Liz who delurked awhile ago. Welcome. The JE movie we're all talking about "Possession" has just started shooting. So it won't be out until next year. But I think we can be certain that it will open in the US first.

Karen, Forgot to tell you that Jennifer is blonde, very blonde for Christabel Oh, I hope she is not too blonde, although I liked her in the The Chamomile Lawn, I thought Jennifer was too blonde in that and that bright red lipstick! Oh Louisa! Although I am very very pleased for Jennifer, it makes me very sad for Colin, why isn't he being offered similar roles, one film a year is just not enough.

Karen,I think a Possession board is wonderful, and perhaps we can do a group read of it. I know that reading and rereading it again, I get so much out of it! Just some background on the novel, AS Byatt won the Booker prize in 1990 for this novel. It was her first Booker award, and hopefully not her last. As Karen can attest, she is MY FAVORITE author, I devoured all of her books and am waiting for the fourth book in her so-called tetrology;) AS Byatt is also sister to Margaret Drabble. (Byatt is her married name by first hubby.) AS Byatt also wrote Angels and Insects, a Novella. some of you may know that from the movie. This is a book to be dissected! I love it and push it on as many people as I possibly can! Now Roland. I have always pictured him as dark with longish hair. Now the contemporary part takes place in late '80s, they'll probably update it to the '90s. Wonder who could do Val and Blanche??? This book is so character driven that everyone really serves a purpose even Val who's barely in the story... Karen, now that I think of it... Patsy Kensit... As Blanche??? (however in Angels and Insects she was very, very, blonde!) There are so many different people who would be great in different roles. Leonora???(Kathy Baker???), she's American, kinda hefty, lesbian... Damn, wish I were casting agent! ;)

Have decided that Colin couldn't have played Roland. It might have required that he go to France, where some of the action takes place. ;-) What a pity....there goes that role;-)Off to the book. ("Rose" stayed at home..."Possession" is my travelling book;-)Soo glad you guys approve of Jennifer as Christabel. (Ann)Although I am very very pleased for Jennifer, it makes me very sad for Colin, why isn't he being offered similar roles Agree, Ann. It sorta takes the joy out of it for me...I do so want him to have roles that command respect .I felt the same way Tony Awards night.He deserves better.

Since a number of people plan to read Possession, we'll hold off discussing it and the characters for a while. This is NOT a story to *ruin* for other people. I'll open up a board later. So let's cool our jets. :-) BTW, I have the complete Pemberley discussion of Possession on my other computer; can upload. (Ann) Although I am very very pleased for Jennifer, it makes me very sad for Colin, why isn't he being offered similar roles Let me preface this, I'm saying this very rationally and not intending to be mean. Possession is a big-time production, the kind of thing they might put out late next year for Oscar consideration. However, it could fall on its face, as the article said Hollywood has been trying to put this one on the screen for 10 years and no one has a clue. All the actors are film actors who put their careers first and don't dilute their CV's with television and nobody directors. To be a "respected actor," IMO, one has to really work at it and not treat it as a 9 to 5 job for 5 months of the year. Having the talent isn't everything. Being there, being available, and promoting the film are required. It kills me too that Colin isn't getting these plum roles. Maybe Bridget will bring him to the forefront and make him a viable "British" actor in Hollywood's eyes. Right now, there are only two: Ralph Fiennes (drama) and Hugh Grant (other) and now Jeremy Northam may be making some inroads, but he's still relegated to costume work, as no one went to see Happy, Texas. I'm thrilled that Jennifer is on the road to the majors. Not another word about the Queen Mum or the Forsyte Saga. ;-) She's moved on and why should she look back?

Liz K, sorry that I confused you with LizG, who posted here in May and June. It is good to have you here. You're welcome for your thank you to my welcoming of your posting here.

It's Murph's Birthday!!! Have a Great One!!

Happy Birthday Murph!

It's Murph's birtdey? *slap* C'mon, Uncle Junior, let's raise a glass to that Bergen County babe, Murph. She's one a da few who can pronounce my name da right way - 'Antney', not 'An-tho-ney'.

How come nobody told me it was Murph's birthday?

Hey, Murph, I'm just Colin in to say I hope you have birthday to Crowe about, and I'm Owen you a big hug when I see you!:-) Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk . . .

Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk . . . Mari, thought your message needed a graphic. How's this? :-)

Happy Birthday Murph, hope you have a great day.

Happy birthday Murph! Hope you enjoy it tremendarcy!

Murph! Have a fantastic birthday. I guess it is true, you now have three dudes, I mean stooges, but all vv handsome.

And since we are casting Possesion, I would like to suggest Camryn Manheim for Leonora and H B-C for Blanche.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MURPH All the way from Houston... Karen's card says it all...We on Drool love and appreciate ya... Bring on the Bubbly for a wonderful new year!!

Happy Birthday Murph

Many Happy Returns Murph!

Karen) thought your message needed a graphic. Why, you little . . . Perfect! (*Really* need to learn how to do graphics around here:-).

Gee, youse guys are the greatest. I got a couple of friends who want to thank you in my name: THANK YOU! And... THANK YOU AGAIN! Big Hugs for making my day. And kisses xxxxxXXXXX Hope this works.....

(Mari) (*Really* need to learn how to do graphics around here:-). We give lessons, tutorials and even have a place for your practice attempts. Most of us CAN walk AND chew gum at the same time too. Weez a talented bunch. ;-)

In birthday thanks, and Colin's response to Mike Binder's new HBO series: Murph

Uh-oh!! We're going to have the FCC after us now. LOL, Murph ;-)

Before the FCC arrives, allow me to wish Murph the most extraordinary birthday and exemplary year.

For those interested in what the Butterball people (Lolafilms) are currently doing...and it's not in the Lake District (far from in all senses)...read on: Lolafilms, Kinowelt make Rain together in Iowa Marking their first co-production since announcing their share-swapping production and distribution pact at this year's Cannes Film Festival, Spain's Lolafilms is joining forces with Germany's Kinowelt to make Rain, an English-language American-set project to which Martin Scorsese is attached as executive producer. The film will be a 50-50 co-production between the two European powerhouses, with Lolafilms' chief executive officer Andres Vicente Gomez and Kinowelt chairman Rainer Koelmel each taking co-producers' credits. Newcomer Katherine Lindberg wrote and will direct the drama, which shoots in Iowa this autumn. Jordi Ros produces. "It is our intention to develop 10 to 12 projects per year and produce at least two or three of those, making more and more ambitious films," Gomez says, describing those projects as "English-language films to be made in Europe with budgets of around $20m or less." He calls Rain - to be shot in the US and directed by an American - an exception to the rule. Rain is the first new project to be launched out of Lola's UK branch since it initiated activities last year with an ambitious English-language slate of films, including: Manuel Gomez Pereira's three tenors satire Off Key; John Malkovich's directorial debut The Dancer Upstairs, starring Javier Bardem; Chris Monger's That Girl From Rio; and Susan Seidelman's Gaudi Afternoon.

A bit more on this from Variety. Shame that the person who is most interested in Butterball doesn't read this topic... ;-) Starring Melora Walters ("Magnolia") and helmed by writer-director Katherine Lindberg, "Rain" will be co-exec produced by Martin Scorsese and produced by Barcelona-born Jordi Ros, a former prexy of Lynda Obst Prods. Pic turns on a woman who kills her husband and has an affair with a young man who turns out to be the son she gave up for adoption. For Lola, which plans to announce a slate of English-lingo projects this fall, pact opens the door still further to markets where Kinowelt has distribution operations, including the U.K. [...]

(Karen) Pic turns on a woman who kills her husband and has an affair with a young man who turns out to be the son she gave up for adoption. Ew. Yuck. I did think Melora Walters was fantastic in Magnolia, IMO a wonderful film.

I agree pretty yucko. A twisted-up Oedipus story which, as Pip would say, "doesn't make sense." ;-)

(Karen)Pic turns on a woman who kills her husband and has an affair with a young man who turns out to be the son she gave up for adoption. A guiltless Oedipus? :-(

Karen, our posts crossed. Sorry! But we had the same idea...

LOL! Don't worry. I don't bite.

Thanks for the "ambitious English-language slate of films," Karen. Very impressive;-) I just wonder who Lola Films & Kinowelt plan to sell those films to.. For sure it's not the Iowa folks.If they knew the content, they might be apt to run 'em outta town.

I'm a day late, but still wanted to get in the birthday wishes :-) Hope you had a wonderful day Murph!!!

LOL Murph, my kid status is showing, who was the second voice? LOL Mari and Karen, nyuk, nyuk, nyuk *thwack* hey, what'd ya go and do that for? The nose thing really hurts! In case anyone is curious, Rain is not a remake of the Joan Crawford flick (1932) which book says was based on Somerset Maugham novel.

I'm so embarrassed for missing your birthday, Murph. I plead exhaustion and running-out of Library online time. Please forgive. Very small peace offering: Sincerely hope your birthday was a joyous one. KJ

Four days off-line and look what happens. Well done Karen on update of cast for Possession. Bought the book at the weekend and have not put it down. So many parts to cast. Last night's BBC News (East Midlands) reported that three days of filming had begun in Lincoln. Showed GP and AE (dark, longish hair) filming at Lincoln railway station. Today's shoot is in the University and Friday in a local pub for the 'pub brawl'.

Thanks, KG, and everyone for their wishes. Aishling, how come you guys get all the good films on location??? My only chance over here is to go to Orlando in October and watch them making Flora Plum with Claire Danes and Russell Crowe. Not that I would, though. I'd have to fight through all the screaming droolies. You think Colin causes drool? You should read the Crowe message boards. Ugh!! Crowe will play a circus freak acrobat covered with hair who befriends Danes. She is not what she seems, however. It will be directed by Jodie Foster, and looks like an interesting off beat kind of thing. http://www.murphsplace.com/crowe/plum/plum.html

I have Renee Russo and Tim Allen filming a Dave Barry story in a house around the block from mine.

Thanks, Aishling. Have found a couple of news items on Possession, so will set up separate topic today to post them.

A column in today's Hollywood Reporter about Nurse Betty, where Martin Grove speaks to Neil LaBute. Definite inference by MG that now that NLB is directing something other than his own writing, he could be up for a Golden Globe or AA. Asked what interested him in doing a script by someone else, LaBute had this in his answer: "There still was this lovely thread of humanity that ran through it and that was something I had never put into my own work." Gaah!! That tells me loads about him. Here's the whole thing. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/columnists/grove/index.asp

NLB must be an actor's dream -director. ...."I like creating a space and getting out of their way. They tend to utilize you (as a director) when they need you. But the best thing is to give them all enough room to do the thing that they do that none of us understand and kind of sit back and marvel at it." Thanks Karen. And for setting up the "Possession" topic...I'm going there now...

sorry . Italics closed

(Murph) Crowe will play a circus freak acrobat covered with hair who befriends Danes. Eeeew, hard to imagine drooling over a role like that. I'd rather see a masturbatory village pervert :-).

Yes, but it is a role which can demonstrate a good actor's talents. So would a masturbatory village pervert. Actually, I hope CF does get cast in some extreme sort of character part. Then it might be noticed what a good actor he really is.

(Sadie) nyuk, nyuk, nyuk *thwack* hey, what'd ya go and do that for? Hey Sadie . . .pick two! Boing . . . Flora Plum page look good, Murph. Lemme see now, starring role, respected director, produced by same people who did The Sixth Sense, guaranteed worldwide distribution . . .I think the circus freak just left the masturbatory village pervert in a cloud of dust.;-) (Cheryl) Actually, I hope CF does get cast in some extreme sort of character part. Then it might be noticed what a good actor he really is. Yes, and it's interesting to note that the best reviews he's gotten recently were for 3DOR--which was more "out there" than anything he's done in several years. His masturbatory protests aside, most of his roles over the past several years have been very "safe" and middle of the road. Yawn.

(Murph)You think Colin causes drool? You should read the Crowe message boards. Ugh!! Hmmm, do not know what to do. Cannot allow other star's fans to outDrool me, but flinch at thought of "ugh" response :-) Hey Sadie . . .pick two! Boing . . . Oh! Oh! I can't see, I can't see! (I've got my eyes closed...) (Cheryl) Actually, I hope CF does get cast in some extreme sort of character part. Then it might be noticed what a good actor he really is. I'll second that! (Mari)I think the circus freak just left the masturbatory village pervert in a cloud of dust.;-) LOL! But enjoying himself.

Karen, I have bought the book, but will not peek at Possession site until I've read it.

(Cheryl) Actually, I hope CF does get cast in some extreme sort of character part. Then it might be noticed what a good actor he really is. (Sadie) I'll second that! Since when does being recognized as a good (or great) actor require playing Quasimoto? Have now just seen Wonderland for second time. Every single actor in that was solid and outstanding. Did not see one masturbatory village pervert, unless one counts what goes on with Shirley Henderson (Jude) at the beauty shop after hours. ;-p (Sadie) I have bought the book, but will not peek at Possession site until I've read it. We're keeping away from *spoilers* for now. Just talking about items in the news and exchanging useless suggestions about casting.

(Karen) Since when does being recognized as a good (or great) actor require playing Quasimoto? Hey, now there's a thought! Seriously though, I'd like to see him stretch a bit, after a fine turn as normal boys inside men's bodies. (FP, MLSF) I'd like to see him do something shocking, and hey, if masturbation is all he can come up with, I'll settle for that. ;-D Just talking about items in the news and exchanging useless suggestions about casting. LOL Karen!

Interesting article from Variety. Possibly explains RV's quick scheduling on television. Apparently, there is a two-month window to find theatrical distribution, then television rights kick in. SONY CLASSICS HOUSES 'MIRTH' NEW YORK -- After down to the wire negotiations that saw Showtime plan, then cancel, marketing efforts for Terence Davies' Edith Wharton adaptation "The House of Mirth," the cabler has agreed, in principle, to sell pic's theatrical rights to Sony Pictures Classics. Until Wednesday, the future of the film hung in the balance, with its U.K. co-producer Granada Television desperate to find a theatrical window for what could prove to be the first hit for Davies, whose arthouse-skewing pics include "Distant Voices, Still Lives" and "The Neon Bible." [...] Shrinking window Granada, like many production companies with a Showtime co-production deal, had a window of roughly two months to find theatrical distribution before the cabler retains rights to bow it on the small screen. When that window closed in May, Showtime began preparing for a fourth-quarter air date, confident it had an original hit on its hands -- much to the producers' distress. If the film went straight to cable, said a source close to Davies, the director would have been "devastated." But that wasn't Showtime's concern. Showtime prexy of programming Jerry Offsay told Daily Variety he expected it, as a Showtime original, to earn notice from the Emmys and Golden Globes, raking in $5 million to $7 million in free publicity from press alone. All that will be lost with a theatrical release, said Offsay. "When it comes to Showtime a year later, we'll get no press and no publicity. There will be a collective yawn." Showtime gets very little back when it sells theatrical rights to co-productions, Offsay told Daily Variety. "The reason we make originals is to enhance our viewers' enjoyment of the service. One more theatrical movie doesn't improve our business one iota." But the ground began to shift when "Mirth" emerged from the Edinburgh Film Festival with high marks from some critics, and invitations to Toronto and New York. Sony Classics made an offer -- one that Showtime was under no contractual obligation to honor. And until Wednesday, the cabler seemed unlikely to budge. Reassessing strategy What finally changed Showtime's tune? A business strategy that has little to do with "The House of Mirth." Selling theatrical rights now and again allows the cabler to rope in more co-productions, said Offsay. It's been two years since such Showtime pics as "Down in the Delta" and the Oscar-nommed "Gods and Monsters" saw theatrical runs. If Showtime refused to sell "Mirth," it risked discouraging producers from bringing other projects to the cabler. Had Showtime sold theatrical rights to another film in the last six months, "Mirth" would have gone straight to the small screen. "It's wonderful what happened with 'Gods and Monsters,' " Offsay added, "but I don't think the Showtime viewer got anything out of it. What 'Gods and Monsters' got us was 'House of Mirth.' "

More on Flora Plum...and then I promise I will get off this topic. I just wanted to join Mari in defending RC's choice of role here. I have read the script, and it is a different, very interesting film and role. Jake is a circus freak in looks, but a gentle, smart man at heart, and a wonderful acrobat. (Crowe, like Burt Lancaster before him will do his own stunts.) Flora Plum becomes his friend, and he her mentor, and love develops. At one point she talks him into letting her shave him, so we get to see a glimpse of the Jake underneath for a bit. In the script I have, he stays shaven for most of the rest of the film, but I understand that has been scrapped, and he lets his hair grow back - to keep him closer in character. It is set in the 30s, in a small time circus. Flora is not what she seems, and some have said the film has an All About Eve flavor to it. I'm looking forward to this one. I am convinced that Russell would play a self-masturbatory simpleton, if the part appealed to him. Look what he did as Jeffrey Wigand in the Insider -- Wore a funny looking gray wig and put on 40 pounds. We think too much of Gladiator when we think of Crowe. He is not afraid to take chances in films. I haven't seen it, but I understand his Hando in Romper Stomper is a frightening creation. Colin did that once. He let us see the real horror of a head wound victim in Tumbledown, for instance, wetting himself and making wry jokes about his state. And we saw the shy wounded stutterer in AMITC. Lately he has stopped taking chances, except on stage. I hope he tries some hard acting in a film very soon. I have a great quote by Bette Davis on my main RC page: "The person who wants to make it has to sweat. There are no short cuts. And you've got to have the guts to be hated." - Bette Davis All of this IMO, of course. Opposite opinions welcomed.

(Murph) Opposite opinions welcomed. But of course...we even have a Russell Crowe topic where that can take place!! :-) http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/92/new Love the Bette Davis quote. Will that apply if he does the Man of Steel? ;-)

(Karen) Since when does being recognized as a good (or great) actor require playing Quasimoto? Unfortunatly, to many people it does. It is very easy to dismiss good-looking actors as only having been cast because they were good-looking. (That is ,too often for my taste, the truth. However, I digress.) Conventional and/or leading man parts, even when well played, don't draw the general public's attention to somenone's ACTING ablilities. The public at large, no doubt, finds Russell Crowe a better actor than Colin Firth, not merely because Crowe is more famous but because Crowe has taken chances and played a variety of characters. The fact that CF hasn't had the chance at more varied roles could very well not be his fault at all. More to do with short-sighted casting directors. CF seems to view himself as a character actor; that is where he may well most comfortable and effective. Those types of roles may well serve him much better. As for Quasimodo, that's a great part. Besides who is the more remembered actor today -- Charles Laughton or Franchot Tone?

The previous post should have started: Unfortunately, to many people...

My prior post should have ended with: This is a rhetorical question.

Sorry, I got carried away!!!!

Just saw this in the TV Guide. The show airs this weekend. In the premiere (Ebert's show with new partner Richard Roeper), Ebert and Roeper list possible contenders in next year's Oscar race, selecting several long shots such as: "High Infidelity," "SUNSHINE," and "Hamlet."

"High Infidelity" What's that? ;-) "Hamlet" Could there have been a more boring adaptation? (rhetorical question, expressing my opinion and my opinion only)

(Karen) "High Infidelity" What's that? ;-) Oops :-)

Freudian.

We have just heard that....." In this months "Rolling Stone" magazine Jennifer Ehle and her mom Rosemary Harris are mentioned in a list of top supporting actresses so far this year. With all the bad movies and performances that did so well at the box office this summer they were two of the highlights. Wonder what Ebert will say tonight on his show.....RH was nominated for Tom 'n Viv.Jennifer ,of course, is a no name....and just the fact that her name is being mentioned as a possiblity is an accolade in itself.

Hi, According to Empire Online, (UK), the video of Sunshine will be available to rent as from the 18th September, 2000.

It can be preordered from Blackstar for �59.19 (20% off). The regular price will be �73.99. http://www.blackstar.co.uk/video/item/7000000057751 You've got the better cover too!

Ebert and Roepper last night made their mid-year Oscar nomination predictions: Sunshine was on the list for a Best Picture nomination and RF for Best Actor.

Lets hope the Academy remembers the movie that far in the future!!! any news on when it will be released on video here (and if its already out, forgive my denseness, haven't watched ANYTHING of merit lately)

I have not watched the Ebert show yet since it is on at the ungodly hour of midnight. I do have it on tape and will watch later. But no mention of (at least) RH who in the past Ebert had said should get an award for continuing greatness. I guess I will have to be happy that Sunshine got mentioned at all. I still think JE and RH gave wonderful performances in addition to RF.

Here, here, Susanne. If, as is being said here, Brenda Blethyn (Saving Grace) is an Oscar possibility, then JE & RH should certainly be.

(AnnW) If, as is being said here, Brenda Blethyn (Saving Grace) is an Oscar possibility As usual, *your* press is grossly overstating things on a typically slow news weekend. Cannot believe the stories about Saving Grace that I've seen in your news. It's an OK, funny movie, but Blethyn won't get a nom for that. The movie is like Waking Ned Devine, charmingly cute and funny. (btw, Martin Clunes looks better in Elizabethan dress than modern)

I still think JE and RH gave wonderful performances in addition to RF. Joel Seigel on GMA predicted JE and RH for Oscar noms...also RF and Sunshine. (Ann w.)Brenda Blethyn (Saving Grace) is an Oscar possibility,.. Haven't seen her name mentioned here as a possiblity. (Laura)Re; Sunshine ...any news on when it will be released on video here Still playing in 150 theatres across the US.(Playing at 4 theatres in Houston and for the past month in Okla. City. (Unheard of for an art-house film...usually they play a week.) Don't really expect it out on video this year. Best bet is Canada via videoflicks.com.

Evelyn, I think DFL must be for a limited run as I notice that according to Playbill.com Follies is expected to open at the American Airlines Theatre for Spring 2001. Theatre.com, however, lists DFL as previewing on the 16th February, Opening on the 15th March. Can't quite tie this two dates up unless DFL has a very limited opening!

Can't quite tie this two dates up unless DFL has a very limited opening! I'll telephone Roundabout Theatre tomorrow. They surely should have the other male lead by now...!

(Evelyn) They surely should have the other male lead by now...! And I can't believe they don't have a cast announced yet for Leveaux's "Betrayal."

(Evelyn) Don't really expect it out on video this year. Absolutely. If they're positioning it for Oscar consideration, can't be on video. In fact, they will rerelease in early 2001 if it gets on the ballot and gets a nom. So don't expect to see a video until late March at the earliest.

(Donna), And I can't believe they don't have a cast announced yet for Leveaux's "Betrayal." Is there still time to audition, David? ;-D Donna, if you get to go opening night, I expect you to takes pictures. And if you go to the party take you cellular phone and call me collect (once you corner him of course). ;-)

Sunshine is still playing at two theaters in the Philly area, plus it's now playing at the Jersey shore in theaters that normally show only the "feel-good' summertime flicks. Very smart of the distributors to get it into the beach/vacation areas--often overlooked by distributors of smaller films. Oscar season is a long way off, anything can happen. Finally the studios have cleared their shelves of the end of summer crap and we'll start to see more quality stuff. Still, it's good to see Sunshine and cast being mentioned--that's how buzz builds . . .

A couple of days ago, I posted in the Food Conference about a big Spam shindig at the Groucho Club in London. Since we're all Spam devotees, thought you'd be interested in this horrible bit of info: :-O WE mentioned the other day that the 6,700 islanders of Molokai are prodigies of Spam consumption, getting through 20,000 tins a week. Paul Theroux offers an explanation for the popularity of the tinned comestible in far-flung parts of the world. "I had found circumstantial evidence for cannibalism," he writes in The Happy Isles of Oceania. "The liking in Vanuatu was for Spam. It was a theory of mine that former cannibals of Oceania now feasted on Spam because Spam came the nearest to approximating the porky taste of human flesh. It was a fact that the people-eaters of the Pacific had all evolved, or perhaps degenerated, into Spam eaters. In the absence of Spam they settled for corned beef."

It was a fact that the people-eaters of the Pacific had all evolved, or perhaps degenerated, into Spam eaters. In the absence of Spam they settled for corned beef." LOL Karen! What is in Spam, really ? Maybe only the packaging changed.

LOL, Karen! Always enjoyed Paul Theroux. Has Marcia, our Spam Queen read this?

Come to think of it. Some of the people in Wonderland might enjoy it too. And that, my dear says it all! ;-)

Can't remember if it was here... but the discussion of Leonardi DiCaprio's loss of his buff bod... Apparently, the reason is the Scorcese movie "Gangs of NY." He has to pile on the pounds (like RZ). He's doing what DiNiro and Tom Hanks do all the time.

to any Australian fans, according to Cinefile website, Sunshine is due to open there on the 26th December,2000.

to any Australian fans, according to Cinefile website, Sunshine is due to open there on the 26th December,2000.

In a desperate attempt to find some Firth-news I was scouring the papers today and found that, according to the Evening Standard, the British Film Institute has published its 100 top TV programmes. There I was eagerly scanning the top 10 - nothing...surely in the top 20..nah! It wasn't until I got further down the page that I realised the true horror..P&P voted 99th. OK, OK nothing to get too depressed about - there's been a shed-load of programmes made over the last 50 years or so, so in the scheme of things 99th isn't bad.....until you look at what came in above our favourite.....the Teletubbies 'DOH' *shaking head in disbelief*.

Thanks for the above Tracy, Ihoped P&P figured in the List. BTW Donna, according to Playbill Juliet Binoche is to star in DL's Betrayal along with an actor I don't know who has appeared in a production of 3DOR.

Thanks for the above Tracy, Ihoped P&P figured in the List. BTW Donna, according to Playbill Juliet Binoche is to star in DL's Betrayal along with an actor I don't know who has appeared in a production of 3DOR.

Thanks for the above Tracy, Ihoped P&P figured in the List. How can P&P come in 99 out of 100 most popular shows on BBC, when only a few years ago ODB was voted the Most Popular Actor ever on BBC. Does that make sense...#1 actor in a #99 show??

Evelyn, one was voted for by the public (female probably) and the other by the BFI.

Couldn't agree more. P&P is in good company lot's of the well known dramas and documentary series it's just a shame it wasn't a bit (for 'bit' read 'lot' higher). Apparently the people surveyed were "in the industry" and so I suppose it's not surprising that the usual (and safe) suspects are rated highly. If anyone's interested in the poll, the details are on www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/news/

the British Film Institute has published its 100 top TV programmes Sad state of affairs, when the British Film Institute is compiling lists of television programs. *shaking head* Read commentary in Times (I know, no one reads that) which said that 437 industry insiders were polled. I see on the list that Brideshead Revisited was #10 and the Jewel in the Crown is #22. But Ready, Steady, Go! at #62...isn't that a cooking show? ;-D

Ready Steak Go is a weekly pop show, Tope Ten songs.

If it was Ready Steak Go, it would be a cookery show :-)

If it was Ready Steak Go, it would be a cookery show :-) LOL! Or a fastfood cooking show.

But don't you have a cooking show, where two chefs are given random ingredients and have a limited time to prepare something? Ours is called: Ready Set Cook and I thought it was based on one of your shows?

Yes, Karen Ready Steady Cook, is on in the afernoons.

Re: P&P #99 (Tracy)Couldn't agree more. P&P is in good company lot's of the well known dramas and documentary series it's just a shame it wasn't a bit (for 'bit' read 'lot' higher). (Moon)I see on the list that Brideshead Revisited was #10 and the Jewel in the Crown is #22. But Ready,Steady, Go! at #62... isn't that a cooking show? ;-D (Ann)Ready Steak Go is a weekly pop show, Tope Ten songs. You call this "being in good company"?? Sorry I stand by what I said....sad state of affairs... *evelyn*...who maintains there is no honor in being second... let alone #99.!!! *sick*, *sick*

From The Hollywood Reporter (have left out all the beginning stuff about Miramax's Scary Movie): Summer indie boxoffice wrapup By Ian Mohr Art house fare got off to a slow start in theaters this summer, but a handful of titles did better as the season wound to a close. Word-of-mouth--the bread and butter of indie success--played a key role in the boxoffice accomplishments of such films as the Shooting Gallery's "Croupier," Fine Line Features' "Saving Grace" and Paramount Classics' "Sunshine" and "The Virgin Suicides." "Summer is always strong for counterprogramming," said Sony Pictures Classics co-head Michael Barker, whose company had a summer breakout last year with "Run Lola Run." The summer of 1999 saw such early summer successes as Miramax's "An Ideal Husband," G2 Films' "Tea With Mussolini," Artisan's "Buena Vista Social Club" and Lions Gate's "The Red Violin." While late summer 2000 releases such as "Saving Grace" made quick strikes, a few late spring rollouts hung around at the boxoffice all summer to do big business slowly but surely. "We were initially expecting an adult, specialized, educated audience," Paramount Classics co-topper David Dinerstein said of "The Virgin Suicides," an April release that has taken in close to $5 million. "But we saw our demo drop where we were getting a younger audience, and the movie became a big date film. Then older audiences who may have been scared of the title started going through word-of-mouth." Other spring hangers-on include Miramax's "East Is East" and Sony Pictures Classics' "East/West." Indie films that were unable to raise their cume despite overwhelmingly favorable reviews include Lions Gate's "Jesus' Son" and SPC's "Shower." Artisan Entertainment, last summer's headline grabber, laid low this summer with only two releases: "Chuck & Buck" and "Cecil B. DeMented," both of which were only moderately successful. "We wanted to avoid any wide releases this summer," Artisan CEO Amir Malin said. "We opted to go with more specialized films. We don't look at this as a two or three month business."

(Continuing...) Paramount Classics The Istvan Szabo-helmed drama "Sunshine" was a standout for Paramount Classics this summer, grossing nearly $5 million at the boxoffice. Opening in June--on the same weekend that parent Paramount Pictures released "Mission: Impossible 2"--the Ralph Fiennes starrer grossed an estimated $92,583 from seven theaters, generating a $13,226 per-theater average during its opening frame. Par Classics also saw success with its spring release of Sofia Coppola's directorial debut, "The Virgin Suicides," which stuck around through the summer on strong word-of-mouth. "We've had a good summer," Par Classics co-head David Dinerstein said. "The thinking behind ('Sunshine' and 'Suicides') was to open early enough where they'd play longer. We had hungry audiences for these films that wanted a good alternative on the screen." Both films had been in the can for a year before their release. "Everyone involved with ('Sunshine') had great patience," Par Classics co-head Ruth Vitale said. "Everybody waited because we thought, 'How many films do you want to sit through at Christmas that are three hours?' You've got the summer!"

For those of you who live in the New York Metro Area/Long Island Region, Sunshine will be playing at my university, SUNY Stony Brook, at the Staller Center on October 27th. Here's the website, where you can get more info: http://www.stallercenter.com

Thanks Karen....I think we all have to take a lot of credit for the success of Sunshine....the website plugged it...as well as every board we could find on the Internet.$13,000 per theatre for an opening weekend isn't chicken-feed. For a film that almost didn't get a distributor a year ago after Toronto,and had mixed reviews in the UK, it sure has been a huge success in the US.Like I keep saying...we're a market unto ourselves...whatever other markets do or reviewers say has no relevance to the US market. [There is a God]

Forgive me if I repeat myself, it's been a hectic day... But I finally saw Sunshine this week and absolutely loved it. Whatever warts it has, they don't spoil the movie. I thought RF was wonderful in it, JE sparkled as usual. Sometimes I will watch a sweeping epic, like Out of Africa, think it was exquisitely filmed, but know that I do not want to see it again. I found this story to be engrossing on several levels, story, acting, cinematography. What is the feeling that we leave the theater with? It's not one of depair, is it uplifting, thought-provoking? Rhetorical questions. It seems likely that RF will get an Oscar nom, and he deserves it. His eyes are beautiful. But I must say, he does not have the attractive hands of some of ODBs (CF and SD), and he does have the largest nostrils I have ever seen. You could slip a 50 cent piece in them. Oh, sorry, just a case of sillyitis ... :-)

I too like Sunshine very much Donna and I was surprised to find that I liked RF's performance but I can't agree about the eyes, they seem half asleep, dull and lifeless unlike someone we know with "dark brown pools". Which reminds me when oh when are we going to get some CF news. Great news about SD, I guess he will be pretty busy.

(Evelyn)[There is a God] There IS??? WHERE??? :) Hey at least Fawlty Towers made #1;)

Paul Theroux brings up the connection of Spam and cannibalism. I find this quite disconcerting. What exactly is in Spam? Many have wondered. Furthermore, how would Theroux know that human flesh tastes "porky". He's probably read that somewhere, as have I. There was also someone on the Discovery Channel discussing that when he was in east Africa he ate baboon, which tasted similar to pork. So this posits the question: Is Spam canned monkey meat?

(Ann) I liked RF's performance but I can't agree about the eyes Come to think of it Ann, I do prefer both Colin's brown babies and Stephen's hazel honeys :-)

(Ann)Great news about SD. I guess he will be pretty busy. Ann can you tell me what Stephen is up to since TRT? I haven't heard any news about him. Michelle

(Michelle) Ann can you tell me what Stephen is up to since TRT? I haven't heard any news about him. Hi Michelle, SD has a new film for the BBC coming up, it's being discussed at topic 132. http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/132.668

It doesn't just happen to Colin's films. Here's a JN-related bit: Mysterious Disappearance by Rebecca Ascher-Walsh 'BOWL' CUT Director James Ivory and producer Ismail Merchant's Henry James adaptation "The Golden Bowl," which stars Uma Thurman, Anjelica Huston, and Nick Nolte, has mysteriously been dropped from Miramax's fall lineup. While the studio isn't commenting, a source close to the negotiations says arguments between Miramax and the filmmakers over 25 minutes of requested cuts have led the studio to offer to sell the film back to Merchant and Ivory: "Ivory thinks the film is perfect where it is, but audiences at Cannes [where it screened] didn't agree." Merchant says there will be no deal. "We are NOT buying back the film. As far as we're concerned, the [release] is going forward. If it's off their slate, that's their problem--they're contractually obliged to release it." (Responds the source, "Oh, yeah? Then what have they been negotiating for the last two eeks?") As for the requested edits, says Merchant, "Ivory has final cut, and we don't do anything we don't believe in."

As for the requested edits, says Merchant, "Ivory has final cut, and we don't do anything we don't believe in." A little arrogance on Merchant Ivory's part IMO. Reminds me of the article in yesterday's Hollywood Reporter[from a French newspaper] on how French audiences flock to US films and ignore French films...the article says.."French filmakers ignore French audiences and they return the compliment"...

I am glad MI are sticking it out. Cannes is notorious for awarding films that are vulgar and shocking. Their audience is not to be trusted. Artistically, Cannes used to mean something in the 60s. It is no longer the case.

Couldn't resist this blurb from The Times: At 42, Kevin Bacon is all too aware of his limited shelf life. .But the man who came to prominence as a teen rebel in Footloose seems more than content with his ageing fanbase. "My groupies are now between 40 and 50," he admits. "But that's cool. I'll take them where I can get them."

From "What's on Stage": "Former child film star Macaulay Culkin will make his West End debut next month alongside French actress Irene Jacob. The two will star in Richard Nelson's play, Madame Melville, which opens at the Vaudeville Theatre on 18 October 2000, following previews from 7 October. Culkin, reportedly, auditioned for the role of the young man who is seduced by his thirty-something French teacher in a bid to resuscitate his stalled acting career. Now 19, he became a phenomenon in the early 1990s with starring roles in films including Home Alone, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, My Girl, The Good Son and Richie Rich." ~~~~~~~~~~~ She's definitely coming down in the world with her leading man...

Desperate measures...

Just a bit of trivia. I e-mailed Pathe Films yesterday to find out when "The Darkest Light" might be shown in the US (Stephen Dillane film). I got a response same day! Wow! Usually I never get an e-mail reply on these types of inquiries. The man was very nice, but said they are only the distributors for the UK, and he had no info about a US release. Today is Rosemary Harris' birthday.

From Ananova: Damon and Fiennes join Oceans 11 Matt Damon and Ralph Fiennes are the latest names to join the all-star remake of Oceans 11. The film was first made in 1960 and starred Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr, Dean Martin and Peter Lawford. It tells the story of eleven friends who plan to rob five Las Vegas casino's in one night. According to Variety's Michael Fleming, Damon and Fiennes will join George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt who have already agreed to star in the remake. Meanwhile, Mark Wahlberg and Bruce Willis have pulled out of the project in order to work on other films. It is believed Willis could be replaced by Ewan McGregor. The film is being directed by Steven Soderbergh, who made Out of Sight and Erin Brockovich. It's due to be released some time in 2001.

Let's see: George will play the Sinatra role Brad the Martin role Ralph the Lawford role who plays Sammy?

No mention of Londinium (although it would logical and if SLOW could be in it...), but I can't find the full listing yet: Born Romantic closes 44th London Film Festival David Kane�s Born Romantic, the director�s highly-anticipated follow-up to UK hit This Year�s Love, closes the 44th London Film Festival (November 1-16). The London-set romantic comedy features Brit stars Craig Ferguson, Ian Hart, Jane Horrocks, Adrian Lester, Catherine McCormack, Jimi Mistry and David Morrissey. Cameron Crowe�s Almost Famous opens proceedings. Features receiving gala screenings at London include David Mamet�s comic look at movie production State & Main; Woody Allen�s Small Time Crooks, starring Hugh Grant and Tracey Ullman; Philip Kaufman�s Quills, a period piece about the Marquis de Sade�s imprisonment starring Kate Winslet, Michael Caine and Joaquin Phoenix; and Gurinder Chadha�s What�s Cooking?, about four American families and their preparations for Thanksgiving dinner. Other gala screenings go to The Yards, featuring Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin Phoenix, Charlize Theron, James Caan and Ellen Burstyn; Duets, starring Gwyneth Paltrow and directed by her father Bruce Paltrow; Jonathan Glazer�s Sexy Beast, starring Ray Winstone and Ben Kingsley as ex-partners in crime at odds about one final job; and Dominik Moll�s Harry, He�s Here To Help. Ang Lee�s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon screens in the Film On The Square strand. Also in the section are John Waters� Cecil B Demented; The Contender, starring Gary Oldman, Joan Allen and Jeff Bridges; The Big Kahuna, directed by John Swanbeck and starring Danny DeVito and Kevin Spacey; The Dish, starring Sam Neill; The Broken Hearts Club, directed by Greg Berlanti; The Man Who Cried, directed by Sally Potter and starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci, and Gregory Mosher�s The Prime Gig, starring Vince Vaughn, Ed Harris and Julia Ormond. The centrepiece of the New British Cinema series is Stephen Frears� Liam. Aiming to showcase UK film-making, the section includes such diverse pictures as Adam Simon�s American Nightmare, a documentary about 1970s US horror movies; crime caper Beautiful Creatures; Jamie Thraves� The Low Down; Julien Temple�s Pandaemonium and Wild About Harry. Other sections include French Revolutions, with films including Chantal Akerman�s Proust-adaptation La Captive and Benoit Jacquot�s Sade, the second feature based on the Marquis in the festival programme. Continental European cinema is further represented by the Cinema Europa side-bar, which includes well-received Italian film Bread And Tulips and Brother 2 from Russia. The festival programme totals 196 features and 65 shorts.

This was in today's Mitchell Fink column in the Daily News Merchant-Ivory no Longer 'Golden' Here come those creative differences again. "The Golden Bowl," a movie based on the Henry James novel that stars Kate Beckinsale, Jeremy Northam, Uma Thurman and Nick Nolte, will not be distributed in the U.S. by Miramax Films. It is now back in the hands of its film makers, producer Ismail Merchant and director James Ivory. When the movie played in Cannes a few months ago, the biggest criticism against it was its length. Sources tell me that Miramax wanted to make some cuts before it opened here in December. But Ivory balked. After a huddle, Miramax executives decided that � out of respect to Merchant and Ivory � they will not demand that the film be trimmed. But neither are they willing to go ahead with distributing it. So Merchant and Ivory are now free to shop around for another U.S. distributor.

Golden Bowl:When the movie played in Cannes a few months ago, the biggest criticism against it was its length. That's what Toronto said about Sunshine a year ago....there's an audience out there for long films if they are well made.... Don't know , though, if I could look at Uma Thurman & Nick Nolte for three hours! So Merchant and Ivory are now free to shop around for another U.S. distributor. 1-800-PHAEDRA. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thanks Karen for the London FF line-up. The films this year are v. impressive. GP will probably make an apprearance since she'll be shooting Possession..

So Merchant and Ivory are now free to shop around for another U.S. distributor. (Evelyn) 1-800-PHAEDRA ROTFLMAO!! (Evelyn) GP will probably make an apprearance since she'll be shooting Possession She would've gone anyway. This is her dad's film.

(Evelyn) 1-800-PHAEDRA Or visit our offices at 123 Black Hole Drive, Keystone Copsville, USA Oh Evelyn, too, too funny *wiping monitor and eyes . . er, not with the same cloth*;-) Too bad, I was looking forward to this one, mostly because of JN. I guess they can always sell it to Starz.;-) What is going on with Miramax anyway? The other indie-type distributors are putting them to shame these days. That London filmfest lineup does look good; Almost Famous gets a rave from the LA Times today and a v.good from the NY Times. I think it doesn't open wide until next week. Donna, re: Ocean's Eleven--the guys don't actually play the Rat Packers, so conceivably the role Sammy played could go to anyone. My guess, though, is that they'll get someone like Don Cheadle--I think he played Sam in an HBO flick, and he is a bud of Clooney's (they did Fail Safe together.) But the big news, Donna, is: Sing-Along-Sound Of Music has opened in NYC, and will possibly expand from there! (I wanna go in yellow as Re/Ray, a drop of golden sun;-)

(Mari) What is going on with Miramax anyway? Hmm. Either Talk mag is still sucking up all the revenue or same is being used to pay Harvey's hospital bill from earlier this year.

which includes well-received Italian film Bread And Tulips I saw it. Another lost values film. It is shocking that Londinium is not showing. It must be so very bad. Unlike Woody Allen�s Small Time Crooks which is so good. Gwynneth will do heavy promotion for her dad�s film. I am looking forward to seeing Almost Famous. (Mari), Sing-Along-Sound Of Music has opened in NYC, and will possibly expand from there! (I wanna go in yellow as Re/Ray, a drop of golden sun;-) I can get into that. Any one still have their party gift bongs? ;-)

(Moon) It is shocking that Londinium is not showing. We don't know that. The announcement only had the highlights of the fest. The website isn't functional yet, nor is the telephone number for buying tickets. Have to wait a little while longer to find out.

So there is hope?! With all the cr... that is coming out of the UK now, you'd think they could fit Londinium. By then MB should be in LA filming his HBO TV show.

Ooooohh, can hardly wait! ;-D

From interview with George Clooney in October's MOVIELINE Q: You mentioned earlier you have limitations as an actor. How do you evaluate yourself? Some of those limitations have come from fame. I'm not famous from theater or movies, I'm famous from television and it's a whole different kind of thing, much more intrusive. You pay eight bucks to see a movie star, they're 60 feet tall and it's a big deal. I was in your house every day. You watched me in your underwear."ER" did a 40 share with 150 channels out there...it was one of the most successful shows in the history of television when it was at its peak. We were this focal point in people's homes every day. They feel they get to know you personally. They don't want to let you do other things." ~~~~~~~~ [My bold] I might add..."Nor do they want to pay to see you, since they can get you free on the telly".

(Evelyn) I might add..."Nor do they want to pay to see you, since they can get you free on the telly". Not to worry, Ev, his telly work can't seem to make it to air. Hmm. Shelving of DQ might be brilliant CF career move...;-D

Doesn't look like Londinium has a slot. Program has gone up: http://www.lff.org.uk/tempsite/screenings.html However, there are a number of TBAs and Surprise Screenings, so one never knows.

(Eileen)Shelving of DQ might be brilliant CF career move...;-D LOL..that's the way I felt about SLOW...sorry it left the bank vault;-)

(evelyn)LOL..that's the way I felt about SLOW...sorry it left the bank vault;-) THIS coming from the woman who would've paid good money to get it OUT of that vault??? LOL... It's a vicious cycle, eh?

(evelyn)LOL..that's the way I felt about SLOW...sorry it left the bank vault;-) (Laura)THIS coming from the woman who would've paid good money to get it OUT of that vault??? Not only that....but then crossed the pond to see it in November at the London FF...and [let's not forget] the Ritzy. What can I say....I'm insane...

It is not looking vg for Londinium. Did we have any doubts? Saw Sunshine tonight! I enjoyed it but I am sure no one wants to know what DH thought. ;-D

I'm sure we can already guess. ;-D Have just finished watching opening ceremonies. Must give an award. Worst dye jobs for women atheletes' hair: Romania. ;-D

So Merchant and Ivory are now free to shop around for another U.S. distributor. (Evelyn) 1-800-PHAEDRA Days later and it's still hilarious. Thank you, dear. (Moon) It is shocking that Londinium is not showing I didn't know you were so easily shocked. Honey, you've been around here too long for that. ;-) (Karen) However, there are a number of TBAs and Surprise Screenings, so one never knows A surprise screening of Londinium would not surprise me at all. Look at what happened with RV. Thanks for your work, Karen. Worst dye jobs for women atheletes' hair: Romania. ;-D With Katie Couric's coming in a close second but I'll bet it cost her a lot more. The Romanian girls were still quite pretty.

My vote for most obvious geography lession goes to Bob Costas, (whom I like), for stating, "Next is the Olympic delegation from the Central African Republic, which is located surely enough in Central Africa." He did announce it with some style, though.

(Heide) The Romanian girls were still quite pretty. Couldn't tell. Eyes were stuck on some really bad roots. Speaking of eyes...am getting ready for my fav event: men's swimming! oooh baby!! Such eyefuls!

Its the running I look forward to all that bouncing & the slow motion.I'll take a peek at the swimming if you recommend it.

Am not very fond of these new Speedo suits. Bring back the old ones. Fortunately, some boys take down the tops after their race. Will have to console myself watching swimmers from countries that can't afford latest technology. ;-D

Are these the new all in ones I've heard mentioned?

Will have to console myself watching swimmers from countries that can't afford latest technology I'm with you on that one, surely the divers also won't be in such garb so there is extra hope for us. Look out for the Aussie swimmer with, wait for it.........size 17 feet. Say no more!

Did you see the shoulders on that Aussie? Has size 17 feet and is age 17! Oh my God, almost half my age. Is that considered robbing the cradle? Did you notice the gymnists though? That's a lot of pushups!

No haven't seen the gymnasts yet...and yes it probably is robbing the cradle (he's half my age too). I was quite mesmerized (my word of the day incidentally) by our Gold medal winning cyclist (hurrah we have a Gold medal!) in his v.v.v. tight cycling gear.

Imagine how different Olympics would be if we awarded Golds on such criteria (not nearly like the Olympics, but lots of fun -D). BTW, with new bathing technology, MLSO is right at home.

(Sadie)Oh my God ,almost half my age *snort* thats one of your symptoms isn't it?

with new bathing technology, MLSO is right at home Hmmm. Yes plenty of room for .....movement who cares about aerodynamics. *Making mental note* suggest to swim team the need to change kit to 20s stripey jersey suits. D'you think it'd catch on?

Yes indeed Judy. Scratching at keys, although Mr. C did call. At this point, those 20 stripey jersey suits are looking good to me, but as Judy knows, my perception is skewed these days...

(Sadie) Is that considered robbing the cradle? Don't remind me, I get the guilts every time I look at Patrick Rafter. By the way, did anyone ever see his bare-chested pic on the cover of GQ?

No I haven't, but I've seen him bare-chested on TV!!!

RE: the male gymnasts. I want to be the person who grabs hold of them 'round the torso to give them a boost onto the bars.:-)

*hee hee* They're my second fav. Did you catch those arms on whatshisname? ;-D And Heide, I think Bob Costas' color came out of a bottle. eowww!!

You know, the guys batting the ball around in the sand aren't too shabby either. Well, congratulations to any Aussies out there for their team's remarkable swim win on the 400 m relay. :-) I finally got to see a replay of it. V. exciting sports! And wasn't that Canadian, Simon Whitfield impressive on his last sprint of the triathlon! Congrats to my neighbours to the North! These are the only events I've had time to catch so far. That, and whatshisname's arms (LOL Karen, he needs no name!) (Mari)I want to be the person who grabs hold of them 'round the torso to give them a boost onto the bars.:-) A fine idea! Too bad I'm such a lazy out-of-shape type! I was also noticing the camera-work as the swimmers were lining up. I bet what I saw was videotaped by a man. I bet if a woman had the camera, she wouldn't have veered away so quickly from such rich material!

I see you're all talking of Ian Thorpe, nicknamed Thorpedo. Here they keep on saying how he's the perfect swimmer, perfect technique, perfect shape, etc.

Oh no, Tineke. whatshisname is a US gymnast, the one who hurt his finger.

whatshisname = John Roethlisberger (have looked it up)

Roethlisberger He's got the same name as the once almost most hated men in this country for about a week; a swiss referee who refused us a penalty in the quarter finals against Germany during the world cup in the USA. But hey, you were talking of Thorpe earlier on, you know, the 17 footed Australian swimmer.

(Karen) Am not very fond of these new Speedo suits. Bring back the old ones. Fortunately, some boys take down the tops after their race. Will have to console myself watching swimmers from countries that can't afford latest technology. ;-D ROFLMAO! Agree, agree, agree. What's wrong with these boys? Makes the women look even more Amazonian too. Divers are quite fine as are volleyball players (oh Jana!) but for me, bring on the tennis players. Mmmm, that Patrick Rafter. But he's not an American so I doubt NBC will show him changing shirts between games. Like Sadie's idea of awarding medals based on....well, you know. (Karen) I think Bob Costas' color came out of a bottle. What the hell did he do to his eyebrows? Think he's using Fever Pitch's colorist.

Know who this is?? Rosemary Harris "This English born actress began a love affair with America's Broadway at the age of 22. One critic dubbed the newly arrived Rosemary "the prettiest girl on Broadway" Rosemary in Beau Brummell" From a new RH website...

Congratulatiions Moon and DH on Italy winning the heat in Sculling....they're looking good.Catch the rhythm of those legs!!

Thanks, Evelyn! Italy should do very well in Soccer, fencing, waterpolo, and volleyball any other ones are welcome. :-D BTW, there was a very short man (almost midget), in the US team. We are having a hard time knowing what he does. Does anyone know?

As Joan Rivers would say, "can we talk?" I don't know what annoys me more, Costa's carrot-top or the disco-glitter that the lady gymnasts are wearing in their hair. And the other thing that is grating on my nerves is the commentary here in the US. I remember years ago when gymnastics commentators would actually talk about the skills, tricks, give you the names of the individual tricks, talk about why one maneuver had a higher degree of difficulty, talk about the positions of the hands on the bars or the horse and why the different positions increased the degree of difficulty, etc. They would give you the kind of technical commentary that educated the audience and made you more appreciative of what they were seeing. About the only thing I've heard tonight was, "oh, she didn't stick her landing, that's really going to hurt on the score." They are, imo, the worse commentators I have ever heard. Oh my gosh, as I am writing this, the commentator just mentioned an inverted giant. Geesh, that's the only trick he called during her routine. Amy on the beam, and Elsie says, "this is a big skill." Tim says, "she's the only one in the meet doing it." Period. What is the skill? What is it called? Describe it. What makes it a "big skill?" The absolute worst. Rant rant. It's like watching a figure skating routine and the commentator never mentions the names of the jumps, like axel or lutz, and then of course never ever describes the difference between the two or why one is more difficult than the other. And when are we going to get a close-up of the Thorpedo's size 17's? :-) And did I miss a commentary on the difference in equipment, especially on the parallel bars? Anyone remember when the bars were so close together that the women would bounce off of them at the hip? Now the bars are so far apart the women are doing giant swings. Hmm, have the commentators even described a giant swing? If I missed any informative commentary, as Emily Littella would say, "never mind." :-)

(Donna) I don't know what annoys me more, Costa's carrot-top or the disco-glitter that the lady gymnasts are wearing in their hair. *hee hee* You're right, I can't decide either which is more annoying, but we have to watch Costas day after day. The prepub girl gymnasts will only be on for a limited amount of time. You're right about the quality of the "tech" commentary. It's not very technical. However, I've been pretty pleased with the coverage (i.e., after the opening stuff was done). They are actually showing events and not traipsing off to do pointless stuff at bars and restaurants in Sydney. I've been to bars and restaurants in Sydney and I want to see the athletic events, not where the tourists are hanging out. Remember years ago, they used to do those CAD-CAMy graphics to show the physiology or kinesiology of the athletic skill and all those measuring things. Oh well, can do without that stuff. And when are we going to get a close-up of the Thorpedo's size 17's? :-) Camera needs to pan down lower. They've been keeping them at shoulder height. Bummer Anyone remember when the bars were so close together that the women would bounce off of them at the hip? Yeah, but the women were older and bigger than they are now. They also moved slower. Best part of NBC's coverage: they are using music from Wonderland. Have heard it twice so far. Loved it.

They are, imo, the worse commentators I have ever heard. Agreed! And I can do without all the special segment bio.s too. What a bore!

Hi All, just to mention if anyone�s interested that I visited the Donmar last week, saw the play To the Green Fields Beyond, directed by Sam Mendes. Have to admit that I did not go to see the play because of any particular interest in it but because I wanted to see the theatre itself again. But the play is good too. Well I did not like it personally so very much (it�s about a tank crew in war with a load of ugly men and a whore in a forest) but have to admit it�s mostly very well acted. As I said, the theatre itself was my main attraction and how great it was to see it again, and so weird. The lobby really is so small and neutral and the stage soooo close!! Wanted to memorize meeting Colin there but it was kinda hard to imagine. How I really truly and sincerely wish he could return on stage....saw some other plays too (not worth recommending) and thought about Colin all the time while yawning.

Am curious, Elena, was the lobby full of Dougray Scott fans and do you know if he came down and gave autographs, etc., like ODB did night after night?

Thanks for reporting Elena. It's always good to hear reports involving the Donmar!

Hey Mary Murray....I just read your post #291, what CF movie did those delicious snappies come from ? What HBO movie is that ? Lord, he looks gorgeous !! Thanx.

(Donna) They are, imo, the worse commentators I have ever heard. LOL! Yeah, and why are the bars farther apart now? One of those great mysteries... (Karen)Yeah, but the women were older and bigger than they are now. They also moved slower. I remember when the women gymnasts were women, and not ten, or did I dream that? Wasn't Nadia at least 14 when she stunned the world? I have to confess, I'm not getting into it this time. My heart was set on Olympic Soccer ever since Euro 2000 ended, and I haven't seen any coverage of it. :-( (Elena)it�s about a tank crew in war with a load of ugly men and a whore in a forest LOL! Sounds intriguingly different, anyway.

(Elena)it�s about a tank crew in war with a load of ugly men and a whore in a forest Ug...anybody want my ticket;-)

I have to confess, I'm not getting into it this time. My heart was set on Olympic Soccer ever since Euro 2000 ended, and I haven't seen any coverage of it. :-( You and me, Sadie. All I can tell you is that Italy and Chile are leading their respective rounds. I hope they will show some of the games in the future.

The pics on Murph's animation posted at message 291 all came from the movie Wings of Fame. You might be able to find it for rent at Blockbusters and people have been selling them for much more reasonable prices (than list) at eBay.

You want football? I resent the fact that here the games have to make way for the Chamion's League. I'm not interested in seeing Ac Milan, Man U,...I want to see the Olympics. Thank goodness for BBC.

The soccer (football) games are being shown mostly during the day on CNBC and MSNBC. I think NBC has done a good job, and I think they have done well in focusing not just on the American athletes, but on those from many other countries as well. I also like the "up close and personal" behind the scenes stuff, too. To me, it is fascinating to hear the backgrounds and challenges faced by some of these athletes. It really puts a human face--and an international one--on things, instead of just being "the guy from South Africa in lane 6," for example.

I'm not interested in seeing Ac Milan, Hey, Tineke! That's my team, lucky you! To me, it is fascinating to hear the backgrounds and challenges faced by some of these athletes. Mari, they should do it in a less soppy way. The soccer (football) games are being shown mostly during the day on CNBC and MSNBC. Will let hubby know, thanks!

Sadie..(this probably belongs elsewhere) but...DO get hold of Wings of Fame, it's wierd but well worth it, IMO!

(Moon) Mari, they should do it in a less soppy way. Ah Moon, you know I am just an old softy at heart!:-) Olympic cutie pie deserving special mention, IMO: Lenny Krayzelburg Hey, how about those Italian men copping all those medals in the swimming events? They have really turned their program around; good for them.

(Karen)Am curious, Elena, was the lobby full of Dougray Scott fans Ah, a Dougray Scott fan in our midst?! No, nothing like Colin�s treatment. Only a smallish group of people waited in front of the theater and on the pavement and some of them obviously were autograph hunters, male. I took off before Dougray came out and the only one I saw giving several autographs was Ray Winstone. I must say that Colin came down much faster than these guys. (Evelyn)Ug...anybody want my ticket;-) Great, planning to see it? Keep your ticket, it�s worth seeing (except the stupid whore bits, ha!). Btw the setting is wonderful, the stage is full of real birches. Looks nothing like the stage we saw in January.

(Elena) Ah, a Dougray Scott fan in our midst?! Bite your tongue! ;-D Nope, just curious about how different actors deal with fans, and I know Dougray has lots and lots. Remember, neither Stephen Dillane or Jennifer came through the lobby for TRT at the Donmar; they ducked out the back. Of course, they've made up for things with their NY encounters.

Why is there a general CF-related discussion going on here? What's wrong with the main CF board? Or have you discovered that one can't have a sensible CF discussion there any more? Not like in the golden days of Drool... No, don't even bother jumping to my jugular... I'm going away and may be some time... Talk amongst yourselves... :-/

Why is there a general CF-related discussion going on here? What's wrong with the main CF board? Or have you discovered that one can't have a sensible CF discussion there any more? Talking to me? Sorry, just thought that observations about the new play in the D.(totally missing Colin Firth) wouldn�t be what you call a sensible CF discussion.

(Mari) Olympic cutie pie deserving special mention, IMO: Lenny Krayzelburg Yeah, and great personal story too. Liked the close-ups of mom and dad decked out like Uncle Sam. Don't mind Costas that much--anyone see late last night when he donned the dark glasses in manner of Gary Hall Jr.? Pretty funny. Also challenging again this time is trying to avoid hearing results blabbed all over TV, radio and internet before events are televised. (Elena) Talking to me? Don't worry, Elena, most of us aren't such sticklers about these things.

(Moon)All I can tell you is that Italy and Chile are leading their respective rounds. I hope they will show some of the games in the future. (Mari)The soccer (football) games are being shown mostly during the day on CNBC and MSNBC. Hmmm, am seriously considering cable. In meantime, will have to haunt sportsbar for Olympic soccer (football) I guess. Thanks for update, Moon! It's agonizing wondering what is happening. (Karen)The pics on Murph's animation posted at message 291 all came from the movie Wings of Fame (Tracy)Sadie..(this probably belongs elsewhere) but...DO get hold of Wings of Fame, it's wierd but well worth it, IMO! *ding,ding,ding* CF career comment alert! I've been trying for awhile to get hold of it because it sounds hilarious. CF should do more comedy, imo. Will try local Blockbuster again! (Elena) Talking to me? (Eileen)Don't worry, Elena, most of us aren't such sticklers about these things. I really enjoyed your reflections on your recent Donmar experience. As an unserious poster, I should mention that some of us have voluntarily moved our joking over to Darcy Drool these last several weeks, in the interest of respecting others' desire for sensible discussions on the Colin Firth Career Board and here at Odds & Ends. (Ok, so I've made one or two jokes elsewhere, but generally, boards are free and clear of me! -D)

Elena) Talking to me? (Eileen)Don't worry, Elena, most of us aren't such sticklers about these things Or care what others think or say....What..we now have a new host? Thanks Elena...like you..I'm looking forward to the Donmar experience. Did you go down to the Luna Nuova?

(Evelyn)I'm looking forward to the Donmar experience. Did you go down to the Luna Nuova? The first night is on Monday (25th) I think and *you-know-who* might very well be there in the audience. Or later....keep your eyes open, Evelyn! I believe he could be interested in what happens in the Donmar. And while I�m at it: I also went to see a play in the Almeida in Islington, for some obscure reason I wanted to see a theater in that particular part of the city ;-). It was Conversations After a Burial by Yazmina Reza. Boring and conventional but again, the tiny and a little shabby full-packed theater was a great experience in itself.

(Sadie)... but generally,boards are free and clear of me!-D and the same goes for me too.

(Tracy)Sadie..(this probably belongs elsewhere) but...DO get hold of Wings of Fame, it's wierd but well worth it, IMO! (Sadie), *ding,ding,ding* CF career comment alert! I've been trying for awhile to get hold of it because it sounds hilarious. CF should do more comedy, imo. WoF is definitely not a comedy, but definitely worth seeing. :-) Conversations After a Burial by Yazmina Reza. I believe she also wrote Art, which has been a big hit on Broadway and London. I wonder if she is the daughter of the last Shaz of Iran. I believe it is the same name.

Hi Moon and Sadie (waving across cyberspace) and all other Droolers, Have jumped back into Drool after summer of major dental work. Ugh. Neo middle age is not for sissies.... Next summer plan to take wonderful trip instead. In any event, I just read your thread on WOF. Sadie, if you are looking to purchase WOF you might try looking at half.com. This past Spring I purchased four slighty used (can you imagine someone not wearing them out?) CF videos there for under $25, and one of them was WOF. (I almost paid a lot more for it elsewhere, too.) You can even join an email list which will advise you of new CF arrivals. Anyway...it is nice to be back, but it seems kinda slow around here...Hope everyone had a better summer than I did. ;-)

Oops, the link vanished! Here we go: http://www.half.com/products/creator.jsp?creator=1126778&prodtype=videos

What an interesting place, Lisa. Those prices are incredible.

More thoughts on the Olympics (is not Olympics topic but will risk it): 1. Whoever invented sparkly hair gel should be shot. 2. *All* gymnasts deserve gold medal for 'Most in Need of a Makeover'. 3. Gymnasts from Romania deserve gold medal for 'Most Hair Clips'. Gymnasts from USA get silver medal. Most gymnasts from Russia did not require hair clips as had whole heads plastered with sparkly gel (except short-haired blonde who had long bobby pins on side of head in addition to gel. Hair stuck straight out after unfortunate vault experience in manner of Bozo the Clown). 4. Correlation of weight of head with sparkly gel and/or entire package of hair pins with number of falls should be studied. If there were gold medals for announcers, the awards would be distributed as follows: The gold medal for 'Won't You Tell Me Something I Don't Already Know' goes to Elfie whatshername for repeatedly reminding the viewer that steps on landings result in point deductions. The gold medal for 'Won't You Tell Me Something I Don't Already Know, Without Hysterics Please' goes to Tim Daggett. The gold medal for 'Most Comprehensive Analysis of Gymnastic Performance' goes to Tim Daggett for his repeated use of the term 'Wow'. Track and Field is next. Goody.

hee hee Am nostalgically remembering the good old days, when the technical color commentator used to describe the skill being performed in manner of "three half twists with sixteen rotations...or a Tsukaharmaximova" "Wow," just doesn't do it for me. Is there anybody out there who isn't knowlegeable about "sticking the landing"" Since you're into pins, didja notice that the Bulgarian men's gymnasts used safety pins to attach the emblem in front? Probably could've used sparkly hair gel. Think should have special devoted to Svetlana Khorkina. Want to hear her rant and yell with translation. Is definitely on her diva-ish way to film stardom.

Eileen, v. funny post! Karen, I stumbled upon Half.com several months ago, and have purchased quite a few videos without any problems. One should review the seller's track record first, but for those prices, it is hard to go wrong. Half.com was purchased by Ebay not too long ago....

A big disappointment in the Games was that world class athletes expect to compete on the best equipment; if their respective sport so requires equipment. The female gymnastics, however, got a nasty surprise. The vaulting horse was 5 centimeters to low. The competitors were allowed to redo their vaults if they so chose. Some did, others didn't, citing that their bad scores on vault had effected their mental approach to the remaining events. Then again, the Olympics have almost always contained an element of drama. Of course, it might be argued that all major athetic competions containe inate drama.

Thanks, Lisa! Not one Apt.0. ;-( We will be discussing Apt. 0 in Nov. at the CF film disc. topic. Make sure you all put it on your to rent list. I have a hard time watching these Olympics, ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ............ I hate the way the evening program is set up. If I am watching the gymnastic competition, why should I want to see a swim semifinal in between?

You're right Moon, the set-up is annoying. Not only are the events broken up haphazzardly and inserted into one another, but I also get the two breaks per evening for "your local news".

Hi Everybody...we're at the internet cafe near the University of London..had a lovely day..hit the London Eye and saw a private showing of TRT... Miss you all....evelyn We sent our donations with evelyn, Karen...don't let her out of Chicago.... Aishling &Lizza...

From the London Theatre newsletter.... ANOTHER COUNTRY by Julian Mitchell at the Arts Theatre OPENS 27th Sep (Already Previewing!!) DIRECTOR: Stephen Henry PERFORMERS: Alex Avery, Jamie de Courcy, Martoin Hutson, Neil Jones, Ben Meyjes, Edward Purver, Ferdy Roberts, Patrick Ryecart, Tom Wisdom. PRODUCER: Background / Guy Chapman / Oxford Playhouse SYNOPSIS: It is the story about two idealistic, rebellious pupils in an elite public boys school during the 1930s

The vaulting horse was 5 centimeters to low. No doubt weighed down by gobs of sparkly gel. Note to self: start movement to have sparkly gel banned from games in manner of performance-enhancing drugs. Noticed last night that Russian blonde giantess (actually, is only 5'5" tall) took razor to head--most likely in response to earlier Bozo the Clown analogy. Hope you're having fun in London, ladies. Stop by the BBC and give them our love, willya? ;-)

Think need another grass-roots movement. Have noticed men seem to be wearing *more* clothing, while women are wearing less. Do not understand why two-piece bathing suits have become athletic uniforms. Do they increase speed or strength? Fully expect to see track stars (among others) wearing thongs in Athens. Have discovered new sport to satisfy my specialized interests: men's water polo. Have excellent physiques not hidden by ugly fast suits. Also, good underwater camera work, showing men treading water. Must get bigger TV. Also need to rethink those baby bonnets. Back to lady gymnasts...did you like the basic black cocktail leotards sported?

Do not understand why two-piece bathing suits have become athletic uniforms Those shark suits as they're called are used because there's less resistance. A lot of experiments and investigations have gone into those suits. Apparently you gain about 3% in speed when wearing such a suit. For a while it wasn't certain whether they'd be allowed to swim in those suits during official competitions. It partly explains why so many world records in swimming have been broken this year.

It is one thing to move ahead with technologie. It is another when you allow professionals to play for gold. I am against all those professional basketball, tennis, etc players playing on the team. I like the water polo too, Karen! ;-)

Tineke, I was referring to the outfits being worn in other sports like track and field and beach volleyball, etc. All midriff-bearing. Does showing one's midriff counter wind resistance? ;-D

that should be "mid-baring" ;-D Must be excitement from news. Can *barely* type as fingers are jumping for joy. :-DDDDDDD

(Moon) I am against all those professional basketball, tennis, etc players playing on the team. I know what you mean. Heard last week that Maurice Greene was tooling around Sydney in his yellow Ferrari while waiting for track and field to begin. Saw him remove his shoes after the race and thought he was going to hold one next to his head for advertising purposes just like the skiers (he threw them into the crowd instead). Am waiting for a winner to say 'I'm going to Disney World!'. Is only a matter of time. (Karen) did you like the basic black cocktail leotards sported? Actually, I did. Thought they went well with the spark...but enough about that ;-)

While we are on the topic of "The Games," I have a question: shot put... what's that all about? Cannot figure out if contestants are judged on distance of "putting their shots," or the decibel level of the primal, guttural screams they emit thereafter. Moreover, why do the participants all look like Jesse Ventura? Perhaps they are in need of disco hair glitter....

v.g. review in The Times for "To the Green Fields and Beyond" at the Donmar.Moreover, Mendes's cast is strong enough to make you credit the talk of fate, angelic support and spiritual togetherness. Some characters are cursorily realised, but several, notably Dougray Scott's battle-scarred commander and Ray Winstone's East Ender, will surely stick in the mind. When Winstone's big, beefy ex-chauffeur quietly admits his terrors, then unpretentiously expresses his love for the men around him, you'll not just be touched. You'll be glad Sam Mendes decided to come home.Full review here: http://www.the-times.co.uk/news/pages/tim/2000/09/26/timnwsnws03021.html Another snippet from The Times: Free dancing Film Four, distributors of Dancer in the Dark, made by the controversial Danish director Lars von Trier and starring Bj�rk, are offering a money-back guarantee. Those who see the film on Friday, and stay for at least half an hour, can seek a refund if they do not like it. Wish that policy applied to the last movie I saw...Circus :-(

Stop by the BBC and give them our love, willya? ;-) Funny you should say that...am going over now..Hmmmmmm

Film Four, distributors of Dancer in the Dark, made by the controversial Danish director Lars von Trier and starring Bj�rk, are offering a money-back guarantee. Those who see the film on Friday, and stay for at least half an hour, can seek a refund if they do not like it. (Karen), Wish that policy applied to the last movie I saw...Circus :-( Or mine Woman on Top. :-( I like the films Lars has made and the Danish film movement. I am also a huge Bj�rk fans and will see it. Loved Almost Famous!

Thank you, Evelyn, for the information on the stage revival of "Another Country".

Moon, I also enjoyed Almost Famous very, very much. Wonderful cast--they are perfect all across the board, aren't they? Especially enjoyed Kate Hudson and Frances McDormand, but almost hate to single anyone out as the ensemble is what makes it work. And Billy Crudup is a hottie!:-) The kid, Patrick Fugit, is a real find. Has anyone else seen it yet?

(Mari) Has anyone else seen it yet? [Almost Famous] Saw it this weekend and loved it. I agree with everything you said - great acting all the way around and a charming script. It was a perfect snapshot of the early 70's and having been entering my teen years at that time it really made me smile.

Last night I went to the vnerable Donmar to see "To the Green Fields Beyond" starring "flavor of the month" Dougray Scott and directed by wunderkind Sam Mendes.Full house..play sold out for the run.Like Elena I had a warm nostalgic feeling going there. (I saw TRT 4 times there too). The play:I hate to be the dissenting voice with critics, but I was disappointed. The play focuses on a tank crew of eight men on the night before battle during WW I.This is a serious topic, and I felt it was trivialized. The dialogue was full of cliches (I didn't even mind the contemporary "you guys", "no way"...unimportant.)But I never felt engaged ..(hey I was sitting in row A)!Ray Winstone was excellent...the only believable character. Dougray Scott was OK. At times over the top...shouting doesn't make good acting! The rest of the cast was abysmal.I espected more from Sam and the Donmar. He shudda stuck with Shakespeare. But that's MO. No one in the audience I recognized except for Sam.There was no intermission...so I had no time to look around.But from Row A side,I got a good look all around.After the show I waited in the lobby and outside (fer olde times sake!). NO ONE was there for Dougray .YEAY!!Only the old pro autograph hounds.

Evelyn, your review is not much different from the ones I read last night. They thought the play wasn't so hot, but the actors were good. One mentioned the use of contemporary language as being out of place and how the whole thing compared unfavorably to works produced by poets/playwrights who had actually been in the war. And there was a particularly snide remark as to something the prostitute says about servicing seven men. Thanks for reporting back.

One mentioned the use of contemporary language That mix might have been an attraction for SM. Thanks for reporting, Evelyn. It is not a play that would interest me. What is SM going to do next?

(Mari) And Billy Crudup is a hottie!:-) Thought he was just awful in Prefontaine (showed the emotional range of a block of wood, IMO) and was surprised at how good he was in AF. 'I am a golden god!' (Jana) It was a perfect snapshot of the early 70's and having been entering my teen years at that time it really made me smile. Me too. My only complaints were that some parts of the script seemed too set up and the actor who played the jealous lead singer was a little too OTT for me. As Evelyn said, shouting doesn't make good acting. Otherwise, it's a movie well worth seeing.

Thanks for the Donmar report, Evelyn. As Karen said, the reviews today have been lukewarm at best, so you are not at all out of step with the critics. Moon, I think Sam's next project is another film for DreamWorks. Spielberg producing, Hanks starring. Something about gangsters, I seem to recall. (Jana2) It was a perfect snapshot of the early 70's and having been entering my teen years at that time it really made me smile. Same here, Jana! To its credit, it does deal honestly with some of the unsavory stuff of the period and the setting, but unlike other films which seem hell-bent on having you go home miserable, this one leaves you with a good feeling. Not treacly good, but just good.:-)

More Olympics talk..sorry you can take a nap if you like, but can I just say .."Deano! Come on you Macey"(in manner of FP-type football yob).. I wouldn't ordinarily bother but he's got the cheekiest of grins and he's our hope in the Decathlon lying in 2nd place after the first day. Check out those tatts. Don't worry my CF allegiances aren't compromised!!

Ssshhh, but tomorrow is a birthday for our favorite intrepid detective.. She's filled our bucket with all sorts of goodies during the past year so let's return the favor and fill hers... and send your Happy Birthday messages to Karen on the 28th.

Hauoli Na Hanau, Karen

Tuberose / Lantern Ilima White tuberose mixed with orange ilima blossoms. Very fragrant. This is my favorite lei and lasts for a long time even in a warm room.

Oooh, it's gorgeous Marcia. I know *exactly* what I'll wear to go with it. (will have to cut back on the jewels though) Thanks so much. Really been looking forward to my lei for quite some time. :-D

To Karen, on her birthday (to be read in manner of the SP as played by Anthony Andrews, 1982 version): (insert throat clearing noise here) You seek them here, You seek them there, You seek those Firth facts everywhere. Whether in the Observer, Times, or Post, You find them all -- our intrepid Drool host. Have a great day. LisaJH

Happy Birthday Karen......all the very best people are born in September !!

Happy birthday Karen

Birthdates which occurred on your SELECTED date of September 28: 551 -BC- Confucius (as celebrated in Taiwan) 106 -BC- Pompey (Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus) Rome, warrior 1573 Caravaggio Italy, painter 1785 David Walker Wilmington NC, a black born free 1824 Francis Turner Palgrave Eng, poet (Golden Treasury)/prof (Oxford) 1839 Frances Willard founded Women's Christian Temperance Union 1841 Georges Clemenceau France, statesman/PM (defended Dreyfuss) 1849 Dudley Allen Sargent US, physician/educator (Harvard U gymnasium) 1852 Henri Moissan France, chemist; isolated fluorine (Nobel 1906) 1856 Edward Thompson US archeologist who explored Mayan ruins 1856 Kate Douglas Wiggins author (Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm) 1870 Florent Schmitt Bl�mont France, composer (Fr�d�gonde) 1880 Ralph Edward Flanders Barnet VT, (Sen-VT) 1882 Jack Fournier 2nd baseman (1917-18 NY Yankees) 1885 Wilbur 'Lefty' Good pitcher (NY Yankees, 1905) 1887 Avery Brundage AAU & International Olympic Committee president 1895 Lawton Whitey Witt outfielder (NY Yankees, 1922-25) 19-- Eloy Phil Casados Long Beach Calif, actor (Young Daniel Boone) 19-- George Lynch rocker (Lynch Mob-Wicked Sensations) 19-- Michael Clayton Staten Island NY, rock drummer (Tyketto-Wings) 19-- Robert Wolders Rotterdam Holland, actor (Erik Hunter-Laredo) 19-- Sam Whipple Venice Calif, actor (Terry-Open All Night) 19-- Susan Walters Georgia, actress (Loving) 1901 William S Paley founder & chairman (CBS) 1902 Ed Sullivan TV variety show host/gossip columnist (Ed Sullivan Show) 1905 Max Schmeling Germany, world heavyweight boxing champ (1930-32) 1905 William Northam Austria, yachtsman (Olympic-gold-1964) 1907 Glen (Turk) Edwards NFL tackle (Boston/Washington Redskins) 1907 Heikki Savolainen Finland, pommel horse gymnast (Olympic-gold-1948) 1909 Al Capp New Haven Ct, cartoonist (Li'l Abner) 1910 Fran Lee NYC, actress (Ms Wong-Major Dell Conway) 1911 Henry Ellsworth Vines Jr tennis (US Open 1931,32)/golf player 1913 Alice Marble tennis player (US Open 1936, 1938-40) 1913 Vivian Fine Chicago Ill, composer (Women in the Garden) 1914 Harold Taylor Canada, educator (Art & the Future) 1916 Peter Finch actor (Network, Windom's Way, Raid on Entebbe) 1917 Michael Somes England, ballet dancer (Royal Ballet in London) 1919 Thomas Harmon football player/sportscaster (Heisman winner) 1922 Joe Silver Chicago Ill, actor (Mr I Magination, Fay) 1923 Fred Robbins Balt Md, DJ (Coke Time with Eddie Fisher, Robbins Nest) 1923 William Windom NYC, actor (Farmer's Daughter, Murder She Wrote) 1924 Marcello Mastroianni actor (8�, La Dolce Vita) 1925 Arnold Stang Mass, comedian/actor (Broadside, Milton Berle, Top Cat) 1925 Seymour Cray inventor (Cray I computer) 1926 Jerry Clower Amite County Miss, country comedian (Nashville on Road) 1933 Madeleine M Kunin Switzerland (Gov-D-Vt), 1st Jewish gov of Vermont 1934 Brigitte Bardot Paris France, sex kitten (And God Created Women) 1936 Robert Hogan NYC, actor (Peyton Place, Operation Petticoat) 1938 Ben E King NC, singer (Stand by Me) 1940 Alexander S Ivanchenkov cosmonaut (Soyuz 29, T-6) 1941 Charley Taylor NFL wide receiver/running back (Wash Redskin) 1942 Grant Jackson pitcher (1972 NY Yankees) 1943 Gertrud "Traudl" Hecher Austria, downhill skier (Olympic-bronze-1960) 1943 Joel Higgins Bloomington Ill, actor (Salvage 1, Silver Spoons) 1946 Fiona Lewis Westcliff England, actress (Stunts, Lisztomania) 1946 Herbert Jefferson Jr Jersey City NJ, actor (Battlestar Galactica) 1946 Larry Breeding Winchester Ill, actor (Who's Watching the Kids?) 1948 Helen Shapiro London England, rocker (Straighten Up) 1948 Marielle Goitschel France, slalom (Olympic-gold-1968) 1948 Phil Hartman comedian (SNL) 1951 Christian Marlowe LA Calif, actor (Bram-Highcliffe Manor) 1951 Dave Rajsich pitcher (NY Yankees) 1952 Sylvia Kristel Holland, actress (Emmanuelle, Priv School for Girls) 1954 Steve Largent wide receiver (Seattle Seahawks) 1958 Lory Del Santo Verona Italy, (Miss Italy-1980) 1961 Anne White Charleston WV, tennis (Wore spandex in '85 Wimbledon) 1962 Luis Enrique spanish singer (Luces del Alma) 1967 Moon Unit Zappa rocker (Valley Girl), Frank's daughter 1968 Carr� Otis SF Calif, actress (Wild Orchid) 19?? Karen, hostess, estraordinaire of Drool born. Deaths which occurred on September 28: 1833 Lemuel Haynes Revolutionary War veteran, dies at 88 1953 Edwin P Hubble astronomer, designer of telescopes, dies at 63 1954 Bert Lytell actor (Henry-One Man's Family), dies at 69 1957 Albert Ascoli Italian developed anti-tuberculosis vaccine, dies 1961 Michael Shepley actor (Dick & the Duchess), dies at 54 1964 Harpo Marx comedian (Marx Bros), dies at 75 1966 Eric Fleming actor (Gil-Rawhide), dies at 41 1970 Nasser Egyptian Pres, dies of a heart attack at 52 replaced by Sadat 1973 Norma Crane actress (Rayola-Mr Peepers), dies at 42 1975 Sidney Fields comedian (Abbott & Costello), dies at 77 1978 Pope John Paul I 65-yr-old found dead, after only 33 days as Pope 1979 Jimmy McCulloch guitarist of Wings, dies at 26 1982 Larry Breeding (Who's Watching the Kids?), dies on 36th birthday 1982 Mabel Albertson actress, dies of Alzheimer's disease at 81 1989 Ferdinand Marcos deposed president of Phillipines, dies 1991 Miles Davis jazz musician, dies at 65 from pneumonia On this day... 1066 William the Conqueror lands in England 1542 Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo discovers California, at San Diego Bay 1781 Siege of Yorktown begins, last battle of the Revolutionary War 1787 Congress sends Constitution to state legislatures for their approval 1829 Walker's Appeal, racial antislavery pamphlet, published in Boston 1850 Flogging in US Navy & on merchant vessels abolished 1858 Donati's comet becomes the 1st to be photographed 1867 Toronto becomes the capital of Ontario 1868 Battle of Alcolea, causes Queen Isabella 2 of Spain to flee to France 1868 Opelousas Massacre at St Landry Parish Louisiana (200 blacks killed) 1879 Sydney Australia innaugurates steam motor tram route 1906 US troops reoccupy Cuba, stay until 1909 1912 "Kiche Maru" sinks off Japan, killing 1,000 1914 German forces move into Antwerp Belgium (WW I) 1919 Fastest major league game (51 mins), Giants beat Phillies 6-1 1920 8 White Sox indicted, threw 1919 World Series (Black Sox scandal) 1922 Mussolini marches on Rome 1923 Yanks slaughter Red Sox 24-4 1924 2 US Army planes end around-world flight, Seattle to Seattle, 57 stops 1928 Juan de la Cierva makes 1st helicopter flight over English Channel 1928 Yanks clinch pennant #6 1930 Lou Gehrig's errorless streak ends at 885 consecutive games 1936 Brooklyn & Boston play a penalty free NFL game 1937 FDR dedicates Bonneville Dam on Columbia River (Oregon) 1939 Soviet-German treaty agree on 4th partition of Poland (WW II) & gives Lithuania to the USSR 1940 Michigan's Tom Harmon runs 72, 86 & 94 yard touchdowns 1941 Phillies lose club record 111th game 1941 Ted Williams assures his .400 avg on last day with 6 hits 1942 NY Americans NHL team folded 1944 1st TV Musical comedy (The Boys from Boise) 1944 Battle of Arnhem, Germans defeat British airborne in Netherlands 1948 WBAP-TV, (NBC affiliate) Fort Worth Texas, begins broadcasting 1951 Allie Reynolds' 2nd no-hitter of 1951; Yanks clinch pennant #18 1951 Norm Van Brocklin of the Rams passes for NFL-record 554 yards 1958 Guinea votes for independence from France 1959 Explorer VI reveals an intense radiation belt around the Earth 1960 Ted Williams hits his final homer #521 1961 "Purlie Victorious," a farce by Ossie Davis, opens on Broadway 1961 Syria withdraws from United Arab Republic 1961 USN Comdr Forrest S Petersen takes X-15 to 30,720 m 1963 Giuseppe Cantarella roller-skates a record 41.5 kph for 440 yds 1963 Italy's Giuseppe Camtarella skates a record 25.78 MPH 1964 Australia beats US in 1st clay court Davis Cup 1965 Jack McKay in X-15 reaches 90 km 1965 Lava flows kill at least 350 (Taal Phillipines) 1967 Walter Washington elected 1st mayor of Washington, DC 1968 Alberto Giolani of Italy roller skates record 23.133 miles in 1 hr 1968 Atlanta Chiefs beat San Diego Toros 3-0 for NASL championship 1968 Beatles' "Hey Jude," single goes #1 & stays #1 for 9 weeks 1968 Chuck Hixson (Southern Methodist) completes 37 of record 69 passes 1969 Joe Kapp (Minn Vikings) passes for 7 touchdowns vs Balt Colts (52-14) 1970 Intrepid (US) beats Gretel II (Aust) in 22nd America's Cup 1972 Japan & Communist China agree to re-establish diplomatic relations 1974 1st lady Betty Ford undergoes a radical mastectomy 1974 Calif Angel Nolan Ryan 3rd no-hitter beats Minn Twin, 4-0 1974 John Lennon appears as guest dj on WNEW-FM (NYC) 1975 Oakland A's Vida Blue, Glenn Abbott, Paul Linblad & Rollie Fingers, no-hit Calif Angels 5-0 1976 Muhammad Ali retains heavyweight boxing championship in a close 15-round decision over Ken Norton at Yankee Stadium 1978 Israeli Knesset endorses Camp David accord 1979 Larry Holmes (retain championship) KOs Earnie Shavers in 11 rounds 1980 Jaromir Wagner is 1st to fly the Atlantic standing on the wing 1981 Joseph Paul Franklin, avowed racist, sentenced to life imprisonment for killing 2 black joggers in Salt Lake City 1982 1st reports appear of death from cyanide-laced Tylenol capsules 1982 NASA launches Intelsat V 1983 STS-9 vehicle moves to launch pad 1985 NASA launches Intelsat VA 1986 Record 23,000 start in a marathon (Mexico City) 1988 Bronx Museum for the Arts opens 1988 LA Dodger Orel Hershiser sets record for consecutive scoreless inns 1990 Marvin Gaye gets a star on Hollywood's walk of fame 1991 NY Yankees set record of 75 games without a complete pitched game Holidays Note: Some Holidays are only applicable on a given "day of the week" California : Cabrillo Day discovery of Calif (1542) Guinea : Referendum Day (1958) Kiwanis : Kiwanis Kid Day Libya : Shawwal 14 Republic of China (Taiwan) : Confucius' Birthday/Teachers' Day US : Gold Star Mother's Day (Last Sunday in September) - - - - - ( Sunday ) US : Good Neighbor Day (4th Sunday in September) - - - - - ( Sunday ) US : American Indian Day (4th Friday in September) (1916) - - - - - ( Friday ) Religious Observances RC : Memorial of St Wenceslas, duke, patron of Bohemia, martyr (opt) Christian-Mexico : Feast of San Miguel Religious History 1704 A statute was enacted by the colony of Maryland, giving ministers the right to impose divorce on "unholy couples." 1774 Anglican clergyman and hymnwriter John Newton wrote in a letter: 'We are always equally in danger in ourselves and always equally safe under the shadow of His wings.' 1808 Andover Theological Seminary first opened in Massachusetts, under sponsorship of the Congregational Church. 1895 At a convention in Atlanta, three Baptist groups merged to form the National Baptist Convention. It is today the largest African-American denomination in America and the world. 1934 The first issue of "The Sword of the Lord" was published. Founded by Baptist evangelist John R. Rice, 39, it became the largest independent Christian weekly for years, and was recognized by liberals as the "voice of fundamentalism." Source: William D. Blake. ALMANAC OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1987. Additional information supplied by the author. Contact via E-mail: William D. Blake. (pilgrimwb@aol.com)

G'day Karen I hope you have/are having/had a wonderful birthday. Thanks for all the sleuthing you do on our behalf.

Happy, Happy Birthday Karen hope you have a great day and thanks for all you do for us frustrated CF fans By your next Birthday I hope to have mastered the graphics!! some hope.

sorry Help please Karen, I am not sure what I have done wrong.

Happy Birthday Karen. Hope you have a wonderful day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOSS WISH YOU WERE HERE :-(( BUT HERE'S TO CHICAGO ;-)))))

Happy Birthday Karen! Here's what I brought to you from Germany: a Spa treatment at Baden-Baden's Friedrichsbad: Hope you enjoy it! BTW, you masseur is an Olympic medalist ;-) But the gold medal goes to you: in the name of all the Droolers, I award you the SuperSleuth Award of the Millenium!

A very Happy Birthday wish to you, Karen, our fearless leader!

... and when you wake up, please do something about these tags...

...or did I? <-o

Happy birthday Karen! The boys are jumping for joy!

Happy Birthday Karen! You must start today with a toast. Before the party starts rocking. I have a new friend that would like to wish you a Happy Birthday. Adian Grenier meet Karen. Don�t ask about Rupi, it is over! Now for your presents. Once in a while a girl has to do one crazy thing and that is this: To help you keep time when you are out sleuthing, one look at this and you know you are worthy. And here is a little something for you to wear at the Chicago Film Fest Grand Ball. Have a wonderfully firthfilling day.

Happy Birthday, Karen!! No fast suit for ODB!

LOL, Tineke! Brilliant! Look at those abs...

Happy Birthday, Karen! Have a great one:-)

LMAO, Tineke! Great job! Today's Karen's big day and I've thought long and hard about how best to honor her. Since birthdays bring about fond memories of the past, I've decided to gather together a few of her former loves for a tribute. Let's get things started. First, cue the music: For all the boys I've loved before... Dearest Karen, though we are no longer friends, I wish you the happiest of birthdays. Here I am in a pose similar to the newest of your loves, what's his name again? Ah, yes, Firth. I believe I worked with him once. *big brooding sigh* He is one lucky chap. He may have you but I still get all the best roles. Now I must turn the stage over to our next guest... Hullo, Karen, it's me! *incredulous* You don't recognize me? *smug* Perhaps thiswill help. It's Sean! We haven't seen each other for so long. I've been quite busy filming television advertisements, after all. Who's that fellow you're hooked up with now? Firth? Colin? What a marvelous coincidence! He seems a bit between things now, so I've been sending him scripts for ads I haven't the time for. Just yesterday I sent him a huge Starbucks project. Please tell him to remember who gave him his big break when he scores in that one. And perhaps you'll have better luck getting him to switch from those awful rose-colored glasses to contact lenses. Ah, I see my time is up. Our next guest is arriving. So, my dear, on this, the anniversary of your birth, I offer these seminal words of advice...Did you know that a contact lens in the hands of an eye care professional can take your vision to another level? Karen darling! It's your birthday--marvelous! Since we don't speak very often these days, I must take this opportunity to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your assistance in my election as the 'Favorite Man' in that voting booth contest a few months back. Wasn't it you who urged 'vote early, vote often?' *whispers* No need to worry, dearest, I won't tell that you were voting for Firth at the same time. I had several acquaintances doing the same thing. One must do what one must do, after all. Have to run, luvvie. Am off for another Love Boat episode! Ta! And now, over to the current man in your life-- Karen, darling, I never knew you had such a...colorful past. Let's put that behind us. Tonight, we shall wine and dine privately and I will honor your fondest wish to see my new six-pack abs. Just for you, my lovely, I will be wearing only a towel. *end music* Happy birthday, Karen, from Eileen and all your boys ;-D

Grr, thought I checked all the tags. And sorry Willie's pic came out so big. That's not an easy sight to endure.

(*Colin*) I will be wearing only a towel. C'mon Colin, drop the bloody towel! These luvvies have seen you butt-bare before. They know your dimples below the waist are every bit as cute as the ones on your upper cheeks. Give Karen a BIG birthday surprise. Just remember Karen dear, if Col's new buff bod doesn't tickle your fancy, just come over to me. I've been working out in anticipation, and have been packin' heat lately, if you know what I mean.

(Eileen) And sorry Willie's pic came out so big. That's not an easy sight to endure. It almost scared the pants off me ;-) Tineke, love your collage :-)

It scared me too! LOL! Hey, Anthony Andrews looks like such a gentleman. :-) Poor Colin is having trouble with his shirt again! But who cares, when he looks so good. Those killer dimples. That Sean looks like the actor who is playing Roland. Your taste sunk a little here, Karen. ;-)

Kaaaarrreeeennnnn, where aaaaarrrreeee you? Hope heartless abuse doled out at CF topic hasn't kept you away from your birthday party. That would be v.v. sad. :-(

Happy Birthday, Karen... I can't believe I forgot;( I hope you have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday Karen! Thanks SO MUCH for all the hard work you do around here - it is greatly appreicated!! Tineke - LOL loved the pic of Colin in his swim trunks :-) V.v. Good Eileen - that pic of Willie - *hee hee* must admit was rather startled :-)

Happy Birthday Karen

O Lord, Eileen.....somebody needs to slap a government health warning on your posts from now on......I laughed so hard at your photographic tribute from Karen's boyfriends ( where is she by the way ? ) that I almost did my self an injury. I hope Karen find it as funny. No idea ya'll loved AA too. Wasn't he just divine, dahlink, in The Scarlet Pimpernel ? I even visited Oxford once, just to see all the places that Sebastian loved in Brideshead Revisited. It was wondeful. Haaaaaaaaaaaopppppppppppyyyyyyyyyy Birthday Karen !!!!!!!!!!!

Gaah! Willie pic was normal sized when I copied it. Wasn't thumbnail. Willie pics must have built-in enlargement device in manner of explosive time-bomb.

No prob....just make the CF pix as big and we'll forgive you.

Please joint us for your Birthday party Karen, where are all you wonderful graphics?

For our Windy City birthday gal (and with apologies to Messrs. Cahn and Van Heusen), sung to the tune of My Kind Of Town, Chicago Is . . .: My Kind Of Gal Our Karen is . . . My Kind Of Gal Our Karen is . . . And each time I roam, our Karen is Calling me home, our Karen is One pal who won't let you down She's My Kind Of Gal! ***** Brilliant par-tay as usual, ladies. Tineke, that swimmer on the far right can anchor my relay any old time!:-) Happy Birthday, Karen, and here's to a wonderful Firth-filled year!

Dearest Karen, The computer retard that is me has no clever graphics to share. Just a heartfelt wish for a special day for a very special lady. Thanks so much for all you do and for being such a good friend. Tineke and Eileen - ROTFLOL!

Karen, Arsenal just won Lazio in the Uefa Cup game and on the big score board it read: Happy Birthday Karen! We appreciate your help in making us the team we are today. Hip Hip Hurrah!

I guess it was sensored. Who would want to see a bunch of guys in their Arsenal boxer shorts anyway? ;-)

Happy Birthday, Karen. Have an enjoyable upcoming year.

Marcia, the lei is lovely, as they always are. White tuberose mixed with orange ilima blossoms, it is very beautiful. It would be very nice if Karen could smell that exquisite lei.

Happy Birthday, Karen. Thanks for all you do on this board and best wishes for a great year to come.

Speaking of Olympic makeovers, anyone notice Shannon Miller's? Now if she can just work on her Minnie Mouse voice :-)

MANY HAPPY RETURNS KAREN AND THANKS FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO FOR US With love and hugs from the gutter!

I almost missed Karen's BIG Day! xxxxx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAREN I got some people to help shop for your birthday. While sorting through the bog rolls, they did manage to come up with a few good ideas. Some bright shiny apples Think of temptation and the Garden of Eden A necklace to replace the one lost down the garbage disposal Think Lesson #4 (or was it 3?) You may well ask "are these for me?" and of course we can't forget chocolates! And of course the best present and only accompaniment to your lei - Have a sensational day and year!

Happy Birthday Wishes (From one Karen to another) Couldn't tell you how valuable you are to all of CF's admirers. Only symbolism will do Sweets for the Sweet, Hon! Happy birthday from the other Karen. ;-) KJtry to be back later

I have returned: Since you're unlikely to see any of it until tomorrow -- Happy Birthday ... Belatedly! Karen -- Your Horoscope Libra -- (September 23 - October 23) Venus . . . . . The Balance Libra Gemstones: Sapphire and Jade -- September Birthstone: Sapphire ����� flowers: Goldenrod, ��� ��� and Aster: ���You are sensitive and charming with a fine temperament which allows you to succeed in both business and social life. Tactful and sensitive at all times, you are readily received into many different circles, but people admire you most for your remarkable sense of justice. Like actual scales, your life is characterized by an evenness or balance which keeps you level-headed in even the most trying of situations. You likewise have strong perceptive powers which you use to the benefit of everyone around. ��� Libras make good interpreters, correspondents, managers, and teachers. They are expert supervisors who direct activities with great skill. Although they have a tendency to over-speculate, their greatest interest lies in keeping the peace. They feel close to nature and enjoy spending time outdoors. lucky star: venus ... lucky day: friday ... lucky colors: green, yellow ... lucky numbers: 3, 7 Boy! it sure looks like they've got you pegged!!Only argument with 'em: Your official gem oughtta be: (**Hee hee**) Love, KJ

Happy New Year, Karen!

Yes, happy new year to all our Hebrew friends!

Happy New Year!! Sincerest Wishes for Peace and Prosperity in the coming year. ...KJ

Can't figure out why that wouldn't work. Hmmmmm. A change of tactics called for. Try this: Happy New Year!! Sincerest Wishes for Peace and Prosperity in the coming year. ...KJ

HAPPY NEW YEAR, KAREN, From Ann and Evelyn in sunny Henfield!!!

Time I showed up at my own party. I see the ice cream hasn't completely melted... Since you started things off, Heide, with a mention about sleuthing, I can't take all the credit. Every once and a while, my favorite real detective will pop up and say: "Karen, I've got a lead on this Firth fellow you're all interested in. Quick! The game's afoot." Again, thank you, Marcia for the lovely lei. Smells heavenly. And about that listing, I've always been most proud of sharing my birthday with: 1934 Brigitte Bardot Paris France, sex kitten (And God Created Women) Usually people can't tell us apart, but I'm the one in the leopard skin coat. ;-D And I think it was very nice of you putting me on the list after Carrie Otis, who was born in 1968. (close enough) Now, Lisa, about your poem...do I need to say it with a lisp? Or will a swish suffice? ;-D Ann, am looking forward to your future postings, as you're no longer "graphics-challenged." Have seen proof on 61 that you've graduated the EB Accelerated Learning Method. And Aishling!! Wonderful job. Thank you. (Evelyn) WISH YOU WERE HERE :-(( I know, me too. :-( But we're going to have a good time here soon plus we get a big Firth bonus. Gi, just what the doctor ordered!! Spa treatments. Hurrah. The masseur looks like he'll do in a pinch, or a rub, or in a towel! (Donna) The boys are jumping for joy! Me too. Love those water polo boys but, really, can't anyone come up with something better than those baby bonnets in this day and age? (shuddup, Karen, and stop complaining. No one looks at their heads) Thank you for the champagne toast and sparkly bday cake, Moon. Adrian Grenier? Naw, saw him in that Sebastian Cole movie. Little too much going on with those eyebrows. Doesn't hold a candle to my new honey: What do you think? ;-D BTW, am going out to get a dress to go with those lovely baubles. Besides the gala festival ball, am entertaining the QOE next week. So will get lots of use out of those. Beautiful and utilitarian. Perfect combo. Tineke!!! LOL!!! Absolutely amazing! How ever did I miss ODB at pool's edge. Hate NBC's coverage! Looks like he took the gold. (see what going to uni gets you? such talents) Have saved this pic for my private collection, as I'm sure we all have. ;-D Thank you. (Moon) Look at those abs... Yes, look at them and that pelvic bone being oh, so, suggestive... yum Eileen, am so glad you've got your graphics capabilities back. However, after being scared like all the rest by Willie, had a good laugh: (Rafe) though we are no longer friends When were we ever? In your dreams, O Beady-Eyed, Pencil-Legged One. Send little brother over to recite Juliet's lines to me. ;-D (Sean) And perhaps you'll have better luck getting him to switch from those awful rose-colored glasses to contact lenses. It's worth a try. Might help his chances of getting the Starbucks gig. Wouldn't mind being behind the counter giving him a double latte, no skim, foam. ;-D Could you have found a bigger pic of AA? *snort* Yes, gave him my all at that voting booth. All those sleepless nights. But worth it. ;-D (Anthony dearest) Have to run, luvvie. Am off for another Love Boat episode! Gaaah!!! Am off to get VCR going. May not have this classic episode in my collection. ;-D Thankfully, you came back to your senses with: (CF) Just for you, my lovely, I will be wearing only a towel. Who could ask for anything more? Mmmmmmm (Donna) C'mon Colin, drop the bloody towel!...Give Karen a BIG birthday surprise. And I thought it couldn't get any better? You're right. And what we've seen before probably looks even better since Cornel's put him through his paces. (Stephen) if Col's new buff bod doesn't tickle your fancy, just come over to me. Such big feet he seems to have...Any room in that tub? ;-D (Laura) I can't believe I forgot I can. ;-) (Bethanne) No idea ya'll loved AA too. Only to make fun of, hon, although did like Brideshead many years ago. Mari: Old Blue Eyes salutes you. Will record new version with Willie Nelson. Thank you for the serenade. (Moon) Who would want to see a bunch of guys in their Arsenal boxer shorts anyway? ;-) No one here...although maybe it needs a bit of animation, sort of like this one Murph: Beautiful card, thank you. Heide, you sure Colin doesn't do his shopping online now? Love the prezzies. Girl can never have too many necklaces or flowers. Am enjoying that Milk Tray as I type. But of course, the lei companion piece was the BEST!! Mmmmmmm KJ, the roses are be-yew-ti-ful. Venus . . . . . The Balance v. true, except when I go off-balance. ;-D Libra Gemstones: Sapphire and Jade Do love these v.v. much lucky day: friday No way could it be Thursdays. ;-D (KJ) Only argument with 'em: Your official gem oughtta be Agreed. Will toss out all my sapphires and jade if can have posted substitute. A big thank you to all those wonderful friends who wished me a happy birthday: Bethanne, Lucie, Cathey, Meredith, Susan, Laura, EsBee, Judy, Jana, Cheryl, Lynda, and Tracy. Great party, ladies. Sorry I arrived a little late. And thank you for the new year's greetings too.

(Karen), Moon. Adrian Grenier? Naw, saw him in that Sebastian Cole movie. Little too much going on with those eyebrows. Doesn't hold a candle to my new honey: You mean rolley-polley? LOL! AG may be young, but he has so much potential! ;-) I do not mind having him all to myself, I always have to share CF with the rest of you. ;-D

We knew you'd show up sooner than later. Your responses were worth a party all on their own. Going to the closing ceremonies with your new honey? I see you like to have a lot to hold onto. Will watch for you waving flag from stands. Think I shall actually miss watching Olympic coverage and rooting for anyone competing against the US. (I'm American so can say that. ;-)) Damn, the Lithuanians were so close against that hotshot "Dream Team".

You can't imagine how jealous I was of the other guy:

Congratulations to our British Friends on their Olympic Golds. Glad to see all your comments, Karen. ��������� Thanks to all the enthusiasm last Sunday on the AC article I decided to go see it on Friday night. I have never enjoyed the film (outside of ODB)...I find British school dramas tiresome....but the play is brilliant. Like Heide I'd give anything to have see Colin play Guy Bennett. It is really a far better role than Tommy Judd.Cast was tremendous. All young and making their West End debuts. WOW I felt as if I was seeing the future KB, RF and RE....The lead is Tom Wisdom, who was the resident- hunk on Coronation street. Has great potential. No one special in the audience except for Minniew Driver whom I found standing next to me at the bar at intermission time. Both of us ordered orangeades.

Missed the party Missed the dance Out of town, I Missed my chance. Hope she'll still Permit me tell How I ardently Wish her well. Happy birthday, Karen. P.S. No surprise that Minnie is copying Evelyn's drinks orders.

Well, if I can't have Rafe's lil bro speaking in iambic pentameter... ;-D Very clever, Mark. Thank you for the birthday wish, expressed so sweetly. Now, this may seem odd for you all Downunder (but the closing ceremonies have just finished up here...) Give yourselves a hand!! You put on a wonderful Olympics!!

Here here, I second that, a wonderful Olympics and wonderful for GB.

And Italy too!

I guess the RAF doesn't hire 40-year-old pilots.;-) Crudup flies to Warners' 'Gray' By Cathy Dunkley LOS ANGELES (The Hollywood Reporter) --- Billy Crudup ("Almost Famous") has signed to star opposite Cate Blanchett in the drama "Charlotte Gray" for Warner Bros. and FilmFour. Shooting is scheduled to start in February on the $20 million-plus budgeted project, which will be directed by Gillian Armstrong. The project marks the first to come under Warner Bros. and FilmFour's three-year multifilm co-production pact that was sealed in May and was designed to yield up to two films a year (HR 5/10). "Gray," based on Sebastian Faulks' best-selling novel of the same name and adapted by Jeremy Brock ("Mrs. Brown"), tells the story of a young Scottish woman (Blanchett) who joins the French resistance to rescue her Royal Air Force boyfriend (Crudup). The project will be produced by Ecosse Films, Sarah Curtis and Douglas Rae. Robert Bernstein will executive produce. Universal Pictures sealed a multiterritory distribution deal with FilmFour to pick up rights on the title for several major European territories, including France, Benelux, Scandinavia, Spain and Italy. Universal also has taken rights to the film in Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Blanchett and Armstrong previously teamed on "Oscar and Lucinda." Crudup, repped by CAA, most recently starred as the brooding guitarist Russell Hammond of the fictional rock band Stillwater in Cameron Crowe's critically acclaimed "Almost Famous" for DreamWorks. He also recently signed on to star in "World Traveler" opposite Julianne Moore for IFC Prods. and Alliance Atlantis. His other feature acting credits include roles in "Waking the Dead," "The Hi-Lo Country," "Without Limits" and "Inventing the Abbotts."

I agree! Great job Australia!!! This was the best Olympics I have seen (mind you that is through the limited coverage of NBC here in the states)! I wanted to go to Australia before now, but now I want to go even more! Cheers for the Aussies!

To Australia, the Olympics were a wonderful party. Thank you for the pleasure, you were wonderful hosts.

This aft I popped in to see "Goya in Bordeaux"directed by Carlos Saura. It is a film for art and film lovers.Subtitled. Dazzling cinematography.Very artistic...some of it surrealistic.I liked it immensely along with a terrific soundtrack. My reservation is that Mr. Saura seems to feature his technique over the story ...poor, disjointed..[hey, you think MLSF was bad].I wonder if CF would want to be in a film that he's playing second fiddle to the director's "bag of tricks".Who knows? As a coming attraction at the Curazon Mayfair (great little theatre)they announced "The House of Mirth featuring Jodi May and Elizabeth Mc Govern...think maybe I should extend my hol......;-)

(Evelyn) My reservation is that Mr. Saura seems to feature his technique over the story Interesting comment, Evelyn; most of the critics here are saying the same thing. Lots written about the form, less on the function, and not much on the actors. Most reviews here have been positive. I think it expands beyond NY/LA next weekend. BTW, House Of Mirth did get a distributor here. No demotion to STARZ.;-)

What about "Billy Elliott" Evelyn, have you seen that film yet, it has had wonderful reviews all round, great feel good film about a young boy who wants to become a Ballerina! "The Best British Film since... for ever". I am going to see it next week and will report back.

Think it is opening here the same weekend that DQ plays. Maybe we can take it in as well. Have heard it referred to as "Brassed Off with a Tutu" ;-D

(MarkG) Missed the party Missed the dance Out of town, I Missed my chance. Hope she'll still Permit me tell How I ardently Wish her well. Mark -- a great little ditty, that. This may be over your head, but why did I keep expecting the last line to read "...Burma Shave"? (*Heehee* Boy! does that date me ... )

It is so much fun reading all the stuff here. My late in the day stop is always rewarding. Have tried over and over again to read Sebastian Faulk. Cannot get into his books. This casting sounds good, though. Here is a new pic of Jon Firth as Joshua in the upcoming Hallmark Hall of Fame "In The Beginning" that Mickie is putting on her site. Do you think there is more Colin there than usual?

Is this a hair question? ;-D

I think he looks more like a Fiennes brother. *ducking*

(Karen)Re: Billy Elliot.Think it is opening here the same weekend that DQ plays. Maybe we can take it in as well. Was going tomorrow on Leicester Sq., but will wait til Chicago if that's on the agenda. ....great feel good film about a young boy who wants to become a Ballerina! Hey, I only see that kinda movie once.

I wish they'd get off the dime and announce something on Armadillo. Good news for Jon, though: A&E crowns ``Victoria'' miniseries By Michael Fleming NEW YORK (Variety) - A&E has begun production on ``Victoria and Albert,'' a four-hour miniseries about the love affair between British Queen Victoria and her husband Albert. The film will star Victoria Hamilton (``Mansfield Park,'' ``King Lear'') as Victoria and Jonathan Firth (``An Ideal Husband''), with a supporting cast of British thesps including Diana Rigg, David Suchet, Nigel Hawthorne, Jonathan Pryce and Peter Ustinov. ``It's a love story of an arranged marriage between this girl and her cousin which neither was keen about,'' said director John Erman. ``She fell for him, but he took the union as a job until they fell madly in love and had nine children. When he died at 40, she was shattered and never really recovered.'' Erman, who won an Emmy for the Ann-Margret TV movie ``Who Will Love My Children'' and DGA Awards for ``Roots'' and ``An Early Frost,'' is directing the miniseries from a script by John Goldsmith (``David Copperfield'').

(Variety) and Jonathan Firth (``An Ideal Husband'') Huh? Had no idea JF was in IH. How'd I miss that? ;-) It is good news for Jon, though. A&E has been good for the Firths. (Mari) I wish they'd get off the dime and announce something on Armadillo Or announce something about anything...

(Eileen) Had no idea JF was in IH. How'd I miss that? ;-) Same way we all did. This version of AIH has never made it off the shelf. Must run in family. ;-D BTW, he played Goring.

(Eileen) Had no idea JF was in IH. How'd I miss that? ;-) (Karen) Same way we all did. This version of AIH has never made it off the shelf. Must run in family. ;-D BTW, he played Goring. I remember reading about this. Didn't this version of AIH reset the time period to modern day, or something? Poor Jon, his film came too late to the party. At least Valmont got released :-)!

A Hollywood Reporter item about how V&A's other international rights have been purchased said "A&E will air 'Victoria' in the summer." I assume it means summer 2001.

Also a mention about Andrew Davies' Dr Zhivago. Same stuff as before.

Wot! A re-make of Dr. Zhivago? Why?

Wot! A re-make of Dr. Zhivago? Why? That is what I said when it was first posted. I guess it has to do with the fact that presently, there are not many interesting books or original scripts out there. I know some of you think CF would be great in it. IMO, Omar Shariff owns the part and the comparisons would be detrimental to DB.

(Moon) That is what I said when it was first posted. I guess it has to do with the fact that presently, there are not many interesting books or original scripts out there. Sorry about that. Guess I should go back and read the older posts to avoid being part of the department of redundancy department. ;-) I suspected the lack of original material was the chief reason, but fear that we next may see remakes of Citizen Kane and Casablanca on the horizon. Oh, the horror of it all. :-)

Did anyone happen to catch "The Gilmore Girls" on the WB (not exactly my network of choice, but I do keep an open mind�) last night? The good press surrounding this show left me curious, so I tuned in. The show opened with the La's version of "There She Goes." I find it hard to believe this was a coincidence, and wondered which writer is the CF/FP fan. The show has potential, although some of the snappy banter seemed a little forced, and there was enough quirkiness for three episodes of Northern Exposure. :-) Thereafter, I watched the debate, which could have used some of the snappy banter. ;-)

Get a thrill every time I hear "There She Goes" and that goes for that crappy version by ? (forget) that's been on the charts recently. Used to think there might have been a FP connection too, Lisa, or even a NH connection but I've heard the LAs version a couple of times used as music for movie trailers. Guess it's just a popular bouncy piece of music since, judging by the recent Fever Pitch US (non-)distribution, the film's not too well known. ;-)

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Canadians at Spring.

Bjork was fantastic in Dancer in the Dark. Bring a box of kleenex if you plan to see it. Brilliantly done and even DH, though he did manage to find some faults, admits to being disturbed by it. It is not a Musical, but the Musical carries the film. You will know what I mean if you see it. I highly recommend it. Happy Thanksgiving to our Canadian Firthettes.

(Lisa) Did anyone happen to catch "The Gilmore Girls" on the WB (not exactly my network of choice Sorry, my television refuses to change channels from Fox; perhaps is waiting for repeat of "Sexiest Bachelor Contest," which IMHO should be a weekly series. ;-D

(Karen) perhaps is waiting for repeat of "Sexiest Bachelor Contest," which IMHO should be a weekly series. ;-D Right on. I thought Messrs. Illinois and Michigan were going to cause a riot among the very appreciative audience. Er, that was before I switched back to the History Channel, of course.;-)

According to Lou Lumenick Film Critic of the NY Post JE & RH are quoted as 25-1 and 30-1 respecively to win Best Supporting Actress at next year's Oscars. No mention for Rf or Sunshine as Best Film.

(Lisa) I find it hard to believe this was a coincidence Wish it was so, but as Heide pointed out, it's been used for other films (most recently Girl Interrupted). Heide, the [more] current single was done by Jewel.

(EileenG) current single was done by Jewel. Wrong. Sixpence none the richer did the remake. Which wasn't that bad of a rendition. I saw them in concert and they gave all the credit to the La's for writing such a cool song. Next up is Barenaked Ladies as my friend Lynn calls them (Buttnaked broads;)) Finally saw High Fidelity. I liked it but the girl who played Laura her hair bothered me. Other than that, I liked it. Liked John Cusack. Loved Barry and Dick. But this was definitely John's movie.

(Laura)Re: High Fidelity ..But this was definitely John's movie Saw it on the plane returning...have to agree...without John, the film isn't much. (Ann)Lou Lumenick Film Critic of the NY Post JE & RH are quoted as 25-1 and 30-1 respectively to win Best Supporting Actress at next year's Oscars Low odds...low probability, but I like the buzz:-))

On Yom Kippur Wishing you a year of bright new beginnings, Karen....

(Eileen)Wish it was so, but as Heide pointed out, it's been used for other films Oh well, a girl can dream in her own Colin-centric world....:-) (Laura) Finally saw High Fidelity. And I am finally reading High Fidelity along with HF's Cause Celeb (Karen, you got my curiosity up about it at the BJD topic).

I've read Cause Celeb (thanks to Darlene who sent it to me) and enjoyed it. In the beginning the London/Africa separate chapters seemed a bit disjointed, but after that it became very easy to read and made sense. The London scenes really read like a sort of prequel to BJD ;-)

So, did you like more than Possession, Gi? I am reading Armadillo now.

And they said someone named Colin couldn't be a big Hollywood star. Unfortunately, his name is Colin Farrell and from Ireland, but appears to be playing Americans and is on covers of mags. *am crying, another CF* Some excerpts from Variety: Colin Farrell, freshly minted as a potential star after his Hollywood debut Friday in "Tigerland," has become the centerpiece in two separate high-profile studio projects. Farrell will star in the Fox 2000 drama "Phone Booth" for "Tigerland" director Joel Schumacher in November and will follow by toplining for director Greg Hoblit in the MGM drama "Hart's War" in January.... Over at Fox 2000, a search for the right guy to hold the screen in the single-location Larry Cohen-scripted drama "Phone Booth" ended when Schumacher tapped his "Tigerland" find to play a slick publicist who answers a ringing pay phone, only to find there's an assassin on the other end who'll shoot to kill if the call is disconnected.... Casting the right actor has been a maddening process -- Jim Carrey committed over the summer then had a change of heart -- until Schumacher decided to rehire Farrell after plucking the Irish import from obscurity to topline the gritty ensemble "Tigerland." When the film opened to strong reviews, the studio was convinced Schumacher should continue the association beyond one picture.

(Karen) Unfortunately, his name is Colin Farrell and from Ireland, but appears to be playing Americans and is on covers of mags. *am crying, another CF* Face it, boss. Of all the many foreign actors kicking around LA for months at a stretch, *ours* is the only one who comes for vacation.:-(

(Moon)So, did you like more than Possession, Gi? I am reading Armadillo now. Possession has a good plot but I'd edit a few poems out ;-)Cause Celeb is easier to read. I wonder which one I'll remember in a year or two... I've ordered Armadillo from Amazon.com and am waiting for it...zzzzz...

Have just got home from seeing Billy Elliott,a realy heart-warming film that is more than just about a young boy who wants to be a Ballerina. Highly recommended but be warned take some tissues. The young boy who plays Billy is awesome and can he dance.

Newsweek raved and raved about Billy Elliot: [excerpt] "The loveable 'Billy Elliot', about an 11-year old dancer, launches the film careers of the amazing young actor Jamie Bell and celebrated stage director Stephen Daldry. Already a smash in Britain, it may be the biggest sleeper since 'The Full Monty'.

Time (Richard Corliss) hated it, but predicted huge hit. In contrast, Corliss wrote a few lines in the "Short Cuts" section about Darren Aronofsky's latest (he of Pi fame):"Using the bravery of his actors, and every trick in a smart cineast's book, Aronofsky takes the view on a jolting trip through the theme park called Hell. It's a demanding film, and a real movie." His Billy Elliot was amazingly wicked. I must give some of the best. BTW, the subtitle of the review was "Every so often, there comes a film so manipulative that it has to be a hit. And here comes Billy Elliot." A confession is in order: There are movies whose feel-good sentiments and slick craft annoy me so deeply that I know they will become box-office successes or top prizewinners. I call this internal mechanism my Built-In Hit Detector. I squirm through these masterpieces of emotional pornography, jotting down derisive notes. Oh, if the contrivance is blatant enough, I may get a bit teary; it is, after all, no more difficult for filmmakers to make an audience cry by depicting, say, a child in jeopardy than it is for a lap dancer to evoke an erection in her client. At the end I have the gloomy certitude that moviegoers will love Ghost or Cinema Paradiso or The Full Monty every bit as much as I disliked it. There--I've said it. Is everyone alienated? Billy Elliot...is a prime example of elevated kitsch....Billy echoes most the manipulative inspirational films of the past 20 years. The movie could be called Chariots of Flashdance, Strictly Ballet, Smile--Life is Beautiful! Audience members, already primed to love a losers-win story about a poor boy with big dreams, don't have to bring anything to the film, because director Stephen Daldry does all the work for them. Sentimental movies need subtlety; this one goes after sweet little effect with a sledgehammer so large that the film could have been produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. [btw, that is the unkindest cut of all]

A confession is in order: There are movies whose feel-good sentiments and slick craft annoy me so deeply that I know they will become box-office successes or top prizewinners. I call this internal mechanism my Built-In Hit Detector. I love it! At the end I have the gloomy certitude that moviegoers will love Ghost or Cinema Paradiso or The Full Monty every bit as much as I disliked it. And I thought I was alone! A real eye opener, thank you, Karen!

Billy Elliot...is a prime example of elevated kitsch.... Actually, some of the UK reviewers said the same thing...."nothing new here" was the consensus.

There--I've said it. Is everyone alienated? Think you've opened the closet door for a few other confessors too. I hate Steven Spielberg films for exactly your reasons. He hasn't made a good film since Jaws. (IMO!) I hate being manipulated into tears and curse all the while I'm wiping them away. Going back into the closet now.

(Heide) I hate being manipulated into tears and curse all the while I'm wiping them away. Hear hear!

That's what turned me off to fiction writing in general way back when -- I hated the intentional manipulation, and what's worse, my consciousness of it in any form of story-telling was heightened, so many other things were spoiled by it as well. Ah, well...

I don't mind most of those films at all. They have their place. But just don't hold them up to me as "Best Picture" material. Gaah!! (my tearducts open wide just thinking about Madame X - Lana Turner version) ;-D

Is this what you meant, Moon? You've seen it (and Mikey) already. Not good that a major character (and exec producer) is dissing the production. Bad omen or did the Press Assoc get it wrong? DreamWorks accused of 'dumbing down' new film Gary Oldman is fuming with Steven Spielberg's company DreamWorks for allegedly " tampering and dumbing down" the new political drama The Contender. The movie, due to be released in the UK in the New Year, stars Jeff Bridges as a dying president at the White House about to hand the reins of power over to his right hand Democrat girl Joan Allen. Oldman plays an extreme right wing Republican Congressman who digs up dirt on Allen in a bid to throw the opposition into turmoil. Oldman - who played Lee Harvey Oswald in Oliver Stone's JFK - has told friends that DreamWorks which is run by Spielberg, David Geffen and ex Disney chief Jeffrey Katzenberg had turned the story into a "propaganda exercise". A friend said: "The film has just opened in America and he wasn't very pleased with so-called alterations to the finished product. He thought they were getting a message across about The System. Instead, they've delivered a promotional film for the Democrats close to the election. It's so obvious."

(Karen, reporting) He thought they were getting a message across about The System. Instead, they've delivered a promotional film for the Democrats close to the election. ***** And the problem with that would be???:-) I haven't seen it yet, but the critics who like it are cheering that here's a political film that doesn't fence sit. Gary, you are being mentioned as a possible Oscar nominee for this one. So, shut the f*** up.;-)

(consensus critics) here's a political film that doesn't fence sit Yes, I've seen that, but could backfire.

First I would like to say that the acting is excellent. Mikey was good too!!!;-) The film is filled with clich�es and in the end, it is very obvious that the characters have been stereotyped. Jeff Bridges has the best part (you will know why when you see it). There is a twist at the end (and in DHs opinion they could have had an interesting film had they focused on that ambitious Democratic senator) (forgot his name, sorry). I also found the camera work annoying. Too many close-ups. Too undecided. Oldman wears a head wig which makes him seem bald except for three curls which looks so fake it is hard not to look at it while he is rattling on. (And I am a big fan of Oldman--should have been Oscared [as in medaled] for playing Sid Vicious IMO). I am still undecided as to who to vote for and this film did not influence me in any way. I went with three other people and we were all disappointed. Give Bjork the Oscar, says I!

Hi all! Karen and Evelyn here and we've just seen Billy Elliot. What can we say that hasn't been said? Well, neither one of us took out a kleenex. Loved the Alan Parker/Evita ripoff scene, was waiting for "What a Feeling" to start playing at the audition (Chariots of Flashdance fits perfectly, although I do like Brassed Off with a Tutu). The kid is good, although all that dancing in the streets was getting to be too much. All in all, an enjoyable but v. derivative film.

Hi all! Karen and Evelyn here Have a *GREAT* time at the DQ screening!

Will do!! BTW, Barbara Leigh-Hunt (Lady Catherine) is in Billy Elliot. She's on the audition panel for the Royal Ballet School and asks him "the" question that likely got him in. As soon as I heard her speak, I nudged Evelyn and said, "Lady Catherine."

I've been reading all the Londinium news, and enjoying it, so today, when Joe and I went to see the Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges and Gary Oldman film The Contender, imagine my surprise at A) Mariel Hemingway in a one scene cameo, and B) Mike Binder himself with a major supporting role as Joan Allen's senate chief of staff. I didn't recognize him. In fact, I asked Joe if that actor didn't look a bit like Ben Stiller, but there was Mike's name in the credits. I see all this has been mentioned above. The film is fun, but does carry a serious message, that there is a double standard in public life for women in office. Jeff Bridges, whom I love, gets to do a larger than life, Lyndon-like president that loves to eat, and Gary Oldman is wonderfully creepy as the right wing senator trying to bring the Allen character down. Joan Allen is an understated actress, but I thought that kind of performance worked well here against scene stealers like Bridges. I didn't know Oldman had complained, but I really wasn't thinking Dems and Repubs when I saw it though the film does have a definite liberal slant. I was thinking how the man's world of politics still asks us to judge women by different standards. The accusations against Allen would not have raised an eyebrow if she had been a man. As I said, fun to watch the scene stealers, not a great film but an enjoyable one, and one with a message for us all. I liked Sam Elliot very much. Has a great voice. He is new to me. What else has he been in? And totally off topic, I am reading a lot about Colin.......no, not Firth, but Farrell. I have seen him on the cover of Interview Mag. There is some hunk of an Irishman. (Just scrolled to the top and see that Karen has mentioned him already.) Late as usual, Murph!

Here's the Oldman article from Reuters: Friday October 13 7:09 PM ET Oldman at odds with DreamWorks over ``The Contender'' LOS ANGELES(Reuters) - Actor Gary Oldman claims that DreamWorks turned his new film, ``The Contender,'' into anti-Republican propaganda to serve the Democratic agenda of studio owners Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen, Premiere magazine reported Friday. In the magazine's November issue, the right-leaning British actor and his manager, Douglas Urbanski, charge that ''Contender's'' writer and director Rod Lurie altered the film under pressure from DreamWorks to fit the political tastes of the studio's partners -- Spielberg, Katzenberg and Geffen. DreamWorks officials and Lurie denied that the film was politically slanted or edited to reflect a studio political agenda. Spielberg, Katzenberg and Geffen are major Democratic Party backers in Hollywood. In the movie, Oldman stars as a Republican congressman trying to derail the vice presidential nomination of a Democratic senator played by Joan Allen by dredging up an alleged sexual scandal from her past. Oldman told Premiere that after buying rights to the completed movie, the studio pressured Lurie, a self-described liberal, to edit the film in such a way as to depict Oldman's character and Republicans in general as villains. The actor and his manager say the question of who is virtuous and who is not was left ambiguous before the final cut, and that Oldman actually saw his character as ``the only true patriot in the film.'' The magazine quoted Urbanski as calling the movie ``almost a Goebbels-like piece of propaganda'' and also suggesting that the November presidential battle was a factor in the changes. ``If your names are Spielberg, Katzenberg and Geffen, you can't have a film with a Republican character who is at all sympathetic being released Oct. 13,'' Urbanski said. In the Premiere article, DreamWorks Pictures executive Walter Parkes denies any political motivation behind the final cut of the movie. ``There's no indication to me whatsoever that Rod ever felt pressured. One only has to look at the coverage of the (Democratic National) convention to see that the owners of this company have sympathies with the Democratic party. Did those sympathies enter into the editorial process or the decision to buy the movie? Unequivocally, no.'' Lurie also denies that he was swayed by DreamWorks to alter the political tone of the film, or that he meant for Oldman's character to be a kind of tragic hero. ``Gary is emblematic of what many actors go through: a kind of Stockholm syndrome in which they being to sympathize with their captors, and in this case, the captors are the characters that they play,'' Lurie told Premiere. Reuters/Variety REUTERS

(Karen) I don't mind most of those films at all. They have their place. I quite enjoy melodrama myself when it makes no pretense to something else. I like getting weepy over Penny Serenade w/Cary Grant. Of course my idea of sappy may not be another's idea of sappy. I do not seek to persuade others to my point of view and speak only for myself using "we" in the royal sense only. ;-)

(Heide)I do not seek to persuade others to my point of view and speak only for myself using "we" in the royal sense only. ;-) Love it, Heide. May I use this in the future? ;-)

But of course. We are never averse to sharing our wit as well as our inanities.

;-) ;-)

Moon, forgive me if this is old news, but when will the discussion of Apartment Zero begin? I want to have enough time to watch it again. Thanks.

To get in the mood of AZ, I thought we should start the discussion after Halloween. ;-D Will Nov. 7th give everyone enough time?

Yahoo news used this picture for an item on The Contender controversy. Look who is in it! Doesn't look his usual dork self. Actress Joan Allen portrays Senator Laine Hanson in a scene from the new drama film 'The Contender' along with actor Mike Binder (L) who portrays her communications director in this undated publicity photograph. Actor Gary Oldman claims that DreamWorks paid to turn this film into anti-Republican propaganda that serves the Democratic agenda of studio owners Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen, Premiere magazine reported on October 13, 2000. (Gino Mifsud/DreamWorks Pictures via Reuters)

And we thought the Jodhi May version of TTOTS was bad. If people see this Spanish version, it will make ours look like a masterpiece. Henry James novel gets "Mind"-less treatment "Presence of Mind" By David Rooney SAN SEBASTIAN (Variety) - While recent film versions of Henry James' novels have met with wildly divergent critical receptions, it's hard to recall a more wrongheaded attempt to transfer the author to the screen than Spanish newcomer Antoni Aloy's "Presence of Mind," a blundering adaptation of "The Turn of the Screw." Everything that's subtle and open to interpretation in James' novel of evil, possession and ghosts is lurid and obvious here, with an unauthoritative star turn by Britain's Sadie Frost and arch support from screen legend Lauren Bacall that gives the drama a ripple of unintentionally camp humour. An unusually ambitious first feature, Aloy's adaptation of James' story of a governess engaged to look after two orphaned children shifts the action from a British country house to an island off the Spanish coast. The only real addition to the novel concerns the governess's father (Jack Taylor), who dies at the beginning of the film, but whose disturbingly inhumane treatment of her is revealed in heavy-handed Gothic nightmare sequences, troweling on even more factors to spook the put-upon heroine. Interviewed for the job by the children's uncle (a quietly hammy Harvey Keitel), the governess feels an attraction to the man that gives rise to some darkly sexual fantasy interludes. The seemingly kindly, rather ambiguous housekeeper of the novel, Mrs. Grose, becomes a downright sinister figure here in Mado Remei (Bacall), whose heavy eyebrows work overtime with insinuations about the evil infesting the estate and its grip on the two beautiful, petulant children (Nilo Mur, Ella Jones). Slowly, the governess pieces together events from the past, putting a face to the household's sense of intense evil and sin in a callous former valet (Spanish director Agusti Villaronga) who was the lover of her predecessor, Miss Jessel (Dayne Danika), both of whom are dead. In "The Turn of the Screw," James leaves it for the reader to decide if these ghosts and their evil agendas truly exist for the children or are merely the hysterical fabrications of the governess. Aloy, however, whips the whole scenario up into an overblown Hammer House of Horror frenzy full of dangling cadavers, leering spectres and hints of incest and paedophilia that would have James pirouetting in his grave. Unfolding to bursts of lugubrious opera, this is coupled with a generally tired, TV-literary-adaptation approach, replete with predictably lush period trappings and fussy costumes. Bacall creeps about like Lurch in "The Addams Family," indefatigably launching cold, imperious stares and furtive glances, but top honours for acting ineptitude go here to Frost. The actress's thin voice, dull, contemporary intonations and remarkably inexpressive features make her a wooden centrepiece for this ripely silly affair, which fails to come even close to the chilling atmosphere of Jack Clayton's 1961 Deborah Kerr starrer "The Innocents," based on the same novel.

(Murph) I liked Sam Elliot very much. He is new to me. What else has he been in? Lots of TV, mostly westerns. Has a great voice. ...and commercials: 'Beef. It's what's for dinner.'

(Eileen) 'Beef. It's what's for dinner.' Great ear! Sam's also been married to Katherine Ross for years.

Karen, that's the pic of Mikey that I told you I've been seeing everywhere. Talk about being in the right place/shot at the right time!;-) RE: Gary Oldman--how on earth did he think that his character was going to come across as "the only true patriot" in this film?? Did he not read that dialogue and appear in those scenes? Have since read that he and his idiot manager were able to finagle "executive producer" titles for themselves at the last minute as an inducement to coming on board. Gee, that implies that you actually had something to do with the film's production, eh, Gar? What exactly did you "executive produce?" Answer: nothing, it's all ego. No matter what your political persuasion, his manager's likening of this (a movie, fergodsake!) to a "Goebbels-type" propaganda effort is deeply offensive and beneath contempt. What jerks.

(Mari) No matter what your political persuasion, his manager's likening of this (a movie, fergodsake!) to a "Goebbels-type" propaganda effort is deeply offensive and beneath contempt. Or incredibly stupid. If Oldman was aiming at Spielberg, he grossly miscalculated. It wouldn't surprise me if he never worked in Hollywood again. (Moon) To get in the mood of AZ, I thought we should start the discussion after Halloween. ;-D Will Nov. 7th give everyone enough time? Sounds good to me, but most anything does as I'm still on a DQ high. ;-D

Karen, I wonder if Doug Urbanski knows how to calculate 15% of $0.;-) Moon, Apt. Zero discussion sounds good to me. Here's a longish article on my favorite mogul.:-) Check out the part about what happened on the film he is doing with Tornatore; sounds like something out of a Sciascia novel. See how these things all tie together, children?;-) Why is Harvey Weinstein smiling? By Peter Bart, Daily Variety Editor-in-Chief ROME (Variety) - Harvey Weinstein doesn't seem to get it. When I ran into the Miramax Films co-chairman last week in this always frenetic city, a big grin was plastered on his broad face. He'd been racing around Italy, opening a new Nobu Restaurant with Robert De Niro in Milan, making the scene with a rail-thin Leonardo DiCaprio in Rome (local gossip reported that Leonardo had become rotund, apparently confusing the two). Along the way, he'd found time to supervise several Miramax movies shooting around Europe including the $85 million period epic, ``Gangs of New York.'' Happy Harvey seems oblivious to the fact that, by all accounts, he should be in a funk. After all, the market for arthouse movies is collapsing, the audience for European-made films has all but vanished and ``culture warriors'' like Lynne Cheney are singling him out as a prime culprit in making the edgy movies that are poisoning society. Harvey's reaction seems to be: What, me worry? Ask him about these portents and he has a ready answer. On the pressure from Washington: ``The movie industry deserved a slap in the face. We've been doing some things in marketing our films that we shouldn't be doing. I have a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old and I'm sensitive to these issues.'' But he adds: ``That doesn't mean I'm going to change the content and character of our films. We just have to be more ingenious in selling them.'' At the same time, he feels the R rating must be split into two categories so that ``Shakespeare in Love'' isn't lumped with films that are grotesquely violent. On the market for art films: ``I believe there's a big future for European movies. If not, I wouldn't be spending half my time over here working my butt off.'' The problems are fairly clear, he says. The major studios have exhibited ``a homerun mentality'' in running their new classics divisions, thinking another ``The Full Monty'' is right around the corner. Further, too many films have been battling for too small a market share. ``But most of all, the quality is not there,'' he says. ``We just have to strive to make better, more provocative films. When you succeed, the potential audience is bigger than ever. Witness 'Life Is Beautiful' grossing $150 million and 'Il Postino' $100 million.'' No one can claim Harvey isn't trying. He's personally involved in a wide range of films shooting in Europe including Giuseppe Tornatore's ``Malena,'' which he's co-producing; ``Heaven'' directed by Tom Tykwer (``Run Lola, Run''), based on a script by the late Krzysztof Kieslowski, which Anthony Minghella is producing; and ``Chocolat,'' a film directed by Lasse Hallstrom. There's also a Nicole Kidman thriller, ``The Others,'' shooting in Spain, a John Madden (``Shakespeare in Love'') movie, which recently wrapped in England -- a co-venture with Universal and Working Title -- and ``Four Feathers,'' a co-production with Paramount lensing in Morocco. Shooting in Europe is never easy, Harvey acknowledges. The Mafia burned down the set of his Tornatore film in Sicily because he neglected to employ the services of a favored company supplying extras -- a mistake he doesn't plan to repeat. And Europe is no longer a bargain; witness the mother of all Miramax movies, ``Gangs of New York,'' helmed by Martin Scorsese. Harvey is a regular on the intricate period set of this saga, presently in its fourth week at Cinecitta Studios outside of Rome. The movie stars DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz. Harvey and Scorsese even persuaded Daniel Day-Lewis to set aside his newfound career as a Tuscan shoemaker to play a key role. No press visits have been allowed on the set. Indeed, security is so tight that all sorts of rumors have been spawned, suggesting that the movie is already way behind schedule, that Scorsese and Harvey are battling over the script and that Leonardo has become a fatty. They're all nonsense, insists Harvey: ``The movie is turning out so great I have to pinch myself.'' To be sure, this was a film Harvey had hoped to shoot at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where he had planned to build a studio until, he says, ``Mayor Giuliani did a 180 360 on me.'' Then, too, a brief location visit by Tom Cruise a couple of weeks ago proved costly. ``He agreed with Marty that we should build another set -- a cathedral, no less. I had opposed it, hoping we could re-dress an existing set. So now we've built it and it's known as St. Thomas Cathedral in honor of Cruise.'' If Harvey seems good-natured in defeat, it's because he loves the process. What has always set him apart from virtually all of the other studio executives is his passion for films and filmmaking. He wants so desperately for his movies to work that sometimes it seems as though he actually wills them to success. And that, in the end, is why Harvey is Happy.

(Mari) I wonder if Doug Urbanski knows how to calculate 15% of $0.;-) Someone must have told him because they're backpedaling. Claims he was misunderstood and actually said "gerbils." (Variety) Harvey Weinstein doesn't seem to get it. Doesn't this just say it all? ;-) He wants so desperately for his movies to work that sometimes it seems as though he actually wills them to success. *Seems* is the operative word. ;-D Thanks, Mari, for the article.

The Mafia burned down the set of his Tornatore film in Sicily because he neglected to employ the services of a favored company supplying extras -- a mistake he doesn't plan to repeat. Wait a minute. He gets it! ;-) So now we've built it and it's known as St. Thomas Cathedral in honor of Cruise.'' The perks of co-producing a film in Italy. :-D ``I believe there's a big future for European movies. If not, I wouldn't be spending half my time over here working my butt off.'' I hope he is right. Thanks, Mari, this was very interesting. Will have to check out Nobu next summer. On a side note, The Contender was the fifth grossing movie this weekend. The studio people are starting to wonder what they did wrong. Their big publicity campaign did not get them the results. Could it have been dear Gary's comments that turned people off? ;-) Glad to see the AZ discussion group starting to form. I highly recommend everyone to rent this film. One of DBs best.

The Mafia burned down the set of his Tornatore film in Sicily because he neglected to employ the services of a favored company supplying extras -- a mistake he doesn't plan to repeat. Now I know how to ensure I get a walk-on role in all future London films *getting the arson equipment together*

Now I know how to ensure I get a walk-on role in all future London films You really should aim higher but that will involve taking out a contract or two. ;-D

(Harvey) ``I believe there's a big future for European movies. If not, I wouldn't be spending half my time over here working my butt off.'' (Moon) I hope he is right. About the future of European movies, or about Harvey's butt? :-) The Contender was the fifth grossing movie this weekend. In defense of both Dreamworks and Gary, not that they need it, but I'm just in the mood to ramble: In defense of Dreamworks: From everything that I have read, this movie is a knockout. Political agendas aside, from a pure business point of view, it makes perfect sense to release it earlier than originally planned. If its subject matter can ride the coattails of the election, then why not. And if the performances are stellar, then it makes sense to release it this year so that the film and its actors can qualify for the upcoming Oscars and be fresh in people's minds. Clearly the films producers knew that they had a gem on their hands. And sometimes timing is everything, so why not rush it to market. In defense of Gary Oldman: It must be frustrating for an established performer, who I presume can afford to be choosey about the roles than he takes, to sign up for a work, again presumably for the sake of the art, to see that work or his role tampered with during the production. (His presumption that a political agenda was at work may not be all that far-fetched, didn't the Dreamworks crowd stay in the Lincoln Bedroom, tee hee?). But again, political agendas aside, just purely from an artisic point of view, it has to be frustrating. Poor Gary, LOL. And I was just getting to really like him, I hope his impolitic comments don't tank his career. One of those odious tabloid shows on TV, you know the kind that I never watch but it just happened to be on, had done a story on actors who were good with fans and actors who weren't. To my utter surprise, they listed Gary as being wonderful with fans. Apparently he really appreciates them and always stops to give out autographs and talk to them. Travolta was listed as a good guy. I wish I could remember others, and those that were listed as the bad buys. Anyone ever hear Dee Wallace Stone talk about her experience with Spielburg after making ET? I wish I could remember the exact details, but she was on an interview show years ago and talked about how vindictive he was towards her when she was unable to do the promotional tour. I think she said she was physically unable to do the tour, maybe pregnant or something. Afterwards, she said doors were closed to her. She couldn't get work. But who knows where the truth lies... She is not exactly in the same class as Gary. Her story might be totally phooey. And Spielburg vindictive? Who knows. But in an amazing interview, Dreyfus talked about how he and Spielburg didn't get along on Jaws. Dreyfus seemed to take most of the blame, basically calling himself a royal pain in the butt. Tee hee, I can fully imagine that. But Spielburg rose above it and re-teamed with him on Close Encounters, much to his surprise. As Dreyfus tells it, he basically asked, "You want to work with ME again?" LOL. Ramble end. Over and out :-)

Yes, Donna, there are always two sides to stories and possibilities where people have been misquoted, their words taken out of context, etc. Unfortunately, some words can be extremely inflammatory and Oldman & Co. used one such word. Besides, don't we all form opinions about people from casual encounters and work experiences that lead us to say, "hey, I don't want to work with someone again" or similar. It's really very natural and human. It shall be interesting to see how this plays out, as not everyone is as vindictive as I am. ;-D Haven't seen The C yet, so shall reserve judgment on quality or alleged bias.

Actually, I thought the Contender's 5th place showing was very respectable, considering that it is on far fewer (like 1000 less) screens than the films ahead of it. Also, an R rating limits the audience. (Mark) *getting the arson equipment together* Mark, I always felt you would add a spark to any film in which you appear.:-) BTW, I saw a sneak preview of an interesting film last weekend called "Pay It Forward." Wonderful performances from Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment, and intelligent direction from Mimi Leder. It's about a 7th grade teacher (Spacey) who challenges his students to take on a project that will improve the world in some way. Uh oh, I can almost hear the schmaltz police coming after me now.;-) The film didn't work for me altogether, primarily due to the resolution of the story and to some of the peripheral characters, but it is compelling, thought-provoking, and beautifully acted. Worth a look. Just don't come back and tell me you feel abused and manipulated.;-)

Uh oh, I can almost hear the schmaltz police coming after me now.;-) (Heehee), Schmaltz, schmaltz, schmaltz! I have seen the previews. Nothing I would even bother to rent. What kind of make-up did they use on KS and HH? On the other hand, I would be very happy to see those Iranian films which won prizes at the CFF. When will you see The C, Karen? I am probably alone in my opinion if the film, and, it would not be the first time. ;-)

The poor showing of "The Contender" may be due to a variety of factors, Gary Oldman's comments may well be among them or not. I don't know if most Americans care very much one way other about the political affiliations of the Dreamworks team. Indeed, the political leanings of Speilberg, et al, have never been a secret. Those who are of a conservative bent are not likely to have a favorable inclination toward the film from the start. It therefore is ulikely they would have been swayed by Oldman's remarks. Has Oldman damaged his career by stating his position so strongly? Perhaps. A factor which may have lead to the lower than expected box office is the decision to release the movie during the presidential campaign. It was a calculated risk which may have failed. Many Americans are largely bored and disenchanted with the election and its attendant functions, such as the debates. Many people have had enough, and just wish this process were over. "The Contender" may remind them of something from which they would prefer to escape by going to the movies. Why go to the movies when the film looks like the evening news? Of course it may be as simple as the four other movies just seemed more appealing to the public at large. On Richard Corliss and his delicious summation on "Billy Elliot"; it really doesn't seem likely that the movie could be quite so entertaining as the Corliss review. I really do miss Richard Corliss as the editor of "Film Comment".

(Mari) I can almost hear the schmaltz police coming after me now.;-) How's that possible? Greased shoes are a staple in their arsenal for surprise. ;-D Now if you want to talk schmaltzy, manipulative movies, I'll take The Green Mile over Billy Elliot any day. I cannot believe the praise it is getting when it is no more than a Flashdance with slightly higher production values and no sweatshirts with holes. Would the next person to see Billy Elliot check the credits? Who was Jamie Bell's dance instructor? Michael Flatley? Oddest ballet I've ever seen, and when have men been the swans in swan lake aside from Les Ballet Trocadero de Monaco? Think the last shot (a Nijinsky-esque leap) came out of the sequel to Saturday Night Fever. ;-D I recommend Bread and Roses (little tears forming in eyes at end) by Ken Loach. The guy can make movies, and Adrien Brody looked pretty good. Re: The Contender I don't think the comments have affect the box office. People just wanted to see those other movies more as escapist entertainment. I can't begin to tell you how they're talking up Meet the Parents as the funniest thing since....that Mary movie. Who knows, Ben Stiller may be the next Jim Carrey.

Happy Birthday Tracy. Always happy to be your bit-part interloper. Um breezers are heap powerful medicine. Argor room swirling ... oof!

Wot!? Have I missed Tracy's birthday? That shall not be borne. Go to it! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRACY!! Time to move onto to more birthday-like celebratory beverages... and some dancing! Of course, no birthday would be complete without *my* ardent wishes.

(they came from me)

Happy Birthday Tracey, hope it is the best. (Oh boy that look, swoon!!)

Happy Birthday Tracy

Now whose showing off, there is no stopping her!!! (I am very impressed actually).

Dearest, Lovliest Tracy, I cannot believe I have missed your birthday. Will you forgive me? Was it not just the other day, when you were touring my estate, that we celebrated our new-found love? You must know how ardently I admire and love you, Tracy, but I will *not* put on the kilt. On that, Madam, I will not be swayed. I wish you many years of happiness and may God bless. Yours &etc., Fitzy

"Just one moment, Tracy dear. Let me autograph this bug*er's paper, then we can discuss my weight." "Podgy? Skinny legs? My dear, you really know how to hurt a man. Nevertheless, I wish you a belated happy birthday with a promise I will be far more fit and handsome as Mark Darcy. At the very least, Mark has *much* better hair."

Happy Birthday Tracy! Wishing you many fun firthfilled years.

HAVE A FIRTHALIZING FIRTHRATE BIRTHDAY! FROM ALL YOU FELLOW FIRTHOPHILES!

Tracy: Sorry to be tardy on the birthday wishes. (Hope you aren't hurtin' after falling into your computer last night. You know what they say about operating heavy machinery.:-)) Maybe I will have HTML down by next year so I can include a sumptuous photo of "The Man." In any event, Happy Birthday!

Happy Brithday, Tracy! Sounds like the celebration was a real breeze(er;-) Hope you had a good one, and I wish you a Firthful year!

An article about John McCarthy in The Times: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,21322,00.html

Thanks to all for your birthday wishes - my head, thankfully, stopped swirling enough for me to appreciate your lovely messages.

Didn't log in for a couple of days so missed your birthday, Tracy! What can I say? I hope it was a great one, and here's a little gift to lift you up after all the "real" drinks :-) Hope you had a great Birthday!

Glad to hear that you had fun on your birthday, Tracy. Hope it wasn't too hard getting to work the next day. Have a wonderful year!

So sorry I missed your birthday, Tracy. Hope you had a devilishly good time. and you're all recovered now. ;-) Happy Birthday!

Are the Scorpios starting to come out? ;-)

With tail held high and a happy sway :-)

Indeed...out gathering flowers as I go...Lei-making time for me... and some thing to post on 113 so as not to steal the thunder from Gi's festivities...

Hauoli Na Hanau, Gi! Plumeria with hibiscus and orchids. One for daytime festivities and one for evening...with fondest Ahoha.

Birthdates which occurred on your SELECTED date of October 25: 1759 Baron Grenville (Whig) British PM (1806-07) 1800 Thomas Babington Macaulay England, poet/historian (Ivry, Naaseby) 1825 Johann Strauss (the younger) composer (Waltz King) 1838 Georges Bizet France, composer (Carmen) 1843 Gleb Uspensky Russia, author (Power of the Soil) 1869 John Heisman pioneering football coach/trophy namesake 1877 Henry Norris Russell astronomer (Hertzsprung-Russell diagram) 1881 Pablo Picasso Spain, artist (3 Dancers, Guernica) 1884 Eduardo Barrios Chile, novelist (The Love-Crazed Boy) 1888 Richard E Byrd Virginia, admiral/polar explorer (1926) 19-- Asher Brauner Chicago, actor (Officer Donovan-B.A.D. Cats) 19-- John Leven rocker (Europe-The Final Countdown) 19-- Laura Malone actress (Another World) 19-- Marc L Taylor Houston Tx, actor (Conrad-House Calls) 19-- Matthias Jabs rock guitarist (Scorpions-Wind of Change) 19-- Paul Regina Brooklyn NY, actor (Joe-Joe & Valerie) 19-- Shelley Smith Princeton NJ, actress (Scruples, Associates) 19-- Gi, Lisbon, Portgal, Medical Doctor, Plastic Surgeon 1902 Henry Steele Commager Pitts Pa, historian (Atlas of the Civil War) 1909 Philleo Nash US Bureau of Indian Affairs (1961-67) 1909 Whit Bissel NYC, actor (Time Machine, General Kirk-Time Tunnel) 1912 Jack Kent Cooke NFL team owner (Washington Redskins) 1912 Minnie Pearl [Sarah Ophelia Colley] Tenn, (Grand Old Opry, Hee-Haw) 1914 John Berryman American poet (Friends & Associates) 1914 John Reed King Atlantic City NJ, TV host (Why?, Let's See) 1923 Bobby Thomson HR hitter (The Giants win the pennant) 1924 Billy Barty Millsboro Pa, 3'9" actor (Under the Rainbow, Foul Play) 1925 Yakov Rylskly USSR, sabre team (Olympic-bronze-1956) 1926 Biff McGuire New Haven Ct, actor (Serpico, Heart is Lonely Hunter) 1926 Galina Vishnevskaya Russia, soprano (Madama Butterfly) 1927 Barbara Cook Atlanta Ga, stage singer/actress (Music Man) 1927 Franklin "Bud" Held javelin world champ (1949, 51, 53-55) 1928 Jeanne Cooper Minneapolis, actress (Kay-Young & Restless) 1928 Marion Ross Albert Lea Mn, actress (Marion-Happy Days, Brooklyn Bridge) 1928 Anthony Franciosa NYC, actor (Long Hot Summer, Name of Game, Death Wish 3) 1931 Annie Girardot Paris France, actress (Gypsy, Jacko & Lise) 1935 Russell "Rusty" L Schweickart Neptune NJ, astronaut (Apollo 9) 1940 Bob Knight college basketball coach (Indiana, Olympic-gold-1984) 1941 Anne Tyler American writer (Accidental Tourist) 1941 Helen Reddy Melbourne Australia, singer (I Am Woman) 1944 Kathy "Taffy" Danoff Wash DC, vocalist (Starland Vocal Band) 1948 Dave Cowens NBA forward (Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks) 1949 Brian Kerwin Chicago Ill, actor (Chisholms, King Kong Lives, Lobo) 1950 John Matuszak Milwaukee Wisc, NFLer (Raiders)/actor (Hollywood Beat) 1951 Ransom Wilson Tuscaloosa Alabama, flutist (Soliste NY) 1958 Kornelia Ender German DR, 100m/200m freestyle (Olympic-gold-1976) 1960 Scott Anthony Haneline Indianapolis, murderer (FBI Most Wanted List) 1960 Tom Eplin actor (Jake-Another World) 1963 Tracy Nelson Calif, actress (Glitter, Square Pegs, Father Dowling) 1965 Nick Thorpe rocker (Curiosity Killed the Cat-Keep Your Distance) 1967 Julia Roberts Smyma Georgia, actress (Mystic Pizza, Pretty Woman) 1968 Lisa Trusel Cal, actress (Lizette-Father Murphy, Days of our Lives) Deaths which occurred on October 25: 1400 Geofrey Chaucer author, dies in London 1892 Caroline Harrison Pres Benjamin Harrison's wife, dies at 60 1959 Bob Murphy TV host (RFD America), dies at 42 1961 Peter Jensen co-inventer (loud speaker), dies at 75 1964 Belle Montrose actress (Mrs Harrison-The Hathaways), dies at 78 1973 Abebe Bikila Ethiopian marathoner (Oly-gold 1960, 64), dies at 46 1985 Morton Downey singer (Star of the Family), dies at 83 1986 Forrest Tucker actor (O'Rourke-F Troop, Dusty Trail), dies at 67 1987 Cecil Brown news correspondant (CBS), dies at 80 1989 Mary McCarthy author (The Group), dies, at 77 1991 Bill Graham rock concert promoter (Filmore), dies at 60 On this day... 625 Boniface V ends his reign as Catholic Pope 1415 Battle of Agincourt, Welsh longbow defeats the armored knight 1671 Giovanni Cassini discovers Iapetus, satellite of Saturn 1760 George III ascends the British throne 1764 John Adams marries Abigail Smith (marriage lasts 54 years) 1812 US frigate United States captures British vessel Macedonian 1854 The Light Brigade charges (Battle of Balaklava) (Crimean War) 1870 Pimlico Race Course opens in Baltimore 1870 Postcards 1st used in US 1891 1st International 6 day bike race (NY MSG) ends 1900 England annexes Transvaal 1903 Senate begins investigating Teapot Dome scandals of Harding admin 1915 Atty James L Curtis named minister of Liberia 1918 Canadian steamship "Princess Sophia" hit a reef off Alaska, 398 die 1924 1st appearance of Little Orphan Annie comic strip 1926 Lester Patrick becomes 1st coach & gm of NY Rangers 1929 Former Interior Sec Albert Fall convicted of accepting $100,000 bribe 1930 1st football game in Atlantic City Convention Center 1930 1st scheduled transcontinental air service began 1935 Hurricane-produced floods kill 2,000 in Jeremie & Jacmel Haiti 1944 Japanese navy defeated at battle of Leyte Gulf 1945 Japanese surrender Taiwan to Gen Chiang Kai-shek 1951 Peace talks aimed at ending Korean War resumed in Panmunjom 1960 1st electronic wrist watch placed on sale, NYC 1962 110th member of the UN admitted (Uganda) 1962 American author John Steinbeck awarded Nobel Prize in literature 1962 Stevenson demands USSR amb Zorin answer regarding Cuban missile bases saying "I am prepared to wait for my answer until hell freezes over" 1963 Beatles begin their 1st full foreign tour in Sweden 1964 Viking Jim Marshall runs 66 yards in the wrong direction for a safety 1965 Rolling Stones release "Get Off of My Cloud" 1968 Chicago recognizes Jean Baptiste Pointe de Sable as its 1st settler 1968 Longest Oly field hockey game, Hol beats Spain 1-0 in 2h25m (6 OT) 1968 Yoko Ono announces she is having John Lennon's baby 1971 Roy Disney dedicates Walt Disney World 1971 UN General Assembly admits Mainland China & expels Taiwan 1972 Eddy Merckx (Belgium) covers 30 miles, 1,258 yards in 1 hr 1973 Chris Wills wins 1st National hang-gliding championship 1974 Wings release "Junior's Farm" 1975 USSR's Venera 10 makes day-side Venus landing 1976 5th Enterprise, approach & lands test (ALT) flight 1976 Gov Wallace grants full pardon to Clarence Norris, last known survivor of 9 Scottsboro Boys who were convicted in 1931 rape 1978 Israeli Cabinet approves "in principle," a draft compromise peace 1980 Barbra Streisand's "Guilty," album goes #1 for 3 weeks & her single "Woman In Love," goes #1 for 3 weeks 1983 US invades Grenada, a country 1/2,000 its population (US Wins!) 1984 "Give My Regards to Broad Street" premiers (Gotham Theater-NYC) 1984 Rangers beat Devils 11-2 1985 Kosmos 1700 communications satellite placed in geostationary orbit 1986 International Red Cross ousted from South Africa 1986 Michael Sergio parachutes into Shea Stadium during game 6 of WS 1987 Minnesota Twins win their 1st World Series championship beating St Louis Cards, 4 games to 3 in 84th World Series 1988 ABC News reports on potbellied pygmy porkers' popularity as pets 1990 Evander Hollyfield KOs James "Buster" Douglas for HW boxing title 1990 NY Daily News goes on strike (lasts through March, 1991) Holidays Note: Some Holidays are only applicable on a given "day of the week" Taiwan : Restoration Day (1945) Virgin Islands : Thanksgiving Day US : Mother-in-Law's Day - - - - - ( Sunday ) New Zealand : Labour Day-last Monday in October - - - - - ( Monday ) US some states : Veterans Day - - - - - ( Monday ) US : Francis E Willard Day-temperance day - - - - - ( Friday ) Religious Observances Ang : Commemoration of St Crispin (Ang) Christian : Feast of St Gaudentius, bishop of Brescia Christ : Commemoration of SS Chrysanthus & Daria, martyrs (3rd cen) Religious History 1147 The armies of the Second Crusade (1147-49) were destroyed by the Saracens at Dorylaeum (in modern Turkey). The Crusaders went on with fruitless campaigns against Damascus, Syria. 1564 Birth of Hans Leo Hassler, sacred composer. The first notable German musician educated in Italy, Hassler left a rich musical legacy, including the hymn tune PASSION CHORALE, to which the Church now sings, "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded." 1800 Birth of Jacque Paul Migne, French theological publisher. Establishing his own press in 1836, Migne published a voluminous collection of writings by the ancient Greek and Latin fathers (161 vols: "Patrologia Graecae"; 221 vols: "Patrologia Latinae") during his remaining 39 years. 1921 Franklin Small, 48, and a group of dissatisfied members of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, obtained a Dominion charter to establish the Apostolic Church of Pentecost of Canada. In 1953, this group merged with the Evangelical Churches of Pentecost, whose major congregations are located today in the Canadian prairie provinces. 1941 The first Youth For Christ rally was held at Bryant's Alliance Tabernacle in New York City. An international evangelical youth organization, YFC has no single founder, but rather emerged out of weekly rallies held for the youth of New York City during the 1930s.

(I thought Portugal looked funny.... sorry dear!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GI. Belated Happy wishes to Tracy. Missed yours while in Kentucky to see my new grandson, now two weeks old.

Thank you, Marcia and Lucie... The leis are lovely. Amid all that trivia I've learned a few interesting things (Bizet and Strauss - I knew about Picasso - surprised by Julia Roberts). Only one murderer, thank the Gods!;-) But please, my birthdate is in the second half of the 20th century, not at the beginning...:-)

Have a great day Gi

Hullo, Gi? Remember me? I had to do something to get your attention since you're spending so much time with that Firth fella. Have a great birthday! Oh, and when you have a minute, can I talk to you about the tiny wrinkles around my eyes? Thanks.

Oooh, love those shower pics. Bring 'em on!! ;-D

"You say Gi lives here? How come she's not answering the door? I've got flowers and everything for her birthday."

Gi, I've come to lure you away from Antonio with these tomahtoes. Er--you say tomahtoes are a symbol for wot? Well, I thought of bringing flowers but I see someone has beaten me to it.

Ooooohhh--can I have some of what Gi is having?:-) Aniversario feliz, Gi. Tenha un maravilhoso, Firth-enchido ano!

Just so he doesn't look empty-handed... You know what they say about a bird in the hand, same applies to tomatoes. ;-D

Happy Birthday, Gi!!

"Combining the best of all worlds, I've brought you flowers and my own personal tomatoes and am wet to boot!"

"I'm sending my birthday wishes to Patas' mommy." Woof!

why so serious? Karen, that shower pic, ROTFLOL. C'mon Gi, take those flowers, we're waiting!;-)

Happy Birthday, Gi

That was meant to be in Portuguese colours. I must have got it wrong as a subconscious response to the incorrect identification of my hair colour! Try again: Happy Birthday, Gi

ROTFL, Tineke! You're getting pretty good with those de- and recapitations. What else can we do with that pic? ;-D (Mark) I must have got it wrong as a subconscious response to the incorrect identification of my hair colour! And they say 'elephants don't forget...' Around here, nobody forgets nothing. ;-D

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GI Just so you'll never run out....

Wow, what a party! Thank you all, you are wonderful! Eileen, I almost fell from my chair at the sight of that shower pic. And I bet he's singing to Aishling's words :-) Of course I'm home, did Karen give you a wrong address? Now I've got and ... I guess I only need a to make it perfect :-) ... And Spam, there's never too much Spam! So thank you all, Aishling, Eileen, Karen, Mari (muito obrigado!), Tineke, Mark (I promise I won't make the same mistake again)and Evelyn. adds his thanks :-)

Happy Birthday, Gi! Wishing you the best birthday a girl could possibly have in a new century, Gi! I have arranged for you to stay at Villa d Este on Lake Como next summer. Enjoy! Shall we meet by the pool? :-D

You will have to tell us the flowers smell, Gi. ;-)

We spared no expense in transporting your cake across the seas: It might not have arrived first thing this morning, but I think you'll like it. It's sort of like your shower cake. ;-D So after your martinis, be sure to leave some room for: HAPPY BIRTHDAY GI!!

AND MANY MORE GI!!

AND MANY MORE GI!!

Seems it is a cosmic event for Gi. I just posted this in Geo: Oct. 25th Solar Coronal Mass Ejection Space Weather News for Oct. 25, 2000 http://www.spaceweather.com This morning a full halo coronal mass ejection sped away from the Sun faster than 620 km/s. The leading edge of a solar wind shock wave could arrive in the neighborhood of Earth later this week and possibly trigger auroras. For details and animations please visit http://www.spaceweather.com

Happy Firthday, Gi! Hope I am not too late to join the party. Do you plan to share your presents? Mmmmmm,what a hot tomoato! :-)

Happy birthday Gi!

Happy Birthday, Gi! Doesn't it feel like just yesterday you made your entrance into the world?

I promise, Gi. Just a few seconds more and it will be your turn. For you, Madame -

It's your birthday, Gi! (Well... was...) *Sigh!* Late as usual! ;-) Well, I hope I didn't miss all of the partying: According to hieroglyphs dug up in the last few years, certain birthday traditions go back to ancient times (i.e. 3000 B.C.) From them we see that Birthdays called for: the presentation of presents: And good things to eat: drink: And be merry: A special cake is usually made, lit with candles to represent the briefness of life. And expressions of congratulations and affection are offered [with great enthusiasm]: and all to celebrate a:    to  Gi! [Unfortunately, Belatedly] Love, KJ

Oh! Phooo!! That first graphic should be: Sorry KJ

Well, we seem to be very centered here; time to left-justify... ;-D

oooh, great graphics Karen - (At least not self-centered!!!)

Did I mention that I am engaged? Yes, THAT kind of engaged...! Next birthday is November 2nd - Eileen!

Moon, your present is just what the doctor ordered! (doctor = me?) Karen, the cake got here in time to close the day, I blew the candles and shared it with Antonio and Patas :-) LisaJH, I will share some of my presents with my Spring friends... Other people, back off! (Heide)Doesn't it feel like just yesterday you made your entrance into the world? Well, my dear, sometimes it feels like I haven't made it yet :-o Thank you also, Tracy and Terry, and KJ, you were perfectly on time :-) Marcia - that solar wind image is awesome... Thank you all for a wonderful birthday

And now for something entirely different: Marcia engaged! Congratulations, dear, and be very happy. Give us some details - and dates - so we can plan a bridal shower for you ;-) For a first toast here's one of the very best Portuguese wines:

Marcia? What have you been hiding from us? Engaged? You must tell us all about it! Congratulations!?

Hey Marcia....you've been holding out on us..... BEST WISHES Details, please....

Best wishes to you both! Hmmm, those shower pics from yesterday should come in handy. ;-D

Marcia! Engaged?? Well, blow me down, I thought you were already married I've really missed something here, haven't I? Congratulations! Next birthday is November 2nd - Eileen! You've got the right date but mine is *not* the next celebration in Spring's annual Scorpi-o-rama: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANA2!

Oh my!! (she says in horror) Why didn't I check my list!! Am such a stooge! In the meantime, me and the boys want to wish our favorite Beach Baby a very Happy Birthday

Bollocks! Despite those *&^%$ dweebs at Phaedra, I've finally made my way to LA and I don't see Jana in the audience yet! When you finish getting Robert his Arsenal tickets and soaking your ex for all he's worth, won't you help me look for Jana? ...The sun's out, I'm going to be a father...Jana's coming to see me... Look, Mum, I've got to go. Supper's on the table and Jana said she'd be here. At last--I *knew* you'd be here, Jana. Come here...I want to tell you about Michael Thomas moments...

Paul, you self-centered dolt, you forgot to wish Jana a happy birthday! The pleasure is mine, since she came to see *me* also. Happy birthday, Jana darling!

Happy Birthday, Jana! Some people think I am crazy. What they don't know is how crazy I am about you. BTW, you don't mind if I pick you up on my bus tonight?

Psst, Karen--I think Jana would enjoy a visit from Ross on her birthday. I hear he's picked up some more flowers (and he already has enough tomatoes). ;-D

Ei, you mean on those rocky cliffs? Ooops, that was Michael. ;-D

HAPPY BIRTHDAY , Jana

Jana, for your birthday, I've bought you a lovely string of pearls

Gadzooks! I checked my list and did not have Jana *lashes with noodles* Hauoli Na Hanau, Jana! Dendrobium Orchids and Rosebuds

*giggles* *grins* *dancing arund the monitor* Thanks for your best wishes. More later. I had hoped to sneak it in during a lapse in festivities. Oooh, whouldja look at all those poils?!

Jana, darling they were out of SPAM will this do? HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy birthday Jana! Have a little of your own to take you around the world and back to us (and give me a lift once in a while so I'm not late for birthday parties anymore) Heide, only now did I see the pics of your presents for me... Thank you! That massage will be very pleasant ;-)

*giggle* Wait'll he sees what "shower" pix mean here. Wooooo! Hey, he KNEW who CF is and P&P2. The man is amazing! Back to Jana... Happy Birthdat again and again!

Birthdates which occurred on your SELECTED date of October 26: 1466 Desiderius Erasmus Holland, scholar/author (In Praise of Folly) 1685 Domenico Scarlatti Naples Italy, composer/harpsichordist 1759 Georges Danton France, revolutionary leader 1791 Charles Sprague Boston, banker/poet (Curiosity) 1855 Charles Post who had a way with breakfast cereals 1861 Richard D Sears Boston, 1st to win US amateur national tennis match 1873 Thorvald Stauning Denmark, PM (1924-26, 1929-42) 1879 Leon Trotsky Russian revolutionary (pres of 1st Soviet) 1894 John S Knight WV, publisher (Knight-Rider) 19-- Jana, Drooleur and Firthian extraordinaire 19-- James Pickens Jr actor (Another World) 1910 John Cardinal Krol former archbishop of Philadelphia 1911 Mahalia Jackson New Orleans, gospel singer (Whole World in his Hands) 1911 Sid Gillman NFL coach (LA, San Diego, Houston) 1914 Jackie Coogan LA Calif, actor (Uncle Fester-Addams Family) 1916 Fran�ois Mitterand Jarnac France, President of France (1981-1995) 1917 Felix the Cat cartoon character 1919 Edward W Brooke 1st black senator in over 80 yrs (Sen-R-Mass) 1919 Mohammad Reza Pahlavi Aryamehr Shah of Iran (1941-79) 1931 Hank Garrett Monticello NY, actor (Car 54 Where Are You) 1932 Chinadorai Deshmutu India, field hockey player (1952) 1933 Suzy Parker San Antonio Tx, model/actress (Chamber of Horrors) 1936 Bruce Belland Chicago, singer (Tim Conway Hour) 1939 John Arden England, novelist/playwright (Left Handed Liberty) 1940 Mario Orosco 1st victim of NYC's Zodiac killer (survives) 1941 Harald Nielsen Denmark, soccer player (Olympic-silver-1960) 1942 Bob Hoskins Suffolk England, actor (Brazil, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?) 1945 Pat Conroy American writer (Great Santini, Prince of Tides) 1946 Pat Sajak Chicago, TV host (Wheel of Fortune, Pat Sajak Show) 1947 Jaclyn Smith Houston Tx, actress (Charlie's Angel, Nightkill) 1947 Hilary Rodham Clinton First Lady (1993-) 1948 Marshall Colt New Orleans La, actor (Eric-Lottery) 1950 Chuck Foreman NFL running back (Minnesota Vikings) 1951 Bootsy Collins Cin, rocker (Parliaments-We Got the Funk) 1953 Julian Keith Strickland drummer/guitarist (B-52's-Rock Lobster) 1954 Lauren Tewes Braddock PA, actress (Love Boat, Eyes of a Stranger) 1962 Cary Elwes actor (Glory, Princess Bride) 1963 Kerri Lynne Rosenberg Burlington Ia, Miss Iowa-America (1991-top 10) 1966 Olga Bicherova gymnastics (won title at 15yrs 33 days) Deaths which occurred on October 26: 901 King Alfred the Great, die 1868 B F Randolph SC state senator, assassinated 1909 Prince Ito of Japan is assassinated by a Korean 1962 Louise Beavers actress (Beulah-Beulah), die at 64 1979 Park Chung-hee South Korean President is assassinated 1984 Sue Randall actress (Miss Landers-Leave it to Beaver), dies at 49 1990 William Paley CEO (CBS), dies at 89 from a heart attack 1991 Lori Rae Matthews crushed to death by an artist's 485 lb umbrella On this day... 1774 1st Continental Congress adjourns in Philadelphia 1825 Erie Canal between Hudson River & Lake Erie opened 1863 Worldwide Red Cross organized in Geneva 1863 Football Association forms in England, standardizing soccer 1868 White terrorists kill several blacks in St Bernard Parish La 1869 1st American steeplechase horserace (Westchester, NY) 1876 President sends federal troops to SC 1881 Shootout at the OK corral, in Tombstone, Az 1887 Detroit (NL) beats St Louis (AA) 10 games to 5 in the World Series 1903 Yerba Buena is 1st Key System ferry to cross SF Bay 1905 1st Soviet (workers' council) formed, St Petersburg, Russia 1905 Union of Sweden & Norway ends 1911 Phila A's beat NY Giants, 4 games to 2 in 8th World Series 1916 Margaret Sanger arrested for obscenity (advocating birth control) 1921 Solomon Porter Hood named minister to Liberia 1941 US savings bonds go on sale 1942 US ship Hornet sunk in Battle of Santa Cruz Islands during WW II 1947 Maharajah of Jammu & Kashmir accedes to India 1949 Pres Truman increases minimum wage from 40� to 75� 1950 Branch Rickey resigns as Brooklyn Dodger president 1951 Rocky Marciano defeats Joe Louis at Madison Square Garden 1955 Ngo Dinh Diem proclaims Vietnam a republic with himself as pres 1956 UN's International Atomic Energy Agency statute approved 1956 Vietnam promulgates its constitution 1957 USSR fires defense minister, Marshal Georgi Zhukov 1957 Vatican Radio begins broadcasting 1958 PanAm flies the 1st transatlantic jet trip-NY to Paris 1960 AL announces Minneapolis & LA to get teams in 1961 1960 AL's Washington Senators move to become Minnesota Twins 1962 Beatles tape "Please Please Me" & "Ask Me Why" 1964 Rolling Stones appear on the Ed Sullivan Show 1965 Beatles receive MBEs at Buckingham Palace 1965 Sylvia Likens tortured by teen girl gang 1966 1st Pacific communications satellite launched, Intelsat 2 1967 Shah of Iran crowns himself after 26 years on Peacock Throne 1968 Soyuz 3 launched 1970 "Doonesbury" comic strip debuts in 28 newspapers 1971 UN votes to replace Taiwan with China 1972 Guided tours of Alcatraz (by Park Service) begin 1972 Henry Kissinger declares "Peace is at hand" in Vietnam 1973 Wings release "Helen Wheels" 1974 Cleveland Coliseum opens for NBA's Cavaliers & MISL's Crunch 1975 Anwar Sadat became 1st Egyptian president to officially visit the US 1976 Transkei gains independence, not recognized outside of South Africa 1976 Trinidad & Tobago becomes a republic 1977 5th & final test of space shuttle Enterprise 1977 Dr Clifford R Wharton Jr named chancellor of State University of NY 1980 St Louis Cards sack Balt Colt QBs an NFL record tying 12 times 1981 LA Dodgers beat NY Yankees, 4 games to 2 in 78th World Series 1982 Steve Carlton became 1st pitcher to win 4 Cy Young awards 1984 "Baby Fae" gets baboon heart transplant, lives 21 days 1985 On a poor call in 6th game, umpire Don Deckinger starts a string of events costing Cardinals the 82nd World Series 1987 Dow Jones down 156.83 points 1987 Head of Salvadoran Human Rights Comm assassinated by death squads 1988 Donald Trump bills Mike Tyson $2,000,000 for 4 month advisory service 1988 US-Soviet effort free 2 grey whales from frozen Arctic, Barrow, AK Holidays Note: Some Holidays are only applicable on a given "day of the week" Austria : National Day Benin, Rwanda : Armed Forces Day Iran : Birthday of HIM the Shahanshah South Vietnam : Constitution & Republic Day (1955, 1956) Switzerland : Flag Day US : Mother-in-Law's Day - - - - - ( Sunday ) New Zealand : Labour Day-last Monday in October - - - - - ( Monday ) US some states : Veterans Day - - - - - ( Monday ) US : Francis E Willard Day-temperance day - - - - - ( Friday ) Religious Observances Ang : Commemoration of Alfred the Great Luth : Commem of P Nicolai, J Heermann, P Gerhardt, hymnwriters Orthodox : Feast of Demetrios the Martyr RC : Commem of St Evaristus, 5th pope (c 97-c 107), martyr Religious History 1779 Anglican clergyman and hymnwriter John Newton wrote in a letter: 'The Lord is so rich that He easily can -- so good that He certainly will -- give His children more than He will ever take away. 1813 Birth of Henry T. Smart, English sacred organist. Though largely self-taught, Smart published many compositions, two of which are still popular as hymn tunes: LANCASHIRE ("Lead On, O King Eternal") and REGENT SQUARE ("Angels From the Realms of Glory"). 1889 Birth of Millar Burrows, American archaeologist. Director of the American School of Oriental Research at Jerusalem 1931-32, 1947-48), Burrows' most popular published work was "What Mean These Stones?" (1941). 1948 The Pentecostal Fellowship of North America was organized at Des Moines, Iowa. The association is comprised of 24 Pentecostal groups and meets annually to promote unity among Pentecostal Christians. 1963 One month before his death at age 65, English apologist C.S. Lewis wrote in a letter addressed to a child: 'If you continue to love Jesus, nothing much can go wrong with you, and I hope you may always do so.'

Another October celebration, Happy Birthday Jana

Happy Birthday Jana! We're having a party. Looked everywhere for a gift and finally found something in my own basement - Which one do you want?

I'll get him cleaned up for you - Wrap him all up - and soon you'll find him on your doorstep - Celebrate! I'm sure your DH won't mind for just one special day.

Heide, what a great tour de force! **Applause** 8-D KJ

Indeed! Heide's posts are getting better and better :-) May I just touch on another subject for a moment? Have just watched Sunshine. Didn't like it much, I'm afraid - sorry, Evelyn. Rosemary Harris was probably the best thing in it. It was shown in theaters here in January and had poor reviews. I don't see Oscar material there, but what do I know?

Heide, what a great tour de force! **Applause** 8-D KJ

Hmmm. Wha happened? Well, this was a bolt out of the blue! ... Did somebody say something about it's being Jana's Natal Day? Oh, Joy and celebration! Sweets for the sweet ... have a nut!1 ...    :-)    ...and have..... A Very Happy Birthday, Jana! Love, KJ

What a surprise, Marcia! ...to the happy couple. I think this calls for a toast... No, no -- I mean a REAL toast.... To celebrate the two hearts that beat as one... A wish for health, beauty and joy to you both.. Love, KJ

(Gi) Have just watched Sunshine. Didn't like it much, I'm afraid - sorry, Evelyn. LOL. That's OK....didn't think you would.It's not for everyone.An important film IMO..If "Life is Beautiful" was Holocaust-lite, this one really tells it as it is. (Gi)It was shown in theaters here in January and had poor reviews. Got mixed reviews in UK ...Europe has a problem with the Holocaust IMO. Got excellent reviews here esp. from the mainline media...it's a film with a message that not everyone wants to hear. ~~~~~~~~~~~~` Hey, Heide, I'll take the one with the brown teeth.:-))

Oh, I love the birthdays around here. You ladies have such great photo selections! Heide, Jess at the screen door is *almost* enough to make me watch ATA again.;-) But I want to know why Ross has flowers growing out of his . . .hmmm . . . April showers?;-) Happy Birthday, Jana, and have a great year with lots of Firth fun! Marcia, congratulations and my best wishes for your health and happiness!

Whee!! How much we have learned through our need to celebrate. I'd take one of each of the above CFs but suddenly my heart lies elsewhere. Thanks, ladies. More to come. I will never be a stranger! (will tell all asap...promise!)

Jana, Darling! Happy Birthday. Come sit next to me by the fire. No more silly songs about bananas, I promise.

Yippeee, I did it! :) My first image!

(Gi) Have just watched Sunshine. Didn't like it much. Can you explain why? I'm interested, just as I'm interested in why you didn't particularly care for Possession. (Gi) I don't see Oscar material there, but what do I know? Really, as much as any of us. However, I have to disagree about Oscars. (Hold your breath, blink twice and read this over three times) Ralph deserves an Oscar nom. Coming from me, you know what that means! ;-D Too early to tell about whether he should win, as I don't know who the others will be in that category and won't until the "big" films open in December. (Evelyn) If "Life is Beautiful" was Holocaust-lite, this one really tells it as it is. That was only a small portion of this film - not it's main message. However, that one brief scene dealt with it most effectively. From the Express: Scriptwriter puts in �10m claim for Notting Hill ideas A BRITISH scriptwriter is suing makers of the smash hit movie Notting Hill for �10million claiming they stole his idea. Nick Villiers alleges he was duped by a former friend and colleague who excluded him from the film deal. Notting Hill, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, became Britain's biggest-ever moneyspinner at American box offices and helped re-establish Roberts as a top actress. Villiers, who co-wrote the film Blood and Wine starring Jennifer Lopez, Michael Caine and Jack Nicholson, claims many of the ideas in Notting Hill came from him but were taken without his permission by his ex-friend Eric Fellner, who runs Working Title Films. He is also suing Polygram Filmed Entertainment, Universal Studios, Notting Hill Pictures, The Seagram Co. and others in Los Angeles Superior Court. Villiers says concepts he shared with Fellner when he adapted the novel, Cheek, into a screenplay were those that turned up in Notting Hill, written by Blackadder scriptwriter Richard Curtis. But a spokesman for Fellner said: "It sounds totally ridiculous. There was no novel it was based on. Richard Curtis wrote that script entirely from scratch."Fellner, with partner Tim Bevan, has had a string of screen hits including Elizabeth and Bean. They have turned Working Title from a minor British production company into genuine Hollywood players.

Marcia, congratulations on your engagement. He sounds like a very special man. (We already know he is a lucky one.)

Thank you! The man is not only perfect for me in every way, he knows who Colin Firth is and knows exactly what I meant by A&E's P&P2. Other than MarkG, I know of no other man who cares to make that claim. That, and they love cricket. I am the fortunate one, I believe! *blissful smile* (Yes, I'll go back to Geo before I nauseate everyone or give us mass diabetes...)

Gi, I'm horribly late but I hope you had a really great birthday. If the party here is any indication, it looks like you did! And Marcia, congratulations on your engagement. I'm very happy for you. Oh my goodness, what a birthday! You guys are the best. Thanks for making it such a special day. Eileen, I loved the FP montage - especially the last bit. I never thought I'd get to see CF doing The Look just for me ;-). I'm glad you sent Allen Portland my way too. I feel a bit proprietary towards him since I saw his debut :-). Karen, what can I say? I thought the Darcy pics were a treat (waiting for me to come home from Singapore - LOL!) but that picture of Ross hiding behind the flowers..... I am still ROTFLMAO. Heide, you outdid yourself dear. I loved the segue from poor, hygenically challenged John through to bandbox fresh Jess. He looks good enough to eat. Too bad his looks weren't enough to save that awful movie :-). Moon, thanks for the offer of that bus ride. Luckily it's a big bus and I'm feeling so generous I'd like to invite all of you to come along. No fighting over Donovan, though ;-). Evelyn, I appreciate the beautiful CF and the rose probably even more than I would have a delicious case of Spam. Lisa, thanks for sending Geoffrey my way. So many Colins!! How is a girl to choose :-)? Marcia, Lucie, Tracy, Gi, Mari and KJ thanks for the lovely gifts and good wishes. You all really made this a great day.

(Evelyn) If "Life is Beautiful" was Holocaust-lite, this one really tells it as it is. (Karen)That was only a small portion of this film - not it's main message But for me it was...painful and haunting. Every reviewer mentioned it.

(Marcia) Hey, he KNEW who CF is and P&P2. Minimum criteria when choosing a mate. ;-) All the best, dear! Good one of Ross, Karen! Don't flowers come in handy on a public board? ;-D

Oh dear missed the party, just got back from Buttermere, what an expedition along single track roads, high up in the Lake District, winding and very steep roads, but spectacular scenery, can see why this Director would want to film here. Anyway I digress, Belated Happy Birthday to Gi and Jana and Best Wishes to Marcia.

Lisa, congratulations on your first image. You'll soon become a picture osting fool like the rest of us. Though few of us have mastered the posy-bearing Colins Karen posts for us. That's bloody brilliant. Ann, welcome back from the Lakes. You've missed a load of birthdays (and more to come) but don't worry, not much else.

Thanks Heide, yes I was hoping for confirmation that Colin IS to be in Armadillo.

Gi and Jana, may you have had wonderful birthdays. May you have lovely years ahead.

Thank you for the birthday wishes, Jana, Ann and Cheryl. (Evelyn)Europe has a problem with the Holocaust IMO. I do not really want to start a political argument in these boards, Evelyn, but I think we may have been overloaded with Holocaust stories. Of course we are still touched - but they do not justify a film all by themselves, unless it's a powerful film like Schindler's List. Still, the questions raised (of how 3000 people won't stand up against 13, of how persecuted people can turn into prosecuters, and other bitter probes into human nature) are very poignant. The third part was probably the more interesting anyway. The first two were pretty boring for me, perhaps because Ralph was boring as his two first characters, and creepy as all three of them (someone should cast him as a vampire someday - he is so used to playing Hungarians by now). This, Karen, is mainly why I didn't care much for the film - not that I disliked it - only I didn't love it, like I did SiL, for example. As for Possession: long, verbose, I didn't like the poems. I love hystorical research stories and have read several that "possessed" me to read them through the night. Not this one, but "I didn't love it" does not mean "I disliked it". Sorry if I haven't been clear, but I must rush away now ...

(Gi) (someone should cast him (Fiennes) as a vampire someday - he is so used to playing Hungarians by now). LOL, Gi. Somehow it wouldn't surprise me. I read someone once describing Ralph as acting at his castmates rather than with them. Thought that was rather apt.

Trashing RF is a universal sport in lots of camps...he's not my heart-throb, for sure...but he is a serious actor...and oh how I wish ODB could latch on to one of those parts...Hungarian or otherwise...

Nothing against hungarians, mind you, very nice folks when I visited twenty years ago... But RF would be a very scary vampire. Not that I'd watch ;-)

But RF would be a very scary vampire. And would give it his best shot , even though he knew it would not be popular. He did a good job at being scary as Heathecliff in Wuthering Heights. BTW a Canadian Film Co (along with the Hungarians) produced Sunshine, it isn't a British film...and I think Canada is v. proud of it.

(Heide) Lisa, congratulations on your first image. You'll soon become a picture posting fool like the rest of us. Though few of us have mastered the posy-bearing Colins Karen posts for us. That's bloody brilliant. Thanks, Heide. Once I figured out how to post an image, I was embarrassed to find out just how easy it is to do. (Of course, I had to study my "HTML for Dummies" book.) I can hardly wait until the next birthday! ;-) Don't suppose I will ever reach Karen's level of expertise. *sigh*

The Hour of the Pig (updated for the 21st century). I wonder if the pig will be named in a lawsuit? ;-) From the Associated Press: PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (AP) -- Yes, a pig really flew -- first class. It flew US Airways, and the company, embarrassed, says it's never going to let it happen again. On October 17, the six-hour flight from Philadelphia to Seattle carried 201 passengers -- 200 people and one hog, which sat on the floor in the first row of first class. "We can confirm that the pig traveled, and we can confirm that it will never happen again," US Airways spokesman David Castelveter said. "Let me stress that. It will never happen again." Sources familiar with the incident told the Philadelphia Daily News in Friday's editions that the hog's owners convinced the airline that the animal was a "therapeutic companion pet," like a guide dog for the blind. The pig was traveling with two unidentified women who claimed they had a doctor's note that allowed them to fly with the animal, according to an internal airline report. US Airways and Federal Aviation Administration rules allow passengers to fly with service animals. The animal became unruly as the plane taxied toward the Seattle terminal, the report said, running through the jet, squealing and trying to get into the cockpit. "Many people on board the aircraft were quite upset that there was a large uncontrollable pig on board, especially those in the first-class cabin," the incident report stated. The pig made it off the plane but continued squealing inside the Seattle airport. FAA officials in Seattle said they were unfamiliar with the incident but promised to investigate.

That pig story... LOL! How come they make Patas (and all other pets) travel in boxes and let the pig roam free?

From Teletext: "UK cash for Stone, Arnie sequels A British production company is stumping up the money for Sharon Stone's Basic Instinct 2 and Arnold Schwarzenegger's Terminator 3. The UK's C-2 Pictures have entered into agreement with Intermedia to co-finance both productions. T3 alone could cost $100m but would be expected to gross at least $400m." ~~~~~~ So this is where the producing UKP go.....what patriotism! Work on T3 starts next spring for release in summer 2002. BI2 starts February with no release date.

The animal became unruly as the plane taxied toward the Seattle terminal, the report said, running through the jet, squealing and trying to get into the cockpit. Can't you just see the flight attendants running up the aisle screaming "SOOOOOEEEYYY"? Now there's a picture! :-D Thanks for the laugh, Lisa.

The pig story is becoming "curiouser and curiouser" (as Alice would say). Now the FAA wants to question the pig, but US Airlines won't release the pig's name. Here's the latest on the story: http://dailynews.philly.com/content/daily_news/2000/10/30/local/PORK28.htm

Oops, forgot to include a tongue -- in -- cheek emoticon on my last post.

Lisa, I love the pig tale! :-) Gives new meaning to the term, "when pigs fly." Enjoyed the update on the first reported case of "swine flew." LOL! Never let it be said that my city of brotherly love discriminated on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, or status on the food chain.;-) Thoinks again for the laugh.;-)

The Telegraph is running an interesting series on the state of the film industry. Here's today's: Why Hollywood rules the world In the second of our reports on modern movie-making, David Gritten says that the American film industry, despite a decade of profound change, is financially and creatively as strong as ever I'VE spent a fair bit of time over the years listening to (and sometimes eavesdropping on) British film and media types discuss American movies, often in terms of condescension laced with bitterness. The gist of their complaints? American cinema is too bland, too formulaic, too predictable, too dumb. Even more annoyingly, millions of people all over the globe lap it up, egged on by Hollywood's huge publicity campaigns which estrange them from their indigenous film cultures and lure them into the studios' seductive embrace. If only, the argument goes, we had such resources: our films - edgy, relevant, cool and British - would surely sweep the world. Hearing those conversations, I used to be disgusted, but now I'm just amused. For it's inescapable that America has the most diverse, intriguing and professional film culture of any country in the world. I'm not enamoured of its big, action-packed, special-effects-heavy summer movies; it's not for me to defend Armageddon, Gone in 60 Seconds, last year's wretched Star Wars prequel, Mission: Impossible 2, or indeed any film with a title ending in a number. But nor will I be snobbish about them: those millions who flock to them can't all be wrong. Yet the success of such big films is the yardstick by which Hollywood judges itself. (This past summer was deemed indifferent, with just one film, Mission: Impossible 2, grossing more than $200 million. Still, 12 films passed the $100 million mark.) In purely financial terms, one sees why blockbusters are Hollywood's index of health; their capacity to generate such huge revenue is what makes this a multi-billion-dollar global business. What the success or failure of such films does not take into account is the state of creative well-being in American cinema generally. I would argue that the films that have reached these shores from the US this year constitute the finest crop since the Seventies, universally regarded as Hollywood's last golden age. This year's strikingly original Oscar contenders (American Beauty, The Cider House Rules, The Talented Mr Ripley, The Insider) would have been judged lustrous examples of American cinema in whatever year they were released. Films such as Three Kings, Erin Brockovich and Any Given Sunday offered a bracing oppositional stance to American establishment values. And this year has also seen a pair of quirky masterpieces: Joel and Ethan Coen's O Brother, Where Art Thou? (their most satisfying film to date) and Paul Thomas Anderson's extraordinary Magnolia. Of course, these are obvious choices: films to win awards, end up on critics' year-end lists and linger in memories. But current American cinema has enormous strength in depth. Many of its minor films, which come and go without much fanfare, are well-crafted, beautifully directed and performed, and underpinned by a talented screenwriter's strong, individual voice. In this category I would place Liberty Heights, Barry Levinson's latest story about his Baltimore youth; Edward Norton's Keeping the Faith, about a rabbi and a Roman Catholic priest smitten with the same woman; Stir of Echoes and Frequency, two thrillers with a supernatural twist; and Wayne Wang's Anywhere But Here, with Susan Sarandon and Natalie Portman as a mismatched Midwest mother and daughter relocating to Beverly Hills. These films, all shamefully under-marketed in Britain, may have passed you by, so look out for their arrival in video stores. Each is richer and more satisfying than almost all the over-hyped films emanating from our own ailing film industry. Week in and week out, it seems, America can churn out such small gems, as if in its sleep. At first glance there are good reasons why this halcyon era should not be happening. Hollywood has never been so amorphous. As recently as the late Seventies, the output of studios such as Warners, Paramount, Fox and Columbia reflected the taste of their bosses. Now each studio is part of a huge global conglomerate, each indistinguishable from the next. Few big-budget, mass-appeal films (except Disney's animated fare) now carry a signature studio style; they can look depressingly similar. Yet the last decade has also seen American independent films edging gradually into the mainstream. We can date the genesis of this movement to 1989, when Steven Soderbergh's low-budget sex, lies and videotape won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and became a hit movie in the States. In those days, the word "independent" applied to small films financed outside Hollywood. Calling a film independent now says as much about its attitude as the source of its budget. In the Nineties, it became clear that there was a substantial audience in America (most of them older than the core 18-25 group of cinema-goers) who longed for something more than formulaic studio fare; they wanted individualistic films with narrative flair, directed stylishly. Independent films met that need perfectly. Sensing a threat, Hollywood co-opted the independent movement. Studios signed up its leading film-makers, had the good sense to leave them broadly alone to make their movies, but on their release added marketing and distribution expertise to ensure that they were seen by the widest audience possible. Thus Miramax (Pulp Fiction, The English Patient), unquestionably the major independent company of the past decade, is now under the Disney umbrella. Then the studios started creating their own subsidiary companies (Sony Classics, Fox Searchlight, Paramount Classics) to develop or distribute small, thoughtful films for niche audiences. Universal is the latest contender; its subsidiary Universal Focus is currently moulding the splendid British film Billy Elliot into a sizeable hit in the US. All this has radically improved American film culture. Many films mentioned glowingly above come from Hollywood studios, but they share an independent spirit. And audiences have benefited. American films are being made for, and targeted effectively at, a far broader demographic spectrum than was the case 10 years ago. Their breadth and range shames our admittedly small film industry, which is obsessed by gangsters and clubbing. Reasons enough, you might think, for those of us on this side of the Atlantic to stop sniping at Hollywood. But there is another: it is simply the world's biggest conglomeration of talented film professionals. That's why British director Mike Figgis made his ground-breaking digital film, Timecode, there. That's why directors from other countries, from Germany's Wolfgang Petersen to Australia's Baz Luhrmann, flock to work there. It is a place where the heads of the few outstanding British production companies, such as Working Title and DNA, feel comfortable. And remember, it was the main source of finance for the delightful "British" film Chicken Run. It could just be that this year's crop of American films is atypically excellent, but that is doubtful. In the coming weeks and months we will be seeing Cameron Crowe's Almost Famous, his memoir of working as a Rolling Stone journalist; Soderbergh's Traffic, based on a BBC television miniseries; Michael Almereyda's remarkable Hamlet, set in modern-day New York; and the wonderful You Can Count on Me, with Laura Linney as a God-fearing small-town single mother reunited with her ne'er-do-well brother. Each one alone has the potential to confirm that, in film terms, America is head and shoulders above anywhere else.

Happy Halloween! Just out of my bat cage to check out the latest movies. Did not find Billy, the ballerina tasty. I am off to search out my friend, the fastidious dresser, AKA, Armadillo. ;-)))))) Heeeee,Haaaaa......................................

Am getting my broomstick ready to fly home soon. *hee hee* (although someone is going to have to tear me away from the big bowlful of candy sitting by the front door)

in film terms, America is head and shoulders above anywhere else. Thanks Mari. This from British media, Wow..... LOL... the only ones who keep condemning the American film industry are some people on this board;-)

Oops! Almost missed it! Although most won't see it 'cause they're all out Trick'r'Treat'n and stuffing their faces with goodies. **Mumph! -- mumph!** Boo! KJ =<8-Q

testTest.

That's funny , I'm sure I put 2 end-tags in the original post. Oh, well ... In the completely OT Dept., I present this for your edification: This is the coat of arms from the British Firths. I found this at a geneology site which is mucho extensive ... Only had a short time to scan it, but couldn't find "David" (his Dad) anywhere. Must be a different branch of the family. If you want to try, it's here.

From yesterday's Variety: HBO WEDS 'MARRIED' CAST: HBO began production Monday on the pilot "The Mind of the Married Man." The show stars Jake Weber ("The Cell"), Taylor Nichols ("The Last Days of Disco") and Mike Binder, the latter of whom created the series with co-exec producer Stu Smiley. They play a trio of reporters at a Chicago newspaper who try in vain to remain faithful, while M. Emmet Walsh ("Blood Simple") plays their editor. "It's the male rebuttal to 'Sex and the City's' female point of view on relationships," said Smiley, who's exec producer of "Everybody Loves Raymond" and has been developing this show for several years with Binder. "It's about love, marriage and monogamy and how, in every day life, those values are undermined." [From the press notes: "Londinium is a romantic comedy about love, marriage and commitment." B seems to have a very limited vocabulary] Binder's exploration of such themes began with the indie pic "Sex Monster," which he wrote, directed and starred in with Mariel Hemingway. Smiley said traditional webs have tried to explore male relationships, but the uncensored HBO format exploited to such strong effect by other series makes this the perfect venue. "You couldn't do this justice anywhere else," said Smiley. "It's just much closer to reality and more cinematic."

Mike is a Johnny-One-Note for themes....

One-note is right. His past 3 projects have all dealt with the same thing. Hope he's not married--would hate to think there's some poor woman out there whose hubby has only infidelity on the brain and who seems to feel a need to advertise it to the world. And the women in SITC are all (until very recently) unmarried. Big difference. Oh, I guess I just don't travel in the right circles.;-) I have to say, I did like Mikey in The Contender, and how about Mariel! One scene, but a difficult one and boy she nailed it beautifully. Amazing what a good script and good direction does.

Yes, Mike is married and has two daughters. I thought the acting in the Contender was very good. As you said Mari, even Mike and Mariel pulled it off. ;-)

(Mari)I did like Mikey in The Contender, and how about Mariel! One scene, but a difficult one and boy she nailed it beautifully. Amazing what a good script and good direction does. Absolutely. Mikey even looked handsome in the tux (all 4 ft. of him!) That whole film was soooo well done.It could have been a major yawner. We haven't heard the end of it, IMO.

Hauoli Na Hanau, Eileen Dresden Green Diamond From India, the 41-carat Dresden Green Diamond is the world's largest and finest natural green diamond, noted for its exceptional color and clarity. White diamonds (both large and small) in gold and silver settings surround the central gem and sweep up to a bow.

Puakenikeni Color change from White, Yellow to Orange, One of the most outstanding fragrant flower - but seasonal.

hmmm....they will not let me have the lei I wanted... on more time... Tuberose White tropical flowers accented with island ferns. Very fragrant.

there you go - got both - and the Dresden Green Diamond.... can you tell it past tiem for bed?! One for day and one for evening - or wear them intertwined and the diamond in your elegant hair... Fit for a Firth, for sure! Happy Birthday, Eileen!!!

Happy Birthday Eileen! Here's a cake which is happy to get eaten ;-)

...and some music to help it along :-)

Have a great day Eileen

A little memento from you fave... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EILEEN

GO FOR THE GOLD, EILEEN...

Happy Birthday Eileen, hope you have a wonderful year, (I know it is not original) and a firthfilled year with lots of Firthnews. All the Best, Ann

I don't think I will try Pink again, hope you can read it Eileen.

Pink is fine on my screen, Ann.

Happy Birthday, Eileen! How about another cake? What's a party without a little karaoke? Wot? No Bruce? Will the Beatles do? http://www.eatsleepmusic.com/karaokerooms/beatles/intro.cfm Sadly, CF cannot attend our party, so I contacted this Celebrity Look Alike Service: http://www.dimmicksdoubles.com/ Didn't see ODB listed, so I gave the service a ring.... Apparently some guy named Michael Condren is available..... Will he do in a pinch? :-)

Ohhhh my goodness. I didn't realize that link to the celebrity look alike site was x rated until I checked it out again just now. Am I ever embarrassed. Karen can you remove the link? Sorry about that!

Hey Paul, won't you pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease pass that bottle over here? *hic* Ooh, Evelyn, how'd you find my picture? ;-D Thanks for the diamonds (green--I get it, I get it ;-)) and the beeyewteeful leis, Marcia dear! It's not a Spring birthday unless one gets leid by Marcia. And thanks for your good wishes, Gi, Aishling and Ann (no problem with the pink)! Love the Beatles, Lisa. Just don't send a giant Willie Nelson to see me (like *someone* did to Karen)! heeheehee

Happy Birthday, Eileen! My gift will be arriving later.

In the meantime, have some fun here: http://www.auflauf.freeserve.co.uk/

Later that week... Yeah, Eileen, I got it. Ya want me to talk to Tony about gettin your friend over here. No problem. And good seats at da Meadowlands? Shouldn't be a problem. Later, hon.

Who? Some fancy pants English guy? Carm, you can watch that Darcy guy on da television, but we can't be seen wid him. OK, but... Me and da boys hope you like your seats. On the following Sunday...

The won't have any exthuses for not watching Relative Values *executing a small dip during the presentation*

Oh, oh! Am typing from floor, where I am rolling and LMAO! *clap clap* Thanks, Karen, what a gift. Paul in the tee shirt is hilarious! No problem, Paul. You'll feel right at home with the Jets. You can love them and hate them all at the same time. The Meadowlands even has a north bank (well, more like a 'north half'). You'll have the sun in your eyes, though. Will look for you this Sunday at 4:15. Get ready to sing with me: 'one Wayne Chrebet...there's only one Wayne Chrebet...' And lose the red and white scarf, willya? This isn't Kansas City! No prob with the jockey shorts, though. They can be our little secret *wink, wink* PS. Thanks to Carmen, Tony and da boys. Think Big Pussy's remains have been dredged from the waters off the Jersey shore and are now under the 50-yard line next to Jimmy Hoffa's.

Woof woof grr woof woof (Translation: I'm on my way to your party) Woof grrr woof snarl grrr grr....woof (Translation: I must be prepared for your parties because they tend to be a little wild) Woof Woof Slobber Translation: Happy Birthday, Eileen, from your favorite TV canine ;-D

Ooh, more! Thanks for the VCR. Have one that works but it is hopelessly lost in boxes, not to be found until we move to our new house in Jan. Paul, watta guy you are. You think of everything!

*guffaw* Am back on floor, LMAO! Ooh, have I got a job for my fave TV canine! Think he'll attack a fellow TV canine? ;-D

Just so's you don't lose touch wid yer friends in Joisey...

Happy Birthday Eileen (better late than never). Sorry I don't have the skills to pretty this up. I hope you had/are having a wonderful day.

YO, Eileen! Looks like dese people here think we tawk wit some kinda accent or somethin.' Go figger.:-) Tony 'n Christopher are finishin' up a job in East Orange, then they're on their way over. I told 'em, "Leave the gun, take the birthday cake to Eileen's house." Happy Birthday, Eileen, and have a great year filled with Firth fun!

What a perfect lead-in for the cake... ;-D

and no running with scissors or knives, please. ;-D

(One more try....) A FEW KEEPSAKES for THE BIRTHDAY GIRL....

(One outta three ain't bad....)

Thanks, Cathey and Mari! I *hope* it's a Firth-filled year. Mari, pour me a cup a cawfee, willya? Then we'll go to the mawl. Egads, Karen, did you go to Joisey to find that cake? Took that test, Moon. Hmmm...:-D

LOL, Evelyn! I'll take it!

As a special present for Eileen, I've obtained an advance copy of the Angel book and I know she'd want to share CF's story with you all: Life is rotten. We kids have to fight class prejudices and embrace the multi-cultural diversity of our society. No person should be forced to live under conditions of squalor and terror and be deprived of thousands of pounds of government vouchers and a comfortable habitat in underused council-funded housing! But I get ahead of myself... "Shhh, Fitzwilliam," I hear my nanny say, while I bang the outside of my cradle with my silver spoon. I don't really understand what she is saying, but there's a tone in her voice that probably doesn't mean that the nice lady who feeds me with that big soft thing is coming by anytime soon. Oooh, who is that approaching? Ick! Some lady with long white dangly round things on a string that hit my head. Ouch! I bet that if I pushed them down a hole, they'd be ground up into sparkly powder. Oooh, powder?! Yes, then I could put on my sister's face and she'd look like a clown. Fun! Wait, I don't have a sister yet. Wonder where you get them. Must ask my teacher, Mr Talbot. I wish they'd push my bed closer to the window. I love staring out the window cause a girl comes by to frolic with a dog. You can learn lots from dogs or so the maitre says. But maybe only dogs in France do special tricks. Gosh, I'd like to hide behind that curtain. Cock-a-doodle-doo! Many people come up here to the nursery to look at me and to pet me. I really like it when this one woman fondles me. She teases me a lot, but I think she really likes me. But I have noticed that she doesn't seem to like when I smile and coo at that sweet but pious girl who gets all red in the face when I bat my eyelashes at her. She keeps saying, "Master Fitzwilliam, you shouldn't do that. It is not proper." I don't know what proper is. Maybe I can crawl out of her and visit her later. I wish that pale one would stop coughing. It is so annoying. And those flowers she wears stink. Somebody should tell her. I don't think my father likes her very much. It's probably because of the coughing. The grownups are talking about where I will go to school one day. Father says I will go to the same school that he attended. I don't know what fagging is, but it sounds like fun. Maybe I won't like it. Then I'll have to rail against the archaic behavior and stifling aristo attitudes or maybe I'll just sit around in my robe and read. Gosh, I don't know how I knew all that. Amazing what you can absorb just lying in a cradle. Did you know my favorite color is red? Bet I can hit that ball with my rattle. One day I shall travel to far away places. That is, once I can walk. My nurse reads to me about exotic places in the Near East. I'd like to go there and spend some time. Or maybe I'll travel to the n-n-north and v-v-visit churches and then p-p-paint on the walls, if they let me. Oh goodie, lunch. Yuck, they've pureed apples for me. Where's that soft thing? Just lying here in my cradle, I dream of one day going to the Lake District. There I could wear a big hat and breeches and act like a horrible cad. Quien sabes? ********* You'll have to read the rest for yourselves... soon.

ROTF...again! *wiping tears* This is my favorite part: You can learn lots from dogs or so the maitre says. But maybe only dogs in France do special tricks. Do they sing, too? ;-D

ROTFLOL, Karen! As promised in a post way up there, here is your borthday present, Eileen. Your very own manor in *green* Ireland. If you look through the windows you will see that somebody is waiting for you. ;-) Have a fun day! BTW, did you take the color test?

So what did the color test say?

I think thay may be Peter Dahling waiting for you in there, Eileen. '-D Having a hoot, ladies, checking out the posts. I think it's time for me to join in. Hey, kitty, what do you say? Why it's Eileen's birthday!

Let's HEAR it for Eileen's birthday - Oi! #9! You're not a donkey -

Colin wishes you a very happy season - Wait a minute...drool girls don't have seasons. Make that a very Happy Birthday!

Here he is...he's a little shy, you know. By the way, no animals were harmed in the making of this post - thanks to non-football fans for your forebearance :)

Karen, ROFLOL at the preview of CF's short story! V. good! How about a little dancing now? (I feel like a kid with a new 64 pack of Crayolas with these animated clip art thingies. :-))

LOL! I wanna see a real donkey! Onwards with the animal parade... Since the cake came from Joisey, thought your main course should come from your new backyard: (and, yes, the intent is to harm the animal, which will be delicious with melted butter) Now my birthday greetings from Chi-cow-go:

I can't do any of those things but a belated happy birthday Eileen.

It's your birthday, Eileen! It seems to me, that I was leafing through a L-o-o-ong printout of Topic #136 a few days back, And noticed it was your Birthday today, so I wanted to give yousome nice little gifts.... Because I am so appreciative of your uncanny gift of making us... ...so often. We all need it so much. So have some lovely Birthday flowers: And a very, very :    to  Eileen! And Many Many Happy Returns! Love, KJ

Nileee!!! I'm so horribly late for your special day :-(. Technically it's still the 2nd here in the west but I'm sure you hit the hay awhile back. I did think of you several times today but could not break away from work to get to the computer. In fact, I'm still there. Just wanted you to know that Janny is thinking of you and wishes you the best on your special day.

(Karen) I'd like to go there and spend some time. Or maybe I'll travel to the n-n-north and v-v-visit churches and then p-p-paint on the walls, if they let me. Karen, this is a riot! *You should publish.* More, please.:-)

(Mari) *You should publish.* More, please.:-) Pip says I should be insulted. ;-D Couldn't write anymore, I was put down for a nap.

ROTF Karen...bet the real one isn't gonna be half as good...

Avery happy birthday to you Eileen from me too. A day late but thats the story of my life.

Woohoo! One of the very best things about having a Spring birthday is that it starts before you're up and ends after you've gone back to sleep again, given all the different time zones. Thanks for the manor house, Moon. I did take the test. Thought the disclaimer was a hoot. Said I'm very exacting...goody! Maybe I can apply for Drool's OT/spelling/grammar police since there seems to be a vacancy. ;-) Thank you for the kitty, Heide. She looks hungry for some chow ;-). (BTW, will pass on Peter but will see if Moon's gift has a barn with a moss loft.) C'mon, numbah 9 is *still* a donkey even though he kicked the winner against Miami but we of little faith were sleeping and missed it ;-P. Mmm. Love the lovely Paul! Karen, all the Maryland crabs must've gone up to Jersey. They're becoming an endangered species in the Chesapeake. Think Al Gore put them in a lockbox. Love the cow! Thank you for your good wishes, Lisa, KJ (gorgeous flowers!), Janny, Anne and Lucie! *samooch* What a great day. And to echo Heide, thanks to all you non-US football fans for your patience.

(Eileen) I can apply for Drool's OT/spelling/grammar police since there seems to be a vacancy. ;-) Sorry, that position has been eliminated due to lack of funding. ;-)

(Eileen)One of the very best things about having a Spring birthday is that it starts before you're up and ends after you've gone back to sleep again, given all the different time zones. One other best thing is that you can enjoy it tremendously even when it's not your own birthday ;-)... as did I with Eileen's birthday. Thanks for inspiring it, Eileen, and thanks for being inspired, ladies :-) (KarenR)LOL! I wanna see a real donkey! I took you literally:

To be so late is unpardonable, hope you had a great firthfilled birthday Eileen.

Ooh,I just love John Tenniels woodcuts of Alice!!!

Thought this was pretty funny and does touch on a favorite subject of ours: kilts and sporrans (right, Marcia?) ;-D From today's Times: Prince raises kilt mystery to new height BY ALAN HAMILTON SIX HUNDRED years of peace and democracy in Switzerland have given the world more than the cuckoo clock; they also do yodelling and organic cheese. The Prince of Wales, on the last day of a three-nation visit to central Europe, stepped yesterday into a scene straight from Heidi, that romantic tale of an apple-cheeked Swiss milkmaid that was once required reading for all middle-class English girls to fill the gap between Enid Blyton and their first pony. The Prince, who runs an organic farm on his Gloucestershire estate, went to the village of Faltschen, in the Kander valley above the Swiss capital, Berne, to see organic cheese being made by the Rubin family, who have been at it since 1920. A committed Europhobe when it comes to Brussels anti-cheese directives, the Prince once memorably defended unpasteurised French cheeses threatened by an EU attempt to outlaw them as being dangerously tasty. With President Ogi, a native of the region, as his guide, the Prince was welcomed to the village by the entire Rubin family yodelling. Farmer Klaus Rubin, his son Marcel, 20, and daughter Vreni, 17, sang for the Prince in their barn as he tasted samples of their organic cheese, egged on by an enthusiastic President Ogi. Did he like goat�s cheese, the President asked. �I like it but the smell always reminds me of my sporran,� the Prince replied, leaving the puzzle hanging in the clear mountain air: never mind what he wears under his Scottish dress, what does he keep in the accessory? The Prince wears the kilt and attendant sporran regularly when at Balmoral. But whereas the secret of the Queen�s handbag is now generally known to be her spectacles, the contents of the Prince�s sporran remain a mystery. In the absence of firm information, there will be widespread speculation that he uses it to carry organic goat�s cheese. Later the Prince drove to the Alpine resort of Kandersteg, where he looked in at a cheese shop � possibly looking for something to tuck into his sporran � and was again serenaded by a local choir in the village�s 16th-century church. As he was leaving Switzerland for home, his Duchy Originals organic home-made coarse-cut clementine marmalade was picking up a top prize at the Soil Association�s organic food awards in London. It is said to smell sweeter than the inside of a sporran.

... the contents of the Prince�s sporran remain a mystery.. One can only speculate what any guy tucks into his sporran;-) Eh ,Marcia??

This is a pre- Apartment Zero film discussion question. I was reading background info on Martin Donovan, which mentioned that AZ was his homage to several directors, primarily Visconti. It occurs to me that I have not seen a Visconti film since the late 70s/early 80s (my college days), when my medium-sized American city still had three rep/art house cinemas (we now have two art house theatres, but they only show current films). During this time I was fortunate enough to see a lot of the great classic foreign films on the big screen. In any event, I was wondering, Moon, if you could recommend a Visconti film or two to watch before our discussion begins. I have seen Death in Venice and The Damned, but that was a long time ago (see above paragraph :-)). In reading the plot summaries of his other movies, it sounds like Conversation Piece might be relevant to AZ. What do you think? Thanks.

Lisa, I am so glad to see preparing for our AZ discussion. My favourite Visconti film is Death in Venice. Like you, it has been ages since I have seen his films. Perhaps I would find AZ more relevant to Harold Pinter than to Visconti. The strangeness of some Dirk Bogard charaters come to mind. Most of all, I find Norman Bates in Psycho the closest character to Colin in AZ. Here is a brief bio. of Luchino Visconti. Visconti, Luchino (1906-1976), Italian director of motion pictures, operas, plays, and ballets, considered by many to be the originator of the influential neorealist movement of Italian cinema, which emphasized authenticity rather than the artificial and romanticized visual style of most Italian films in the 1930s and early 1940s. Visconti was born into an aristocratic family in Milan. After military service in the Italian cavalry (1926-1928), he spent the period from 1929 to 1936 traveling in France. While in Paris, Visconti worked as an assistant to French director Jean Renoir on Toni (1935), Une Partie de campagne (A Day in the Country, 1936), and other notable films. Visconti's first film as a director, Ossessione (Obsession, 1942), is often regarded as one of the first examples of Italian neorealism. Visconti brought a natural element to this film by shooting in the Italian countryside rather than in studios, by casting local residents alongside professional actors, and by developing a rough visual quality with his camera work. These stylistic features had a profound influence on the work of later Italian neorealist directors such as Roberto Rossellini and Vittorio De Sica. Visconti's many other films include the opulent historical dramas Senso (The Wanton Countess, 1954), La Caduta degli Dei (The Damned, 1969), and Ludwig (1973); other neorealist films, such as Rocco e i suoi fratelli (Rocco and his Brothers, 1960); and adaptations of literary works, such as Le Notti bianche (White Nights, 1957), from a story by Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky; Il Gattopardo (The Leopard, 1963), from the novel by Italian writer Giuseppe di Lampedusa; and Morte a Venezia (Death in Venice, 1971), from a story by German novelist Thomas Mann. Visconti also directed plays, ballets, and operas in a number of European cities. His production of the opera La Traviata, by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, at La Scala opera house in Milan in 1955 was extremely successful with critics and audiences, and was one of several operatic productions by Visconti that starred renowned Greek soprano Maria Callas. While Visconti's work often reflected his liberal social and political concerns, he also actively resisted the ruling Fascist government of Italy in 1943 and 1944 (see Fascism: Italy Under Fascism), and took part in a number of left-wing political campaigns after World War II (1939-1945).

We plan to start the AZ discussion on Thursday Nov. 9th at our CF film discussion topic. I hope you will all join us.

Thursday, huh? OK, better change the notice on the main Drool page. Will put up a pic, after I watch the vid and figure out what Ducboy will be saying. ;-D Argh, homework! Have never seen a Visconti film, although read Death in Venice ages ago and liked it a lot. (Moon) Most of all, I find Norman Bates in Psycho the closest character to Colin in AZ. You won't get any arguments about that. ;-D (Coming, mother)

Argh, homework! Have never seen a Visconti film, That might explain why you liked Wonderland so much. ;-)

(Karen)Have never seen a Visconti film, although read Death in Venice ages ago and liked it a lot. One of the very few instances where I loved the movie even after having read and loved the book. Death in Venice is a masterpiece in all senses and one of my top ten movies of all times.

Am returned from my excursion to the north. Scanned the stadium for Paul in his new t-shirt, alas, there was no sign of him ;-(. Am now convinced that numbah sixteen is a bigger donkey than numbah nine (right, Heide?). Thanks for your good wishes, Tracy! We like to keep the party fires burning *hic*

Eileen, like Tracy's reference to Mr. Carroll's White Rabbit, I am late. Sorry to be so remiss in the timely wishing you a Happy Birthday. Have a wonderful year.

Eileen, may I add my belated wishes for a fabulous year ahead. sorry to miss your birthday. OK so now confession time!! I can't join your AZ discussion because I have NEVER seen it.Whoops. Anyway if any kind drooler knows how I might be able to solve this problem please let me know. Thanks

Thanks, Cheryl and Lizza! Lizza, am sure your AZ needs will be addressed.

Lizza, it is such a good film, I hope you manage to see it. Did you check your local video store?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TINEKE!!

Happy Birthday Tineke! I have just heard from the Sindaco di Firenze. They will be naming a Piazza in your honor today. The citizens of Firenze still remember your wonderful lectures on the merits of doing Tuscany on bikes. Viva Tineke! Congratulazione!

Happy Birthday, Tineke!

Happy Birthday Tineke! What do I give a chocolate loving girl? And don't worry about those calories... Here's how to shed them:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TINEKE , hope you have had a wonderful day and all the best for the coming year, Ann

Happy Birthday Tineke! I hope you have a great day.

Ti meriti un trattamento reale! Auguroni di Buon Compleanno! N'many more Firth Fun Years!!

Thanks all:-) Carpe Cacem, too funny Karen! And riding up that piece of cake is a piece of cake, Eileen (well, not really). Calories? What's that?;-) Thank you Moon, Gi, Ann, Jana and Evelyn. It's been a wonderful day!

Evelyn! Have you been practicing your italiano? Well done!

Almost missed your birthday. Hope you had a happy day, Tineke. Thanks for all the news and pictures you've shared with us.

Happy Birthday Tienke

Happy Birthday, Tineke. I have enjoyed your photos, too.

HAUOLI NA HANAU, TINEKE Pikake & Ti-Leaf White fragrant 3-Strand Pikake flower leis twined together with a traditional Ti-leaf lei. Beautiful and fragrant.

Ho Hum, according to Annova (PA), Frances O'Connor is to star opposite Brendan Fraser in Cat on a Hot Tine Roof to be produced in the West End early next year. I would have loved to see Jennifer play "Maggie",perhaps it clashed with DFL.

( (Moon) Evelyn! Have you been practicing your italiano? Well done! Hehe! Next she'll be speaking Portuguese as well :-)

(Moon) Evelyn! Have you been practicing your italiano? Well done! (Gi)Hehe! Next she'll be speaking Portuguese as well :-) Enough of of this English stuff...I'm going global;-) It's like....(a la Henry)..;-)...Blue Mountain scroll down to "Italian" !

We will let you cheat this time. ;-)

Once again, better late than never, hope you had a fab birthday Tineke!

I was just hangin� around among the Topics here � � when I discovered that I had missed your birthday, Tineke. Still, I was determined to celebrate anyway � And wish you [albeit belatedly] � � Hope it was a happy one, Tineke     KJ.

Very lukewarm review for Betrayal in today's Philly Inquirer. This critic found Leveaux's direction good, but said there was absolutely no chemistry between Binoche and the actors. This is the same guy who loved TRT, came right out and said he voted "straight TRT" for the Tony, and kept raving about Dillane and Ehle's dynamic. Haven't checked what the NY papers have said yet.

From Screendaily: Go see it. You're being given a second chance. Well worth it. FilmFour to give Croupier second UK outing Despite being barred from competing for the Academy Awards, FilmFour�s 1997 title Croupier is to get a UK re-release following its success in North America this year. Mike Hodges� revitalised tale of an aspiring writer drawn into London�s gambling world will go out early next year. FilmFour originally offloaded Croupier through UK cultural body the British Film Institute, which gave the film a limited theatrical outing after its re-release of Hodges� Get Carter. But while interest has surged in the picture after it took $6m in North America this year, FilmFour will be unable to capitalise on an Oscar run because the American Academy has ruled the film ineligible. The Academy made the ruling because the film has been broadcast twice on TV in international markets, making it ineligible under Academy rules. Hodges said: "I�m very gratified by the response to Croupier in North America. But its most important benefit may be the new opportunity to reach an audience in my own country." Jonathan Cavendish, the film�s producer added: "Mike Hodges is one of the best directors in Europe and it�s exciting that North American audiences have reminded everyone of that fact."

Apparently, there was an opportunity to hear Nick Hornby this past Sunday. From the Guardian: Fiction Live. New Yorker magazine hosts a weekend of readings, including stories from Zadie Smith, George Saunders and Tobias Wolfe (Sat) and Nick Hornby, David Foster Wallace and Jhumpa Lahiri (Sun). 7.30pm, Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London (020-7287 5060). The Irish Times review of Speaking with the Angel Nov 11, 2000 As Nick Hornby explains in the introduction, his small son, Danny, is autistic and attends a special school in London, for which there are limited places. To raise funds to create a few extra places in this school, Hornby asked 11 writers for an original story, and wrote one himself; (pounds) 1 from every copy sold is donated to the school's trust. The stories are all monologues, and mostly written by Hornby's mates. And he has good writing mates. Among the contributors are Roddy Doyle, Zadie Smith, Irvine Welsh, Dave Eggers, Helen Fielding, Robert Harris, Melissa Banks, and Patrick Marber. Marber is a playwright and most of the others are novelists, so it's an interesting and unusual opportunity to see how they fare at writing short stories. Most of the stories are lightweight entertainment, but fittingly, Hornby's own story, 'Nipple-Jesus', about a security guard in an art gallery who becomes obsessed with the exhibit he's protecting, is the best read in the book. ************** One more Hornby item from the Sunday Independent: THOSE WHO would like to take a short cut to immortality should turn up at an auction held by the Medical Foundation at Bafta in central London next month. Novelists who have offered to name characters in their next books after successful bidders include Louis de Bernieres, Hanif Kureishi, Rose Tremain and Nick Hornby. It is brave of Hornby to take part, as he has had trouble in the past with a similar issue. When proofs of About a Boy were distributed a few years back, the surname of the main protagonist - Will Lightman - had to be changed to Freeman after a real-life Will Lightman popped up and objected. (Remember, I asked him about that? The American edition was not thoroughly proofed and a Lightman had not been excised from the book and most of the reviews used the Lightman name.)

BJ meets the Queen! It happened Wed. at the London premiere of The Grinch. I have been looking on line for the picture but to no avail. She looks cute.

Have only seen pics of RZ and Jim, although ET or Access Hollywood showed the receiving line and she was visible.

Ooooh, I'll be on the lookout for these guys. Crew mentioned Hanks would be filming here in Feb or March, can't remember which, although we talked about how awful the weather would be. I do know a great little street that looks perfect for gangster films. ;-D Jude Law in talks for Sam Mendes gangster film Jude Law is in talks to co-star with Tom Hanks in the new film from British director Sam Mendes. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Law is in preliminary negotiations to star in Road To Perdition. The film is set in Depression-era Chicago and centres on a hitman known as the Angel of Death. He is just as devoted to his work as he is to his family. When the two worlds collide and his wife and youngest son are killed, the hitman and his eldest son embark on a journey of revenge. Law is expected to take on the role of Maguire, an assassin known as The Reporter. Tom Sizemore has already been signed on to play Al Capone.

very interesting (long) article in Variety today about the rush to production because of the impending strike, about how "everyone" is working and how hard it is to cast... http://www.variety.com/body.asp?HbkId=7924111&subcat=-1&ArticleId=1117789339

NOTICE OF REVOCATION OF INDEPENDENCE To the citizens of the United States of America, In the light of your failure to elect a President of the USA and thus to govern yourselves, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your independence, effective today. Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will resume monarchical duties over all states, commonwealths and other territories. Except Utah, which she does not fancy. Your new prime minister (The rt. hon. Tony Blair, MP for the 97.85% of you who have until now been unaware that there is a world outside your borders) will appoint a minister for America without the need for further elections. Congress and the Senate will be disbanded. A questionnaire will be circulated next year to determine whether any of you noticed. To aid in the transition to a British Crown Dependency, the following rules are introduced with immediate effect: 1. You should look up "revocation" in the Oxford English Dictionary. Then look up "aluminium". Check the pronunciation guide. You will be amazed at just how wrongly you have been pronouncing it. Generally, you should raise your vocabulary to acceptable levels. Look up "vocabulary". Using the same twenty seven words interspersed with filler noises such as "like" and "you know" is an unacceptable and inefficient form of communication. Look up "interspersed". 2. There is no such thing as "US English". We will let Microsoft know on your behalf. 3. You should learn to distinguish the English and Australian accents. It really isn't that hard. 4. Hollywood will be required occasionally to cast English actors as the good guys. 5. You should relearn your original national anthem, "God Save The Queen", but only after fully carrying out task 1. We would not want you to get confused and give up half way through. 6. You should stop playing American "football". There is only one kind of football. What you refer to as American "football" is not a very good game. The 2.15% of you who are aware that there is a world outside your borders may have noticed that no one else plays "American" football. You will no longer be allowed to play it, and should instead play proper football. Initially, it would be best if you played with the girls. It is a difficult game. Those of you brave enough will, in time, be allowed to play rugby (which is similar to American "football", but does not involve stopping for a rest every twenty seconds or wearing full kevlar body armour like nancies). We are hoping to get together at least a US rugby sevens side by 2005. 7. You should declare war on Qu�bec and France, using nuclear weapons if they give you any merde. The 98.85% of you who were not aware that there is a world outside your borders should count yourselves lucky. The Russians have never been the bad guys. "Merde" is French for "sh**". 8. July 4th is no longer a public holiday. November 8th will be a new national holiday, but only in England. It will be called "Indecisive Day". 9. All American cars are hereby banned. They are crap and it is for your own good. When we show you German cars, you will understand what we mean. 10. Please tell us who killed JFK. It's been driving us crazy. Thank you for your cooperation.

Har har. Here, look *this* up in your Oxford English Dictionary. ;-P BTW, Sue, I assume you copied that from somewhere and are not the author.

Since I'm in a Top 10 kind of mood, here's Letterman's list from last night: Top Ten Things The Founding Fathers Would Say If They Were Alive Today: 10."Remember that electoral college thing we made up when we were drunk? They're still using it!" 9."Maybe that ruthless monarchy thing in England wasn't such a bad idea after all..." 8."Good to see Florida is still using the same old voting machines" 7."That's odd -- in my day, we also had a senator named Strom Thurmond" 6."So that's the Washington Monument? Yeah, in his dreams" 5."Giuliani has really wrecked Times Square" 4."We risk our lives to form this great nation and you wanna let George W. Bush run it?!" 3."Back in our time there certainly wasn't anyone as man-tastic as Ricky Martin" 2."He did *what* in the Oval Office?" 1."Screw this, we're going to Canada"

*clap clap clap* Another great Top 10 List, Mari. Bettah than on Dave's show. fersure! We've been posting political jokes and such over here: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/politics/20/new You might get a laugh and there's another version of the Revocation thing there as well.

Looks like Miramax has a winner with BOUNCE with Gwynnie and Ben Affleck. "...finely wrought bowl of suds is a seamless piece of work, comparable in its craft to "Jerry Maguire" and "As Good as It Gets," if a bit slighter." "It has been ages since a Hollywood screen couple, gazing into each other's eyes, conveyed this much emotion....." "Bounce" may be far from a great film, but its pleasures are consistent enough to remind you of how few movies nowadays come anywhere close to matching it in intelligence and emotional balance. It is not only a terrific date movie, but also one that doesn't make you feel ashamed afterward for getting misty-eyed. PG-13 Full NY Times review. http://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/17/arts/17BOUN.html?1116fl

Tineke, I hope that you siezed the cake and had a memorable birthday. Was the cake chocolate, by any chance? Did you have any Teucher's chocolate truffles or any of their other chocolate candies? However you spent your birthday, I hope it was a happy one. Have a wonderful year.

Thanks for the NYTimes link, Evelyn. I saw Bounce last night and I liked it. Very low-key, wise, well-written little film. Performances are nicely understated. Gwynnie is especially good and "real," and this is Ben's best role to date. Theater was packed; I hope it does well. Once again, these kids have been working their tails off selling this one, with Gwynnie doing all the NY talk shows and Ben doing all the LA-based ones.

Whoops, another absence means I missed your birthday Tineke. Many good wishes, very belated, for a great year. Moon, no luck on AZ in my local blockbusters.

Good to hear your views on"Bounce" Mari. Currently our press is filled to overflowing with Paltrowisms, due to release of Duets this weekend.

Happy Birthday from me too Tineke. I"ve been away and missed it.

From Ananova (The Independent also had an blurb about this on Saturday and mentioned Hugh Lurie.) Teenage Fanclub to play at book launch Author Nick Hornby, best known for his books High Fidelity and Fever Pitch, has asked Teenage Fanclub to perform at the launch of a new book he's edited. Speaking With The Angel is a collection of stories Hornby's edited for the TreeHouse Trust, a charity that works on behalf of children with autism. The launch takes place on November 23 at London's Hammersmith Palais. Teenage Fanclub will provide the music during an evening which is to be hosted by comedian Robert Newman and introduced by Hornby. The event will also feature readings by Speaking With The Angel contributors Melissa Bank (author of The Girls' Guide To Hunting And Fishing) and actor Mark Addy (The Full Monty), among others. Speaking With The Angel is a collection of 13 original stories specially written by a group of authors, including Roddy Doyle, Helen Fielding, Irvine Welsh and Zadie Smith. It also includes a heartfelt introduction from Hornby, whose son Danny is autistic and attends the TreeHouse special school in London. For every copy of the book sold, �1 will go to the TreeHouse Trust. Teenage Fanclub, who have just completed a UK tour, will be playing acoustic versions of songs from their current album Howdy! plus other hits.

From the Telegraph: An anxious, desirable slow starter �In his new film Jeremy Northam plays an Italian prince who is loved by two women. If only real life were as straightforward. 'I want more stability in my life,' he tells Anna Murphy WITHIN 10 minutes of meeting the actor Jeremy Northam in a north London caf�, I have spilt my coffee right down my front. Northam responds with a gentlemanly fleetness straight out of one of his screen performances - Mr Knightley in Emma perhaps, Sir Robert Chiltern in An Ideal Husband or, most recently, Prince Amerigo in the new Merchant Ivory adaptation of Henry James's novel The Golden Bowl. He rushes off to get a cloth, assiduously wipes me down, suggests - laughing - that perhaps this is why he "wore rubber trousers today", and then insists that it is his fault I spilt my coffee in the first place. No doubt if you are Jeremy Northam, life is one long obstacle course of flustered females spilling things, dropping things, tripping over things, so I imagine you do get a routine off-pat. But he does seem remarkably nice for a heart-throb. It is 10 years since Northam won an Olivier award as Most Promising Newcomer for The Voysey Inheritance. Now 38, he is often described as a "slow starter", yet in the interim he has worked non-stop, alternating prestigious stage work at the RSC and the National with increasingly high-profile screen roles. For a while he looked in danger of becoming little more than big-budget arm-candy, siring the likes of Mira Sorvino and Sandra Bullock (in Mimic and The Net respectively). But in The Golden Bowl he again proves himself an excellent ensemble player, just as he did last year in The Winslow Boy and The Ideal Husband. Acting with an all-star cast - in this case, Nick Nolte, Uma Thurman and Kate Beckinsale - can't be for the faint-hearted. "Terrifying," agrees Northam. "I was pretty frightened starting out. But it was not a competitive environment. We all had our particular concerns and worries but we were all of the same mind." In fact, the reports of on-set dramas of the non-scripted kind might suggest a rather different atmosphere. (There was an alleged incident - which Northam's PR had warned me in advance not to mention - when Beckinsale's husband, the Welsh actor Michael Sheen, punched him on the nose.) But Northam claims he was plagued by only one real concern once filming began: "I was anxious about playing this very desirable man. Amerigo is desired by both Kate and Uma. That is a bit of a mindf--- to start with." The beginning of The Golden Bowl is a tangled affair: Amerigo is to marry the wealthy Maggie (Beckinsale), who is ignorant of his earlier love affair with her impoverished best friend Charlotte (Thurman), who, in turn, ends up marrying Maggie's father (Nolte). The story then does the very opposite of unfold; indeed, its knots tighten further still. "It gradually dawned on us all that all our characters were culpable," says Northam. "I remember at one point Uma said to me 'You are lying to me now,' and I said, 'No I am not because I hadn't read the line like that.' And she said, 'Oh yes, I see what you mean, but I don't agree.' There are these incredible shifting perspectives." Northam admits that he wasn't initially keen on doing the film - "I can't say I was crying out to do a period movie at the time, but it was just so beautifully written." This must be a recurring problem, given that he has recently finished working on Enigma, based on Robert Harris's Second World War novel ("I play a complete bastard!" he exclaims with glee), and is currently filming an adaptation of A. S. Byatt's Possession, in which he plays the Victorian love interest alongside Jennifer Ehle. "At the moment I am looking to do something more contemporary again, but then I am always bleating on about that." Northam first decided an actor's life was for him when he was about 16. "I was not one of those kids who had a fantastic, elaborate toy theatre or was six months old when I wrote my first play. I think it was partly when my parents moved to Bristol [where his father was an academic] and you could see all this incredible range of stuff at the theatre, and I did some school plays. Then a couple moved in on our street who were involved in theatre and it was through talking to them that I realised it was a practical possibility, that it wasn't just some sort of teenage masturbation fantasy . . . although it probably still is. "It was not that I had this particular talent - I have always had to work at acting, but I think it was the work that appealed. The very fact that acting was ephemeral and hard to grasp made it seem all the more wonderful. I still do feel that." Between school and college Northam spent a year working backstage at the Bristol Hippodrome. "I can still remember word-for-word Danny La Rue in Aladdin [he switches to a terrifyingly camp accent, like the child-catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang] . . . 'Good evening, boys and girls. This is my son Wishy-Washy. You never knew your father, Wishy-Washy, did you? Thirty-five years ago he went down the garden to pick some peas and he never came back.' 'That is terrible, Mum, what did you do?' 'Opened a tin of beans!' " He laughs extravagantly, on a roll now. " ''Eeeeer!' " he mimics, switching to a toe-curling Bristolian accent, " 'Sing Mother Kelly's doorstep!' I used to do that accent to my old neighbours in London and they used to say 'Please don't! You are making us feel nauseous!' " After an English degree at Bedford College, London, Northam went back to Bristol, to the Old Vic theatre school. "I am definitely a product of that place. There you were taught that if you work and work and work, then you can forget what you know. You have retrained your instincts for whatever it is you need to do." In the event, Northam left the course early to take up a stage role in Nottingham. "When I started to work at 23 I felt ancient, and I have felt ancient ever since because you are always working with 17-year-olds." What would be his advice now to his younger self? "Just relax! Don't be so hysterical about everything and neurotic about the next week and the next job, and just enjoy it. It has taken me a while . . . I don't know . . . my mother died last year, and she had been ill for four years, and in between living here and there, and wondering how she was doing, and feeling I ought to be nearer . . . "At the moment I am just trying to get myself a bit of space. I have been meaning to move flats for six years and it has taken me that long to have the time to do it - it sounds ridiculous when everyone else seems to manage it just like that. I am pinning my hopes on my new flat as a little island from where I can survey the scenery. I want more stability in my life." Yet his growing fame will surely not help him in his search for stability. "I don't feel remotely famous. Occasionally the idea does freak me out. For it to start relatively late in life could be odd, because you would be thinking, why is that person staring at me? Especially when you are having one of those days when you don't want anybody to look at you anyway." He pauses. "I am having one of those days today actually," he grimaces, running his fingers through his immaculately tousled coiffure. So does being an actor make him feel vulnerable? "Mmmm. Three months filming, a run at the theatre, then the rest of the time in therapy!" he laughs, then is serious again. "I was very stable for a long time. I am lucky that I have always worked. And I used to have a girlfriend who would always say 'But you are doing what you love!' " In response to his complaints? "No. When she was expressing why she wasn't content." Northam's last serious girlfriend was the model Lisa Butcher (whose unfortunate marital history encompasses Marco Pierre White and a Chilean polo player). This month he has been seen out on the town with Marie Helvin. Still, Northam claims not to have much luck in his private life. "When you are working on a role mentally and emotionally you concentrate on a particular outlook and I think that can be disturbing to be around - you are on a kind of leash and you never quite want to let that go. An old director friend of mine once said to me that for your partner when you are working, it is like you are having an affair." He sighs. Today, the actor whom Gwyneth Paltrow once described as "incredibly driven" claims that all he really wants is to hear the patter of tiny feet. "I am an uncle nine times over and I am getting more and more broody. But the chances of me becoming a parent are fairly remote at the moment. I have got to find someone who would like to have children with me and is around long enough to manage it."

Any volunteers? ;-) Thanks, Mari. No doubt if you are Jeremy Northam, life is one long obstacle course of flustered females spilling things, dropping things, tripping over things, so I imagine you do get a routine off-pat. But he does seem remarkably nice for a heart-throb. Yes, he does. :-D

Yes, they are lined up around the block. ;-) An old director friend of mine once said to me that for your partner when you are working, it is like you are having an affair." What are the cons? ;-)

Mari, thanks. I did enjoy the article , not least because he is a "local" boy. He was at school with a good friend of mine, who now professes to have no memories of him in particular and is irritatingly vague about it! BTW how many of You do I have to queque behind? tee hee

He was at school with a good friend of mine, who now professes to have no memories of him in particular and is irritatingly vague about it! Are there no yearbook pictures?

Good point Karen. I'll ask him to dig them out, but I will live in hope!

Thanks Mari..he does sound like a nice guy...except for that Kate Beckinsale incident;-)) There was an alleged incident - which Northam's PR had warned me in advance not to mention - when Beckinsale's husband, the Welsh actor Michael Sheen, punched him on the nose.) Thnaks for the Speak with the Angel Benefit. I have read most of the stories and have enjoyed them all.

Am off to parts north tomorrow for family and football. Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate the holiday!

I am off to watch men dance half naked... up close and WAY too personal...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nevah! LOL!

Thanks Tracy...it's my favorite holiday! No gifts, no cards, no decorations. Eat, drink, and be merry!

Happy Thanksgiving!!! To those who don't live in the U.S. have a really nice Thursday.

It's my favorite holiday too. But we gobble, gobble, hey! (Old Ramones tune) :-) We just wrapped up the Miami Book Fair Intl and at the party last weekend that Bushnel broad (I never use this but it fits her), stripped and jumped into the pool to be followed by three other men. I have never seen her show, but I am sure it must be as sleezy as she is.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone

**Horrors**! I am ashamed and embarrassed to admit that I have only just discovered Sophie Thompson was with Colin in Tumbledown, and was also in Persuasion, Emma (the movie) and 4 Weddings and a Funeral. Here she has been right under my nose for so long, but I've only just noticed! Shame on me! Oh, yes and ...

(Moon)We just wrapped up the Miami Book Fair Intl and at the party last weekend that Bushnel broad (I never use this but it fits her), stripped and jumped into the pool to be followed by three other men. I have never seen her show, but I am sure it must be as sleezy as she is. Oooh, funny tidbit Moon. You're talking about Candace Bushnell who wrote Sex & the City, right? Sounds like she's desperate to be the center of attention and certainly skinny dipping at a party is not a particularly classy move once one exits the terrible teens - and at a book fair of all places. However, while the show based on her book (I don't think she writes the show BTW but seems more than happy to take credit for it!) is quite raunchy, it is absolutely hilarious. It is a rare television program that can make me laugh out loud. Surely I'm not the only SATC fan out there, am I ;-)?

(KJ) I am ashamed and embarrassed to admit that I have only just discovered Sophie Thompson was with Colin in Tumbledown During the RV promo activity, Sophie said she'd never worked with Colin before. But that can be easily explained. She's never *with* Colin in any scene. She just hides up in her bedroom. (Jana) Surely I'm not the only SATC fan out there, am I ;-)? Heavens no! Never was a fan of Chris Noth, but there's no one like Big... ;-)(and I like Carrie & Crew as well; Mike B reminds me of Sam's boyfriend who shopped in the boys dept at Bloomies)

*hee hee* love this plus the allegations that the game was rigged to produce the winner during sweeps. Can't believe that her win was tipped in advance to ensure higher ratings. And even I knew the answer to the big million pound question. From The Times: TV race goes to the tape THE BBC is demanding a Florida-style recount in the ratings battle that saw the million-pound quizmaster Chris Tarrant trounce the dying Victor Meldrew. The war of words over Judith Keppel�s triumph on ITV�s Who Wants to be a Millionaire? heated up as overnight viewing figures indicated that the quiz was the clear winner. But the BBC claimed that when people who recorded One Foot in the Grave were counted, the comedy might have scored more viewers. The contest will be officially settled in nine days when the Broadcasters� Audience Research Board publishes its ratings, including video viewers. The Who Wants to be a Millionaire? episode was recorded on Sunday and the news leaked the next day, before the show was pitted against Victor Meldrew�s much-hyped death. Richard Wilson, who plays Meldrew, waded in to suggest that the broadcast of the win was a set-up. �I think it was planned,� he reportedly said. The quiz usually attracts about 2.4 million viewers more than One Foot in the Grave, but on Monday the gap passed three million. Who Wants to be a Millionaire? had an average of 13.9 million viewers, peaking at 14.9 million, while One Foot in the Grave attracted an average of 10.7 million, peaking at 11.6 million as Meldrew died. The BBC refuses to accept defeat, however, insisting that millions must have watched the quiz and taped the comedy. It said: �We reckon at least two million people would have videoed One Foot. Most people choosing between the two would have watched Millionaire.� ITV agreed. The extent of Ms Keppel�s luck with her questions became clearer when she disclosed that, when playing at home, she often loses before �1,000 because she knows so little about pop music and sport. None of her 15 questions was about pop and only one on sport: �In which sport do two teams pull at the opposite ends of a rope?� The answer, tug of war, was worth �1,000.

Impressed by your knowledge of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Karen. However, I will attempt to increase your education. British schools do not generally have yearbooks ... or proms ... or people most likely to go on and do something or other ... or votes for class president ... or classes of 89 etc ... or high school graduation ... or grade numbers. Lack of organisation, I know - but normally once a year there'll be a photo of the whole school in a group, however, so some remnant may survive.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Try again

Happy Thanksgiving American Friends!

(Mark) Impressed by your knowledge of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Karen Hasn't everyone (of a certain age) seen Lion in Winter? Or most anything to do with Robin Hood? ;-) Shame about the lack of school photos.

To all our cyberbuddies - enjoy the holiday, give thanks for good food and fellowship, and then get back to your PC and post more goodies! :-)

My very best wishes for a great Thanksgiving. I can see that we will all be quite busy tomorrow. We are having a cold front in Miami and I love it! It really gets me in the mood for the Holidays.

(Mark)However, I will attempt to increase your education. British schools do not generally have yearbooks ... or proms ... or people most likely to go on and do something or other ... or votes for class president ... or classes of 89 etc ... or high school graduation ... or grade numbers. Wot? Why else go to school;-) Gobble, Gobble , Gobble...Eat til you Wobble

I did so finish it...aw, use your imagination!

I like this one: Happy Thanksgiving and have fun shopping. ;-)

A very happy Thanksgiving to all who give thanks And don't worry about us poor slobs in work.

And don't worry about us poor slobs in work. That's ok, Mark. You can rub it in on Boxing Day when most Americans are back at work. Happy Thanksgiving! Off to Mom's for turkey (not fish). ;-)

(Moon)We are having a cold front in Miami and I love it! It really gets me in the mood for the Holidays. Cold? In Miami? Impossible! ;-)

Good article in The Sunday Times about the BBC's plans to get into big budget films and away from small-scale costume dramas. But more importantly, it states that (1) the new venture doesn't use license payers' fees but instead has financing from private sources in LA/London that will *oversee* distribution and (2) lack of financing has prevented BBC from capitalizing on its involvement in many films that went on to success, i.e., it had to hand over control to others because it could only provide a small portion of the total funding. http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/2000/11/26/stinwenws03015.html

doesn't use license payers' fees I guess that puts a stop to disappointed customers' e-mails and calls. ;-) I foresee more riff-raff movies with the same-old/same-old theme. :-( BBC should stick to what it does best: costume drama/mysteries. There is so much that can be done; LeFanu, Wilkie Collins... etc.

I'll excerpt additional details from Screendaily's item on the BBC's foray into big-budget films: David Thompson, head of BBC Films, confirmed that the broadcaster has been talking to financiers about a fund for big-budget pictures. BBC Films recently unveiled a three-way development and production partnership for medium-budget pictures with Germany's Kinowelt and Spain's Lolafilm. Grrrrrr "We are committed to establishing a long-term financing structure for larger budget pictures," Thompson said. "Part of the thinking behind that is to ensure that talent that started out with the BBC is able to continue working with us." Will they ever outgrow this 'cradle to grave' attitude? UK distributor Redbus Film Distribution is expected to handle films from the fund through its output deal for projects funded by BBC Worldwide. US distribution will be sought on big-budget projects, either on a title-by-title basis or with a regular partner. http://www.screendaily.com/shtml_files/story3335.shtml

From Empire: Emma Thompson Fast Forwards 27/11/2000 Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson is currently hard at work on a screenplay with High Fidelity writer Nick Hornby. In an interview with PeopleNews, Hornby was asked about the project with Thompson and explained. 'it�s a romantic comedy called Fast Forward, about a woman who discovers a video cassette of her life and tries to change her future.' Hornby and Thompson live pretty close to each other in North London, but as Hornby explains, the screenplay project came about in a roundabout way. 'I did a treatment that was sent to Emma in an actress capacity. She liked it, and wanted to talk about it - so much so that I suggested we wrote the script together. It�s an amazing experience, because she is just so smart.'

Mmmm, Evelyn's going to be pleased as punch to read that Simon Russell Beale won the Evening Standard award today for Best Actor for his Hamlet. This was included in the article: "The Evening Standard's theatre critic Nicholas de Jongh wrote of his performance: 'Hamlet will never be the same again. Simon Russell Beale triumphantly confounded the belief that the prince ought to be played by a romantic leading man with youth, sex appeal and a fine physique.'" *snort* What a backhanded compliment! Sorry, Donna. :-(

LOL. I can't imagine sitting through 3 hours of him. :-)

(BBC)"Part of the thinking behind that is to ensure that talent that started out with the BBC is able to continue working with us." (Karen)Will they ever outgrow this 'cradle to grave' attitude? AKA "Prisoners of BBC". (Gag, Gag.) (Karen)... Evelyn's going to be pleased as punch to read that Simon Russell Beale won the Evening Standard award today for Best Actor for his Hamlet. Gag, Gag again. I wouldn't walk across the street to see Simon Russell Beale. Besides ..he's ugly.

Oh no!!!!!!!!!!! From Empire: Pie Duo Helm Hornby�s Latest 28/11/2000 Nick Hornby�s third novel About a Boy may finally have found a director, but fans of the book may be surprised, and possibly dismayed, to learn that taking up the camera will be Chris and Paul Weitz, most famous for pastry-shagging teen comedy American Pie. The pair responsible for American Pie�s special brand of gross-out humour are certainly an odd choice to bring Hornby�s new-man-centred tale to the big screen. The story follows 36-year-old bachelor Will Lightman, played by Hugh Grant, for whom commitment is the root of all evil. Drawn to single mothers who, he believes, will be less likely to tie him down, Will finds his plans for meaningless relationship bliss complicated when he becomes attached to the 12-year-old son of his latest conquest. Retaining the book�s North London setting, this Robert De Niro produced project was originally due to be helmed by Wings of The Dove director Iain Softley until casting disagreements caused him to pull out. Hornby�s sensitive tale of bonding between young boy and big kid is hard to reconcile with the Weitz brothers� propensity for bodily fluids and knob gags. With hordes of Hornby fans still bristling over the Americanising of High Fidelity, the pair will have to tread very carefully indeed.

Here's the original Variety report, without the snide editorializing... Weitzes to Give 'Boy' Direction LONDON (Variety) - Male sensitivity is the trademark of Brit novelist Nick Hornby. Chris and Paul Weitz are better known for promoting unnatural acts with a warm apple pie. But in an unlikely coupling, the brothers behind teen comedy hit "American Pie" are now set to direct the big screen adaptation of Hornby"s most recent novel "About a Boy." Hugh Grant has long been in the frame to play the lead -- a wealthy, 36-year-old layabout whose fear of commitment leads him to seek out relationships with single mothers on the grounds that they are easier to leave. But his plans go awry when he becomes best friends with the 12-year-old son of his latest target. The film shoots next March in the U.K. New Line paid $2.75 million three years ago for the then-unpublished manuscript of Hornby's novel. The original version of the screenplay, penned by Peter Hedges ("What"s Eating Gilbert Grape"), kept the North London setting but rewrote the central character as an American. Iain Softley ("Backbeat") was attached to direc but dropped out over casting disagreements. Hornby"s two previous books, "High Fidelity" and "Fever Pitch," have also been filmed. ******** Now my editorializing: Interesting that a director with integrity bowed out over casting disagreements, so they've signed directors without any integrity whatsoever. ;-)

(shudder) This must be a film to avoid at all costs...

Chris and Paul Weitz are better known for promoting unnatural acts with a warm apple pie (shudder) This must be a film to avoid at all costs.. What? Can't directors change?...Go mainstream? Look at Neil Le Bute;-)) With hordes of Hornby fans still bristling over the Americanising of High Fidelity,... 'About a Boy' should be so lucky as to have the success of 'High Fidelity'....great little movie.

(Evelyn)'About a Boy' should be so lucky as to have the success of 'High Fidelity'....great little movie. It's probable that it will have more success than Fever Pitch... Colin won't be in it :-(

Not that this is necessarily true or that we care, but DS's comments at the end about being so close to the audience were interesting. Always wondered... West End For Tom & Nicole? 29/11/2000 Theatre purists in London can date the invasion of Hollywood stars on to the West End stage to Nicole Kidman's stint at the Donmar Warehouse two years ago. Now it seems, she's on her way back, this time with husband Tom Cruise in tow. Empire Online caught up with actor Dougray Scott in London this week who shared with us the rumour that the Cruises are planning a joint venture in London. "I hear the whisper that Tom and Nicole may - the word is 'may' - be going into the Donmar,' Dougray told us. 'I have heard talk about it. I think it will be fantastic, they are both terrific actors. The security will be interesting though, I mean how will they allow people to get so close to them on stage. Dougray, who is himself finishing up a run in Sam Mendes production of To The Green Fields Beyond at the Donmar, went on to say; "I think they should both go there, together, I think they will have a wonderful time. I did. It is an extraordinary theatre because you are so close to the audience. It freaks some actors out. It excites me; I love it when you get so close to the front row. You are kind of emoting and getting very passionate and the spittle goes on to the front of the audience in the auditorium."

(Karen) (Dougray) I love it when you get so close to the front row. LOL, and we love it too! Spittle and all. :-)

(Dougray) You are kind of emoting and getting very passionate and the spittle goes on to the front of the audience LOL! Interesting way of putting it... (Dougray)...they [Tom & Nichole] are both terrific actors. As long as the play's about a motivational speaker, yeah, I guess you could say that.

Was reading about the Queen attending the opening of the new Rada facility. Lots of grads there. Liked this bit from The Times: "Many of the Academy�s alumni were on hand to greet a woman whose theatrical role comes naturally to her. Lord Attenborough, chairman of RADA, was suitable effusive, while Ralph Fiennes explained in reply to her inquiry as to whether he mainly did films, that he had recently been touring America with Richard II and Coriolanus." Guess she doesn't get to Shoreditch much...

For anyone that is still interested in Armadillo, this from Baz today:(shortened version) Catherine McCormack is to play the beautiful thespian, Flavia Malinverno. She will start filming as soon as she completes working on the movie, Spy Game in January. Stephen Rea and James Fox will also appear in the series. No roles mentioned.

SR & JF will also appear in the series Could it be Hogg & Torquil?

So if the filming date is Jan. why is Colin not in it? Thanks, Aishling.

This is quite a good cast, Aishling. CMcC won't do her parts till January? Seems like they are only getting started now, if they're announcing all these other cast members. (Ann) Could it be Hogg & Torquil? Reversed. James Fox seems more like a Hogg, being older, etc.

Talk about busy CMcM had done 4 films in 2000 and has Armadillo already lined up for 2001, why don't our guys get offered this many projects!!!

or one guy in particular!

From PeopleNews: Penguin throws its writers together on a double-decker Penguin Books have come up with a novel and some might say undignified way of promoting their authors - bundling them into a double-decker bus and shipping them around the bookshops of London. Poor old Sir Paddy Ashdown, Zadie Smith, Nick Hornby, Alain de Botton, Lisa Jewell, Toby Litt, Tom Sutcliffe and Julia Llewellyn Smith have been cajoled into roaring around the capital in a bus, stopping off to sign their books for one day, 7 December. Their route will take in the book emporia of Kensington, Notting Hill, Piccadilly, Charing Cross Road and Oxford Street. 'I suppose it's a good idea, but we're going to look pretty stupid,' says one of the 22 writers taking part. 'I am dreading it - we'll look like tourists.'

Tuesday Penguin had their lovely annual authors party at the National Portrait Gallery. Hmm That bus tour sounds like an awful idea.

As you say Karen, a good cast, which makes me even sadder that CF it not involved, oh well let's hope that he wasn't overlooked in favour of JF but has some major project lined up for January, maybe MOB, although having said that I can't imagine them filming high up in the Lake District in mid-winter. I know this is just fantasizing but don't you think it would be great if Colin were the 3rd cast member for Design for Living, I would love to see him on Broadway, and after all he is friends of both JE & Alan Cummings!!! I can always dream!!

(Ann)I know this is just fantasizing but don't you think it would be great if Colin were the 3rd cast member for Design for Living I'd rather you fantasized about this than MOB. ;-)

(Ann)I know this is just fantasizing but don't you think it would be great if Colin were the 3rd cast member for Design for Living (Karen)I'd rather you fantasized about this than MOB. ;-) It is a lovely fantasy except that Otto, the painter is also gay:-(( Or at best AC/DC. OK, you've inspired me to call Roundabout next week. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thanks Aishling.... Cath Mc will make a great Flavia...but she'll have to be a brunette. Stephen Rea, super actor...remember him in The End of the Affair? I have him down for Torquil. (Aw...let's now open up an Armadillo Topic, too depressing) The guy *must * have another job lined up, as you say, Ann.Why would he reject his good friend, SB's project.I like JF, but who would pick him over ODB.

Isobel Montgomery of the Guardian has a snapshot review of Speaking with the Angel today: If you haven't heard Hornby talking about the Treehouse, the school his autistic son attends, read the introduction. Otherwise rummage through this excellent collection of short stories that Hornby's friends have donated to raise funds. The cause is worthy and Hornby's contributors - Melissa Bank, John O'Farrell, Robert Harris, and Patrick Marber, among others - have given excellent work rather than castoffs, so this reads like a compendium of the kind of writing that newspapers and magazines would pay dearly to publish in their Christmas issues. Don't feel virtuous: charity is only a by-product of this very good sampler of contemporary literature.

(Evelyn) It is a lovely fantasy except that Otto, the painter is also gay:-(( As Jeremy Northam says in Happy, Texas, "So we have to be gay. How hard can that be?" ;-) BTW, Happy, T is a "must-rent" for any JN fan. Yum. Am surprised there haven't been any Hugh Grant articles to promote Small Time Crooks (unless I've missed something). Was hoping we might get some BJD tidbits.

No mention of Colin, but Three Days of Rain is playing in Dublin. There's a small blurb (and pic) in the Sunday Times, but a longer one from the Irish Times. It's more about the actor than about the play... Peter Hanly has so skilfully and completely shrugged off Ambrose's Garda uniform that watching him in Three Days of Rain, Rough Magic's new production at the Project, it is difficult to believe he was ever one of the main characters in Ballykissangel. In the first half of the urbane family drama, he is Walker the mad or bad or simply eccentric son of a famous New York architect. In the second act he plays Ned, the architect father complete with a stutter and a flawless American accent. In the first, a brother, played by Hanly, and his sister, together with their long-time friend, meet for the reading of their father's will. In the second half the same actors play their parents in a clever theatrical device that explores such emotionally-charged family dynamics as the impossibility of children ever understanding, or even truly knowing, their parents. It is set in New York in the 1960s and the 1990s. To prepare for the role, Hanly went to voice coach Andrea Ainsworth to perfect his American accent. He also went to the Irish Stammerers' Association because the father character has a pronounced speech defect. [...] Three Days of Rain is at the Project Theatre, Dublin until December 16th http://www.ireland.com/dublin/entertainment/theatre/hanly.htm

To prepare for the role, Hanly went to voice coach Andrea Ainsworth to perfect his American accent. He also went to the Irish Stammerers'Association because the father character has a pronounced speech defect. Clever of this actor to do this...I always thought that Colin should have made Ned's stammer more pronounced to differentiate him from Walker.Instead he chose to play Walker more manic.

You wonder how they would assess "flawless American accent." ;-) However, I thought the bit about his coaching and the stammerers assn was interesting. Agree about CF's lack of stammer. Has always bothered me.

he chose to play Walker more manic Wouldn't the director have perhaps something to say...?

I doubt it... ~~~~~~~~~~ Hey Moon....in the European Film Awards : European Cinematographer 2000 Award went to Vittorio Storaro's for work on Carlos Saura's "Goya In Bordeaux".

I have always said that Storaro is the best cinematographer around. That is the only thing that saves CSs films, IMO. I have seen Storaro do better with Bertolucci. Let us not forget that all those Europeans are very pretentious and Goya is a very pretencious film.

The official press info is out for Armadillo. Frain isn't even mentioned. This is from The Hollywood Reporter: A&E/BBC start 'Armadillo' (Mon., Dec. 4, 2000) By Brett Sporich Flush with critical success on its longform original telepic "Longitude," A&E/BBC begins production today in London on the three-hour feature "Armadillo," starring Stephen Rea ("The Crying Game") and Catherine McCormack ("Braveheart"). Novelist William Boyd adapted the screenplay from his novel "Armadillo," a dark comedy-thriller that explores the financial, insurance and music worlds of contemporary London. "We knew that 'Longitude' would be a critical success, but when it also was a ratings success, it encouraged us to continue with our slate of British programming," A&E Network senior vp programming Allen Sabinson said. "It's not a matter of whether it's produced in England or America. It's a matter of whether or not it's good. And 'Armadillo' is very good." Directed by Howard Davies, "Armadillo" is being produced by Sue Birtwistle with Delia Fine representing A&E as executive producer and Jane Tranter executive producing for the BBC. "Armadillo" is slated to air on A&E late next year.

Thanks, Karen. What a pathetic excuse for a press release, not to even have the star's name in it. And I realize Longitude was the most recent collaboration, but sorry, that was a bore. Like watching a clock tick.;-) ;-)

"Longitude" wasn't that the one with Jeremy Irons and Michael Gambon? Omygod...that was a real ZZZZZ. I guess the reason they didn't have JF's name is because he isn't as well known in the trade as the other two that have starred in US films. Not yet, anyway. A&E Network senior vp programming Allen Sabinson ... Hey Heide, that's a name to jot down for future blitzing for P&P re-shows.

another one...I think Jane Tranter was also a producer for DQ.

I have dutifully brought this over from topic 131. But Moon, every major player's contract has a "sell by" date in it, i.e., project needs to wrap up by such and such date or else the actor can withdraw. Colin has stated himself at the reading that he has no other project lined up. Also, when an actor wants to do a certain project, he will stick around for a longer time. (See Eyes Wide Shut with Tom & Nicole) (Mari), I don't know of any other producer involved. Because you see one name as producer listed does not mean that they are the only backers. In fact, the producer gets money from different people or organizations, depending on the project. Apart from BJD, which was written for him, and would have been such a mistake not to cast him because those readers/bookbuyers are its audience and Colin was a big part of it. Apart from BJD, Colin has not really been offered any juicy parts. Armadillo would have been a juicy part, a starring role, which IMO, is exactly what he should be aiming at. "Armadillo" is being produced by Sue Birtwistle with Delia Fine representing A&E as executive producer and Jane Tranter executive producing for the BBC. As you see, these producers are also working with others. It is the usual case of too many indians not enough chiefs. I think Jane Tranter was also a producer for DQ. If she was and seeing what a hard time they had with DQ starring CF, she may have had something to do with his removal. This is all conjecture, but until I am proven wrong... Sorry Echo, I do not see Colin quitting such a good role because of a disagreement over the script that he was helping Boyd write.

Actually, all those producers are employed by either BBC or A&E. They are not independent producers. The project is being co-financed by A&E and BBC. I doubt we will ever know or understand what changed with this project, but it's my feeling that he left it.

(Moon) Colin has stated himself at the reading that he has no other project lined up. I didn't say he did; I only speculated that he might have another obligation. May not be career-related. (Moon) Also, when an actor wants to do a certain project, he will stick around for a longer time. (See Eyes Wide Shut with Tom & Nicole) This ain't Kubrick, it's a TV movie.;-) BTW, Delia Fine's office (the A&E exec producer mentioned in the press release) is the one I had called. I know you're disappointed, Moon. I am too. Three hours of CF in the lead would have been nice. But, let's think positively. Though he may not have something else signed, maybe there are some interesting irons in the fire, possibly in anticipation of his (hopefully) higher profile in BJD. Armadillo wouldn't have done much for his big screen profile. If it's any consolation, William Boyd's latest, The Trench, is/was having a limited release here and got panned. So, Armadillo is not a slam dunk. Honestly, I'd feel much worse if it were a big screen project that he turned down.

Perhaps we should take up a collection so that Spring Drool can be a character in NH's next book...or maybe Sebastian Faulks' or Louis de Louis de Bernieres' Readers to bid to be characters in books Literature fans could find themselves on the pages of their hero's next book, thanks to an unusual charity auction. Some of the world's best loved writers have offered to sell bidders the right to have characters in the authors' next books named after them. Authors taking part include Louis de Bernieres, Hanif Kureishi, Sebastian Faulks and Nick Hornby. Money raised from the auction will go to the charity The Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture which helps people ranging from former POWs of the Japanese in the Second World War to asylum seekers fleeing persecution. Award-winning writer Jim Crace, who is taking part in the project, said: "Hopefully, people who feel passionately about literature will see this as a great opportunity to grab 15 paragraphs of fame although, of course, if they bid a great deal of money they are going to want a bigger showing than that." The auction, which is sponsored by bol.com is being held at the British Academy of Film and Television in London.

Sorry Echo, I do not see Colin quitting such a good role because of a disagreement over the script that he was helping Boyd write. Sorry to make one of my rare postings with such an undrooly comment but do you think that perhaps on reflection the producers and even Colin himself thought that he was a bit, dare I say it, old for the part? Lorrimer is said to be v early 30's which is getting a bit of a stretch for a man of 40. James Frain is 31. It might account for Colin's comments in a recent interview when he dwelt on the fact that he was now too old to play certain parts. Think I shall just put my hard hat on and hide in this nice hole

I think you may be right Allison, may I bring my hard hat and join you in your nice hole!! I have to say on reading Armadillo, I was beginning to get the feeling that Colin was perhaps not quite right for the role but I am still disappointed that we shall not be seeing him in a 3hour starring role on TV.

Have none of you read THR? James Frain is no longer in the running. It is Stephen Rea.

Lassie, have you not read message 935 (and subsequent others) above from yesterday?

Allison, while that could be a possibility, I wouldn't think so. The actual age of a *male* lead never seems to matter all that much...if he has box office appeal. The pairing of Colin and Catherine McC would've worked fine. Besides, if RF can play a 20-ish man in Sunshine, then Colin can certainly play someone in his 30s.

Allison, you raised a good point that has been discussed before. Though I liked the book v. much and Milos is a good part..a few years ago perhaps. I wish he would have bowed out of SLOW too! Jeremy Irons knew what he was doing;-) RF is younger than Colin ..esp now with the weight loss...though not as handsome. ~~~~~~~ Lassie, I don't dare call JF's agent again! ~~~~~~~~~ Spring Drool can be a character in NH's next book.. Yessssss.I'm for that!!Or maybe we could draw straws:-)

Here is the COMPLETE press release from A&E. This should put things to rest. A&E AND BBC TO BEGIN PRODUCTION ON WILLIAM BOYD'S "ARMADILLO" STARRING JAMES FRAIN, CATHERINE MCCORMACK AND STEPHEN REA NEW YORK, NY December 4, 2000 - A&E/BBC will begin production December 4 on a three-hour original movie, ARMADILLO, starring Academy Award nominee Stephen Rea (The Crying Game, Michael Collins) and Catherine McCormack (Braveheart, Shadow of the Vampire), it was announced today by Allen Sabinson, Senior Vice President, Programming, A&E Network. Critically acclaimed novelist William Boyd (A Good Man In Africa) has adapted the screenplay of his novel Armadillo, as a darkly comedic thriller that re-invents the eccentric squalor of film noir against the backdrop of contemporary London. The film also stars James Frain (Hilary and Jackie, Reindeer Games) as Lorimer Black, a handsome, put-upon insurance adjuster, and James Fox (Remains of the Day, Patriot Games, A Passage to India) as Sir Simon Sherriffmuir. ARMADILLO will be filmed in London. The premiere date for the 3-hour film has not been scheduled at this time. ARMADILLO finds Lorimer Black becoming increasingly entangled in a conspiracy that appears to involve everyone he's ever met. When he finds a hanged man on what was supposed to be a perfectly ordinary business appointment, Lorimer realizes his own life is about to be turned upside down. The deeper he delves into the morass, the more his past comes to light -- a past he would just as soon forget. To further complicate matters, Lorimer must contend with his feelings for a beautiful -- and married -- actress named Flavia Malinverno (Catherine McCormack), and his dealings with an erratic and eccentric boss, George Hogg (Steven Rea). ARMADILLO is an A&E/Chestermead Ltd./BBC co-production. The film will be directed by Howard Davies; Emmy Award-nominee Sue Birtwistle (PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, EMMA, WIVES AND DAUGHTERS) is the producer; and William Boyd wrote the teleplay. The Costume Designer is Academy Award-winner Jenny Beavan (Room With A View, Sense & Sensibility, Howard's End), Delia Fine is the Executive Producer for A&E, and Jane Tranter is Executive Producer for the BBC. "ARMADILLO is a work of dark comic genuis that reveals the financial, insurance and music worlds of today's booming London with a unique vision," said Sabinson. "We're thrilled that director Howard Davies and producer Sue Birtwistle have been able to attract such a stellar cast and production team to a film that we know will find favour with our A&E viewers." Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning, Jane Tranter said: "Sue Birtwistle and Howard Davies have gathered together an amazing cast for William Boyd's brilliant adaptation of his novel ARMADILLO which, combined with the sights and sounds of modern London, will be a treat for U.S. audiences. This production is firmly stamped with the BBC gold standard and and it is terrific to be working with A&E on a contemporary adaptation."

Two others in the cast are Conor Mullen (who was the best one in Saltwater) and Mathilda Ziegler.

Well that's that then.

Thanks Karen.... A pity the press release didn't mention the reason why Colin wasn't in it;-) evelyn, joining Allison in the bunker

(Press release) The film also stars James Frain Poor JF, relegated to 2nd paragraph. What, did they change it to Hogg's (Rea's) story?;-) Can picture it: "Film-noirish tale of a middle-aged insurance bureaucrat caught in ethnic identity crisis having changed name to Hogg from . . .Hog." ;-)

You are so funny Mari, LOL.I needed that!

LOL! I told you I wasn't perfect...

Thanks Karen for the news on Armadillo.

Having never read any of the Adrian Mole books, but having heard they are better than Bridget, thought this was an interesting development: Paxman launches movie career Newsnight presenter stars in Adrian Mole film Jeremy Paxman, the famously combative host of BBC's Newsnight, is to make his acting debut in a new series based on the hugely popular Adrian Mole books. PeopleNews can reveal that the grand inquisitor will play a broadcaster with the instincts of a Rottweiler in an adaptation of Sue Townsend's bestseller, Adrian Mole - The Cappuccino Years. He has taken on the role for the six-part series which will be screened on BBC1 in the New Year. Paxman will be seen giving his usual Newsnight 'kebabing' of politicians as he grills Mole's girlfriend Pandora Braithwaite, who has risen to become a New Labour junior minister. However, Pandora, who is played by Cold Feet star Helen Baxendale, 'knows just how to handle Paxman and gives as good as she gets', according to insiders on the show.

Is it deerhunting season? I gots me a biiiig gun :-D Thanks for the Armadillo info, Karen. (Mari) What, did they change it to Hogg's (Rea's) story?;-) Can picture it: "Film-noirish tale of a middle-aged insurance bureaucrat caught in ethnic identity crisis having changed name to Hogg from . . .Hog." Hee hee! Agree we will never know the reason CF isn't involved in this project. Onward and upward, as they say.

OK! Film awards season has officially started (Evelyn and Ann, note Sunshine made their top 10): 'Quills,' Roberts Win Season's First Film Awards By Chris Michaud NEW YORK (Reuters) - ``Quills,'' a drama built around the French writer the Marquis de Sade, was named best film of the year by the National Board of Review on Wednesday, kicking off the movie honors season that culminates with the Academy Awards. The main acting awards both honored portrayals of real people. Best actress went to Julia Roberts, Hollywood's biggest female star, for her performance as a real-life legal crusader in ``Erin Brockovich,'' while Javier Bardem was named best actor for ``Before Night Falls,'' based on the memoirs of Cuban novelist and poet Reinaldo Arenas. The National Board of Review and other critics' associations' awards are seen as harbingers of Hollywood's Holy Grail -- the Oscars, which are handed out in March. ``Quills,'' a fictional story about freedom of speech and expression with the notorious French writer the Marquis de Sade at its center, beat out nine other films that the board also cited for excellence in what many critics considered a weak year. ``Quills'' stars Geoffrey Rush, Joaquin Phoenix, Kate Winslet and Michael Caine and is directed by Philip Kaufman. ``Traffic,'' ``Croupier,'' ``You Can Count on Me,'' ``Billy Elliot,'' ``Before Night Falls,'' ``Gladiator,'' ``Wonder Boys,'' ''Sunshine'' and ``Dancer in the Dark'' were the rest of the board's ``10 best films of 2000.'' Phoenix, Ontiveros, Soderbergh Also Honored Best supporting actor went to Phoenix for his performances in three films, ``Gladiator,'' ``Quills'' and ``The Yards'' while best supporting actress went to Lupe Ontiveros for the offbeat film ``Chuck and Buck.'' Steven Soderbergh was named best director for ``Erin Brockovich'' and ``Traffic,'' while Ted Tally won best screenplay for ``All the Pretty Horses.'' The National Board of Review also honored ``State and Main'' for best ensemble, and ``The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg'' as best documentary. ``Chicken Run'' won best animated feature. Best foreign film was Ang Lee's martial arts-inspired ''Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,'' and Krzysztof Kieslowski's ''Decalogue'' series was honored for outstanding achievement in foreign film. Michelle Rodriguez was cited for a breakthrough performance for ``Girlfight,'' about female boxers, while Jamie Bell was named outstanding young actor as the aspiring ballet dancer in the British hit ``Billy Elliot.'' ``Gladiator,'' director Ridley Scott's hit starring Russell Crowe set in ancient Rome, won for production design/art direction, while Sweden's Bjork received a nod for outstanding dramatic musical performance by an actress for ``Dancer in the Dark.'' The board will present actress Ellen Burstyn, seen on screens this year in a reissue of ``The Exorcist'' and several other films, a career achievement award when it hands out its honors on Jan. 16 at Manhattan's Tavern on the Green restaurant. Kenneth Lonergan, who wrote and directed the critical hit ''You Can Count on Me,'' also will be honored for special filmmaking achievement. The New York Film Critics Circle, considered among the most prestigious film awards, announces its winners on Dec. 13.

Oooh, such off-the-wall choices. Have seen 6 of their 10 best (and 2 haven't opened yet). Congrats on Sunshine, Ev. You can be sure there will be lots of "for your consideration" ads taken out for the film and probably three of its cast members. ;-)

Whooopeee for SUNSHINE. You can be sure there will be lots of "for your consideration" ads taken out for the film and probably three of its cast members. ;-) Sunday's LA Times Calendar movie ad section announced the re-release of Sunshine at Beverly Hills Laemmle's Music Hall starting this Friday. It appears Paramount Classics is pushing RF, JE, RH, WH(Wm. Hurt), Lajos Koltai (cinematography) and Maurice Jarre (music) for Oscar nominations. It will also be re-released in other parts of the country. Sorry Tineke, I'm doing my best to find out when it will open in Belgium...so far no luck. Or Denmark for Hanne. Some of the websites are mentioning Istvan Szabos (director) too. I know...it's an almost insurmountable longshot,but nice to see her mentioned. Even a good lesson in pronouncing her name:-)) (I know, ...Moon...DH did not like it...neither did Portugal;-))

I sent an e-mail to the Kinepolis people (Kinepolis owns all the big movie theatres in Belgium) and they said that Sunshine is probably going to be released in March. They also said they can't help it, they're not responsible for the releases. They gave me the phone number of ABC distribution. I haven't made the call yet.

Great news fro Sunshine and the rest of the odd choices. Those odd films seem to always attract me. I am also happy for Bjork. I am a big fan. (I know, ...Moon...DH did not like it...neither did Portugal;-)) LOL! But I did! The last two films he liked were: The Horseman on the Roof and Cabeza de Vaca. But I loved them too and highly recommend them. I hope Quills opens soon. :-) Sounds like a must-see.

I hope Quills opens soon. :-) Sounds like a must-see. You're gonna get frontal nudity of Geoffrey Rush;-) (I know... some of the people here are gonna say.."Better than RF in Sunshine!) The Horseman on the Roof and Cabeza de Vaca. But I loved them too and highly recommend them. Where? When?Aside from Chicago, only the two coasts get these films. (Tineke)..they said that Sunshine is probably going to be released in March I'm working on Alliance in Canada who made the film...but probably didn't distribute it in Europe.Hey, in March we'll have the video..but it deserves to be seen on a big screen. (No remarks from the balcony on RF nudity;-) LOL You see, I know you all so well, I can anticipate your responses;-)

Okay okay, Eve... I'll keep quiet ;-)

(Moon) The Horseman on the Roof and Cabeza de Vaca. But I loved them too and highly recommend them. (Evelyn) Where? When? Aside from Chicago, only the two coasts get these films. *cough* we don't get all of them either. Not sure if these ever played in the theaters here, but the Horseman has been out on vid for a couple of years. There was a preview for it in front of some other video and it looked good, so I rented it. Now I know why it didn't play in theaters. Never heard of the cow movie before. (No remarks from the balcony on RF nudity;-) *remarking from the peanut gallery* It was no big deal. ;-)

Begging your pardon, Horseman on the Roof did have a limited theatre release and I was lucky to have seen it. Alfredo Nu�ez Cabeza de Vaca is the full title and Blockbuster here has it for rent. The cinematography is sublime and the story very engaging. It is not light fare.

Alfredo Nu�ez Cabeza de Vaca is the full title and Blockbuster here has it for rent.The cinematography is sublime Is it directed by Carlos Saura...our man for MOB? ( Standards are slipping a little bit as we get towards the end of the year and other projects are crumbling ;-)

You know, besides the ads, the Oscar hopefuls all appear on the night time talk shows. Good thing JE will be in the US. Will make it easy for her to appear on Letterman. They all do it, however, unknown and obscure to our public.

(Karen)Good thing JE will be in the US. Will make it easy for her to appear on Letterman. If she thinks she has to do *that*....she might bail-out of DFL;-)

Not Saura, Evelyn. He wishes to be that talented. I must find out who the cinematographer was because he can compete with Storaro.

The latest in our Carlos Saura watch (Day 266): Spanish mini-studio The Filmax Group is in final negotiations to pick up world rights on veteran director Carlos Saura�s much-anticipated forthcoming feature Bunuel And King Salomon�s Table (Bunuel Y La Mesa Del Rey Salomon)....Shooting on Bunuel began December 4 and will run through January 31.

Thought this looked like it may be interesting, a release about Working Titles' upcoming projects: LONDON -- Working Title Films has added "The Poetess," directed by Mike Newell, and "Guru of Sex" helmed by Daisy Mayer, to its slate of productions for next year. Also in the works are Mel Smith's "Black Ball," and the Rowan Atkinson vehicle "Johnny English: A Touch of Weevil," to be directed by Peter Howitt. Meanwhile, the company's low-budget arm WT2, riding high from the success of "Billy Elliot," is prepping "My Little Eye" and "Ali G is in Da House." All these films are slated to shoot in the first half of 2001, ahead of the looming Hollywood strikes. Working Title is owned by Universal, and its films are co-financed by U and StudioCanal. "The Poetess" reunites Newell with Working Title for the first time since "Four Weddings and a Funeral." It's an original screenplay by Will Davies about a romance between a female poet and a Cambridge don. The project was originally developed by Stacey Snider at Universal for Curtis Hanson to direct, but Hanson is now taking a producer credit. *************** Wouldn't The Poetess be a good one? Surely Colin isn't too old to play a Cambridge don. ;-) As an aside, all the UK news led off with the Ali G movie, which Variety relegated to the end of the article.

Could Oscar Be Shared? (from: Today's LA Times Calendar ) "In an unusual twist on the annual jockeying for Oscar nominations, Paramount Classics is launching an ad campaign in the Hollywood trades asking Academy Award voters to consider "Sunshine" stars RH and JE for a shared best supporting actress nomination. The actresses-mother and daughter in real life-playa family matriarch in older and younger stages of life. A spokesman for the film-which was named Wednesday as one of the year's 10 best by the National Board of Review-noted that some movie critics had already suggested that duo could share acting honors. Though there's no known incidence of a previous shared nomination, Paramount Classics, the spokesman said, has talked to the film academy about the issue "and they haven't said. 'no,' so it's up to the acting branch when they do the nominations." In a further Oscar bid, meanwhile. "Sunshine," originally released in June and also starring RF, reopens tonight at Laemmle's Music Hall." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Of course they haven't been nominated...but it's a good move, so the votes wouldn't be split. We were afraid of that when they were both nominated for the Tony's.

I never heard of a shared nomination. Would they do that? Unfortunately whether Julia Roberts deserves it or not she is a sure nomination because they want her to attend the Oscars. BTW, they are looking for a host Billy Crystal said no. :-( As an aside, all the UK news led off with the Ali G movie, which Variety relegated to the end of the article. Funny you should say that, Karen, because when reading the article I immediately thought, that it might be something Colin would want to do just by the title, "Ali G is in Da House." Bunuel Y La Mesa Del Rey Salomon, sounds like a movie I would love because of the subject matter. I love Luis Bunuel, but I have no hopes now that Saura is directing. Que lastima!

(Moon) I immediately thought, that it might be something Colin would want to do just by the title, "Ali G is in Da House." Ha! Who knows. Didn't I read somewhere that Colin said he liked Ali G's humor, something about the good stuff on TV????? But I prefer the don role. Mmmmmm

(Moon)I never heard of a shared nomination. It would be a first. Nobel Prize people do it:-)) Would they do that? Unfortunately whether Julia Roberts deserves it or not she is a sure nomination because they want her to attend the Oscars. I think Julia Roberts deserves Best Actress. RH and JE's shared nomination would be for Supporting Actress.

"Shared Oscar story" also at excellent Oscar website Oscarwatch - www.oscarwatch.com/

I think Julia Roberts deserves Best Actress. I go for Bjork.

(evelyn)I think Julia Roberts deserves Best Actress. (Moon)I go for Bjork. Haven't seen Bjork yet, or Cate Blanchette in The Gift (which hasn't been released yet). Both are mentioned as contenders.If "Dancers" get a nomination, the film will hit the rest of the country. Otherwise it's dead-"wait for the video"- meat for us. Joan Allen in "The Contenders" also is in competition. That Oscar watch website is v. good Ann. Thanks. http://www.oscarwatch.com

Oh, goodie, Oscar handicapping--one of my fave things to do!:-) I think the Ehle/Harris combo could work; it's attracting a lot of attention, and that is crucial for getting out the Oscar nom vote. Would certainly set a precedent (and these days in the US, we are setting president, . .er, precedent, every hour.;-) Principal competition that I can see are Kate Hudson and Frances McDormand for Almost Famous (both great). Also, Miramax will come out swinging for the supporting roles in Chocolat (Lena Olin and Judi Dench). Thanks for that Oscar watch site, Ann. Great excerpts from some of the Sunshine reviews. RE: lead actress--like Evelyn, I also liked Julia in EB, and Joan Allen in Contender. Moon, will take your word on Bjork as it left town before I could see it. Other possibilities: RZ in Nurse Betty; Laura Linney in You Can Count on Me, and Ellen Burstyn for Requiem For A Dream. Among those not yet released, Blanchett also a possibility, as is Gillian Anderson for House Of Mirth (which got a fantastic review in the new EW issue). One thing is for sure: Quills won't get the top prize from the LA Film Critics; Ken Turan's review is one of the very worst for a film that I've ever read. Time Mag's was bad as well, if memory serves. So, critics are really split on that one. Keep your eyes on Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon--haven't read a negative remark on it yet. Supposed to be brilliant. Studio is pushing hard for it to be considered in the Best Picture category--and not relegated to Best Foreign Language film (even though it's 100% in Mandarin). Excellent reviews in the new EW for Cast Away and for Thirteen Days. Advance word on Traffic is great. Should shape up as an interesting end of year! And good news for us movie lovers who have sat through a pretty lackluster year so far.

Studio is pushing hard for it to be considered in the Best Picture category--and not relegated to Best Foreign Language film (even though it's 100% in Mandarin). You mean subtitles? (I know, Moon....I'm the illiterate one;-) Hate subtitles. She said as she is valiantly getting through Wanssee Conference in German !(With sub-titles :-((

(fixing small tag) (Mari) I think the Ehle/Harris combo could work Call me a pessimist, but I don't think so. I recall a tie many years ago for Best Actress, but I can't imagine the acting branch of the Academy going along with this. A single performance by a single individual. Remember all the controversy surrounding Geoffrey Rush's nom for Shine. One part played by three actors and he was the one singled out despite the other two receiving accolades. Re: other suppporting actresses: isn't this where Ellen Burstyn will be, not best actress? Re: best actress Agree about Julia, Joan Allen and Bjork. Bjork deserves it, although she hasn't a prayer of winning IMO. Her nom will be along the lines of Fernanda Montenegro a couple of years ago, from highly acclaimed but obscure foreignish film to Americans. ;-) Definitely agree about Gillian Anderson. Am pulling for RZ to round out the slate (5 right?), but there are some small films coming out which usually provide the fodder for Best Actress, as no women have decent roles in blockbuster films. Cannot comment on Cate B as haven't seen the film and seems like it is male-oriented again, so what kind of "wifely" role could merit this? And there is Songcatcher, which won awards at Sundance last year and stars Janet McTeer... Others to come.

From indications at this point in time, it seems Julia Roberts will probably win the Oscar for Best Actress. "Erin Brokovich" may well have a great shot at being Best Picture. The film's director, Steven Soderberg, is at the top of his game at the moment, and EB made money. So Soderberg may well win for Best Director, eihter for EB or for the soon to be released "Traffic". Kate Hudson and Joaqiun Phoenix both appear to have really good chances in their respective supporting categories, but anything can happen. Best Actor is wid open, anybody could win. Anybody but Russell Crowe, that is. His role in "Gladiator" is not the type the Academy likes. So Crowe will probably not get a nomination this year. Both John Malkovich and Willem Dafoe are getting good buzz for "Shadow of the Vampire". Consequently one or the other, or both, of them are possibilities for a Best Actor nod. Still, you never know.

Regarding "Design for Living" and the Roundabout Theatre--I assume that single performance tickets will be available in the future? Since I don't live in NYC, I can't go to a series...

Something guaranteed to get the juices going. ;-) From the Sunday Times: Film boss says 'snob' Britons can't be stars Nicholas Hellen, Media Editor THE Americans have it, but the British don't. One of Hollywood's top producers has pinpointed why our young actors have so little star quality: they are too snobby. Mike Medavoy, maker of some of the biggest hit films in recent history, including and with close links to stars such as Kevin Costner, Michelle Pfeiffer and Jessica Lange, says young British actors are too obsessed with their craft to realise what excites the cinema-goer. Big-name stars, he claims, always end up playing themselves, while actors are trained to conceal their personality to make the part more convincing. He said: "Being an actor and being a star are at cross purposes: they are entirely different things." He suggested that artistic integrity will always come at the expense of commercial success for Britain. "Perhaps it's because there's a pride in the art of acting and perhaps, rightly, a snobbery about not wanting to be a movie star. "I also detect a resentment here in Britain of people who go on to make it in Hollywood. There is an unhappiness about success, unless someone has spent a long time paying their dues. The only other place where I have noticed something similar is in Canada." While some older British actors, including Sir Sean Connery, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Sir Michael Caine have held on to their charisma, younger names such as Kenneth Branagh and Daniel Day-Lewis have thrown away their chance to make the big time. Medavoy, who has been associated with more than 300 films, including hits such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Raging Bull, Dances with Wolves, Platoon, and The Silence of the Lambs, said: "Britain produces more than its fair share of great acting talent, but misses out on producing movie stars." Not even roles in some of the highest-grossing movies of all time have been enough to guarantee young British actors a place on the A-list. Kate Winslet returned to low-budget movies such as Hideous Kinky and Holy Smoke after co-starring with Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic, and Ewan McGregor is still waiting for a breakthrough as a leading man after appearing in Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace. Other performers who he believes could have used their talent to achieve much greater popularity include Gary Oldman, Rupert Everett and Kenneth Branagh. Medavoy believes that while a British actor would be proud of going unrecognised in a film, true stars resent demands to immerse themselves in a role. "I once asked Marlon Brando why he always looked so miserable at the beginning of a day's filming, and he said, "Can you imagine what it is like going to work each day and having to pretend you are someone else?' " It is a dilemma unlikely to embroil Arnold Schwarzenegger as he seeks to achieve another global hit with The Sixth Day, Medavoy's latest movie, released this weekend. Medavoy's conclusions about the inadequacies of local acting talent will dismay the British film industry as it defies a string of recent low-budget flops to embark on a range of big-budget movies costing hundreds of millions of pounds. So who may yet be a force to be reckoned with? Medavoy singles out Jude Law, who upstaged Matt Damon in The Talented Mr Ripley, Catherine Zeta-Jones, who recently married Michael Douglas, and the foppish actor Hugh Grant. His verdict is endorsed by Alexander Walker, the film critic and biographer of an array of British stars, including Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. "Stars need to lead extravagant lives off the screen, with spectacular marriage bust-ups, drug habits and a very public rehabilitation." "In this sense, it helped Hugh Grant enormously to be caught with Divine Brown. In the eyes of cinema-goers, it was the sort of behaviour they expect. "

Interesting POV. Thanks, Karen. I agree that Bjork, as much as she deserves it, does not have a chance. The Oscars are a popularity contest and evereyone loves Julia Roberts. I recently rented EB and did not care for it at all. I do not see Rene Z getting nominated and would be happy for Kate B if she did. She is a great actress. Kate Hudson would be a nice surprise too. Almost Famous is a much better pic than Erin B. I have seen the previews for Ang Lee's film as well as Castaway and they both look good.

(Moon) would be happy for Kate B if she did I'm reserving judgment until I see this movie. Kate Hudson would be in the supporting category, which is why RZ has a decent chance. She is the movie's central character rather than one of an ensemble cast or, worse yet, an appendage to a male lead. Despite NB being a comedy, many admired her performance. The Oscars are a popularity contest I think they are a bit more than that. So many other factors come into play besides overall likeability, but it is one of them. ;-)

(Karen) Remember all the controversy surrounding Geoffrey Rush's nom for Shine. One part played by three actors and he was the one singled out despite the other two receiving accolades. Exactly. Many people felt it was unfortunate that Rush's nom ignored Noah Taylor (I think that's his name), who played the adolescent role and who actually had more screen time than Rush. This is why I'm thinking the Academy *might* be amenable to a joint Ehle/Harris nom. (Karen) Cannot comment on Cate B as haven't seen the film and seems like it is male-oriented again, so what kind of "wifely" role could merit this? I think Hillary Swank has the wifely role, and Cate is the one with The Gift. Obviously, no one has seen it yet--but when has the absence of facts ever stopped us from speculating about something? Hee, hee . . .am just tossing out names and possibilites at this point. Not sure about Burstyn re: lead vs. supporting as I haven't seen that one yet either. See previous comment concerning absence of actual evidence.;-) ;-) (Cheryl) Kate Hudson and Joaqiun Phoenix both appear to have really good chances in their respective supporting categories, Agreed. I thought they were both terrific. Frankly, Joaquin's acting in The Gladiator was one of the few things that really impressed me about that film. Have a possibility of foregoing Christmas decorating later today in favor of moviegoing (bliss). What would ya'll recommend--Requiem for A Dream or You Can Count On Me? Anyone seen both or either?

Thanks Karen...interesting article . ..He suggested that artistic integrity will always come at the expense of commercial success for Britain. "Perhaps it's because there's a pride in the art of acting and perhaps, rightly, a snobbery about not wanting to be a movie star. I think this is a cultural thing...apparently some people do not consider acting in movies artistic...only live theatre counts. But don't you think that's changing? Esp. since so many of the new directors do cross-overs..theatre, TV and movies.

(Mari) Many people felt it was unfortunate that Rush's nom ignored Noah Taylor (I think that's his name), who played the adolescent role and who actually had more screen time than Rush. Yes, that's the one--the youngest--who was the best of the three Davids, but little kids don't get Best Actor Oscars and nominating GR was the route to go. But still don't think that's a good enough reason to double or triple team. It's all about individual performances. The SAG awards recognize an entire cast. (Mari) Cate is the one with The Gift Oooh, that might be significant. ;- Am really ticked that so many of the important films are NOT opening nationwide before sometime in January! All the news items keep saying that the screens are too crowded...with WHAT???? The Grinch?!! Rugrats???!! Bwaaa! (Mari) Requiem for A Dream or You Can Count On Me? Have been meaning to see the former for ages and then wind up at other film at same place (Dancer and the Iranian drunk horse thing). Definitely want to see that one, although I've read hideous things about EB's OTP performance and her awful accent. If anyone watch's That's Life (which I love), she does have a fakey awful NJ accent. Hate the title of the latter. Sounds treacly and trite.

Hi all, Hope you are enjoying the holiday season. Thought you might like to see how the FAA ruled on the pig tale. I hope to be able to post more soon, but seem to be drowning in a sea of tasks commonly known as "The Holidays." (Sometimes this season seems more like Charles Adams than Charles Dickens.) I am in need of chardonnay and Silk Cut�or lots of caffeine (3 of the 4 major food groups).... Or maybe I should acquire a therapeutic pig. :-) From the Associated Press, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2000: FAA: US Airways was right to allow pig on plane Airways acted reasonably when it allowed pig to fly first class from Philadelphia to Seattle, the Federal Aviation Administration found. Maria Tirotta Andrews brought Charlotte, her 300-pound Vietnamese potbellied pig, on the flight Oct. 17, telling the airline it was a "therapeutic companion pet." Andrews said her heart condition was so severe she needed the pig to relieve stress. "US Airways and its personnel acted in a reasonable and thoughtful manner, based on a legitimate request to transport a qualified individual with a disability and her service animal," said FAA spokesman Jim Peters. Under federal rules, airlines must permit a service animal to accompany passengers to their seats. The airline, embarrassed, filed an incident report with the FAA based on passenger complaints that the pig became unruly when the plane landed. The animal tried to enter the cockpit and refused to leave the galley until a passenger tossed food at her, according to the report. FAA officials interviewed US Airways personn l and passengers after reading an account of the incident in the Philadelphia Daily News and decided Nov. 18 that the airline did nothing wrong, Peters said Wednesday Andrews denies that Charlotte behaved badly during the six-hour flight. "My pig did not run around the plane's aisles. My pig did not run around anywhere," Andrews said. She told the airline ahead of time that she would have the pig on the plane, but said it only weighed 13 pounds. "When they saw it in Philadelphia, they said it was OK to load it on the airplane," Andrews said. The airline permitted the pig into first class for free.

Hilarious story , Lisa.Glad we're getting closure on this;-) THE LAURENCE OLIVIER AWARDS 2001 will take place on Friday 23 February 2001 at the Lyceum Theatre. The twenty-fifth presentation will be recorded and shown on BBC2 television. The nominations for the Awards will be announced mid January 2001. Tickets for the event are expected to go on sale soon!! Not that we care this year.... Wonder what they have against televising this live. I know it's a traditional morning event...but how about making it evening like the Tony's!

LOL! Thought all pigs sat next to me in coach. *snort* ;-)

More on Oscar campaigning from Entertainment Weekly. Notice the only woman in the article has to do with the ultracrowded category of "supporting" (gaah!) Double Jeopardy [EW tells you how actors with two shots at Oscar may lose out. Matt Damon, Russell Crowe, and others could split their own vote] You thought the Palm Beach County ballots were confusing? Imagine what the doddering Academy electorate will make of this year's Oscar race. A handful of contenders--including Russell Crowe, Michael Douglas, and Matt Damon--posted two toutable performances, which means they will not only have to compete against each other, but themselves. So why the double edged sword? Academy rules dictate that actors can receive only one nomination per category, even if they earn enough votes for two. Worse, in this wide open year when the Screen Actors Guild has received 70 percent more video submissions for its awards than in 1999, dueling performances might lead to vote splitting and no recognition at all. Given the high stakes, studios and stars try to prevent any ballot confusion. "Usually the star and his handlers go to one studio and say, 'We would prefer you sit back on this one,'" says Oscar strategist Tony Angellotti. "Nobody wants to spend $200,000 [on a campaign] if the star doesn't want it." Two years ago, Tom Hanks asked Warner Bros. to scrap his You've Got Mail campaign to focus on his role in DreamWorks' Saving Private Ryan. And he got the nomination. Some stars shun politicking altogether. Take Frances McDormand, who'll be pushed for Best Supporting Actress for DreamWorks' Almost Famous and Paramount's Wonder Boys. Says her publicist, Simon Halls: "You don't tell the Academy what they should vote for." Perhaps McDormand should: Some believe a laissez faire attitude backfired last year for Philip Seymour Hoffman, who earned raves for Flawless, Magnolia, and The Talented Mr. Ripley, but no Oscar nod. "He didn't focus on which one he thought was best," says one studio exec. "That cost him." For Douglas, there's an easy solution: Diversify. Though he's top billed in Wonder Boys and USA Films' Traffic, the newlywed is entering himself as Best Actor for Boys and Best Supporting Actor for Traffic. But others, whose roles clearly fall into the same category, don't have that luxury: Crowe headlines DreamWorks' Gladiator and Warner's Proof of Life, while Damon stars in Sony's All the Pretty Horses and DreamWorks' The Legend of Bagger Vance. (With ads promoting both his roles in the Dec. 5 Variety, Crowe says: "That's somebody else's job and somebody else's decision"; Damon will get a stronger push for Horses.) Likewise, Joaquin Phoenix's roles in Gladiator and Fox Searchlight's Quills can only be perceived as supporting. "You have to go with your gut," says his publicist, Susan Patricola, who okayed campaigns for both. Perhaps the contender with the best shot at a double play is Steven Soderbergh, who directed Universal's Erin Brockovich as well as Traffic. Unlike actors, directors can snag two nominations in their category, though it hasn't happened since 1939, when Michael Curtiz earned nods for Angels With Dirty Faces and Four Daughters (he lost to Frank Capra for You Can't Take It With You). It's a situation most prefer to avoid: A source close to Hannibal, the sequel to the 1991 Oscar winner The Silence of the Lambs, says Ridley Scott lobbied for a 2001 release to clear the coliseum for his work in Gladiator. In Soderbergh's case, neither studio is backing down. "We are the current movie," says USA Films chairman Scott Greenstein. "Erin Brockovich is more Julia Roberts' movie, where Traffic is unquestionably anchored by brilliant direction." Responds Universal PR chief Terry Curtin: "Erin Brockovich is no less Steven's vision than Traffic is. It's Steven who shepherded Julia and the story." As for Soderbergh himself? "I tend not to agonize over things I cannot control," he says. "This is one of them." Something tells us the studios would disagree.

(Meredith)Regarding "Design for Living" and the Roundabout Theatre--I assume that single performance tickets will be available in the future? Since I don't live in NYC, I can't go to a series... Yes, single tickets will be available for DFL at the American Airlines Theatre. Tickets are not available yet. Check with the JE website .Previews start on Feb. 15. Opening Night is on March 15th. Sorry I fouled things up last week with the small print....I'm still in a muddle...

So, Mari, what did you wind up seeing? I decided to give "You Can Count on Me" a chance, despite the trite title and the fact that a slave labor Caulkin kid is in it. However, it is very good and so are Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo. The writing is especially good and intelligent. Makes you want to hear everything the characters say and you get involved with their lives and want to know all about them. OK, so an eight-year-old wouldn't say a homework assignment was "unstructured," it got a big laugh from the audience.

How did I let this one get past me? We've got a birthday today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARI!!!

Caught me napping as well. Have a happy one, Mari, and btw I have spoken to all those incompetents at my agent's office as you suggested. ;-)

Thanks, Karen. I wasn't worried; I always check this board 27 times before noon.;-) (Figured you were shoveling;-) Tell that guy above that I volunteer to be his personal benchwarmer!:-)

...and I'm still shoveling... :-( I remember how much you enjoyed this pic: and thought it could *bare* repeating. ;-)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARI IOU a glass of Chardonnay at

OK....you get TWOglasses of Chardonnay:-))

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARI , hope you have the best Birthday ever.

All is forgiven for bugging me at the Donmar!

(think I must go face the elements again...brrr)

Hey Empress of the Sky, life in coach will never be the same again;-) (I particularly like your Mona Lisa smile;-))

No birthday's complete without a cake!

Or...

Happy Birthday Mari! Almost missed your party. I have been putting up Christmas decorations all day and I even managed to do an extra tree for you. xxoo Is that my Geoffrey you are flying away with? ;-)

Thanks for all the lovely wishes, Karen, Evelyn, Ann and Moon! Karen, tell the guy at # 1018 that he needs deflowering, and I know just the person to do it!:;-) As for Mr. Westward, um, I think he's done quite enough "picking," thank you very much.;-) Thank goodness you put me in the plane with Ed Pettigrew, and not Geoffrey C-- oi, those hard landings are murder!;-) Prince Chuck! So lovely to have bumped into you at the theatah--glad to see you're not any worse for wear. Now, outta my way.;-) I am holding you to the chardonnay, Evelyn. Meanwhile, have a cuppa on me (& Mickie). Don't let the hidden pieces fool ya!:-) http://www.jigzone.com/ms/pc.php?k=1bld00822 Thank you for the lovely tree, Moon. Am searching for a hgh-ceilinged spot for it.;-) Ann, you're getting very good with the type fonts and colors! (Am I the only one here who can't even do italics? Had I ever learnt, I would be a true proficient!;-)

Don'tlet the hidden pieces fool ya!:-) Got it in a record 3:20 minutes!! For a minute there I lost St. Anthony, but I found him under the expresso pot:-)) Donna has one of SD and JE from TALK mag http://fp.enter.net/~purrfect/awards.htm Great fun....

These puzzles are great. You should try the 35-piece jigzone type. Nasty!

Mari - I am so sorry I missed your birthday. I hope it was a great one

Oh dear, see what happens when I miss a few days around here? Sorry I missed your birthday, Mari, but I see you were busy tooling around the sky with Edward (tell him those goggles have got to go, BTW). Here's to my former neighbor, to whom I used to wave from the scenic *cough* A few of our Jersey friends send their best: So I missed your birtday, Mari. You live too f**king far down the f**king turnpike. I wouldn't be caught dead below exit 12 (just look what happened to Big Pussy when he took exit 11). Then there's Stevie--he's always goin to Asbury wit his pal... Happy birthday, Mari! Have you been a good girl this year? I haven't seen you in the Stone Pony, though it could be 'cause it's been torn down. Damn. Tried to get it rebuilt, but I got all my money tied up with Patti and the kids--there is one guy around here who's got plenty, though... Mari! I spent skatey-eight kabillion dollars on your birthday campaign and look where it got me. I hope you had a terrific day and that you remember to vote for me again in six years when my money is gone. ~~~~~~ *clink* Here's to Mari! Keep us laughin', girl.

Late again...So sorry, Mari! I hope you had a Fantastic Birthday

Thank you, Aishling, Eileen and Gi! Aishling, it was very wise that you limited the candles to one; actual number may have caused dangerous levels of smoke inhalation around here.;-) Eileen, I'm glad to see you still have pull among the Jersey set! *I'm waving at you from Exit 3* Happy that Tony (da boss) and Bruuuuce (The Boss) could check in with us! Wonder how Jon-boy will make due on that measly Senate salary.;-) Gi, I love my bluebird of happiness!:-) Thanks, everyone, for the fun and the smiles!:-)

Happy Birthday, Mari. May many enjoyable things be in store for you this year.

Happy Birthday Mari

Just got back from my mother's wedding! ( ...In Pensacola -- she's 82!!) ... and I just discovered that something of importance had transpired while I was out of town! So here (belatedly) are my wishes for a ... Very Happy Birthday Mari! Hope It was a Happy One! All My best Wishes, KJ

Test, Test

According to Annova, Neil Pearson is also in Armadillo, now could he be Torquil? Not that I care anymore, oh hum.

(KJArt)Just got back from my mother's wedding! ( ...In Pensacola -- she's 82!!) Is this true? What a lovely thought! Congratulations to your Mother!

Thank you, Cheryl, Lucie, and KJ! Love the balloons! KJ, congrats to your mom--I think that's great, and may she and her new hubby have many healthy and happy years ahead.

The New York Film Critics Circle is currently voting, and announcing the winners as they decide them. So far: BEST LEAD ACTOR--Tom Hanks for Cast Away BEST LEAD ACTRESS--Laura Linney for You Can Count On Me* BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR--Benicio Del Toro for Traffic *BTW, this is the one I opted for the other night, Karen. Agree with your assessment; I liked it very very much. What an intelligently written and acted little film. Even the Culkin baby was good.:-) Truly a film about real people and real relationships and life events, with no pat answers or contrivances. Laura deserves her award; wouldn't have minded seeing Mark Ruffalo sneak in there too, but I hear Benny DT is v. good.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS; Marcia Gay Harden for Pollock "Taffic"(another drug movie?) seems to be getting lots of mention. Where are they getting these film?They don't play in my neck of the woods. Castaway hasn't even been released yet.

Neat! Did you realize that the director played Father Ron?

Traffic hasn't opened yet. I read that it will only open in LA at the end of the year and go national in mid-January. Pollock is nowhere. Did fests, but isn't anywhere to be seen, except maybe NY and LA if at all.

Here's the full list. Karen, "Father Ron" got best screenplay!;-): 2000 New York Film Critics Circle Awards (12/13/2000 2:04pm EST) : All Voting Has Been Completed. Best Picture TRAFFIC, USA Films. Best Actor TOM HANKS, for CAST AWAY, Twentieth Century Fox and Dreamworks L.L.C. Best Actress LAURA LINNEY, for YOU CAN COUNT ON ME, Paramount Classics and TSG Pictures. Best Supporting Actor BENICIO DEL TORO, for TRAFFIC, USA Films. Best Supporting Actress MARCIA GAY HARDEN, for POLLOCK, Sony Pictures Classics. Best Director STEVEN SODERBERGH, for ERIN BROCKOVICH, Universal Pictures and TRAFFIC, USA Films. Best Screenplay KEN LONERGAN, for YOU CAN COUNT ON ME, Paramount Classics and TSG Pictures. Best Cinematographer PETER PAU, for CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, Sony Pictures Classics. Best Foreign Film YI YI(A ONE AND A TWO), WinStar Cinema. Best Non-Fiction Film THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HANK GREENBERG, Distributed by Cowboy Booking International. Best Animated Film CHICKEN RUN, Dreamworks L.L.C. Best First Film GEORGE WASHINGTON, Cowboy Booking International. SPECIAL AWARD JULES DASSIN, DIRECTOR OF RIFIFI, and to Rialto Pictures for Re-Releasing the Film. SPECIAL AWARD THE SHOOTING GALLERY, (NY Production Company), For Their Ingenious Distribution Pattern as well as their choice of films.

Aw....I was hoping for NLB for Best Director.He deserved it more than Steven Soderbergh, IMO. Best First Film GEORGE WASHINGTON, Cowboy Booking International. Grrrrr beating out DQ! I know you're cheering for GW, Karen ;-)

In case anyone is interested, below is who comprises the NY Film Critics Circle. Evelyn, there's such a glut of year-end films, coupled with not enough screens(they're not going to pull existing money-makers out of the theaters) that a lot of these films will just get the one-week Oscar qualifying run in LA, and then get rolled out throughout the country in January, and into February I'd imagine. Don't worry, we'll see (and discuss;-) them all. Aren't you glad that BJD got pushed back to mid-April?:-) Thelma Adams, US WEEKLY John Anderson, NEWSDAY David Ansen, NEWSWEEK Jami Bernard, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Dwight Brown, AMSTERDAM NEWS Bob Campbell, NEWHOUSE NEWS SERVICE Godfrey Cheshire, NEW YORK PRESS Richard Corliss, TIME David Denby, THE NEW YORKER Marshall Fine, GANNETT NEWSPAPERS Jonathan Foreman, NY POST Owen Gleiberman, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY J. Hoberman, VILLAGE VOICE Stephen Holden, THE NEW YORK TIMES Andrew Johnston, US WEEKLY Dennis Lim, VILLAGE VOICE Dave Kehr, CITYSEARCH.COM Jack Mathews, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Elvis Mitchell, THE NEW YORK TIMES Joe Morgenstern, WALL ST. JOURNAL Terrence Rafferty, GQ Peter Rainer, NEW YORK MAGAZINE Rex Reed, THE NEW YORK OBSERVER Leah Rozen, PEOPLE MAGAZINE Andrew Sarris, THE NEW YORK OBSERVER Richard Schickel, TIME Lisa Schwarzbaum, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY A.O. Scott, THE NEW YORK TIMES Matt Zoller Seitz, NEW YORK PRESS Gene Seymour, NEWSDAY John Simon, NATIONAL REVIEW David Sterritt, CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR Peter Travers, ROLLING STONE Amy Taubin, VILLAGE VOICE Armond White, NEW YORK PRESS

(Mari) Aren't you glad that BJD got pushed back to mid-April?:-) Not really. It's going to go head to head with the Julia Roberts-Brad Pitt romantic comedy, The Mexican, which opens end of March. Too bad I can't get to the only description of who/how they vote for the National Board of Review award. It's not very impressive IMO.

*sneaking in way behind the others in manner of tardy schoolgirl, hoping nobody'll notice* MARI, HERE'S WISHING YOU A BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

*trying again* MARI, HERE'S WISHING YOU A BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Aren't you glad that BJD got pushed back to mid-April?:-) And Sunshine last June.At this time of the year, it would never see the light of day. Out the 35 members of the NY Film Critcs Circle panel of judges only 5 are women. What's the deal here?

I am glad BJD got pushed back because I might be London around then. :-) Agree with you Karen, the list is not very impressive. But that must be why I do not agree with them. ;-) Loved the YiYi and Rififi. ;-D

I was referring to the people who voted in the National Board of Review awards, not the NY Film Critics. But I'm sure you wouldn't be impressed with that group's composition either. ;-)))

(Gi)(KJArt)Just got back from my mother's wedding! ( ...In Pensacola -- she's 82!!) Is this true? What a lovely thought! Congratulations to your Mother! (Mari) KJ, congrats to your mom--I think that's great,... Thank you! I'll tell her! (Mari) ... and may she and her new hubby have many healthy and happy years ahead. They just might,too. Would you believe he's a decade younger than she is! So much for "sell-by dates." **Hee hee**

A cradle-robber, huh? ;-) Lovely news, KJ.

Tracy, you can be a tardy schoolgirl any time you want--many thanks for the balloons and good wishes! (I love balloons, so festive.) Karen, maybe if they separate the 2 films by a few weeks it will be ok. I guess there will always be competition, and these release schedules tend to be very , er, fluid. Moon, you might like Traffic; I read somewhere that it's 20% not in English. Hee, hee;-) KJ, your mom sounds like my kind of lady! More power to her.

Moon, you might like Traffic; I read somewhere that it's 20% not in English. Hee, hee;-) As long as the 80% that is spoken in English is real English. ;-) It looks like Chocolat, Quills and Castaway are opening here tomorrow. What to do?

TIME Magazine in their Dec. 18th issue ranks the best and worst films: BEST TEN: 1. CROUCHING TIGER 2. YOU CAN COUNT ON ME 3. GEORGE WASHINGTON ( I hear *gag, gag*, from the peanut gallery;-) 4. SUNSHINE (Ahem...) 5. CHICKEN RUN 6. BEST IN SHOW 7. THE COLOR OF PARADISE 8. NURSE BETTY 9. PROOF OF LIFE 10.EAST-WEST WORST: DANCER IN THE DARK: "Some critics think Lars von Trier's musical tragedy is quite the best film of 2000. But that can't stop us from deploring this drab, sadistic ordeal, starring poor Bjork as a noble , victimied mom going both blind and daft. The film lacks craft, logic and any grace in it songs and dance. If this is the future of movies, give us the past."

If this is the future of movies, give us the past." I beg to differ and that goes for the whole Danish film movement too. Choices like Chicken Run and Best in Show which was so not funny tell all I need about this reviewer. I also know how Karen feels about George Washington and I believe her.

(Moon) I also know how Karen feels about George Washington and I believe her. But you might like it. ;-) I thought it was the biggest YAWN ever. Aside from cinematography, it seems to be appealing to those who like Terrence Malick. Remember I loved Wonderland and you didn't ;-)

Remember I loved Wonderland and you didn't ;-) True. I did notice some of the films listed dealt with the usual riff-raff. I like my movie experience to take me away from it all not throw it in my face.

*struggling through the jungle... fighing off airplane-sized mosquitoes... being chased by an outraged 400 pound boar with tusks which could eviscerste at a single whip ofhis head... worst of all, competing with others who have been late in getting Mari her Birthday flowers: HAUOLI NA HANAU, MARI Sweetheart Orchid Lei This is the latest in lei designs, made from over 1000 individual Dendrobium petals. Light purple edges, dark purple in the middle. Very rare and hardy.

How beautiful, Marcia! Match that with a pair of drop amethyst earrings and the look is set. :-) I have started on my champagne holiday cheer. Hic, hic, hooray! ;-)

Spectacular Marcia.1000 rare orchids! How much does one like that cost? (Nothing is too good for our Mari, though:-))

Oh, Maricia, that is beautiful! The contast of the light and dark purples (one of my fave colors, BTW) is breathtaking. Mahalo, dear! I'm curious: how long does it take to make something like this? Truly an art, and reminiscent of a very happy (but too far in the past) trip I took to your lovely corner of the earth. Time to go back, I've just decided. Will tell hubby to start saving.:-)

That was a special order lei and it costs online over $80. Loads of orchids taken apart and petals strung into patters. Never saw one like that before! Delighted you like it - sorry it was a tad late... made to order, you know!!!

Nice plug for DFL from Liz Smith in her column today: THE ROUNDABOUT Theatre Company is bursting with exciting new projects like "Design for Living," previewing Feb. 16. Tony Award-winner Alan Cumming, who stunned us so in "Cabaret," and the lovely Jennifer Ehle create a love triangle with Dominic West, in a production directed by Joe Mantello. Sounds hot? Right on! Add Marisa Berenson, John Cunningham, T. Scott Cunningham and Jenny Sterling to the mix.

Uh oh, Evelyn's gonna be mad. No mention that Jenn was ALSO a Tony Award winner. So Dominic West completes the trio. He was Lysander in the recent movie of A Midsummer Night's Dream http://www.foxsearchlight.com/midfinal/html/dominic.html

HBO TO MINE MALE 'MIND' Story follows trio of scribes who try to remain faithful By MELISSA GREGO Next on HBO -- the guys' answer to "Sex and the City." The pay cabler is expected to order 10 episodes of "The Mind of the Married Man" imminently.Skein has been in development at the pay cabler for two years. The pilot, which went into production this fall, stars Jake Weber, Taylor Nichols and Mike Binder, who created the series (Daily Variety, Oct. 31). It will be exec produced by "Everybody Loves Raymond" exec producer Stu Smiley, Binder and his manager at 3 Arts Entertainment, Michael Rotenberg. Story follows a trio of reporters at a Chicago newspaper who try in vain to remain faithful. M. Emmet Walsh plays their editor. [Warning!]"It's about love, romance and monogamy in the workplace and home and in the family -- things people wrestle with every day," Smiley said. "There are many different points of view about marriage; it's always a very volatile, interesting area, and that's why we're confident it will be a very fertile show." Smiley said that Binder's aim for "Married" is to root it in reality. "We have the freedom and also the responsibility to make it balanced, with a balanced male voice and with a female voice," Smiley added. "That way people can see their own lives in this show." [Ed note: They must be joking!] HBO declined to comment.

If DOminic West could do it so could Colin have done, oh I have to say I am a little disappointed.

(Karen)Uh oh, Evelyn's gonna be mad. No mention that Jenn was ALSO a Tony Award winner. Thanks Mari.. Have already called publicist in NY and asked for correction.Bio has it,so does press release... "JENNIFER EHLE (Gilda) received a Tony Award for Best Actress and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for her role as Annie in The Real Thing". Also a BAFTA Best Actress for P&P , BAFTA nomination Best Supporting Actress for Wilde & Genie[Canadian] nomination for Best Actress in Sunshine. (Ann)If DOminic West could do it so could Colin have done Give up Ann..[I have!]..he won't travel.

PS Thanks for the URL of Dominic West ,Karen. Ticket information for DFL will be posted on the website.Single tickets will go on sale first week in Feb.Opening night March 15th.Play runs through May 6th.

... he won't travel Yes but Dominic West!, what happened to Rupert Everett?

what happened to Rupert Everett? Previous engagement;-) Filming "The Importance of Being Earnest"in the spring.

(Evelyn) Have already called publicist in NY and asked for correction. From whom? Liz Smith chose not to include it in her copy.

Evelyn) Have already called publicist in NY and asked for correction. (Karen)From whom? Liz Smith chose not to include it in her copy. I like to think that Liz Smith overlooked it;-) Correction: PR bio neglected to include: Nominated for Olivier for Best Actress in TRT (London) Won Variety Showbusiness Award for Best Actress in TRT (London) Won Theatre World Award Best Actress in TRT (Broadway) If we don't lookout for her, who will? She only has one website. (They listed every "village" award that Alan Cumming won!)

Durr. Just woke up and found I missed your birthday, Mari. For you the perfect man.. ...he never forgets a birthday or anniversary (though a girl might expect him to spring for more than paper hearts). Have a great year.

Waah, I'm rusty. Just think of Geoffrey in his braces, ;-)

This is to put to rest for all time what is worn under a regulation kilt in strict military procedure from someone who knows wereof he speaks: Neil Dear...

Hello everyone. Marcia asked me to post some information on the wearing of kilts in Canadian military units. For myself, I can only refer to this second hand, having never worn a kilt (yet), and as the Canadian Armed Forces Land Reserve unit I served with (The Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment, 'B' Company) was issued only a standard CAF dress uniform, and standard CAF BDU (Battle Dress Uniform), and this is the case with most CAF units. However, there are exceptions to this, particularly with the Scottish Regiments. My very close friend, Rev. Sam Buick, who was a sargeant with the Toronto Scottish Regiment some years ago told me that their unit's Regimental Dress Regulations required that if wearing full dress uniform, which included the kilt, at a special Regimental Parade or Mess, that the regiment's members were NOT permitted to wear any form of underwear or athletic support while on parade or at the mess. The only time such garments were permitted to be worn was when travelling to or from the regiment n public, or if the parade formation was to be held in public. This dress code was rigidly enforced in the TorScot's, and any man appearing at a Regimental function wearing such garments was in fact considered out of uniform. Regular unit parades were held in standard battle dress. I do not know how these reg's applied to female members of the unit.

and to think that we are required to wear underwear as a matter of health!! do they allow females to wear kilts?

Thanks, Neil! Great question Wolfie! That might not always be conventient. I have a floor length one with sash and cairngorm brooch in heavy hand carved silver...

Hi Wolfie. Yes, female members of the regiment are supplied with a dress kilt for the dress uniform, but as I mentioned, I don't know how the reg's applied to them when it came to wearing (or not wearing, as the case may be) underwear for special Regimental Parades or Messes. Also, there are several Scottish and Irish regiments in the CAF--almost all are in the infantry reserves, but I think there are still a couple in the regular forces--so I obviously can't say if the same rules apply across the board in all units, but it should be noted that these units are the exception when it comes to the Queen's Own Regulation's (Q.O.R.'s) regarding dress codes, and that their uniforms are based on tradition, not practicality, as a kilt would be no friend to a soldier on the modern battlefield. I do remember that Sam did put me into his full dress kit once, as we're of similar size and build, and I can tell you the TorScot dress uniform is quite heavy and not especially colourful, with white dress shirt and black tie a heavy wool tartan kilt in mostly neutral colours, sporrin, a heavy wool jacket, belt, wedge cap, and a tartan sash. They wore high white woolen kneesocks with regimental badges, and heavy black oxfords built for marching. I was actually struck by the weight of it and was grateful I never wore it hot weather, and I was surprised by it's lack of any distinctive colour. But that's not really surprising as in my unit the only striking colour worn was a bright scarlet combat beret with polish brass cap badge, and that was only worn when the unit was away from home base--everything else was dark green, with the exception of rank and decorations.

(Neil) For myself, I can only refer to this second hand, having never worn a kilt (yet) Ha! What about those pictures posted on Geo of you in your kilt? ;-) So let me get this straight, when they're amongst their own, no undies. But when they're out amongst strangers, yes, undies. Makes one wonder what goes on in those regimental messes that underwear might thwart. ;-) Thanks the explanation, Neil.

Alas, it was not Neil in that Photo... but whomever it was, he was a cute cheeky devil, yes???

Chuckle--nope, t'ain't me! One last thing, the regimental kilts are quite heavy to start with, and are weighted in the front, and may have been all around the hem, but I don't remember . They also have some kind of lining around the waist area to protect the wearer's skin and to protect the kilt from the wearer. And no, I didn't go "regimental" when I tried the thing on, my skivvies stayed in place...

Karen, I am deleting Yapp's double posts of my comments. Nothing nefarious going on...

This belongs on Jon's page, but it's too late to go looking for the number. Anyway, this project of his appears to be full of rumpy-pumpy scenes: Queen Victoria is raunchy lover in BBC series By Oliver Poole QUEEN VICTORIA and Prince Albert are portrayed as a "lusty couple" who were obsessed with sex in a multi-million-pound BBC costume drama. The series dramatises the intimate events of their wedding night. Victoria will also be shown ogling the young Albert when he wore tight trousers, and revealing in her diary the sexual desire she felt for the dashing German aristocrat. Monarchists have expressed themselves upset by what has been described as a classic "bodice-ripper". The sexual antics in the BBC1 drama are not limited to the royal couple in the documentary, which has been commissioned to mark the 100th anniversary of Queen Victoria's death next year. The two-part series reveals in graphic detail the liaisons of one of her lord chamberlains. Prince Albert is shown barging in on Lord Uxbridge while he is making love to his half-naked mistress, who had been secreted into Buckingham Palace for illicit couplings between royal duties. Sarah Bradford, Viscountess Bangor, the royal biographer and historian, said the series was a new "low" for the BBC. She said: "I think it is a bit sad really. What people do in bed is never factual unless it is photographed, witnessed or whatever." Donald Foreman, the secretary of the Monarchist League, said the treatment would anger many of the society's members. He said: "It is true Queen Victoria very much enjoyed sex but they will think it is not appropriate to be poking behind the royal curtains. It is a bit like your own grandmother's private life being revealed." The BBC was criticised for excessive eroticism in its dramas after a production of Anthony Trollope's novel The Way We Live Now added a number of sex scenes not included in the original novel. David Cunliffe, of the production company own 2 feet, which is making the series, said the decision to portray Britain's longest ruling monarch as sex-crazed was based on historical fact. He said: "People always portray her as not liking sex but she loved it. She obviously fancied Albert rotten. When Victoria met him before they were married she said, 'Gosh he is absolutely gorgeous', and when you look at pictures he was a bit of a dish." Mr Cunliffe, who produces the series, said that the programme, to be called Victoria and Albert, was unashamedly popular, focusing less on the political dramas of the time than the love affair between the married couple. Their sexual relationship has been most graphicly illustrated on their wedding night. Although the Queen is not shown completely naked, the couple disrobe and then passionately embrace as they consummate their marriage. Mr Cunliffe said: "To all our knowledge they did consummate their marriage on the wedding night but it is not shown as writhing flesh. It is actually rather touching." The series, which cost �5 million to make, is to be one of the highlights of the BBC's spring season. Its glittering cast includes Diana Rigg as Victoria's governess Lehzen, Nigel Hawthorne as Lord Melbourne, David Suchet as the German diplomat Baron Stockmar and Peter Ustinov as William IV. Queen Victoria is played by Victoria Hamilton, who appeared in Mansfield Park, and Albert by Jonathan Firth, who was in the cast of the TV film A Likeness In Stone. Both age 20 years over the two programmes as the series covers the period from just before Victoria ascended to the throne, when she was 18, to Albert's death from typhoid at the age of 42. It is directed by John Ermen, the American director of the TV documentary Roots. Arundel Castle in Sussex doubled for Windsor Castle and Lancing College for Westminster Abbey. The Crystal Palace, built for the 1851 Great Exhibition which Albert supervised, has been recreated using computer technology and will be shown in all its original glory. Queen Victoria's clothes and private rooms, including her bedchamber, have been recreated from drawings and descriptions from the period.

Although the Queen is not shown completely naked, the couple disrobe and then passionately embrace as they consummate their marriage What a pity we have to make do with little bro in this role! On a different matter which may belong on #134 rather than here. Nick Hornby is locked in battle with Camden Council to buy a property they were bequeathed in Fitzroy Park in Highgate (sometimes called the last country lane left in London). The house was left to the Council with the stipulation that it be used by a charity or for some voluntary project. NH wants to buy it for the Tree House Trust to set up a school for autistic children. The Council wants the Trust to pay �4million which NH says they cannot afford. He says that what the Council really want to do is to sell it to developers and that the asking price reflects that. I shall keep you posted on developments! I think there might have been something about this in the Evening Standard recently. Shall go and check.

Victoria will also be shown ogling the young Albert when he wore tight trousers ditto above comment. ;-) Interesting news item, Allison, and in right place. If however you hear of a protest against the Council, especially those involving paper chains, do let us know on 134. ;-)

Los Angeles Critics Honor 'Crouching Tiger' LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Director Ang Lee's romance set in western China, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," was named the best film of 2000 by Los Angeles film critics on Saturday as Hollywood heads into its awards season. The Los Angeles Film Critics Association named "Wonderboys" runner-up and handed "Wonderboys" star Michael Douglas the title best actor for his portrayal of a college professor dealing with a new prodigy on campus. Julia Roberts grabbed the best actress honor for her role as environmental activist Erin Brockovich in the movie of the same name, and director Steven Soderbergh was named best director for his work on both "Erin Brockovich" and the upcoming "Traffic," about the drug wars in the United States. Combined with the National Board of Review awards and the New York Film Critics Circle honors handed out earlier this month, the L.A. film critics give movie fans a clearer idea of what media writers think are the best films of the year. This year, however, the only picture to emerge is that Hollywood"s major studios are being shut out of the critics' awards in favor of moderately budgeted, independently-styled films like the drama "Quills," the National Board of Review's best film, and "Traffic," picked by the New York Film Critics Circle. Next up, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association nominates movies and stars Thursday for its annual Golden Globe awards, and a host of honors follow culminating in the U.S. film industry's top awards, the Oscars, handed out in March. Lee's "Crouching Tiger" has been one of this season"s most talked about films in Hollywood for the director"s ability to blend a moving love story with top-notch martial arts action. Lee, whose previous films include 1997's critically-acclaimed family drama "The Ice Storm," was named runner-up in the favorite director category to Soderbergh. Best actor runner-up was Javier Bardem for "Before Night Falls," which is based on the memoirs of Cuban novelist and poet Reinaldo Arenas. Laura Linney, who portrays a single woman dealing with the return home of her estranged brother in "You Can Count on Me," was named runner-up to Roberts for the title best actress. "Count On Me," which shared the best dramatic film award at the Sundance Film Festival this year, also claimed best screenplay honors for its writer, Kenneth Lonergan. Other picks from the Los Angeles film critics were Willem Dafoe as best supporting actor in "Shadow of the Vampire" and Frances McDormand as best supporting actress for her work in two films, "Almost Famous" and "Wonderboys." Favorite foreign film went to Edward Yang"s "Yi Yi (A One and a Two)," and best documentary was Mark Singer"s "Dark Days." Best animated film was "Chicken Run," directed by Nick Park.

Wonderboys, a blast from the past. I had forgotten it. I hope Ang Lee goes all the way to the Oscar. Erin B is not best pic material. I saw the previews to Traffic and it looks very promising. Great camera work. Quills was a disappointment, although J Rush will clinch Best Actor IMO. DH said that J Phoenix can not act. ;-) I have seen him do better in Gladiator. He is still very cute. It is a typical move of the NY critics to award such a film. So let me get this straight, when they're amongst their own, no undies. But when they're out amongst strangers, yes, undies. Makes one wonder what goes on in those regimental messes that underwear might thwart. ;-) My thoughts exactly, Karen! ;-) Thanks, Neil and Marcia.

(Moon) Erin B is not best pic material. Agree with you on this one. Sounds like Traffic will be the one, with Soderbergh getting best director ostensibly for that one, but voters will do it for both. CTHD would have to be for best foreign language film, although it is not beyond belief (this year) to split the best film/best director category. (Moon) Quills was a disappointment, although J Rush will clinch Best Actor IMO. DH said that J Phoenix can not act. ;-) I have seen him do better in Gladiator. Not a disappointment to me, but not *great* Agree about Geoffrey Rush. A shoe-in for a nomination. But totally disagree about J Phoenix. He's bound to be nominated for this one, more so than Gladiator. It was a killer part, and was very happily surprised that Kate Winslet's role was so substantial. Almost as if the three had nearly equal parts and all meaty. Each of them was very very good IMO.

...and I was not impressed by Wonderboys. Talk about your home court favs. Just because Michael Douglas is looking and acting like someone his own age does not merit Oscar attention.

Jonathan raunchy lover? Hmmm....I'll have to see it to believe it.

All is needed is him to be nominated for BAFTA afterwards.

Michael Douglas is looking and acting like someone his own age does not merit Oscar attention. True, but it always does the trick for Jack (always-the-same Nickleson). I forgot to add how disappointing it is that once again the BBC needs to resort to sex in selling a worthwhile story such as Queen Victoria. I do not know one person that liked what they did with Mme Bovary. This deprived world we live in is lacking morals and religion. Is it so politically incorrect to be a religious and moral person as was the case with Queen Victoria?

A review of the audiotape by Kim Bunce of the Observer: Speaking with the Angel Edited by Nick Hornby Running time 6 hours Penguin Audiobooks �12.99 It is no secret that Nick Hornby's son is autistic. I mention this because Speaking With the Angels, a compilation of 12 short stories by established writers, has been edited by Hornby to raise money for the Treehouse Trust for autistic children. Robert Harris's 'PMQ', read by a prime-ministerial Neil Pearson, is a wonderful satire on political misdemeanours, leaving the listener to judge the honesty of 'a pettifogging political pygmy'. Patrick Marber rediscovers music and teenage sex in a story called 'Peter Shelley'. In 'Last Requests', an Alan Bennett-style monologue by Giles Smith, Miriam Margolyes reveals herself as the queen of vocal-cord contortionists as she takes on the character of a cook preparing last meals for prisoners on a fictional death row while reflecting on the last hospital meal her husband had before he died. But the outstanding story in this collection is 'NippleJesus' by Hornby himself. Read by Ray Winstone, who is ideal for the role, this deeply layered observation challenges social stereotypes through a picture of Jesus constructed entirely from nipples and breasts. The listener's opinions are swung pendulum-like - first one way, then the other.

Heide...he never forgets a birthday or anniversary (though a girl might expect him to spring for more than paper hearts). Thanks, Heide! You can bet I'd be more loyal than that Katherine person.;-) They just announced that Steve Martin will host the Oscars. Should be interesting. The Boston Film Critics have weighed in with their choices, below. Very little agreement among the critics groups this year. Film: Almost Famous Director: Cameron Crowe, Almost Famous Actress: Ellen Burstyn, Requiem For A Dream Actor: Colin Farrell, Tigerland Supporting Actress: Frances McDormand, Almost Famous and Wonder Boys Supporting Actor: Fred Willard, Best In Show Screenplay: (Tie) Cameron Crowe, Almost Famous and Steve Kloves, Wonder Boys Foreign Film: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Best New Filmmaker: Kenneth Lonergan, You Can Count On Me

Very little agreement among the critics groups this year. You might want to read a little behind-the-scenes article by Lisa Schwarzbaum of EW of what went on during the NY Film Critics' voting and why Tom Hanks won. Has some amusing bits, but also gives a good idea of what all these critics are doing, i.e., making sure certain films/performances get named and don't fall through the cracks. (You'll like the bit about the volleyball.) http://www.ew.com/ew/article/commentary/0,6595,92050,00.html

Jennifer and her Mum have been jointly nominated for Best Supporting Actress/Drama for the Golden Satallite Awards to ble presented on the 14th January!

Golden Satellite Award? Never heard of it.

Go to Variety website, it is there. (nor have I!)

I have read the Variety piece. What a bizarre award. Not to denigrate the RH/JE thing, they have nominated everything except the kitchen sink (Phaedra Cinema too!!) To me, it looks like an even more blatant attempt to have stars, any stars, come to their banquet. Even Richard Gere for Mr T and the Women!

. . THE LAST time we mentioned anything about From Liz Smith's column: THE LAST time we mentioned anything about Julia Roberts and a sequel to one of her movies ("Pretty Woman") people around her reacted as if we had slapped the Queen. But the sting has subsided and we're ready for another smack. Word is that Julia and Hugh Grant's "Notting Hill" might soon get the sequel treatment: the further adventures of a movie star (Julia) and her commoner hubby (Hugh.) Ouch!!

(Ann)Jennifer and her Mum have been jointly nominated for Best Supporting Actress/Drama for the Golden Satallite Awards to ble presented on the 14th January! (Karen)What a bizarre award.... Whoopee!! Bring'em on... Hey...we'll take it . Anything to keep JE's up there in Variety:-)) Thanks Ann.

Word is that Julia and Hugh Grant's "Notting Hill" might soon get the sequel treatment: the further adventures of a movie star (Julia) and her commoner hubby (Hugh.) Ouch!! And I'll be the first in line to buy a ticket... ...and put it on my birthday wish list;-)

Re the Satallite Awards, what was most interesting,I thought, wa that they had given the nominee to both of them, just a start? Next The Golden Globes on the 21st?

Re the Satallite Awards, what was most interesting,I thought, was that they had given the nominee to both of them, just a start? Next The Golden Globes on the 21st?

Hey...all these awards go in one big pot to me...except the Oscars. They all end up on the CV's .And reading on the others...Judi Dench, Julie Walters, Kate Winslet,Catherine Deneuve...Jennifer's in good company. Not bad.

The story has also been taken up at Annova, mentions that JW has to compete against fellow Brits JD,KW, Samantha Morton and JE/RH. for the Best Supp[rting Actress role. As you say Evelyn, she is in good company. BTW has anybody noticed how many timesw SM turns up in Award Nomination, I think she is a very underated actress.

Hey Evelyn, you will have to get the DFL Publicist to update Jennifer's profile hee hee

Hey Evelyn, you will have to get the DFL Publicist to update Jennifer's profile !

Oh, what is happening!

Am taking a very unpopular position re: shared nominations The more I think about it, the more I feel it is wrong, wrong, wrong. As I said before, the recognition is for the individual performance, not the role. Many have shared a role before and yet only a single actor is nominated. By promoting JE/RH for the shared nomination, they are doing both actors a disservice (makes it a gimmicky thing). I realize that if both were nominated separately, then the votes would be split and neither stands a chance of winning. To me, it smacks of a "no guts, no glory" tactic and almost makes it look as though JE cannot do it without her mother. in good company Who ISN'T being nominated?

Gwyneth Paltrow! Sorry but I disagree Karen, between them they made that role, Jennifer was vibrant, beautiful and full of energy, Rosemary brought wisdom to the role, as many reviewers have said they were the sunshine in Sunshine. I think it needed both actors to be that good to make the role that good. (hope that makes sense)

That's OK. I don't expect people here to agree with me. Some could be called a little biased on this issue? ;-)

(Ann) Hey Evelyn, you will have to get the DFL Publicist to update Jennifer's profile hee hee Unfortunately,only Oscar, Olivier, BAFTA and sometimes GG nominations count for the CV. But if she wins....her I go:-)) (Karen)Am taking a very unpopular position re: shared nominations The more I think about it, the more I feel it is wrong, wrong, wrong. Well!! I'm glad you're not on the panel of judges.*winkie* I can see your POV re: shared nominations, though I don't share it. However, IMO after it's all over people will forget they've *shared*, the industry people will understand it was for the unusual role and what the hell the publicity is worth it.

Here is the Golden Satellite Websites, tells you all about them etc. http:/awards.fennec.org/awards 1-3html

http:/awards.fennec.org/awards 1-3html

http://awards.fennec.org/awards 1-3html

The Fourth Annual Golden Satellite Awards: "The International Press Academy (IPA)is the largest entertainment press organization in the world, comprising more than 250 full-time professional entertainment journalists from both the United States and abroad. Formed in 1996 by veteran Hollywood correspondent Mirjana Van Blaricom, the International Press Academy covers the world of entertainment through the print and broadcast media and the Internet. The annual Golden Satellite Awards, bestowed in January, honor outstanding achievement in the fields of film, television and multimedia"

A holiday greeting from Murph to everyone at Drool: http://www.murphsplace.com/happy.html

Interesting article on the Oscar race and awards season, from today's NY Times. High-Decibel Oscar Buzz December 20, 2000 By RICK LYMAN HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 19 Jamie Bell, the 14-year-old star of "Billy Elliot," who lives in a small town in northern England, was seated in a crisp new Los Angeles Dodgers jersey amid the holiday splendor of the Four Seasons Hotel's dining room, staring skeptically at a type of toasted bread he'd never seen before. "What is an English muffin?" he asked. Stephen Daldry, the movie's director, sat across from him, smiling like a bemused uncle. "Billy Elliot," a small-scale British film that was picked up as the inaugural release by Universal Focus, the new specialty film division of Universal Pictures, is getting the big Oscar push from the studio, which is what brought Mr. Bell and Mr. Daldry back to Southern California and a fresh round of screenings and interviews. "I know it's very important, and I'm very grateful for everything the studio has done," Mr. Daldry said. "But I really try very hard to stay away from all of the talk about Oscars and awards. Not that it wouldn't be nice to win." If Mr. Daldry is indeed able to steer clear of Oscar talk, he may be the only one in Hollywood doing so. The awards season is in full throttle, and this is widely regarded as one of the strangest and most unsettled Oscar races in years. Normally, by early December, there would be putative favorites in at least a few major categories, and the cognoscenti would be able to rattle off the names of most of the films and actors expected to get nominations. Not so this year, when the race is bizarrely wide open. "This is the first time that I think there are no sure bets in any of the major categories," said Ruth Vitale, co-president of Paramount Classics, which is pushing hard for several of its films and performances. "You just keep saying to everyone that this year all bets are off." Harvey Weinstein, chairman of Miramax Films, which has had a great deal of success and has drawn sharp criticism for its aggressive Oscar campaigns over the last five years, said that while he can point to two or three likely nominees in many of the top categories, no surefire winners have emerged. "There has not yet been one movie that people have embraced this year," he said. "Not all of the films are out yet, and it may still happen. But at the moment, it could go in almost any direction." As recently as a month ago, the common wisdom was that it had been an abysmal year for movies, especially for the major studios. "It hasn't been a strong year for Hollywood in terms of the caliber of the product," said David Dinerstein, Paramount Classics' other co-president. "But we've also seen a lot of very good films, and a lot of us try to save our best for the last, and we're just now beginning to see that." While most people still consider 2000 to be a weak year for films, a late spate of releases, many from independent distributors and studio specialty-film divisions, has re-energized the Oscar race and led people to think that the Academy Awards ceremony on March 25 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, with Steve Martin as host, might not be such an embarrassment after all. The nation's independent-film theaters, which had been in the doldrums through most of the year, suddenly sprang to life in the last two months with the release of a string of films including "Quills," "Best in Show," "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Requiem for a Dream," "You Can Count on Me," "Pollock" and "Chocolat" that have drawn moviegoers and created the first glimmerings of a competitive Oscar season. And there are more independent films to come in the next few weeks, films that their distributors believe have a solid shot at Oscar nominations: Steven Soderbergh's "Traffic," an ensemble thriller about the drug trade; E. Elias Merhige's "Shadow of the Vampire," a supernatural fantasy about the filming of a classic silent horror film; Sam Raimi's "Gift," a neo-Gothic mystery starring Cate Blanchett as a Southern small-town psychic; David Mamet's "State and Main," a comedy about a film company invading a New England town; and Julian Schnabel's "Before Night Falls," based on the tragic life of the Cuban poet Reinaldo Arenas. Add to this the major studio films that have yet to be released most notably Robert Zemeckis's "Cast Away," starring Tom Hanks as a man marooned on a tropical island; Roger Donaldson's "Thirteen Days," with Kevin Costner playing a presidential aide during the Cuban missile crisis; and Billy Bob Thornton's "All the Pretty Horses," based on the highly regarded novel by Cormac McCarthy as well as earlier studio releases like Mr. Soderbergh's "Erin Brockovich," Curtis Hanson's "Wonder Boys," Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous," Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" and the animated "Chicken Run" and it is easy to see why the pre-Oscar buzz has built to a deafening roar. "I think it's great that it's a wide open race," said Tom Ortenberg, co-president of Lions Gate Films. "It's great that there are so many studio pictures, so many specialized films and so many crossover pictures. I think the whole community is energized by it all." The awards season follows a familiar pattern in Hollywood. Beginning in late autumn, the studios and independent distributors begin releasing their Oscar-worthy films coinciding with the fall film festivals, notably in Toronto and New York. This is a signal to publicists everywhere that it is time to begin buzzing and spinning about every conceivable film, performance, screenplay, score or technical achievement that might eventually get an Oscar nomination and thus a boost at the box office. Around Thanksgiving, the "for your consideration" ads begin to appear in the Hollywood trade papers. This year, because the field was so wide open, several studios re- released films that had opened earlier in the year to remind everyone that they are, indeed, eligible for awards. In early December, the first of the year-end awards are released. This year, the National Board of Review chose Philip Kaufman's "Quills," based on the Doug Wright play about the final days of the Marquis de Sade, as the year's best film. Javier Bardem, who plays Arenas in "Before Night Falls," was named best actor, and Julia Roberts, who has the title role in "Erin Brockovich," was chosen best actress. A week later, the New York Film Critics Circle chose "Traffic" as the year's best film, Mr. Hanks as best actor and Laura Linney, in "You Can Count on Me," as best actress. Last weekend, two more critics groups chimed in. The Los Angeles Film Critics Association picked "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" as best film and gave top acting honors to Michael Douglas, for "Wonder Boys," and Ms. Roberts. The Online Film Critics Association picked "Billy Elliot" as best film and Geoffrey Rush, in "Quills," as best actor; Ms. Roberts and Ellen Burstyn, in "Requiem for a Dream," tied for best actress. The Broadcast Film Critics Association today released its list of the year's Top 10 films (actually there were 11 on the list, because of a tie in the voting) and named Ms. Roberts as best actress and Russell Crowe, in "Gladiator," best actor. Both "Gladiator" and "Erin Brockovich" were on the top list, as were "Almost Famous," "Billy Elliot," "Cast Away," "Crouching Tiger," "Quills," "Thirteen Days," "Traffic," "Wonder Boys" and "You Can Count On Me." The group will name a best picture on Jan. 22. There will be others: the National Society of Film Critics, the American Film Institute's first-ever Top 10 list, the British Academy Awards (which this year were moved up to join the pre-Oscar buildup) and most notably the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's Golden Globe nominations, coming on Thursday. But few expect these awards to clear up the muddle. "The critics groups are not going to change anything," Mr. Weinstein predicted. He pointed out that last year his studio's "Cider House Rules" won none of the late- year awards but got seven Oscar nominations, the second highest number for any film, and won two. The betting is that each of these awards- granting groups is choosing its own favorite, perhaps with no two settling on the same films. If so, that will keep the Oscar race unsettled until nominations are announced in February. And it will continue to embolden distributors to push their films, even the most unlikely ones, for the awards. "It's such a crazy year that we figure, why not?" said a marketing executive about an Oscar campaign for one of his studio's box office hits, though it had received lukewarm reviews. "Something's going to win the Oscar. And with no movie having a lock, it's worth a shot at least." The unknown element in all of this is how the movies are playing with the 5,600 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences who will eventually vote on the Oscars. Each of the potential nominees is given at least one official academy screening, and most of the studios pay for additional screenings and send videotape or DVD copies of the films to academy members. "The trick is getting someone to see your film," said David Horowitz, a longtime Oscar campaign strategist. The hottest gossip in Hollywood at least as far as the Oscars are concerned is how various movies are being greeted in their academy screenings. It was only after the enthusiastic reception "Cider House Rules" received in its academy screenings last year that it became evident it would do much better in the Oscars than it had in the earlier awards. The problem is, no one is neutral. Gossip about how films played at the screenings inevitably passes through filters of self- interest. Interviews with three people who attended a recent academy screening of "Quills," for instance, resulted in wildly different assessments of its reception, how many people showed up, what they talked about in the lobby afterward and how many, if any, walked out before the movie ended. But the dim outlines of the Oscar race are beginning to take shape, and people are now willing to begin making some early, hesitant predictions. Among studio films, "Erin Brockovich" and "Gladiator" are considered strong contenders for a best picture nomination, and perhaps "Cast Away" will join them upon its release on Friday and "Thirteen Days" when it goes into limited release on Dec. 25. Among independent features, "Quills," "Traffic," "Billy Elliot" and "Crouching Tiger" are the most frequently mentioned, although many are unwilling to discount the Oscar muscle of Miramax, which is mounting strong campaigns for "All the Pretty Horses" and Lasse Hallstrom's "Chocolat," a fable about the healing properties of pleasure in a small French village. Any of a dozen other films could turn up among the final five nominees. "My gut feeling is that when we see the Oscar nominations announced, it's going to be a true blend of commercial and independent films, studio blockbusters and specialized releases, and I think that's going to be great for the industry," Mr. Ortenberg said. For best actor, the most frequently mentioned names are Mr. Hanks, Mr. Bardem, Mr. Douglas, Mr. Rush and Ed Harris for "Pollock." For best actress, Ms. Roberts is widely considered to have a lock on a nomination; among those who are expected to join her are Ms. Linney, Ms. Blanchett, Ms. Burstyn, Juliette Binoche for "Chocolat" and Joan Allen for "The Contender." If there is one sure thing this year, many believe, it is that Mr. Soderbergh will get a nomination for best director. But for which film, "Erin Brockovich" or "Traffic"? Perhaps both? "This year anything is possible," said Mr. Weinstein. "Right now we're in the middle of all the buzz and the spin, which has become almost a master art. And I know that people criticize us, say that we're the masters of all of that. But I really believe that, in the end every year, it always comes down to the movies. In the end, nothing else matters."

Did nobody out there like Oh Brother where art thou? so much more original than yet another film about how the only way out of the hell of the north of England is to take up ballet dancing, blow a cornet or take your clothes off:-))

Oh Brother... (which hasn't even opened yet) was No. 1 from the main film critic at the Chicago Tribune, and he had Sunshine at #4, with no ballet dancers from up north anywhere to be seen. ;-) Ebert's Top 10 (v. disappointing): 1. "Almost Famous" 2. "Wonder Boys" 3. "You Can Count on Me" 4. "Traffic" 5. "George Washington" 6. "The Cell" 7. "High Fidelity" 8. "Pollock" 9. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" 10."Requiem for a Dream"

Ebert's Top 10 (v. disappointing): No Gladiator? Good news for High Fidelity& Nick Hornsby.

Speaking of "Traffic"... Following are the guests on tonight's Charlie Rose show: Stephen Soderbergh, Director,"Traffic"; Catherine Zeta-Jones, Actor, "Traffic"

Evelyn says: Traffic hasn't opened yet. I read that it will only open in LA at the end of the year and go national in mid-January. *********** The New Yorker that came today calls it "the most exciting and complexly imagined American movie of the year." And the EW End of the Year issue (with you know who on the cover) has a great picture of Benedicio Del Toro, the Tijuana cop. Hi all. Glad to find a minute to loosen up these stiff fingers and post a note. Happy holidays, and thanks, Karen, for posting the URL to my "card." Have to run, Ed is coming on and, since it is filmed in my own "Village of Ridgewood," I have to watch to see what local sights they have captured...and then, after that, there is West Wing -- the Favorite of favorites.

Me again (Jeez, will she ever shut up?) Reel.com has a cute Alternative Awards page: http://www.reel.com/reel.asp?node=features/millennium/bestof99/alternative

A very long, but surprisingly good, analysis from Screendaily: AWARDS COUNTDOWN BEST ACTRESS/BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS It�s been a rich year for actresses, but Julia Roberts is the only dead cert for a best actress nomination. Meanwhile, in the supporting actress category, the British are sure to make their now traditional appearance. Mike Goodridge reports. She was Oscar-nominated for her second starring role and her third, but Julia Roberts has had to wait 10 years and another 19 films before her third. And there can be nothing more certain that Roberts, probably the world�s biggest box office star, will snag a best actress Academy Award nomination for Erin Brockovich. She�ll probably walk away with the prize itself, unless some serious rallying from other studios comes into play on behalf of their performers. Roberts has already been named best actress of 2000 by the National Board Of Review Of Motion Pictures and should snag other critics� honours before almost inevitable nominations for the Golden Globe and the Bafta as well as the Oscar. Why such certainty? Even though the film was released in March, her hugely charismatic, screen-chewing turn as the real-life crusader Brockovich was so intrepid, convincing and unlike anything else that the romantic comedy queen has done that critics roared with approbation. Besides, it�s clearly Roberts� turn. After a lull in the mid-1990s, she has re-established herself as the undisputed queen of the box office � even Erin Brockovich took over $100m � and the Academy always loves a good actor who also sells tickets. Pundits have been tipping Roberts since the film opened and nothing quite so spectacular as her work in this film has emerged in subsequent months. Is hers the best performance of the year by an actress in a leading role? Probably not, but then again it was the best performance of the year by a giant movie star in a much-liked hit film. If voters of every age embrace Erin Brockovich, only a fraction will stomach Requiem For A Dream, Darren Aronofsky�s resolutely uncompromising adaptation of Hubert Selby Jr�s novel about the horrors of drug addiction. But amid the carnage of self-destruction that will turn off many is a performance by Ellen Burstyn, which could be the best in any year � by man or woman. As an ageing, lonely woman who gets hooked on diet pills in order to slim down for an appearance on a TV quiz show, Burstyn is mesmerising. Her descent into madness � accompanied by hallucinations and withdrawal from the world � is what makes the film so heartbreaking and ultimately accessible to those who can�t relate to the addictions of the younger characters. Although she�s acted steadily since her heyday in the 1970s, Burstyn�s role in this film, as well as a stand-out supporting performance in James Gray�s The Yards and the hit re-release of The Exorcist, have catapulted her back into the public eye. Burstyn is no stranger to awards. She has five Oscar nominations under her belt and one Oscar � for Alice Doesn�t Live Here Anymore in 1974. Her other nominations were for The Last Picture Show (1971), The Exorcist (1973), Same Time Next Year (1978) and Resurrection (1980). Burstyn�s experience contrasts starkly with another frontrunner, Icelandic pop diva Bjork who made her film acting debut in Lars von Trier�s bravura musical melodrama Dancer In The Dark. Von Trier hired her for the role of his Czech immigrant single mother working in a factory in a small town in rural Washington state after seeing her in Spike Jonze�s music video for her song It�s Oh So Quiet. And despite the conflict of personalities which existed between the two on set, his judgement that she was perfect for the part proved right. Bjork threw herself into her character Selma with an abandon rarely seen even in the most courageous of actresses. As Selma starts to lose her sight and struggles to save money for an operation that will save her son from the same fate, she was natural and appealingly stubborn. After committing murder to recover the money when it is stolen, she was captivating to watch. And when she faces the death penalty, her combination of resignation to her fate and despair was devastating t watch. Critics may have been divided about the film itself but Bjork received unanimous acclaim, winning the best actress prize at Cannes and the European Film Award. Last week she won a special recognition from the National Board Of Review for outstanding dramatic performance in a musical. For the star who claims that she won�t act again, an Oscar nomination (maybe two if her song I�ve Seen It All gets one) could be persuasion enough for her to eat her words. Laura Linney made a breakthrough in 1999 after a decade of solid work in studio films (The Truman Show, Primal Fear and Congo) and as Mary Ann Singleton in the popular Tales Of The City TV series. In You Can Count On Me Linney plays a single mother living in a small town in upstate New York whose routine life is thrown into turmoil when her restless brother arrives to stay with her and she is entirely believable. She makes writer-director Kenneth Lonergan�s character come alive in the most effortlessly natural way, so that when her character makes irrational choices or pious decisions, she appears neither irrational or pious, but merely human. When the two siblings say goodbye at the film�s end, Linney and Mark Rufalo have established such well-rounded characters that the farewell possesses an authentic poignancy rare to discover in contemporary film. Linney also gives a memorable supporting performance as the deceitful Bertha Dorset in Terence Davies� film adaptation of Edith Wharton�s The House Of Mirth, but that film is dominated, as is fitting since she barely leaves the screen for a moment, by Gillian Anderson. Best known as Agent Dana Sculley on TV�s long-running The X-Files, Anderson is a revelation as Wharton�s doomed heroine Lily Bart, initially a confident society woman, then later thrust into disgrace and poverty. The actress captures the various shades of this contradictory woman, struggling to choose between financial needs and the love of a man who cannot meet them. From her glamorous entrance to her final emotional breakdown, Anderson proves that she can hold her own on the big screen. Juliette Binoche also stands a chance of awards recognition for her radiant performance as the chocolate-shop owner in Lasse Hallstrom�s Chocolat. Binoche�s charismatic characterisation helps to ensure that the film avoids sentimentality, while imbuing it with a warmth that will melt the hardest of hearts. Binoche, who won a best supporting actress Oscar for The English Patient in 1996, speaks flawless English in this film and should become a major star in the US on the back of it. Possessing the same rare luminosity as Binoche is Cate Blanchett, already recognised as one of the world�s premiere actors, who gives another outstanding performance this year in Sam Raimi�s The Gift. Co-written by Billy Bob Thornton, Blanchett plays a psychic (based on Thornton�s own mother) in a small Southern town whose abilities involve her in a murder investigation. The actress is better than the film itself, utterly believable as a widow protecting herself and her children from the criminal elements of the town and terrorised by her own gift. It�s a rich year for actresses and others could figure in the forthcoming awards rounds. Michelle Yeoh�s glorious action heroine-in-love in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is the soul of the film, her humanity and good sense in pitch perfect contrast to the flighty younger woman played by Zhang Zivi. Joan Allen, a double Oscar nominee for Nixon (1995) and The Crucible (1996), is compelling as the Democratic vice presidential candidate struggling to stay afloat in the face of allegations of a sex scandal in The Contender. Helen Hunt was the best thing about Mimi Leder�s saccharine Pay It Forward, touching as the alcoholic single mother of too-good-to-be-true kid Haley Joel Osment. Renee Zellwegger�s charming performance in the title role of Nurse Betty softened the hard edges of director Neil Labute�s traditionally cynical style. Michelle Rodriguez, another special award winner at the National Board Of Review, made a sensational film debut in Karyn Kusama�s Girlfight, playing the teenage hardhead who f nds an outlet in boxing. Unlikely to glean Oscar recognition but as deserving as anyone is Lena Endre, whose extraordinary work in Liv Ullmann�s Faithless has been critically revered but consistently beaten at awards rounds in Europe by Bjork. As Marianne, the actress retelling the story of an extra-marital affair which wrecks her marriage and devastates her beloved daughter, Endre is the year�s best actress in the eyes of many Europeans. Numerous UK actresses gave fine supporting performances in 2000 and, like last year (Samantha Morton) and the year before (Judi Dench, Lynn Redgrave, Brenda Blethyn), one or more should make the final Oscar shortlist. The winner in 1998, Judi Dench, for example, plays a mouthy old broad with a heart of gold to perfection in Chocolat � the type of performance loved by Academy voters. Kate Winslet, who already had two Oscar nominations to her name by the age of 23, is excellent as the virginal serving maid titillated by the Marquis de Sade�s writings in Quills. Julie Walters, a nominee in 1983 for best actress in Educating Rita, gives a moving performance as the ballet teacher who gives Billy Elliot a chance in the film of the same name. Eleanor Bron has only a few scenes in The House Of Mirth but she bristles with moral superiority as Julia Peniston, Lily�s wealthy aunt who leaves her niece destitute. Jennifer Ehle is spirited as the feisty wife of the first of Ralph Fiennes� three characters in Istvan Szabo�s epic of 20th century Jewry Sunshine, and in a clever casting coup, Ehle�s own mother, the marvellous Rosemary Harris, plays the same character two generations later. Samantha Morton, last year�s nominee for Sweet And Lowdown, is again impressive, this time as the junkie girlfriend of Billy Crudup in Allison Maclean�s accomplished Jesus� Son. And Catherine Zeta Jones forgoes glamour to give her best performance to date as a pregnant San Diego socialite who discovers that her husband is a drug lord and goes to desperate measures to protect her lifestyle in Traffic. But for the Brits, the competition from Americans is stiff. Who can forge the harrowing journey of Jennifer Connelly�s drug-addled character in Requiem For A Dream, or the sweet, sensitive breakthrough performance by Kate Hudson as groupie Penny Lane in Almost Famous? Similarly, powerhouse actress Frances McDormand put in fine work in both Wonder Boys, as Michael Douglas� married mistress, and in Almost Famous as the strict but loving mother of lead character Patrick Fugit. And Marcia Gay Harden must be included for her superb portrayal of Lee Krasner, the artist lover of Jackson Pollock in Ed Harris� Pollock. There are also a couple of fine comic performances � by Elaine May as Tracy Ullman�s endearingly stupid cousin in Woody Allen�s Small Time Crooks and by Rebecca Pidgeon as the straight-talking local bookseller in David Mamet�s State And Main. Three other contenders all play in English, but it is their second language. Spain�s Penelope Cruz is affecting as the ranch-owner�s daughter caught in a mis-matched love affair in Billy Bob Thornton�s All The Pretty Horses, France�s Catherine Deneuve very nearly pulls it off as a world-weary factory hand in Dancer In The Dark and US-born Mexican actress Lupe Ontiveros is a delight in Miguel Arteta�s Chuck And Buck. It was Ontiveros who was the surprise winner of the supporting actress prize from the National Board Of Review last week.

A good day for Sunshine at the Golden Globes. Noms for Best Picture-Drama, and Best Director, Istvan Szabo. Alas, none in the the acting categories.

1.����� BEST MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA a.���������� BILLY ELLIOT Universal Pictures / Working Title / BBC Film / WT2; Universal Focus������� b.������ ERIN BROCKOVICH �������� Universal Pictures / Jersey Films; Universal Pictures / Sony Pictures c.����� GLADIATOR �������� DreamWorks Pictures / Universal Pictures ; DreamWorks Pictures / Universal Pictures d.����� SUNSHINE ����� �������� Alliance Atlantis / Serendipity Point Films / Kinowelt;� Paramount Classics � e.����� TRAFFIC ������ �������� Bedford Falls Company / Laura Bickford Production;� USA Films f.���������� WONDER BOYS Paramount Pictures / Mutual Film; Paramount Pictures � 2.����� BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA a.������ JOAN ALLEN����� The Contender b.������ BJ�RK����� Dancer In The Dark c.����� ELLEN BURSTYN����� Requiem For A Dream d.����� LAURA LINNEY����� You Can Count On Me e.����� JULIA ROBERTS����� Erin Brockovich 3.����� BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA a.������ JAVIER BARDEM����� Before Night Falls � b.������ RUSSELL CROWE����� Gladiator � c.����� MICHAEL DOUGLAS����� Wonder Boys � d.����� TOM HANKS����� Cast Away e.����� GEOFFREY RUSH����� Quills 4.����� BEST MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY ���� a.������ ALMOST FAMOUS �������� DreamWorks Pictures;� DreamWorks Pictures / Columbia Pictures b.������ BEST IN SHOW �������� Castle Rock Entertainment;� Warner Bros. Pictures��������� � c.����� CHICKEN RUN (CLAYMATION)������� �������� Aardman Production;� DreamWorks Pictures / Pathe d.����� CHOCOLAT������ �������� David Brown Productions;� Miramax Films e.����� O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? ������ �������� Touchstone Pictures / Universal Pictures / Studio Canal / Working Title;� Buena Vista Pictures Distribution 5.����� BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY a.������ JULIETTE BINOCHE����� Chocolat b.������ BLENDA BLETHYN����� Saving Grace c.����� SANDRA BULLOCK����� Miss Congeniality � d.����� TRACEY ULLMAN����� Small Time Crooks e.����� RENEE ZELLWEGER����� Nurse Betty � 6.����� BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY a.������ JIM CARREY����� The Grinch � b.������ GEORGE CLOONEY����� O Brother, Where Art Thou? � c.����� JOHN CUSACK����� High Fidelity d.����� ROBERT DE NIRO����� Meet The Parents e.����� MEL GIBSON����� What Women Want 7.����� BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM a.������ AMORES PERROS �������� Lions Gate Films / Alta Vista �������� MEXICO b.������ CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON �������� Zoom Hunt International Productions; Sony Pictures Classics �������� TAIWAN � c.����� THE HUNDRED STEPS �������� Titti Film / Rai Cinema �������� ITALY�� d.����� MALENA ������ �������� Medusa Film / Miramax Films;� Miramax Films �������� ITALY e.����� THE WIDOW OF ST. PIERRE ��� �������� Flach Pyramid;� Lions Gate Films �������� FRANCE 8.����� BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE a.������ JUDI DENCH����� Chocolat b..������ KATE HUDSON����� Almost Famous c.����� FRANCES McDORMAND����� Almost Famous d.����� JULIE WALTERS����� Billy Elliot e.����� CATHERINE ZETA-JONES����� Traffic � 9.����� BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE a.������ JEFF BRIDGES����� The Contender b.������ WILLEM DAFOE����� Shadow of the Vampire c.����� BENICIO DEL TORO����� Traffic d.����� ALBERT FINNEY����� Erin Brockovich e.����� JOAQUIN PHOENIX����� Gladiator 10.��� BEST DIRECTOR - MOTION PICTURE a.������ ANG LEE����� Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon b.������ RIDLEY SCOTT����� Gladiator c.����� STEVEN SODERBERGH����� Erin Brockovich d.����� STEVEN SODERBERGH����� Traffic e.����� ISTVAN SZABO����� Sunshine 11.��� BEST SCREENPLAY - MOTION PICTURE a.������ CAMERON CROWE����� Almost Famous b.������ STEPHEN GAGHAN����� Traffic c.����� STEVE KLOVES����� Wonder Boys d.����� KENNETH LONERGAN����� You Can Count On Me e.����� DOUG WRIGHT����� Quills

Thanks, Mari, for getting the nominations up so fast. Best Dramatic Actress is as expected. But pretty disappointing in the best supporting actress category. :-(

Comments on GG: Am disappointed that JE was not nominated, but not dispondent..Oscars don't always follow GG;-) How's that for optimism!! Glad to see Sunshine , director and musical score (He did Zhivago too!)nominated.But how can they keep ignoring RF?? Big Day in the Michael Douglas household! Happy to see John Cusak (HF) up there and Renee. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Screen Daily:"If voters of every age embrace Erin Brockovich, only a fraction will stomach Requiem For A Dream, Darren Aronofsky�s resolutely uncompromising adaptation of Hubert Selby Jr�s novel about the horrors of drug addiction" That's *me* folks. I refuse to see any more druggie movies, I'm tired of seeing people vomiting in toilets, injecting themselves with needles and viewing cockroaches coming out of woodwork. [I will wait for your reviews of"Traffic" before I go.If there are any of the above components pl. let me know] Bring on Bridget..enough of this realism, I want to leave a movie with a smile on my face. Thank you for list listening:-))

Sorry, italics closed

This appeared in the TV section of "Daily Oklahoman" HBO PLANS NEW SERIES Call it"Sex and the City:The Testosterone Chronicles". HBO has ordered 10 episodes of "The Mind of the Married Man", about three male reporters at a Chicago newspaper who struggle to, well, stay with the lines. Mike Binder ("The Contender"[uh? no "Sex Monster"? ])is creator of the sitcom and will costar, along with Jake Weber and Taylor Nichols. No word on a debut date."

I am glad to see "Oh Brother where art thou" and George Clooney. Tho Karen did you say it had not yet opened in the States? It opened in the UK at the beginning of September.

No, it hasn't; they saved it for the end-of-year BIG picture race here. In fact, George Clooney was on David Letterman last night promoting it. Also read today that Enemy at the Gate is going to show at the requisite couple of theaters by year-end in order to qualify, but won't play nationally until APRIL!! (Evelyn) Oscars don't always follow GG;-) They don't and can't...for the most part. The Hollywood Foreign Press are a v. small group and vote on the basis of cocktail party attendance. ;-) One of the websites I visited equated the GGs as no better than the Blockbuster Awards. C'mon, any show produced by Dick Clark!!

HAPPY HANUKKAH, KAREN

One more try... Anyway...if it doesn't work go here and find your card...third one down...I like the dancing happy menorah's!! http://static.bluemountain.com/image.bluemountain.com/enggifs/jewish/jicons/jicons4cp.gif Enjoy!

(My brain must be frozen or in shoveling mode.) The lack of "O Brother" on awards lists has nothing to do with NOT having opened, as so many others have not and all the critics would've seen in at Cannes this summer. It's a comedy! Also, it probably opened first in England because Working Title is behind it as well. It opened Billy Elliot there first, and I'm guessing Bridget will open there first too, by only a few days or a week, as was done with NH.

Thnks Mari! How could they nominate Ang Lee as Best Director when his film is up for Foreign language? They have snubbed Bjork in a category made to order such as musical actress. Julia Roberts could never have done what she has with that role. Binoche has done much better before and Kate Winslet should have been nominated for Best Supporting in Quills. I am beginning to feel sorry for Ralph Fiennes too. Michael Douglas over him I just do not see.

And... Happy Hanukkah, Karen!

If Jennifer wasn't nominated, I hope Julie Walters gets it for Billy E. Judi Dench should get the "Lifetime Best Actress Alive Award" .Period. And let others have a chance, Frances Mc Dormand already got one.Kate Hudson and Catherine ZJ are cashing in on popularity right now.Unless the latter has had acting lessons, she's gorgeous, but can't act. I bet Renee gets it for Nurse Betty.

I sent this URL to Evelyn. It has more info on Sunshine's GG nomination because the film is a part Canadian production: http://www.southam.com/montrealgazette/newsnow/cpfs/entertainment/001221/e122131.html

CHUD says that best supporting should go to Benedicio Del Toro, who was way above the others nominated in talent and performance. (For Traffic) He has an interesting face.

Happy Hanukkah, Karen! With my very best wishes, KJ

Thank you all for the holiday wishes. :-) (Moon) How could they nominate Ang Lee as Best Director when his film is up for Foreign language? That's happened before and is not wrong imo. The horrible one is when a film is nominated for best picture and the director isn't, like with John Madden. (Evelyn) Judi Dench should get the "Lifetime Best Actress Alive Award" .Period. And let others have a chance Huh? She was nominated twice before and won once. That's not exactly like Meryl Streep, who gets nominated nearly every time she makes a movie. C'mon, you should remember how many times Bette Davis, Katherine Hepburn and many others have been nominated and won.

The horrible one is when a film is nominated for best picture and the director isn't, like with John Madden. IMO, neither film or director should have been nominated in his case. Merry Christmas and a fantastically firthfilled 2001!

Merry Christmas to all of you. May whatever holiday that you celebrate this season be joyfilled. Happy Boxing Day to all of you in Canada and the UK.

RE: the Golden Globes. When they announced Sunshine as a nominee, I thought, great, there's a chance for Jen, the film is on their radar screen and they liked it! Unfortunately it was not to be, but let's hang onto hope for the Oscars, which do not mirror the Globes. I was checking on the Academy members' screening schedule for Sunshine, and it's aggresive, so at least they are getting the film in front of people to see. When I think of a great supporting perfromance, I think of someone without whom the film would have been seriously diminished. By that definition, Ehle/Harris should have been in there. They're the heart of the film. Do these nominess fit that bill? Kate Hudson certainly does, for Almost Famous (McDormand, less so). The others, I haven't seen yet. I am so glad Renee is nommed, but was disappointed that Nurse Betty didn't get anything, either for film or screenplay, both of which should have been there. (Moon) Binoche has done much better before Moon, what did you think of Chocolat? From the trailers and reviews, it seems trivial, but you can't always tell from that.

I've seen Chocolat. It was a lovely and enchanting film, but not a BEST Picture type. How many magical food movies will there be? Judi Dench does have a v.g. role (i.e., more than 8 minutes) and not a clone of other eccentric old lady parts she's done as in Tea w/Mussolini. That being said, I thought Lena Olin was marvelous and who would recognize Carrie-Anne Moss! Even Johnny Depp with his Irish accent was good. I do however begrudge the nomination for Rachel Portman's practically nonexistent score. Have these people not heard the Wonderland score? This is stuff that plays around in your head afterward, and it's by the same guy who did The Piano (Michael Nyman). And you thought Phaedra couldn't manage itself out of a papersack. Here's another company that's got its head up its.... On the trailer alert: with this weekend's movies, we're being shown teasers for the biggies of first-half 2001. Have been seeing The Mexican (opens late March), Pearl Harbor (Memorial Day) and now a teaser for AI (summer of 2001). Am keeping my eyes open for another biggie.

Wishing you all the compliments of the season - however you may celebrate.

Best wishes to everyone for a happy holiday season and a Firth-filled new year.

(Mari)When they announced Sunshine as a nominee, I thought, great, there's a chance for Jen, the film is on their radar screen and they liked it! Unfortunately it was not to be,but let's hang onto hope for the Oscars, which do not mirror the Globes. I was checking on the Academy members' screening schedule for Sunshine, and it's aggresive, so at least they are getting the film in front of people to see. LATIMES 12/22 They're Anybody's Golden Globes by Robert W. Welkos and Susan King, Times Staff Writers - "Gasps of delight went up when Hungarian filmmaker Istvan Szabo was nominated as best director for Sunshine, the three-hour epic about a Hungarian Jewish family. When his name was announced, someone on the hotel staff dropped a tray, shattering the silence. Sunshine received three Globe nominations (best drama, director and original score)." ~~~~~~~~~~~ LA Times is doing their best, they have blurbs about Sunshine every few days.It was on of their best choices for the year.

I've seen Chocolat. It was a lovely and enchanting film, but not a BEST Picture type. How many magical food movies will there be? Too many, if this one is a success.;-) I'll see it at some point, I'm sure. I saw Cast Away yesterday and liked it very much. I liked that it had the guts to show a person in complete solitude for the better part of the film. When Hanks is on the island, there are no sound effects, no special effects, no music, very little talking, and I don't even think they used much, if any, artificial lighting. Tom does a terrific job in evoking this man's utter loneliness and desperation, conveying everything with just his facial expressions and body language. A beautifully understated performance, and he makes it look so effortless, so natural. IMO, he's one of the least-mannered actors around; you never get the familiar collection of tics with him. I also liked the lack of a pat ending; what we get here is very ambiguous. I saw Quills earlier in the week, and liked that also. I liked that it didn't take the usual Hollywood knee-jerk position that complete freedom of expression is always a good thing (though I'm generally one of those knee-jerks;-). Performances were very good, though I thought Geoffrey Rush a bit over the top; I would have preferred a more subtle, Hannibal Lecter-type of menace, but maybe that was a function of the script, which I thought was very well-done, very naughtily witty. In any event, he certainly looks like he's enjoying himself. I thought Joaquin Phoenix was great; this kid really excels at playing tortured, emotionally-torn souls. And, boy, is he ever good-looking!;-) Kate Winslet was also very good, as usual. So, I'm not sure if these meet the definition of "great" films, but I sure enjoyed them, for very different reasons. In any event, it was good to see two big studio films that dared to do something different. Evelyn, I heard those gasps and squeals when Sunshine was announced!

So Mari, you would give the Oscar to Hanks over Rush? Moon, what did you think of Chocolat? From the trailers and reviews, it seems trivial, but you can't always tell from that. I will probably see Cast Away today. I still have seen Chocolat because my DH was turned off by the previews. I loved Like Water for Chocolate, and Chocolat appears to be a (not as interesting), copy. Definitely not Best Picture material. I still insist that Bjork was overlooked. I am counting on the Oscars to set this straight.

(Mari)Tom does a terrific job in evoking this man's utter loneliness and desperation, conveying everything with just his facial expressions and body language. A beautifully understated performance, and he makes it look so effortless, so natural. IMO, he's one of the least-mannered actors around; I hope to see "Castaway" this weekend, if the winter storm doesn't hit us. I consider Tom Hanks the American counter-part to RF. What a hard worker!! But did you know that for a time the audiences wouldn't accept him in anything other than comedies.."Bachelor Party", "Splash", "Big". He's been on a press junket for "Castaway" and he said this in Dallas: "Well, there was certainly a time when I was in my 20's and 30s that I was wanting to do something else," he admits. "But I never felt like, 'Hey, they typecast me! What a gyp. They'll never let me do that'. Because I had the power to say yes or no to the stuff...I was not one to bemoan the image that I had, based on the choices that I had made, because who made the choices? Who said yes to "Dragnet" ? That was me. I said I was gonna do it, y'know?"

From today's Variety: OSCAR, MEET BAFTA: Brits shift in bid to redraw the kudos map By ADAM DAWTREY LONDON -- The Hollywood kudos season, which kicked off with the National Board of Review in early December and climaxes with the Academy Awards in late March, has always been an all-American affair. But now the Brits are crashing the party. The British Academy of Film & Television Arts has shifted its film awards to Feb. 25 from its old April slot in a bold bid to redraw the Oscar campaign map. Slap bang between the Golden Globes (Jan. 21) and the Academy Awards (March 25), the British Academy is pitching itself as a stepping-stone toward the ultimate prize. Although the awards are technically named the Orange British Academy Film Awards, in deference to their sponsor, everyone calls them the Baftas. (The org abbreviation is BAFTA in capital letters.) So will Hollywood embrace the interloper or give it the cold shoulder? Much, say studio sources, depends on whether this year's Bafta ceremony proves worthy of long-term support. But big American players are already pouring far more cash and effort than ever before into wooing BAFTA's members -- 3,000 industry insiders in Blighty and approximately 800 expats in Los Angeles and New York. "We've had a fantastic response from the studios and big independents," said Steve Woolley, chairman of BAFTA's film section, who visited Los Angeles in September with chief exec Amanda Berry to talk up the date switch. Not only are there far more special screenings and more videos being sent out this year, but studios and talent are bending over backward to press the flesh. Geoffrey Rush ("Quills"), Michael Winterbottom ("The Claim"), Joel Schumacher ("Tigerland"), Michael Douglas and Curtis Hanson ("The Wonder Boys"), and Kate Hudson and Patrick Fugit ("Almost Famous") have already graced screenings at BAFTA's Piccadilly HQ in London. A host of screenplays, glossy brochures, CDs and other goodies are heading to BAFTA's members. By contrast, the org's U.S. counterpart, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, does not allow such campaigning. "We have a larger budget and more leverage to get the talent over," confirmed Richard Napper, managing director of Columbia TriStar U.K. "Everyone is looking at it as a stepping-stone," said Andrew Cripps, president of United Intl. Pictures, which reps Universal and Paramount. With no U.S. TV coverage lined up this year, Woolley admitted that the BAFTAs cannot compete with the Golden Globes for public impact. The one-two Globes to Oscars punch is a proven prescription for Hollywood marketeers, and that's not likely to change easily, especially given the perception that the Baftas represent -- in the words of one top studio exec -- "nothing more than a free trip to London." But with a significant minority of BAFTA members also members of AMPAS, the Brit event could offer the industry a real clue to the way the Oscar winds are blowing. And if the British awards do eventually establish themselves as a more accurate Oscar predictor than the Globes, whose track record in the past couple of years has been decidedly mixed -- there might not be too many tears among those who chafe at the power of the 90 journalists who comprise the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. Not everyone is convinced the new Baftas will suddenly be so much more important than the old. David Livingstone, Universal's London-based president of international marketing, plays down the Oscar link. "I do like the Baftas, but I don't think they pave the way for the Academy Awards, albeit that they are now on the way," he said. "It's of less significance than I would hope it to be. In reality, nine out of 10 people in Hollywood don't know the Baftas exist. Its level of significance may have gone up 25%, but what was its level before? Negligible." U's "Billy Elliot" could well sweep the board at this year's event, but Livingstone suspects such a British victory could be discounted in Hollywood as evidence of hometown favoritism. It's true that BAFTA has a tradition of honoring Brits, whether in local or Hollywood movies. But it is also proud of its support for American or other foreign talent overlooked by U.S. prizegivers. A couple of years ago, "The Truman Show" won consolation prizes at the Baftas after its Oscar shutout, and last year Pedro Almodovar beat Sam Mendes, the British-born Oscar winner, for the director award. The delicate question is how far BAFTA's quirky independence will be compromised by its desire to become a pointer to the Academy Awards. BAFTA has already built a certain, ahem, flexibility into its qualification rules to ensure that all the main Oscar candidates are also in the running for its awards. Many Oscar films that are released Stateside in December don't find their way to British cinemas until February or March. So BAFTA admits any film released up to March 16, as long as it gets a one-week qualifying run somewhere in Britain by the end of December. Last year, over half of the Bafta noms went to films released after the end of 1999. BAFTA's nightmare would be to find films ineligible for Oscars scooping up awards. This year there are two top-quality contenders that could spoil BAFTA's party: Paul Thomas Anderson's "Magnolia" and Christopher Nolan's "Memento." The former was eligible for 1999 Oscars; the latter will open in the U.S. next year. Woolley admits that re-positioning the Baftas is an "experiment." But success should help iron out such anomalies in future years, as distribs make greater efforts to tailor release dates to the ceremony. For the time being, BAFTA's priority is to prove it can lay on a splashy bash to impress Hollywood. But above all, it's BATFA's hope that raising the profile of its awards will encourage more of the British film industry's bright young things to join an organization that tends to be seen as an old boys' network. "There is an appalling gap in our demographic," Woolley said. "If people know they are going to get lots of videos, maybe we can bring the average age down a bit closer to the 20s than to the 60s." (Claude Brodesser in Los Angeles contributed to this report.)

"...awards are technically named the Orange British Academy Film Awards, in deference to their sponsor" Really? The Florida orange juice people sponsor this? I thought it was some bank? "With no U.S. TV coverage lined up this year, Woolley admitted that the BAFTAs cannot compete with the Golden Globes for public impact. " Is it televised live in UK yet?Or like the Oliviers is it televised three days later...[puhleese]. I don't expect a nomination for "Sunshine".Unlike the US, the film got spotty reviews [I'm not surprised] and they all hate RF .

Really? The Florida orange juice people sponsor this? Florida is behind everything. They keep wanting to make it the capital of the US, but we refuse to let all those diplomats in. ;-) The Orange Bowl Parade is co-sponsored by the Baftas. They look at it as a free trip to Miami Beach. ;-))

(Moon) The Orange Bowl Parade is co-sponsored by the Baftas. They look at it as a free trip to Miami Beach. ;-)) *snort* Glad to see you're back...and in form. ;-)

LOL! Sorry to disappoint... nothing to do with Florida this time (thank God!)... Orange is a mobile (=cell) telephone company. Try this: http://www.orange.co.uk/news/events/obafa/

They should really call it "Orange BAFA" since they split from the Television awards...thus "Orange BATA". [Sounds like a sports drink!]

Seriously, though, there is no BAF or BAT but still the same old BAFT = British Academy of Film and Television - and the only difference is that their awards are now presented at two separate ceremonies: one for film, the other for TV, which is due to the increase in the volume and length of the nominations for television in recent years.

A recap of the Broadway year by Robert Osborne at THR: NEW YORK -- Before this wild, unpredictable year flaps to a close Sunday night, there are a few things I'd like to say about how the theater treated me and several thousand others during the past 12 months. Overall, you'd have to classify this a so-so year with a few soaring high spots, negligible electricity, flashes of true artistry and many a yawn. ... The best night I had in the theater all year was watching David Auburn's "Proof," an electrically charged play so expertly directed by Daniel Sullivan and deliciously acted by Mary-Louise Parker and a first-rate cast. It's the only time since I saw a legit production of "Stalag 17" many decades ago that a first-act curtain line was so galvanizing that for several minutes afterward, no one in the audience made a move to leave his/her seat. ... Other great theater experiences this year: the revivals of Tom Stoppard's "The Real Thing" and Sam Shepard's "True West" -- the first particularly notable because of the stunning performances of eventual Tony winne s Stephen Dillane and Jennifer Ehle, the latter because of the dynamic work of its stars Philip Seymour Hoffman and John C. Reilly, the two boys who added the most pizzazz to Broadway this year. ... Other "best plays": August Wilson's "Jitney," Michael Frayn's "Copenhagen" and Charles Busch's "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife," each also fabulously acted, each a credit to the theater and examples of why the so-called "Fabulous Invalid" manages to survive even disasters like Elaine May's "Taller Than a Dwarf," which, despite some dazzling talents involved, turned out to be the most uncomfortable sit of the season. ... Runner-up: Julie Taymor's "The Green Bird," which mercifully had its wings clipped early.

(Karen) the stunning performances of eventual Tony winners Stephen Dillane and Jennifer Ehle AMEN :-) (What is THR?)

(THR)""The Real Thing" and Sam Shepard's "True West" -- the first particularly notable because of the stunning performances of eventual Tony winners Stephen Dillane and Jennifer Ehle.." :-)))))Now *there's* a reviewer with good taste:-)))))) Good to know that their performances are permanently remembered and the Tony wasn't merely a gratuitous award. evelyn*who is hoping Hamlet will transfer to B'way:-))*

(Donna)(What is THR?) The Hollywood Reporter... waddsamatta you a newbie or somethin;-)

(Evelyn) waddsamatta you a newbie or somethin;-) LOL, I just got dewey-eyed thinking about how wonderful our guys were. *sigh* FYI, TRT made Clive Barnes' top-10 for 2000. He's the reviewer who wrote "give that man his Tony right now!" in his review in April. Tee hee, I thought the same thing when I walked out of the Albery in January. :-)

evelyn*who is hoping Hamlet will transfer to B'way:-))* Yes, I know how much you want to see Simon Russell Beale.;-);-) Nice write-up from THR, and well-deserved! Those Tonys were no fluke; they had some stiff competition. (Moon) So Mari, you would give the Oscar to Hanks over Rush? If it came down to those two, definitely, because of the greater difficulty of Hanks' role. I don't want to dis Rush, who was great fun to watch, but his was a very showy, look ma I'm acting, sort of role that I know actors (and Academy members) love. Much harder, IMO, to play the ordinary person in extraordinary circumstances with absolutely no one to play off. Here's a fun one: What Women Want. Grab a big bucket of popcorn and go. Pure fluff, and good laughs. I have to wonder why Mel hasn't done romantic comedy up until now; he's good at it, and he and Helen Hunt are a good match. *Great Sinatra soundtrack, too.* Karen, the city looks good, as usual.

Loved the Sinatra bit. I know exactly where Mel's supposed apartment was. There's only ONE 2400 building and it's a Mies van der Rohe. Bette's place (door at least) was around the corner from me, where I took the pics of Mel arriving. Haven't precisely placed where Helen Hunt's new apt was but I have a pretty good idea of which streets it could be on. Don't know if I'd agree with you on Hanks vs. Rush. I was a bit disappointed with Cast Away. Thought it all terribly predictable. Every so often, a lightbulb went off in my head, "look, ma, man has discovered tools!" Still cannot figure out why he didn't take the guy's belt, among other things. Re: Rush I thought there was far more to his performance and it wasn't all OTP acting. There were subtleties and layers which made you question all aspects of his sanity amidst the manipulation and pure joy that his writing, however, disgusting it was, gave him. Jury is out.... Am seeing Crouching Tiger later today.

(Mari)Here's a fun one: What Women Want. Grab a big bucket of popcorn and go. Pure fluff, and good laughs. I have to wonder why Mel hasn't done romantic comedy up until now; he's good at it, and he and Helen Hunt are a good match. *Great Sinatra soundtrack, too.* Wow. I'd have to have a huge smiley to put here. At least Mel's movies always get to Portugal ;-)

(Mari) I have to wonder why Mel hasn't done romantic comedy up until now He has. Don't you remember that one with Goldie Hawn? ;-) No doubt about it, Gi, you'll love it. Lots of fun and both Mel and Helen are v.g. One more thing about Cast Away and predictability: Is there not another piece of music that signals one is in Russia?! Am very tired of hearing that old war horse of a Russian army chorus type theme. Maybe should bring on Volga boatmen?

Don't know if I'd agree with you on Hanks vs. Rush. I was a bit disappointed with Cast Away. Thought it all terribly predictable. Cast Away was a missed opportunity. I have read many accounts of men stranded like this and they all agreed upon one thing: they start to halucinate soon afterwards and they all had a mystical experience. Where was God in Cast Away? This is where Hollywood comes in. Did someone say politically incorrect Rush I thought there was far more to his performance and it wasn't all OTP acting. There were subtleties and layers which made you question all aspects of his sanity amidst the manipulation and pure joy that his writing, however, disgusting it was, gave him. I agree. Am seeing Crouching Tiger later today. The minute it gets here... it is #1 on my list to see. Loved the previews. Gi, you will love Mel in his new movie. He smiles that killer smile all the time.

I have to wonder why Mel hasn't done romantic comedy up until now Karen: He has. Don't you remember that one with Goldie Hawn? ;-) I think Bird On A Wire was meant to be a thriller. Wait now - that's why you put the winkie, isn't it?

Ralph Fiennes was the guest on the Charlie Rose Show last night and they talked extensively about Sunshine. They showed the complete trailer to open the show, and a few scenes throughout the interview. In all, it lasted approximately 20 minutes. He spoke of Jennifer and Rosemary's performances and said they were extraordinary and brilliant. Charlie Rose mentioned that he knew Jennifer well, as she had been performing in TRT in New York and was a guest. Say what you want, Rafe is a real trooper...esp. since he isn't even mentioned in the Best Actor category (and should be!), and does not like to promote films on chat shows. Shows outstanding loyalty to the producer and cast. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` My local paper mentions MLSF as the Best Coming of Age Film of the year! (We get 'em late:-))

(Evelyn)Say what you want, Rafe is a real trooper...esp. since he isn't even mentioned in the Best Actor category (and should be!), and does not like to promote films on chat shows. Shows outstanding loyalty to the producer and cast. Yes! It's called putting others' needs above your own, aka, professionalism. I saw the show too and thought Rafe came across as thoughtful and incisive. If CF ever has a cerebral project to promote, Charlie Rose would be a good show to do it on. I also liked his comments on choosing projects based on the director. He mentioned recently turning down something with a director he admires (I'm thinking Soderbergh's Ocean's 11) in order to do Beyond Borders for Oliver Stone. He is a shrewd, smart manager of his career, and aces in my book. So, Karen, how was Crouching Tiger? Moon, maybe Chuck Noland in Cast Away is an agnostic.;-) Seriously, I thought God was in there, but subtle. Chuck as Adam, cast away into a harsh Eden, with his fashioning of fire, tools, food, shelter, and cave drawings paralleling the ascent of man. Frankly, I liked the subtlety, and was grateful that we were spared scenes of fist-waving at the sky and desperate pleas of Oh, I'll do anything if you get me outtahere. (Karen)Maybe should bring on Volga boatmen? LOL! I recall my Russian grandad and his cronies regularly getting vodka-ed up and doing tearful renditions of what loosely translates to "crying for my homeland." Would have been an appropriate song for Chuck on the island, no?;-) You two are brutal. Did you not like the film at all, or was it a matter of it falling short of expectations? Few films are flawless, and this one is no exception, but it worked for me and any shortfalls were far outweighed by Hanks and that lovely hour of near silence on the island. Here's one to avoid unless you've seen everything else on your list: The Family Man with Nic Cage. Not awful, and Tea Leoni is surprisingly appealing, but you're better off renting It's A Wonderful Life.

(Mari) So, Karen, how was Crouching Tiger? It did not blow me away. I guarantee you that, if it didn't have the martial arts in it, 80% of the audience wouldn't have been there. And, if it didn't have the martial arts in it, the critics would not have gone crazy about it as it legitimizes their preference for the more commercial action genre within the context of a love story (or chick flick). I'd give you more specificity, but I don't want to give away any spoilers, except for the fact that I very much disliked the young girl's role. Talk about an unsympathetic character! (Mari) Frankly, I liked the subtlety [of Cast Away] I didn't think any of it was subtle. But don't get me wrong, I didn't dislike it. It was fine, what I'd call a nice movie, enjoyable way to spend a few hours or so. Nothing outstanding. Re: The Family Man Do as I did, rent "Me Myself I" with Rachel Griffiths. Ebert said it was exactly the same movie, but it worked better than Cage's. It was good; liked it. RG is a hoot.

(Mari)If CF ever has a cerebral project to promote, Charlie Rose would be a good show to do it on. Nah! Better to just send in Rafe;-) Or Matthew Mondine:-D (Mari)I also liked his comments on choosing projects based on the director. He mentioned recently turning down something with a director he admires (I'm thinking Soderbergh's Ocean's 11) in order to do Beyond Borders for Oliver Stone. Or Possession.... From an Ehle fan on the Charlie Rose Show: "There was one very interesting part of the interview where Charlie Rose asked him if he would be interested in doing comercial Hollywood films. He clarified his question by stating that Sunshine was obviously a quality film as are most of Ralph's projects, and would he sacrifice quality for comercial success. Ralph said that he had done a few (the Avengers, etc.) but they were not very successful. While he would not be opposed to doing them,he prefers working with people like Szabo. He was very charming and forthcoming". (Mari)He is a shrewd, smart manager of his career, Agree. The guy should write a "How To..." book.

Sorry I missed the RF interview. Frankly, I liked the subtlety, and was grateful that we were spared scenes of fist-waving at the sky and desperate pleas of Oh, I'll do anything if you get me outtahere. LOL, Mari! Would that be the Hollywood version? It is not exactly as I would film it/or imagine it. I liked the scene of the crash, it was well done. I loked the silence on the Island too. I am not a fan of current Hollywood soundtrack ala John Williams and I am sure the studios must have fought over this. But overall, I was disappointed. Karen, what news of Crouching Tiger! :-(

I have to agree with Karen about Crouching Tiger. I enjoyed it, but after all the glowing reviews I was expecting something really special and instead, thought it was a fairly ordinary story with some OK martial arts thrown in. We already know from the advertisements that the fighters fly around on wires, and frankly I think Jackie Chan's fight scenes are more interesting :-). I didn't think it was a bad film and found it a decently entertaining way to spend an afternoon, but did not see anything in it to inspire all the raves it's been getting. The DH was quite disappointed as he was hoping for something really different.

So, I'm not alone on CTHD. For me, the martial arts sequences were neither here nor there. They were nice to look at, but had no bearing on my reaction to the overall film. Insofar as the central love story (or stories), for one of them, I should have had a deeper reaction, other than, "aw, too bad" or "it's a real shame." I should've been crying my eyes out. It failed to produce that effect. It wasn't moving enough. And for the other couple, he was too good for her anyway so no great loss. This may be too cryptic, but I hate to give away plot. Given your comment, Mari, I've been wondering if I'm too cynical or have seen too many movies and maybe I'm setting the bar too high. But when I think about last year's films, there were many that I thought were outstanding like American Beauty, Eyes Wide Shut, Magnolia (for the most part), Being John Malkovich, Ghost Dog: Way of the Samarai, and others if I looked at a list. Have my fingers crossed for Traffic. ;-)

Karen, I still can not believe that you liked Eyes Wide Shut, and Magnolia?

(Moon)Karen, I still can not believe that you liked Eyes Wide Shut, and Magnolia? I can't believe she liked *any* of them... (AB okay)

See, maybe you shouldn't ask! ;-)

To All at Drool

(Karen) I should've been crying my eyes out. That's what I did a few days ago when at last saw The End of the Affair (and I still don't like RF). I'm glad I was alone at the time :-) (Moon)Karen, I still can not believe that you liked Eyes Wide Shut, and Magnolia? (Evelyn)I can't believe she liked *any* of them... I hated Eyes Wide Shut. Found Magnolia kind of interesting (DH hated it).

Have a safe and happy one

(Gi) ...at last saw The End of the Affair (and I still don't like RF). I'm glad I was alone at the time :-) Powerful movie. Didn't you think that would have been a terrific role for ODB? I "cried" thinking about it! Thanks for all the New Year wishes... May everyday in the coming year be a #10 for all the Droolies,and may we all be together for many years to come.

Here, here, Happy Nrew Year to everyone at Drool.

My very best wishes for health and happiness in 2001! Happy New Year!

(Karen)Given your comment, Mari, I've been wondering if I'm too cynical or have seen too many movies and maybe I'm setting the bar too high. No, I don't think so, though I do feel that I'm more forgiving than you and Moon.;-) If I like several elements of a film, I'm more likely to focus on those and minimize the shortfalls, whereas I think you guys have to really love a film in order to readily acknowledge strengths. Translation: I'm going soft in my old age.;-) Hey, it always makes for interesting discussion, and it's a pleasure to debate and discuss with others who really enjoy film. I do agree with you that last year was an unusually good one for film, and this year falls short of that mark, overall. (BTW, I loved Magnolia, thought it was really brilliant and inventive.) A very Happy New Year to all, and thanks for the fun and friendship at Drool!

Happy New Year to everyone

Happy New Year To All! Click HERE to listen to Auld Lang Syne

Happy New Year! A glass of champagne for you all. What does "auld lang syne" mean anyway? Old long time?

(Mari) If I like several elements of a film, I'm more likely to focus on those and minimize the shortfalls, whereas I think you guys have to really love a film in order to readily acknowledge strengths. Not necessarily, at least for me. Magnolia is a perfect example. I thought it was v.v.good, yet I thought it could've been trimmed, hated the song sequence, thought Julianne Moore's character was completely unbelievable, but loved the frogs. BTW, I am recommending Finding Forrester to everyone as the best I've seen of the Christmas flicks so far. Totally formulaic a la Good Will Hunting, but I enjoyed it immensely. ("poor assumptions for 800") Was even better than GWH, but that's probably due to the Minnie Driver factor. ;-)

(Evelyn)(The End of the Affair) Didn't you think that would have been a terrific role for ODB? I'm afraid I daren't tell whom I would have cast instead

Why not? No one's going to jump all over you...but please don't say Mel on this one and I wouldn't be sold on Pierce either (even though I like both of them). ;-)

Actually, I did think of Pierce... It would be a different thing for him to do, and he could do it very credibly. It would just be another "tortured role" for Colin.

(Gi)..Actually, I did think of Pierce... Whew...I was afraid it was going to be Nicolas Cage:-( (Gi)It would just be another "tortured role" for Colin. True...but a goodie. BTW Captain Corelli's Mandolin has a website now with a trailer. Penelope Cruz sounds great. accent and all. Wonder if Nic is going to do it with an accent. http://www.captain-corellis-mandolin.com/

(Gi) I did think of Pierce... It would be a different thing for him to do Yes, it would be different. ;-) Have seen some pics from the Tailor of Panama, but can't remember where.. A magazine, perhaps?? Looked good.

Thankfully no ref to SLOW, from the BBC Online: Lottery funds film failures Only one of the 11 films released and funded through National Lottery money has made a profit, according to latest figures. More than �13.5m in lottery money has been spent by three film companies to produce and distribute 11 films since the government entrusted them with nurturing the British film industry 1997. Pathe Productions, DNA Films and The Film Consortium have made 18 films in three years - 11 have been released - with only An Ideal Husband, made by Pathe, fully repaying its lottery investment. The three companies have been allocated �92m for film production over the duration of a six-year franchise. They have so far spent �37.23m on film development and production, which includes the �13.5m spent on the 11 released films. But the Film Council, set up last year to co-ordinate Britain's film strategy and funding, says it is happy with the work the three companies are doing. The new film body became custodian of the franchises last year. It is also pursuing a separate strategy for film production in the UK, planning to inject a further �22m in the industry. A confidential mid-term report carried out by accountants has cleared the three franchise-holding companies to continue for the next three years. "We are happy with their work and that is why we passed them," a spokesman for the Film Council told BBC News Online. A campaign to make the accountants' report public has been launched by Alexander Walker, film critic of the Evening Standard. "Confidentiality was agreed between the Arts Council and the companies when the franchises were set up," the Film Council spokesman added. John Woodward, chief executive officer of the Film Council, said on renewing the Film Consortium's franchise: "The Film Consortium has recently been revitalised and is now backed by a focused, commercially-minded publicly quoted film company. "The Film Council believes that the Film Consortium management is now poised to build a successful and profitable British film company." Pathe Productions has made nine films in the last three years. Six have been released, with only An Ideal Husband, starring Minnie Driver and Cate Blanchett, making a profit at the UK box office. Pathe films which have failed to ignite the British box office include Ratcatcher, which was awarded �615,000 in lottery money and made �381,099 at the UK box office. A second was There is only one Jimmy Grimble, which received �1,650,000 from the lottery and earned �348,412 at the UK box office. A spokeswoman for Pathe Productions told BBC News Online that ancillary earnings - from distribution rights on cable, satellite, TV, and video - could see the films eventually repaying their lottery investment. "It was always our intention that the films would do that," she told BBC News Online. Ratcatcher has earned more than �60,000 since it was released in the United States. The Film Consortium has made five films in three years - Hideous Kinky, starring Kate Winslet, Janice Beard 45wpm, starring Patsy Kensit, and The Lost Son, Hold Back the Night and Fanny and Elvis, spending more than �5m in lottery money. It is thought that the films have so far earned less than half that amount at the UK box office. DNA Films has made three movies but not one has so far reached cinema screens. Beautiful Creatures, which was planned for release in 2000, is now expected to be screened next month. It has used almost �6m in lottery money to help finance the three films.

I liked Hideous Kinky and the other films never came my way. I would rent them. Truth be told, I am not happy with "The Film Council believes that the Film Consortium management is now poised to build a successful and profitable British film company." It could only mean lowering the quality standards and we do have a lot of that lately. Instead, they should set up a distribution company for those films . How are they expected to turn a profit if nobody sees them?

If I were taxpayer in UK I would object.IMO Of course if they don't advertise their films, what can they expect!! Ideal Husband made it in the US because of RE; he promoted it. I saw it in London on Leicester Sq. with twenty people in the audience.

Here's a guy who smelled the coffee.;) From Ananova: Clive on verge of Hollywood breakthrough Clive Owen is about to make his Hollywood breakthrough nine years after he was first tipped for movie stardom. The British actor has been signed up to play the assassin on the trail of Matt Damon in the movie version of Robert Ludlam's best selling thriller The Bourne Identity. Owen found fame in the 1980s through the TV series Chancer in which he played a yuppie go-getter. And he was tipped for international acclaim after starring with Saskia Reeves in the erotic movie Close My Eyes in 1991. But Owen drifted back into television until making Croupier with Mike Hodges two years ago. The film - which also stars Gina McKee, Kate Hardie and Alex Kingston - sank without trace in the UK but is now set to be re-released following rave reviews in America. Owen will soon be back on TV screens in a new series of the BBC cop tale Second Sight. And friends say is now ready to have a real crack at the movie market. One said: "Clive wasn't best at promoting himself years ago and quite loathed the idea of being considered a heart-throb. But he's grown up a lot. He got married, had two children and sees things differently. "There isn't much chance of him quitting Britain but he wants to make commercial movies. He'll do whatever it takes."

Expect next news item to read: "Brit plays Hollywood bad guy again" ;-)

"Who won the NATIONAL CHAMPION , No 1 Football team in the country?" You asked??? ;-) OOOOOOOOOOKLAHOMA , ORANGE BOWL 2000 WINNERS! Yeay Sooners!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Just finished seeing Rafe Fiennes on the Today Show plugging SUNSHINE.They showed clips from the film and he talked about how much making this film mean't to him. It's about identity and being yourself and of course anti-semitism. He read the script two years ago , but had other commitments,[Onegin] so the director waited for him. The interviewer asked: "Is there a lot of pressure exerted on you, because people expect so much from you as an actor.He answered that he always tried to do his best. And "all actors want people to come and see their work".Talked about awards and yes, they do mean a lot to actors as do nominations. Katie Couric is pushing him for Best Actor. She added: "Are you listening, academy?"

(Gi)..Actually, I did think of Pierce... (Evelyn)Whew...I was afraid it was going to be Nicolas Cage:-( Nah... Don't like him very much either - for different reasons than RF. (Karen) Have seen some pics from the Tailor of Panama(...)Looked good. Always does, I'm afraid ;-)

(Gi) Always does, I'm afraid ;-) Hmm, we get Remington Steele every afternoon at 3. What a shocker! ;-) Billy Elliot has been nominated for nine prizes at this year's awards of the London Film Critics' Circle. Jamie Bell, the 14-year-old star of the touching drama, is up for the British Newcomer award, as is the film's director Stephen Daldry. Gary Lewis who played Billy's father in the film has been nominated for the Best British Actor Award and Julie Walters who played Billy's dance teacher has been shortlisted for the Best British Actress of the Year. There are 15 categories in all at the awards which will be held at the Savoy Hotel in London next month. Screen legend Sir Anthony Hopkins is also up for the British Actor award for his role in Titus, alongside Ralph Fiennes who has been nominated for his performance in The End of the Affair. New mother Kate Winslet, star of the gothic drama Quills and last year's winner Emily Watson are alongside Julie Walters in the British Actress category. Among those nominated in the international categories are Michael Douglas, who is up for the Best Actor Award alongside Jim Carrey and Russell Crowe. The awards, now in their 21st year, are sponsored by the Mail on Sunday's Night and Day Magazine and are being held in aid of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

(Evelyn) OOOOOOOOOOKLAHOMA , ORANGE BOWL 2000 WINNERS! Believe it or not, bro went there. I thought you would find this funny: "PLEASE NOTE! Due to extremely high traffic to our store servers and the demand for Sooner National Championship items, you may experience difficulty in placing your order."

From Variety: Sicilian soccer tale among projects ROME -- Miramax Films has closed multi-pic deals to develop and produce English-lingo features with up-and-coming Italian directors Gabriele Muccino and Davide Ferrario. [...] Ferrario's first film with Miramax will be an untitled Italian-American comedy based on the director's own pitch. The film follows the fortunes of underdog Sicilians who manipulate their way into a professional soccer team and travel to the U.S. for a big match. Miramax is seeking a screenwriter to work with Ferrario on the project. [Maybe they should enlist Nick Hornby? Cannot wait to see Miramax promoting a soccer film in the US] ;-)

(Donna)...." demand for Sooner National Championship items, you may experience difficulty in placing your order." LOL. That's not me....I have mine. Along with you- know-whose- tee- shirt.:-))) evelyn*The Tee Shirt Queen*

I saw CRHD day after Christmas and I liked it a lot. You'll be happy to know that there will be a prequel and a sequel, both of which Ang Lee is directing (courtesy of my brother who is HUGE Chow Yun Fat fan). (Based on books that were written in the '20s.) I have to disagree with Karen's assessment of the younger girl (Jen) being unsympathetic. Her age and her youngness would make her seem unsympathetic, but I believe her actions later on showed how much she had matured. Without giving away any secrets or plots, she did what was expected of her. The martial arts were amazing (or should I say the choreography was amazing. There is a legend in Ancient China that people at one time could fly, hence the acrobatic martial arts, again, thanks courtesy of my brother.) Happy New Year all. Haven't been around at all lately. Family, holidays and the like keeping me extremely busy. (being the mom of a 10 year old is hard stuff these days;)) You guys have seen SOOO many movies and I think the last BIG movie I saw was the Grinch (I hated it, Rebecca loved it.) I am totally looking forward to the spring flicks especially BJD! I have been keeping up with the discussions on "Possession"; will be very curious to see the end result in any case. I hope everyone is having a safe and happy new year this fifth day into the new millenium.

Thanks, Laura. I will still see CRHD. I admit Karen and Jana had me worried. Cannot wait to see Miramax promoting a soccer film in the US] ;-) This is a strange turn of events? Is his daughter playing in a little league? ;-) I have seen some hysterically funny Italian soccer films, but you really have to know the players and the game to get much of it. Unfortunately, the US is not there yet.

Good to hear from you Laura..Pop in again... I'm going to see CTHD the minute it gets here. I'm fond of Asian culture..even Chinese opera. I think this is a fine addition to the foreign film selections which up to now has ignored Chinese language films.

Here are two more folks who agree with Karen and Jana. The only reason I'm posting this is that the critics' reviews have been so uniformly rapturous, that I thought we needed equal time.;-) I've yet to see it, but will. From Jeffrey Wells's column: Crouching Backlash? � "Have the critics lost their collective minds over Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon? To hear it from them, you'd think this is the first kung-fu film ever and that the idea of lifting actors with wires for the fight sequences should lead to Ang Lee being canonized. Judging from the almost unanimously positive reviews, I expected to be blown right out of my seat. What I got was an incredibly boring film that was periodically punctuated with some cleverly executed fight sequences. And that's it. "I didn't see any serious cross-breeding of martial arts and emotional drama. The actors are so stiff it was like watching an anime, where the only things that move in the frame are the characters' mouths. With the exception of Zhang Ziyi, all of the actors had the emotional range of a dead alligator. I realize that Ang was going for the implosive, 'underneath' emotional development (which he used to devastating effect in The Ice Storm), but the actors' faces were so stiff, it would have been easier to read concrete. "The look of the movie was another problem for me. Why was it so unbelievably dull??? Has Ang not seen any historical Chinese films or, for that matter, read any history books? This film looks very, very flat. The dialogue scenes are photographed with the aesthetic panache of an episode of The Golden Girls. The colors are muted, the costumes are cheap, and the set dressing shoddy. "The fight scenes are nicely done, but there's nothing in them that hasn't been done before. The use of wires is imaginative, but hardly deserving of the 'brilliant' and 'astounding' accolades the critics are bestowing. The majority of the fights are just long � nothing more. How is this film an 'instant classic'?" � Dan Pridachin, Philadelphia, PA "Kudos to Mr. Pridachin for nailing Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The hype and praise still have me bewildered. In addition to the wooden expressions the actors have, their pronounciation is horrific. We're not talking about Kevin Costner doing a New England accent here � it's that Chow Yun-Fat and Michelle Yeoh's lines are barely understandable. Chow's English in the The Replacement Killers was probably better than his Mandarin in Crouching. This obviously has little concern to the American audience, but it should at least count as something � go ask anyone who speaks Mandarin Chinese. And before the next person steps up to mention that Crouching Tiger won the Taiwanese Golden Horse Award, we should keep in mind that Jackie Chan has multiple best actor Golden Horses." � Kirk Tsai

" but the actors' faces were so stiff, it would have been easier to read concrete. " ..." the wooden expressions the actors have" Have not seen many Chinese films, but I believe this is their style of acting. "Chow's English in the The Replacement Killers was probably better than his Mandarin in Crouching. This obviously has little concern to the American audience, but it should at least count as something � go ask anyone who speaks Mandarin Chinese. " Ouch! Have contacted Emma, our resident advisor on Chinese accents;-)

Has anyone seen Traffic yet?

Me....aren't you surprised? I'm usually the last one!!A druggie movie at that. Traffic:V. well done. If you consider that there are three intersecting stories that Steven Soderbergh manages to deliver without confusing the audience. In this I found it superior to Magnolia which at times, lost me.Each story, however,was a re-hash of other druggie films IMO .Inventive, but not as subtle as Nurse Betty. The camera jumps around. SS does his own camera work.Why not pay a real pro to do it.He d oes use color to keep the stories visual.There was the now familiar bluish tint to indicate gov't and wealth (DQ bluish tint indicated his other life).Brownish tint for Mexico, and sun-washed tint of San Diego.Each story had the apparent good guy/ bad guy. Benicio del Toro was the stand-out.Michael Douglas was the same guy we left off on Wall St, Park Ave. with Gwynnie,or the Lincoln bedroom with Annette Benning. It was a disturbing film,full of cliches..generally OK. But didn't live up to the hype. But GG Best Film award? Best Supporting Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones? Puhleeze..

I think that the majority of us don't know much of chinese filmaking, but (trying to type while feeding 3mos old nephew, not easy!), the reserve of the older couple was bang on. There were reasons why they didn't "overact". I don't speak Chinese and they are right, I wouldn't have cared one iota, the subtitles were perfect. This movie represented loyalty, lost love, found love and new love. And it presented all of those in a very adult and mature manner. Zhang Ziyi is a definite actress to watch; I'm hoping that Hollywood will snatch her up. As Jen, she was a spoiled rich girl (think in terms of Marianne in S&S); She was secretly training in the martial arts and thought that she knew everything; what 17/18 year old doesn't??? There are very many layers to this movie that need removing to enjoy it. I think the American audiences aren't going to get the full of it due to the translation, but overall, (and I brought a friend who would never in his wildest dream see a foreign flick, and HE loved it!), the movie, the cinematography, and choreography was beautifully done. There was a lot of love in the production of this movie. I saw that. I'm a HUGE Ang Lee fan. I really liked the "The Ice Storm". If anyone of you haven't seen "The Wedding Banquet" I recommend you run out and rent it, it's funny and touching. "Eat Drink Man Woman" is another one that is very good. (What brought Ang Lee to Emma Thompson's attention.) (haven't seen "Ride with the Devil" yet.)

I think that the majority of us don't know much of chinese filmaking, but (trying to type while feeding 3mos old nephew, not easy!), the reserve of the older couple was bang on. There were reasons why they didn't "overact". I don't speak Chinese and they are right, I wouldn't have cared one iota, the subtitles were perfect. This movie represented loyalty, lost love, found love and new love. And it presented all of those in a very adult and mature manner. Zhang Ziyi is a definite actress to watch; I'm hoping that Hollywood will snatch her up. As Jen, she was a spoiled rich girl (think in terms of Marianne in S&S); She was secretly training in the martial arts and thought that she knew everything; what 17/18 year old doesn't??? There are very many layers to this movie that need removing to enjoy it. I think the American audiences aren't going to get the full of it due to the translation, but overall, (and I brought a friend who would never in his wildest dream see a foreign flick, and HE loved it!), the movie, the cinematography, and choreography was beautifully done. There was a lot of love in the production of this movie. I saw that. I'm a HUGE Ang Lee fan. I really liked the "The Ice Storm". If anyone of you haven't seen "The Wedding Banquet" I recommend you run out and rent it, it's funny and touching. "Eat Drink Man Woman" is another one that is very good. (What brought Ang Lee to Emma Thompson's attention.) (haven't seen "Ride with the Devil" yet.)

(Evelyn) Me....aren't you surprised? I'm usually the last one!!A druggie movie at that. Yes, I am a bit surprised, Evelyn! The three-color scheme scenario sounds interesting. I guess the hand-held camerwork is supposed to evoke a you-are-there effect, but I know it can be jarring. I tried to see it this afternoon--sold out. My number 2 pick, CTHD (thanks for the comments, Laura)--also sold out. My number 3--Finding Forrester--also sold out! Actually it's good to see the theaters packed for these type of films. So, I landed in Chocolat (also packed, but I got in). Sweet film, nicely acted, but that's about it. Can't understand the fuss, the premise is incredibly silly (and yes, I realize that it symbolizes larger issues of tolerance vs. lack thereof, etc,) but to me it's just very lightweight fare. I cannot believe that this is the only thing Harvey has to hype for Oscars--and from what I've read, he's once again put together a real full-court press. 4 GG noms for this one--and not a single one deserved, IMO. I think those Golden Globe people are smoking something.;-) Might try to land in Traffic tomorrow.;-)

There's nothing bad about the hand-held camera work in Traffic; it certainly isn't the amateurish stuff that was in another film. Hand-held doesn't necessarily mean shaky. Dancer in the Dark was hand-held as well and so was my personal fav. I liked Traffic, but it wasn't great great. However, it is terribly ambitious and largely successful. Each of the three stories was intriguing; kept me interested in how they would be resolved. In the Michael Douglas, drug czar, story, the actress who played the daughter was fantastic. MD was a continuation of his previous role in the American President. There's even a little speech at the beginning where it almost sounds like his end speech in that movie ("we're going to get the guns"). Overall, it's a v.g. portrayal of Washington politics and I'm amazed those politicians appeared at the cocktail party. Catherine Zeta-Jones' part was significant and meaty and she did it justice. She's the woman who wants her beautiful life no matter what. She's completely convincing. And in that segment, you get the entire message of the movie every time Miguel Ferrar opens his mouth. The Mexican segment seemed the weakest at the end. I didn't get a feel for what Javier (Benicio del Toro) wanted, except to do good. But is that exemplified by a baseball game? The simplicity of a baseball game? But then again, I may not understand this movie either. ;-)

and I'm amazed those politicians appeared at the cocktail party. A continuation of Steven Soderbergh "gimmicks".. to be different IMO. Along with the hand -held camera,and the camera filters. One of the senators is mine... Senator Don Nichols. Gave an interview in the papers ;(they give one any chance they can get!) Apparently, "it was to enhance the realistic feel of the film" He was not given a script..."just simply put in your two cents worth". The Mexican segment seemed the weakest at the end LOL.My favorite segment of the film.Good accents too;-) The simplicity of a baseball game? He was a simple guy...didn't want much out of life.Just a field for the poor little Mexican kids to play baseball... Thanks Mari. Think I'll wait for Chocolat to come out on video!

(Evelyn) A continuation of Steven Soderbergh "gimmicks".. to be different IMO. It's not different, as politicians and others have appeared as themselves in many other movies (American President, Dave, etc.). But, when the whole point of the movie is to show how ineffectual the government's policies are, you have to wonder if they knew. If they realized they were being ridiculed. There's Michael Douglas' line about Washington not being much different from Calcutta: all the beggars with their hands out but they're wearing $1500 suits. Oh well... Good accents too;-) End credits showed that BdelT needed a dialect coach! ;-)

(E)Good accents too;-) (K)End credits showed that BdelT needed a dialect coach! ;-) B del T is Puerto Rican.Needed the Mexican touch. But wasn't General Salazar (who is he?)terrific? Had every nuance down pat. Well done movie. Hey, I don't begrudge having gone 120 miles to see it:-) .... If they realized they were being ridiculed Everybody was ridiculed in that film...parents,teenagers, law enforcement,lawyers,community rehabs.Politicians took their lumps like everybody else.

(Evelyn) Everybody was ridiculed in that film...Politicians took their lumps like everybody else. Everybody else was an actor. These people were listed in the credits a themselves.

I'm late with this, but I hope that everyone enjoyed a Happy New Year. As there are 358 or 357 days (depending on where you are in the world) left in this year, I wish you a continuing Happy New Year.

More awards announced...and they're not the People's Choice (*cough cough*) Film Critics Group Honors 'Yi Yi' Edward Yang's "Yi Yi," a quiet family drama set in Taiwan, was named best picture of the year Saturday by the National Society of Film Critics. In the organization's weighted ballot system, Yang's Winstar-distributed Mandarin-language film, which clocks in at close to three hours, won nearly twice the number of votes received by the runner up, Steven Soderbergh's "Traffic." The surprising choice reflects an award season that has become unusually hard to call, in which a wide array of specialty films, several by Asian filmmakers, have stolen some of the thunder of even the most celebrated studio releases. The 35-year-old Society, chaired by New York magazine critic Peter Rainer and comprised of 51 critics from around the country, awarded several other top prizes to films released by specialty labels. Paramount Classics' "You Can Count on Me" won two awards, with best actress honors going to Laura Linney and best screenplay kudos to Kenneth Lonergan. USA Films' "Traffic" also received two citations. Benicio Del Toro was named best supporting actor and Soderbergh was named best director (for both "Traffic" and "Erin Brockovich"). Javier Bardem won best actor kudos for "Before Night Falls" from Fine Line, and Elaine May took the best supporting actress prize for "Small Time Crooks" from DreamWorks. The awards for best cinematography and best nonfiction film went to pictures from microdistributors--the former to Agnes Godard for "Beau Travail," distributed by New Yorker Films, and the latter to "The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg," released by Cowboy Booking. Perhaps unusual in a year with so many strong foreign-language contenders, including Ang Lee's celebrated "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," which earned third place for best cinematography and director but was otherwise ignored, no prize was presented in the best foreign film category. ~~~~~~ Here's how the voting went in the major categories: Best Picture: 1 Yi Yi 34 2 Traffic 18 3 The House Of Mirth 17 Best Director: 1 Steven Soderbergh Traffic & Erin Brockovich 42 2 Edward Yang Yi Yi 28 3 Ang Lee Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 25 Best Actor: 1 Javier Bardem Before Night Falls 40 2 Mark Ruffalo You Can Count on Me 28 3 Tom Hanks Cast Away 9 Best Actress: 1 Laura Linney You Can Count on Me 58 2 Gillian Anderson The House of Mirth 39 3 Ellen Burstyn Requiem for a Dream 28 Best Supporting Actor: 1 Benicio Del Toro Traffic 49 2 Fred Willard Best in Show 30 3 Willem Dafoe Shadow of the Vampire 27 Best Supporting Actress: 1 Elaine May Small Time Crooks 28 2 Frances McDormand Almost Famous & Wonder Boys 24 3 Marcia Gay Harden Pollock 23 Screenplay: 1 You Can Count on Me Kenneth Lonergan 49 2 Wonder Boys Steve Kloves 28 3 Traffic Stephen Gaghan 18 Best Cinematography: 1 Beau Travail Agn�s Godard 31 2 (tied)Traffic Steven Soderbergh 20 2 (tied) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Peter Pau 20

Ouch! Have contacted Emma, our resident advisor on Chinese accents;-) Evelyn, sorry to disappoint you, but I speak Cantonese, not Mandarin. As for the actors' faces being so stiff�the reviewer is forgetting that the Chinese tend to be very reserved in formal situations, especially several hundred years ago. (Laura)This movie represented loyalty, lost love, found love and new love. And it presented all of those in a very adult and mature manner. Exactly, a lot of repressed feelings, very familiar to us JA fans. I enjoyed Chocolat, a sweet little movie, my DH and I rushed out of the theatre looking for hot chocolate.

LONDON BRIDGE FILM SOCIETY AWARDS Best Actor: Ralph Fiennes in "Sunshine" Best Actress: Angela Bassett in "Boesman and Lena" Best Director--Ang Lee for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" Best Film-- (tie)"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and ??? Cinematography--"Croughing Tiger, Hidden Dragon" Citation of Historical Merit--Michael Douglas for lifetime achievement. Foreign Film--"Time of Drunken Horses" Music Score--"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" Screenplay Citations--"Croupier", "Quills", "Almost Famous" Supp. Actor--Robert DeNiro in "Men of Honor" Supp. Actress--Marcia Gay Harden in "Pollock" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Don't know what ???is in the tie for Best Film.... But, Reah Rafe!! Love the Citation for Historical Merit....!!!!

Back to CTHD... the repressed feelings of the main two characters--Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun Fat) and Yui Hsui Lien (Michelle Yeoh)--are not at issue for me. Neither is the underlying theme of duty vs. desire. Just that it didn't touch me as I believed it should. Saying more is to discuss plot, when so many people haven't seen it yet. The Sense & Sensibility angle has been overplayed IMO. This is not S&S. Just as Li Mu Bai and Yui Hsui Lien are not Edward Ferrars and Elinor Dashwood, neither is Jen Marianne Dashwood. What happens to the characters should make it clear to anyone. I liked what was written in the Sunday Times about Jen. It very much captured my problem with that character.Now every critic in the land is quoting Ang Lee's line about Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon being like "Sense and Sensibility with martial arts", but I see it as Beverly Hills 90210 with martial arts. Jen - the Qing dynasty's answer to Shannen Doherty - is your classic bored, rich teenage brat who hates mom and dad and wants to live the freewheeling, butt-kicking life of a warrior woman like Lien. She even steals the fabled Green Sword for nothing more than kicks. There's one great comic moment when Bai - who tries to become her surrogate father/teacher - starts doing his ponderous Zen routine and Jen says, with typical teenage weariness: " ot another lecture!Because she was such a bratty character, who didn't conform to what society asked of her and who didn't care at all what her actions did to others, I couldn't feel any sympathy for her. Nor do I believe that what she did at the end meant anything. It was "too little, too late" and if that last scene meant redemption, then I have even more problems with it. Oh well, that's just my opinion.

Lest we forget...it is the King's birthday (and my little sister's)

To any UK J.E fans Paradise Road is playing on channel 4 right now!

Today is also David Bowie's birthday. Tomorrow it's Jimi Page. :-) Mark Ruffalo You Can Count on Me 28 I thought he was terrible. You Can Count on Me is overrated. I think Almost Famous is a much better film. Why are they lyonising YCCOM? I would only award it,"The two most opposite looking brother and sister in a film". (Karen), I see it as Beverly Hills 90210 with martial arts. Jen - the Qing dynasty's answer to Shannen Doherty Ouch! CTHD opens here this friday, and I also want to see Shadow of the Vampire (my old love for vampire movies). is your classic bored, rich teenage brat who hates mom and dad and wants to live the freewheeling, The theme to so many movies now, especially in the UK. Has the GG nominated "Time of Drunken Horses" for Best Foreign Film?

Interesting article from Reuters/Variety today on book deals for films. Hornby mentioned. It's kind of long. We have "Perfume" here at home. I have been meaning to read it. **************** ''Perfume'' smells like money to film biz By Michael Fleming NEW YORK (Variety) - In one of the largest book rights auctions in years, the 1981 German novel ``Perfume: The Story of a Murderer'' has bids as high as $6 million on the table, with a sale near to Bernd Eichinger's Constantin Film for an advance of about $5 million against a final payout of $10 million. It's exactly the kind of out-of-left-field sale needed to energize the sluggish book-to-movies marketplace. A-list filmmakers have wanted to turn Patrick Suskind's story of an 18th-century serial killer perfume maker into a big-screen feature for two decades, but Suskind (who once wanted Stanley Kubrick to do it) hasn't been willing to make a deal until now. Constantin has been battling for the title against formidable competition. One bidder has been the ``Gangs of New York'' producing group of Initial Entertainment Group, Artists Management Group and Miramax, who want it for a vehicle for Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio. Former Fox studio boss Bill Mechanic's Pandemonium has been vying to make it with director Tim Burton and ``Criminal Conversations'' scribe Hanna Weg. Director Ridley Scott and scribe Steve Zaillian also chased the material. ``Perfume'' is being sold by Switzerland-based Gesine Lubben, who handles subsidiary rights for German publisher Diogenes. She declined to comment as did Constantin, which might well tap some of the rival talent should it prevail and complete the sale. Neither the seller nor the producer would comment on the negotiations. While 2000 didn't boast the kind of near-eight digit book deals that Michael Crichton and John Grisham used to rack up with regularity, the season was strong in volume. And the ``Perfume'' auction, coupled by strong grosses for the $9 million book ``Hannibal'' to be released next month, could portend a strong first half of 2001, with the marketplace growing even stronger, by default, if strikes by writers and actors occur this summer. Other titles that have the potential to help are ``How to be Good,'' the just-completed novel about a female doctor and her husband by Nick Hornby, whose last, ``About a Boy,'' is likely to be made by New Line with directors Chris and Paul Weitz and Hugh Grant. There are also some attachment-enhanced offerings, like ``Circle William,'' a Tom Clancyesque novel by former Pentagon (news - web sites) spokesman Bill Harlow about a Navy destroyer captain's race to thwart a Libyan germ warfare plot. ``Patriot Games'' scribe Peter Iliff will adapt, and Morgan Freeman is attached as star and producer with his Revelations partner Lori McCreary. They've been courting Denzel Washington, hoping it'll be a ``Glory'' reteam for the thesps. AMG-Renaissance's Joel Gotler will auction ``The Cold 6000'' by ``L.A. Confidential'' author James Ellroy, plus a new series by Michael Connelly. None of these is an automatic big seller, as last year proved that dominance on the bestseller lists doesn't mean automatic big sales to the movie biz: despite the attachment of scripter David Mamet, Robert Ludlum's ``The Prometheus Deception'' hasn't sold. Nor has John Le Carre's ``The Constant Gardener.'' How did books fare in 2000? By Dish's count, 195 books or novellas were acquired, not counting magazine articles and plays. Those titles have a wide range in subject matter and price, from the Paramount/Nickelodeon-bought Gordon Korman novel ``Nose Pickers From Outer Space'' to the Dave Eggers memoir ``A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius,'' which went to New Line for $2 million. Surprisingly, Miramax led studios in book buys with 22. Next was Paramount, fueled by producer Scott Rudin, which bought 15 books. Sony bought nine, followed by Warner Bros. (7), Universal (6), New Line (5), Fox and Disney (4), DreamWorks (3), and MGM (2). Also strong were independently financed producers like Castle Rock, which made three big buys that included Stephen King's ``The Dreamcatcher'' and Chris Van Allsburg's ``Polar Express,'' the latter a purchase made with Tom Hanks' Playtone Co. banner for a kid-themed pic to star Hanks, with Rob Reiner directing. While some studios closed Gotham offices and avoided books because they take long to develop, the marketplace was helped by offshore outlets, both for purchasing power and material generated (''Perfume'' publisher Diogenes). Aside from Constantin's bold ``Perfume'' pursuit, Italy's Eagle Pictures stunned Hollywood by paying $1 million for Robert Mawson's ``The Lazarus Child,'' and another $2 million to Ron Bass to adapt it. And the Frankfurt book market has become good for a surprise or two. Two years ago, Marc Levy's French lingo novel ``I Know This Much is True'' had studios scrambling for French translators before a sale was made to DreamWorks, which is trying to make it with director P.J. Hogan. Last year, the French find went to Miramax, which bought ``The Education of a Fairy,'' as well as the Irish novel ``Artemis Fowl.'' Other fast-emerging book buyers include Intermedia and Joe Roth's Revolution, sure to be a big player this year with the Gotham presence of Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Deb Schindler, an executive at Julia Roberts' Revolution-based Shoelace Prods. Imagine also should be a bigger player. After turning the Dr. Seuss book ``How the Grinch Stole Christmas' into 2000's biggest grosser and with ``The Cat in the Hat'' on deck with Tim Allen, as well as the adaptation of ``A Beautiful Mind'' that Ron Howard will direct with Russell Crowe, Imagine principal Brian Grazer's keen to be more active. In fact, the desire to compete for Gotham books that normally go to Rudin first was one motive for a move east by company vice chairman Karen Kehela. With a strike in the offing, will all that translate to better sales in 2001? Most sellers think so, though they acknowledge the money's not nearly so good as it was five years ago, when John Grisham and Michael Crichton were notching near-eight figure deals. Agents said they get less now, and have to be craftier to close deals. Nick Ellison brokered three seven-figure deals last year for Nelson DeMille, one of which was a Paramount sequel to ``The General's Daughter'' called ``Up Country.'' Knowing that picture gave Paramount rights to the Paul Brenner character played by John Travolta, DeMille waited till Ellison had a fat Paramount deal before definitively making it a Brenner tale. ``We said, either you buy it, or we take Paul out and make it another character,'' said Ellison, who also had to be crafty because as he was selling ``Up Country,'' he was trying to get film interest in a partial manuscript by author James Webb (``Emperor's General''), which was also about the investigation of a murder that took place in Vietnam during the war. Rather than compete, Webb instead finished his book, ``The Lost Soldiers,'' and Ellison will shop it this month. United Talent Agency tandem Howie Sanders and Richard Green said television's desire to ramp up to bigger budgets and higher quality miniseries has been a godsend for books, and that packaging, which they once avoided, has also helped bolster sales. They sold ``Burden'' to Miramax with Lasse Hallstrom attached, and Intermedia bought ``In The Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex,'' the Nathaniel Philbrick book that sold with director Barry Levinson, his producing partner Paula Weinstein, and A-list scribes Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. ``Packages have become the best way to get studios to write larger checks,'' said Sanders. Getting creatives hot and bothered about books also helps from quality standpoints. ``Braveheart'' and ''Pearl Harbor'' writer Randall Wallace used his own money to buy the obscure Vietnam memoir ``We Were Soldiers Once... And Young,'' and turned it into a hot book property by writing a script that got Mel Gibson to commit, with Wallace directing, and Gibson's Icon and Paramount making it before potential summer strikes. Dustin Hoffman has shown the same resolve with the Scott Turow novel ``Personal Injuries.'' He paid seven figures of his own cash for the book and got a script by Cyrus Nowrasteh (''The Day Reagan Was Shot''), with scribe David Hollander now taking a pass at it. Hoffman will look to set it up as a feature on which he'll make his directorial debut. He'll star as well. While the entire industry dreads writer and actor strikes, book sales might be the only component that would benefit, said several agents. ``During the '88 strike, we sold a lot of material,'' said Green. ``The phone was ringing because we were the only ones there to call. Studio execs and producers want to feel forward momentum, and they still have their checkbooks. If a strike happens, the book market will shoot up.'' Creative Artists Agency's Robert Bookman said also the idle time is another plus. ``Underlying rights buyers have more time to read and to appreciate what they're reading,'' he said.

Doesn't this guy EVER learn? ;-) Milos Forman has signed to direct for producer Saul Zaentz a dramatic feature about the life and times of Spanish painter Francisco Goya, considered the father of modern art. The untitled project is being targeted for a spring or summer 2002 start of principal photography in Spain. Michael Weller, who wrote the screenplays for the Forman-helmed "Ragtime" and "Hair," is writing the script for "Goya," which will chronicle the life of Goya, who lived from 1746-1828, his politics, the disturbing nature of many of his paintings and his being a constant target of the infamous Inquisition. The project will mark Forman and Zaentz's third collaboration following the multiple-Oscar-winning films "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975) and "Amadeus" (1984). Forman and Zaentz have discussed the Goya project over the past four years and got serious about it during the summer, Zaentz said. Zaentz said Carlos Saura's "Goya in Bordeaux," released last year in the United States by Sony Pictures Classics, "doesn't deter us t all."

Karen, I beg to disagree. I am thrilled that Forman is doing Goya. I was very disappointed with Saura. Goya had a very exciting life and he is a grand character as was Mozart and Forman did it right. :-D Very Happy! Thanks, Murph, it was a very interesting article.

(Mary Murphy -- excerpts from Michael Fleming article) In one of the largest book rights auctions in years, the 1981 German novel ``Perfume: The Story of a Murderer'' has bids as high as $6 million on the table, with a sale near to Bernd Eichinger's Constantin Film for an advance of about $5 million against a final payout of $10 million... ...and Intermedia bought ``In The Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex,'' the Nathaniel Philbrick book that sold with director Barry Levinson, his producing partner Paula Weinstein, and A-list scribes Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver... I remember that just after I'd finished reading "Perfume", I thought that it reminded me of nothing so much as one of those British Hammer Horror flicks from the 1960's. The director Tim Burton had an interesting take on the Hammer output. He felt that the movies, particularly the acting, owed much to the German Expressionist Cinema. The Hammer style greatly influenced Burton on his film "Sleepy Hollow". As for the suberb Philbrick non-fiction "In the Heart of the Sea: The Tradgedy of the Whaleship Essex", that is an absolutely expliary read. It is a hugely exciting and tragic exploration of an event which was something akin to being the Titanic disaster of it's day, as well as being the source material utilized by Herman Melville in writing "Moby Dick". But Barry Levinson? He'll make an unmitigated mess of it. With Levinson helming, it will be awful, perfectly wretched. Levinson should stick to doing what he does best -- autobiographical films based in Baltimore. He's quite good at those; he's horrid at pretty much everything else.

(Cheryl) he's horrid at pretty much everything else. By the looks of the trailers for his newest, An Everlasting Piece, I'd agree with you.

I've been looking forward to this one: Germany's Stalingrad Film to Open Berlin Festival BERLIN (Reuters) - A German-American co-production about the pivotal World War Two battle of Stalingrad, ``Enemy at the Gates,'' will open the 51st Berlin film festival with its world premiere on February 7, organizers said on Wednesday. Given the rare honor of opening the annual Berlinale, ``Enemy at the Gates'' is one of the most expensive films ever made in Germany, the world's second largest market in ticket sales that is nonetheless dominated by Hollywood films. Filmed in English, the drama pits a German and a Russian sniper against each other during the epic 1942 battle at Stalingrad. Germany lost the battle, which turned out to be one of the main turning points of World War Two. About 20 films making their international debuts compete each year for Golden Bears at the Berlinale, Europe's first major film festival each year and considered to be one of the world's top festivals, after Cannes and alongside Venice. Starring British actors Jude Law and Joseph Fiennes as well as American Ed Harris, ``Enemy at the Gates'' was directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud and produced by the U.S. company Mandalay Entertainment in association with Germany's KC Medien and MP Film Managment. Filmmakers denied reports in the German media that the film, shot almost entirely in the Babelsberg studio and in rural areas outside Berlin, had a $90 million budget. They declined to say what the exact costs were but confirmed it was one of the most expensive productions ever made in Germany, where film budgets rarely top 50 million marks. It is extremely rare that a German film opens the Berlinale. ``Although we know everyone is against war, we cannot ignore the gruesome events of the past,'' said festival director Moritz de Hadeln. ``Jean-Jacques Annaud has brilliantly shed light on a chapter of German history. ``He and his team of German technicians have successfully demonstrated that Germany and Europe are in a position to realize such major projects and challenge the idea that Americans have a monopoly on such works.''

And Mike Nichols' made-for-cable movie Wit with Emma Thompson is supposed to be shown there too, along with the Tailor of Panama.

Better article on subject from Variety, so will delete one above: PIC STARS GO LEGIT Ambassadors seals deals with Natural Nylon, Parfitt By ADAM DAWTREY, MATT WOLF LONDON -- The Ambassadors Theater Group, London's second-largest legit chain and arguably its leading one for straight plays, has struck two separate deals with top British film talent to create a bridge between stage and screen. Natural Nylon, the production company of thesps Jude Law, Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller, Sean Pertwee and Sadie Frost, has formed a joint venture with the Ambassadors group to produce stage plays either starring the actors or drawing on their expertise, interests and contacts. The formation of Natural Nylon Theater will be unveiled today at a press conference in London's swanky St. Martin's Lane Hotel. Separately, Oscar-winning producer David Parfitt ("Shakespeare in Love") is teaming with Ambassadors to develop theater projects with film potential. The two alliances mark a deliberate effort by Ambassadors, which runs nine West End venues and twice that many around the country, to profit from the increasingly fruitful crossover between the London theater scene and Hollywood. A third collaboration between the Ambassadors group and Carlton Television will be announced in a month or so. The West End stage has long been a spawning ground for film talent and pojects, while movie stars are ever more eager to tread the London boards--many of them, of course, having been bred on the London stage. Law was a habitue of the Royal Shakespeare Co., the Royal National Theater and the Young Vic well before his screen career took wing with "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and other films; he received a 1995 Tony nom for his Broadway debut in the Jean Cocteau play "Indiscretions." McGregor interrupted a busy film sked several seasons ago to appear in a London stage revival of "Little Malcolm and His Struggle Against the Eunuchs," directed by his uncle, Denis Lawson. Ambassadors, which owns the Donmar Warehouse, where Oscar winner Sam Mendes is artistic director, has been frustrated at not having a stake in the movie success of plays and talent that started out in its theaters. To that end, the deals with Natural Nylon and Parfitt's Trademark Films are both 50/50 joint ventures, with development fully funded by the Ambassadors Theater Group, which then will have the option to participate in any film or TV versions of plays produced under the deals. In the case of the Natural Nylon pact, it virtually guarantees that when the likes of Law or McGregor decides to do a play, it will be staged in Ambassadors theaters--or, should it preem somewhere else (such as Broadway), it would be in association with Ambassadors. At least three Natural Nylon Theater projects are expected to be announced today, with startup costs for the venture in the region of �2 million-�3 million ($2.9 million-$4.4 million). Trademark already has moved its office into the New Ambassadors Theater, but that deal will not kick off properly until Parfitt has completed his producing chores on Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York," currently shooting in Rome. Parfitt has a strong track record of transferring stage plays and theater talent to the bigscreen, with pics such as "The Madness of King George," adapted from Alan Bennett's hit London play, and Kenneth Branagh's "Much Ado About Nothing."

Jude Law is a busy little bee, isn't he?

Who would have thought? I too was impressed by all he has managed to do. Now if he would only die his hair permanently blond. ;-)

Lisa Schwarzbaum is quickly becoming a fav in telling it "like it is." Now, she's exposing Miramax's Oscar campaign for Chocolat:Either way, I think you would agree that "Chocolat" has about as much business making an appearance in any category on Oscar night as "Duets." The damnedest thing is, the hustle is working: No one seems to care that "Chocolat" is about as tasty as that Monty Python treat, Crunchy Frog. The Raccoon Lodge outpost known as the Hollywood Foreign Press Association served up four Golden Globe nominations, thereby assisting the movie's ad campaign. Members of the American Hollywood press willingly serve as unpaid flacks, reading the company line--"'Chocolat' is a contender!"--without even the benefit of payment... Here's her article: http://www.ew.com/ew/article/commentary/0,6595,94878,00.html

I saw "Chocolat" yesterday and while I consider it quite charming.... it's not Oscar nomination material by a long shot. However, it is getting big audiences, word of mouth mostly. My local theatre went from 3 showings to 5 . Part of the reason is that so many of the films out there are c***. So along comes an innocuous story , a no-brainer, no message,no gimmicks, v. well acted.Pure entertainment. You know, that has its appeal.

LONDON (Reuters) - Shakespearean actor Michael Williams, husband of actress Dame Judi Dench, has died after a long battle against lung cancer, his agent said on Friday. Williams, 65, died on Thursday afternoon at the home he shared with his wife in Surrey. The couple, who played alongside each other in the popular 1980s television series "A Fine Romance", were married for 30 years. Williams was best known for his classical roles, having spent 14 years at the Royal Shakespeare Company under director Sir Peter Hall. His stage career continued until 1999 with his appearance in Russian playwright Alexander Ostrovsky's "The Forest" at the National Theatre in London. While his wife pursued a successful career in film and television -- winning an Oscar for her role in "Shakespeare in Love" -- Williams took parts in smaller films, including "Educating Rita" in 1982 and "Tea with Mussolini" in 1998. Last year, Williams received a Papal knighthood for his contribution to Catholic life in Britain, one of the highest honours bestowed by the Catholic Church. The couple had one daughter, Finty, aged 28.

Oh, how sad for Dame Judi Dench. My prayers are with her.

I am sorry to hear that she is one of my favorite actresses. I watch her every Saturday night on PBS in As Time Goes By. I thought she was wonderful in Shakespeare In Love.

The damnedest thing is, the hustle is working: No one seems to care that "Chocolat" is about as tasty as that Monty Python treat, Crunchy Frog. LOL! Lisa S. must have read my earlier post on this film.;-) Agree with everything she wrote; honestly, when I saw it, all I could think was that the town looked like some Disney version of an oh-so-quaint-Europe-and-golly- aren't-their-backward-ways-just-so-charming-and-cute. Look closely: the aerial "shots" are all computer-generated. Too bad her magazine is too craven to anger Miramax by actually publishing this article in its pages (it only appears online).

I had the misfortune of seeing Chocolat last night. Oscar material? I agree with everything that reviewer wrote. Huge penitence, not even cute. If Miramax keeps this up they will lose whatever credibility they have. They are also bringing Malena the Tornatore film to the US. I saw the previews last night and can tell you it is the same sentimetal/clichee filled movie he is known for making. (Shame on Livia) I am taking the boys to see Crouching Tiger today. Yeah! :-D

Have seen House of Mirth. Excellent, despite the parade of dislikable actors (Dan Ackroyd, Elizabeth McGovern, Jodhi May, Anthony LaPaglia).

I liked Crouching Tiger very much. Boys said it copied the Japanese cartoon "Dragon Ball Z" which they like very much. But they like the cartoon better. I am a big fan of Mandarin films (and have seen many), and found nothing wrong with the acting as some reviewers had. The love story is secondary in the characters' lives as it is in the film. The struggles are elsewhere and the film succeeds 100%. Ang is v.v. talented. I loved the Ice Storm and thought he did very well with S&S. One of the year's best film. I want to see it again. I saw the previous for Corelli's Mandolin and ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ boring! Will wait to hear your opinion when the movie comes out, but it looks like a rental.

Anybody see "Great Gatsby " last night on A&E? Good cast and you can't knock a good story.I was impressed with Paul Rudd who is currently appearing in "Long Day's Journey.. "on the West End with Jessica Lange and Charles Dance.Toby Stephens's acting was forced at times, but his american accent was flawless IMO. If only he had told the script-writer that he refused say "old sport " twenty times;-)

(Evelyn) Anybody see "Great Gatsby " last night on A&E? Yes, I forced myself. :-) I admit I am not a fan of 1920 character-driven melodramas (GG, Splendor in the Grass, This Property is Condemned, etc.). That's why I couldn't drag myself to see The Wild Party when it was on Broadway, LOL. But I enjoyed this flick more than I expected. :-) Yeah, I thought Paul Rudd was good too, as was Sam Waterston in the same role. I sort of wish they could have combined the best parts of both scripts. I liked the way this one revealed the darker side of Gatsby, though I liked how they handled Gatsby's death and the grieved husband in the other movie. Mira was good, less annoying than Mia imo, but I still wish I could see a Daisy that was mesmerizing. I remember years ago that Ali McGraw was supposed to be Daisy until she got a divorce from her then husband, Bob Evans. I don't know if she is the femme fatale either. Hmmm, a good role for JE... I must admit that during the last hour, when Gatsby and Tom Buchannan meet and then start to spar, I thought that the 2 perfect men to have played those roles would have been Colin and Stephen, several years ago. Both great actors with great presence, either one would have been good in either role. One a rich snob, the other mesmerizing, both phonies. Both good-looking, either one could have slipped into either role. And can't you just hear either one of them saying the "old sport" line? It would have been great casting to have both parts filled with men who can fill a screen and draw your attention. It would give the film more dimension. But then, I never read the book, so I don't know how the part of Tom was really written. Was it really more like Bruce Dern? (Of course, ahem, a dialect coach would have to be brought in, tee hee.) But it would be great to see 2 men of substance plausibly fighting over the same woman. Toby, the first time I've seen him, a cutie and fab smile. But his screen presence doesn't compete with Redford's. Tough act to follow. He also didn't have either the mystery or hardness that I thought should go with the part, but I am curious now to see him in another role. I know he's probably the right age for Gatsby, but he just seemed too young for the part, imo. Notice the freckles on his legs? :-)

I'm going to be v. nationalistic here and say that IMO Gatsby should be an American. Agree that Toby Stephens doesn't have a screen presence. I saw that Granada , BBC & A&E were involved and wonder if that is why they cast TS...an Anglo-American cast to appeal to both sides of the pond;-) Paul Rudd carried the movie. Did Robert Redford let Nic carry the film?

I liked Gatsby, thought the cast was good, especially Paul Rudd. Have had my eye on him since Clueless (remember, he was the dishy stepbrother?) Also liked him in a sweet film he did with Jennifer Aniston a couple of years back called The Object Of My Affection. He's also done Neil LaBute's "Bash" Off-Broadway and in London, to good reviews. Talented, charismatic young actor. I thought Toby was good as Gatsby, though I expected someone with more of an imposing physical presence. But he did capture G's insecurity and vulnerability. (Donna) Notice the freckles on his legs? :-) Not just his legs--the guy is one big freckle!:-) Seems like it was filmed on the cheap; I haven't read the book in awhile, but Gatsby's parties were more lavish, more decadent, orchestras playing, people dressed more opulently, falling down drunk, diving clothed into the pool, etc.

GOLDEN SATELLITE AWARDS Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama Ellen Burstyn - REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (Artisan) Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama Geoffrey Rush - QUILLS (Fox) Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical Renee Zellweger - NURSE BETTY (USA Films) Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical Michael Douglas - WONDER BOYS (Paramount Pictues) Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, Drama Jennifer Ehle/Rosemary Harris - SUNSHINE (Paramount Classics) Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, Drama Bruce Greenwood - THIRTEEN DAYS (New Line Cinema) Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, Comedy or Musical Kate Hudson - ALMOST FAMOUS Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, Comedy or Musical Willem Dafoe - SHADOW OF A VAMPIRE Best Motion Picture, Drama TRAFFIC (USA Films) Best Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical NURSE BETTY (USA Films) Best Motion Picture, Foreign Language CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON (Taiwan-Sony Pictures Classics) Best Motion Picture, Animated or Mixed Media CHICKEN RUN (Dreamworks, THE WALLACE AND GROMIT FILMS) Best Motion Picture, Documentary RECKLESS INDIFFERENCE Best Director Steven Soderbergh - TRAFFIC Best Screenplay, Original Ken Lonergan - YOU CAN COUNT ON ME GO JENNIFER

(Donna) Notice the freckles on his legs? :-) (Mari)Not just his legs--the guy is one big freckle!:-) Well then, he seems to have *that* in common with Robert Redford ;-)

Ah, Evelyn - you could have highlighted RZ as well.

Great news for ODGs Jennifer & Rosemary! Very very well-deserved; I can't imagine Sunshine without them. Let's hope the Academy is listening.:-) Good for RZ, too, and also well-deserved. Was just reading that this Golden Satellite group broke away from the Golden Globe group a few years back. I must say, overall, I like their picks, and I applaud their not jumping on the Gladiator/Chocolat bandwagon. Karen, you saw Requiem For A Dream--can you comment on Ellen Burstyn's performance? I've heard she was excellent.

Wonderful news Evelyn, I am so pleased for both of them. What a year it has been for Jennifer, Awards and nominations by the score, let's hope next year is just as good. Something else for the Publicist for DFL to add to Jennifer's CV.

Excellent news!! Need to get round to seeing it now. It was described as "undervalued" in one of the Sunday Papers recently. Thought RH was wonderful in MLSF BTW. A fabulous year for a fabulously talented lady.

..... not forgetting her mum too!

...A fabulous year for a fabulously talented lady. She works hard too;-)

I agree. Did you notice the strong resemeblence betwee the two of them. Jennifer really looks like her mother

From Screendaily: Meanwhile, Working Title Films' Captain Corelli's Mandolin has emerged as an early but strong contender for the opening night slot after UK distributor Buena Vista International slotted it into a May release date. While Working Title previously released romantic comedy Notting Hill in May without any platform at Cannes, John Madden's lavish, European love story is seen as far more like Cannes material and is expected to be submitted to Jacob. RE: Ellen Burstyn in Requiem for a Dream Well...notwithstanding her accent, she is something, but then again so is the film. Her acting is not subtle like Laura Linney's; in fact, it's the exact opposite. But their characters are so different as well. Burstyn's character is out of control. She gives a dizzying performance of a woman addicted to more than just diet pills. I recommend this movie to everyone. It is dazzling, full of sharp cinematic technique, but with a solid story and solid acting. The last 30 minutes or so are positively harrowing. All kids should be dragged to see this one.

I think I read about this before. From Ananova: Film writer sues Notting Hill team An American film writer is suing the team behind Notting Hill claiming the story was stolen from him. Nick Villiers was a friend of one of the film's producers Eric Fellner. He says in 1988 he gave Fellner a copy of his script Cheek, which he claims is the basis for Notting Hill. He has filed the $15 million lawsuit against the film's writer Richard Curtis, its producers and Universal Pictures. The lawsuit has been filed in a Los Angeles court and outlines a number of similarities between Cheek and Notting Hill. They include a similar setting in London, and a similar theme involving an ordinary Englishman who meets and has a romance with the biggest star in the world. Other similarities claimed are a loutish supporting character who betrays a friend and a public reunion at the end of the film. The complaint asserts claims for breach of a confidential relationship, fraud and misappropriation.

To Clive Owen, Robson Green and John Thaw fans, from the SF Chronicle: ************************** Pasadena -- These days you'll hear a lot about PBS being reinvented as its new leadership tries to put a shine on already shimmering programming that often goes begging against network fare or must share the spotlight with fine offerings from various cable channels. Apparently PBS is going to start with better marketing. For years PBS has operated under the misguided "build it and they will come" notion of television. As if "Masterpiece Theatre" didn't need hype. But the good news is that PBS now knows the score. It understands that in the vastly growing world of modern television -- where 75 channels are more the norm than the rarity -- viewers have more choices than PBS has pledge breaks. And so, you had to smile a bit when PBS touted "The Men of Mystery!" here Sunday. PBS has long had television's most compelling cops, detectives and odd sleuths. It just never knew what to do with them. That most of the country still couldn't tell Jane Tennison from Cagney or Lacey remains a TV tragedy, given that "Prime Suspect" was as good as "NYPD Blue" and "Homicide" when those shows were at their finest. But never mind that -- the past doesn't concern PBS. The future is for reinventing. Now the system is rightly and finally touting three of its finest men: John Thaw, the beloved "Inspector Morse"; Robson Green as Detective Dave Creegan in "Touching Evil"; and Clive Owen as Ross Tanner in "Second Sight." As "NYPD Blue" continues its creative nose-dive and there isn't a great cop show in sight to take its place, perhaps you should be getting your fix on PBS, from this trio. On Sunday, only Owen wasn't around to share the cop-light. Thaw appeared via satellite from London, and Green, something of a heartthrob in England and beyond, was onstage making "Mystery!" executive producer Rebecca Eaton's day, perhaps year. Calling the three shows "a solid string of testosterone" -- not your everyday PBS pronouncement -- Eaton said the three men share traits that make for good viewing. "What they have in common is they're smart, sexy, irritable and lonely guys. They're all policemen. They're all driven and wounded in some way." And you thought Ricky Schroder had the market cornered on brooding cops. If you're unfamiliar with "Inspector Morse," well, you're in the minority as the series, which premiered 13 seasons ago, has notched 64 episodes and aired in 200 countries. The series will come to an end with "The Remorseful Day" on Feb. 22, in a two-hour movie (preceded by "The Last Morse: A Documentary"). The finale already aired in Britain, where, Eaton said, more than half the country watched. Morse, the hard-living eccentric, goes out -- all the way out. He has been one of PBS' most popular characters, but he still doesn't resonate with American viewers like, say, any character on "Law & Order." Catching up -- then bidding farewell -- will be worth the short-term investment (though it will certainly make you wish you'd jumped on the series earlier). THIRD SEASON OF 'EVIL' "Touching Evil" will kick off its third season on Thursday, and Green (who also starred in "Reckless" and has logged three No. 1 hits as a musician in the United Kingdom) is back on the job as the depressed, troubled Detective Creegan, tracker of serial killers and other very dangerous sorts. These are two people worth getting to know (Owen's "Second Sight" doesn't premiere until March 22). For his part, Thaw says it won't be easy letting go of Morse. "But at the same time, I had a feeling of sadness and not exactly joy -- relief, really -- that he was off my back." Thaw said that Morse wasn't as colorful or eccentric as Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes, but that the character will endure. So don't look for Thaw to create a new character. "To be a new detective -- I don't relish the thought of that, frankly, at the moment. It's taken me long enough to get rid of this one. I won't be running off to put on a uniform." Novelist Colin Dexter killed off the Morse character, effectively ending the franchise. But Thaw never thought the famed detective would go out that way. "I just expected that he would retire. Not very gracefully, but retire, or sort of be kicked out and go live in a cottage somewhere," Thaw said. "But I think it was very daring of Colin to do that." Green, who has been gaining Hollywood heat and reminds many people of Paul Newman (including Joanne Woodward, no less, a fan of the series), is glad that his character will continue his dark journey. A LONELY GUY "With Creegan, if you're shot in the head (which he was) and you have an out-of-body experience and you see something better than life -- and then you come back to it -- how do you articulate that back to a crowd of people?" Green said. "So, immediately, it isolates you." Sounds like Sipowicz on "NYPD Blue." Maybe with better promotion -- and "The Men of Mystery!" was a start -- PBS will find more of its public for these compelling cops. ********************* Murph And Fox News Reports that Ang Lee is filming BMW commercials in NJ with Clive Owen....Where???? I ask, Where?????

Karen, just come online after watching a movie review programme almost identical comments to your review of "Requiem for a dream". Uncanny! Keep on hitting the nail (or should that be bucket?!) on the head girl!

Green, who has been gaining Hollywood heat and reminds many people of Paul Newman Robson Green...Paul Newman? They gotta be kidding....

Robson Green...Paul Newman? They gotta be kidding.... It's the eyes;) I like RG, I think he's wonderful in touching Evil.

Robson Green...Paul Newman? ...it's the eyes;) I don't really know why, but all that I can see in RG's eyes is just a great endless pale blue void . Sorry.

(Evelyn) Robson Green...Paul Newman? They gotta be kidding.... Yeah, it is the eyes and he's on the short side too. Read comments similar to this awhile back and more. Something about how this was brought to Paul Newman or Joanne Woodward's attention. I suspect it's the work of his publicist.

Thanks for the article, Murph. I have to take issue with a few things in it. First, Inspector Morse might be new to PBS, but it's been playing on A&E forever; where's this writer been? Also, a bigger problem than their marketing, or lack thereof, is their scheduling. I live in one of those markets where they're "piloting" the move of Masterpiece Theater from Sundays to, allegedly, Mondays. Only, half the time, it's not on. I've been waiting for new Bramwell episodes, which I know have been shown in other parts of the country, but here . . .where the hell is it? BTW, the PBS Jazz series has been very good; anyone watching it? Robson Green doesn't do much for me . . .more Alfred E. Neuman than Paul Newman, IMO.;-) But Clive Owen is very nice indeed.:-)

You should see Clive Owen in "Close Your Eyes"... Um, WOW!!! (WHAT a body!) Okay, saw the House of Mirth (I REALLY HATE Edith Wharton!); I didn't like it. I thought it seemed forced... like everyone was talking in a foreign language. A few scenes with Gillian Anderson totally reminded me of Elizabeth/Darcy sparring at Netherfield. I speak of her tete a tete's with Roseland (LaPaglia). Dan Ackroyd wasn't THAT bad. GA was good, but depressing story. (I saw a free screening of it yesterday)

Oh, I've been watching Jazz and LOVE IT!

For you Robeson Green fans: Tonight on PBS "MYstery" "Touching Evil" first of two parts. Starring RG. Big interview in TV section of newspaper with byline from LA!! (I didn't know he had a music career.) He and his business manager are currently in Hollywood in discussions with studios and producers, including Bruce Willis' Cheyenne Enterprises for a theatrical version of "Touching Evil". [Say hello to Colin while he's lolling on the beach, Robeson:-)] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I'm watching JAZZ too...(isn't everybody?) The most exciting documentary I've ever seen.What a saga...stirring music. But it's the stories, photos and film excerpts that grabs me. Our friends in UK will undoubtedly see this since I see in the credits that BBC was a collaborator. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Premiere Mag mentions among the "Spoilers"for Oscar noms: RZ Best Actress JE/RH Best Suporting actress Real long shots, but nice to see them mentioned. Also JE as Best Supporting Actress (spoil

In MA I get three PBS stations, so Saturday I watched 5 1/2 hours of Jazz and four hours of Liberty! I guess I was in a documentary roll. Wonder if Jazz will be nominated for an Oscar? I'm hoping the next 4 1/2 hours will be on this coming Saturday;)

We've got "The west Wing" starting here tonite. If you have seen it I'd like to hear your views.

Lizza: Don't miss one single moment of this great show!!!! It is my absolute favorite. Mari will agree, I know. Clive Owen: Very nice indeed, indeed:

Clive's picture was supposed to appear there. I'll try it again.

I like the West Wing. However, it is American liberal clap-trap at its best. If our Governement was really like that (and really that cute), we'd be one hell of a nation;)

Do watch it, Lizza. West Wing is one of my favs. It's smart, topical and interesting. Great characters too. Just read the other day that Martin Sheen (who plays the Pres) was only supposed to be a minor character, appearing once and a while, and the focus was to be on Rob Lowe. Didn't work out that way. Martin Sheen's pres was too good that they changed the entire series to revolve around him. Gaah! Why wasn't he on the ballot this past November? We are getting saddled with the exact oppposite. :-( And I want them to bring back the blonde conservative, Aynsley. Loved her and her weakness for pastries.

Well, call me a liberal clap-trapper (hell, Murph and I have been called worse;-), but IMO, this is must-see TV. Wonderful writing, terrific acting, well-fleshed out characters. Addresses serious issues, but there is a dry, intelligent wit throughout. I don't think it white-washes anything; in fact, it often does show why things don't get done, e.g., political expediency. The show's advisers include a number of people who have worked in high positions in the West Wing; I find it very realistic. Certainly, it does present a liberal Democratic point of view (long may it live), but that reflects the administration that is portrayed.

Forgot to say . . .thanks for the Clive pic, Murph. He is waiting for me when I get home (ok, so my Croupier rental is waiting for me--close enough!;-)

Certainly, it does present a liberal Democratic point of view (long may it live), but that reflects the administration that is portrayed ] The show is preachy and what President would really tear into a Dr. Laura type by telling her that when the President enters the room, you are to stand. I like the show. I LOVE Josh and Donna. But I'm sorry, the President would not deal with someone dropping her panties and he having to apologize? It's definitely OVER THE TOP. Sure it has thrilling stories and you totally agree that the Republicans are bad (they're evil!); that's exactly how they're portrayed. It's definitely liberal clap-trap, but it's a soap opera all the same.

Certainly, it does present a liberal Democratic point of view (long may it live), but that reflects the administration that is portrayed ] So what happens when Bush is Inaugurated on Saturday, does Jeb lose the popularity contest but wins the Electoral vote???? Can we bear to see Gasp! Corbin Bernsen in the West Wing!!??? :)

does Jeb lose the popularity contest but wins the Electoral vote???? Jeb is busy in Florida as the Governor. You mean GW. (Now let's not go overboard--one Bush at a time)!

You mean GW. (Now let's not go overboard--one Bush at a time)!\ [ Actually, I drew a blank Martin Sheen's character on the West Wing is named Jeb Bartlett. I forgot his last name;)

Actually, in the season opener of this season, the funniest line was Josh asking Leo who would nominate another Liberal College Professor from New England... Had to laugh at that one... (I don't think Michael Dukakis will EVER live down his loss to George Bush Sr:))

Gosh...it's good to have Laura back...:-)))) I wonder if West Wing would appeal to folks outside of the US political arena. I'm never interested in any other country's political sagas. (I'm barely interested in West Wing, though I watch it if nothing else is on...Tired of issues. For that I tune into the news.)

the President would not deal with someone dropping her panties and he having to apologize? Oh, I dunno, I seem to recall a certain President who apologized for a lot more.;-) And for the record, it's Josiah Bartlett, not Jeb, and he declined to get involved in the panty pecadillo.:-) you totally agree that the Republicans are bad (they're evil!); that's exactly how they're portrayed. I disagree. They're portrayed as people whose opinions tend to differ from the administration portrayed. I think the Aynsley character is interesting--she dishes it right back at them. Bottom line: it ain't a documentary, nor is it intended to be one.

Donmar Warehouse got 6 Olivier noms:* Mostly for "Merily We Roll Along" a Stephen Sondheim musical. [Are they kidding? Where did they put the orchestra ? I hardly had room for my feet in that first row...] *Best New Musical Best Actor in a Musical: Daniel Evans Best actress in a Musical Samantha Spiro Best choreographer Best Lighting: To the Green Fields Beyond (Best part of the show:The Trees. I saw it) Best Director: Orpheus Descending

it's Josiah Bartlett, not Jeb, and he declined to get involved in the panty pecadillo.:-) ] Yep and they call him Jeb;)(or is that Jed?) This show is all about current issues, and Evelyn is right, it's VERY American, to the point I wonder if the foreign viewers would even care. Oh of course they'll love Donna, she's chippy and witty, much like our dear own Elizabeth Bennet. And Josh, I mean, will he ever get a chair???? And he declined to get involved in the panty raid, because he was tired;) I do like Charlie, can't stand Zoey (Zoe); LOVE Stockard Channing in anything she does.

What about the great episode recently with another fav of mine, Adam Arkin? I thought the story about Josh's Post Traumatic Syndrome was so well written. I agree with Mari. While the group may be liberals, we are often shown how some things they want to support just cannot get done. The politics of issues are treated in the show as well as the issues themselves. I too love Josh, but I think John Webster and Alison Janey are my favorites. Yeah, Karen, what happened to Aynsley? She HAD to get out of that basement room sometime.

Mari: Can't wait to hear what you thought of Croupier. I must rent it too to see it again.

Anyone watch Touching Evil last night? That's a dark show, isn't it?

Sean Penn was on Charlie Rose last night for the whole hour, and the interview was FASCINATING. He's not just a pretty face :-) He was recently on stage in SF in a Sam Shepard play with Nick Nolte and Woody Harrelson, and he mentioned that he would probably never go back to the theater again. Charlie was stunned. Sean's reasoning was that maybe only 20 people in the audience are really interested in theater (and we know who we are, LOL), and the rest are there for a dog-and-pony show. He said it was like a guy is trying to impress his date by getting tickets to see the stars. It's funny how he was able to pick that up from the stage. (LOL, I guess they can detect a great deal more from the stage than we ever suspect! *winkie*) That type of thought certainly entered my brain when I saw True West and saw the audience reaction. Roars, cheers. Flavor of the month. Neither the play/writing nor the performances showed the texture or depth of TRT, imo. Same thing with Betrayal. I enjoyed it, but was floored with some of the rave reviews. Oh well... By the way, Sean mentioned that he enjoyed working with AE on his latest flick, and would like to work with him again. He told a very cute story about when his daughter gets sick of him giving her affection, she feigns turning him off with a remote controller. He should give anger management lessons to the Bloviator (Alec Baldwin). :-)

(Donna) never go back to the theater Just clarifying my own post: Sean said he would probably never perform in theater again.

(Murph)Anyone watch Touching Evil last night? That's a dark show, isn't it? Yeah...me. It is dark..in content and visually. We are about to be inundated with filters on the cameras to show flashbacks. Blue filters must have been on sale in UK! Agree that Robeson Green's eyes do resemble Paul Newman's. Sadly, not his acting skills. (Sean Penn on Charlie Rose)... maybe only 20 people in the audience are really interested in theater. Probably more in the US than UK.Regional theatre has a hard time getting audiences here, yet in UK the theatre in the provinces flourish.(Due to better actors?)

Thanks everyone for your coments on WW. Have videoed and will hope to watch this weekend. I will re-read your comments again then! Looking forward to seeing it! I think it will appeal to us here eventhou' it's outside our political arena. Brits always have a global interest! Guess it's also the nearest you come to a royal family. "The Bill and Hill Show" R.I.P. ;-))

Maybe I should have put that the other way around! ;-))

Same thing with Betrayal. I enjoyed it, but was floored with some of the rave reviews. Isn't that directed by David Levereux? With that face, he can do no wrong! ;-) If only I could be stuck in an elevator with him. ;-)))))

Okay, here is the official cast listing from IMDB.com for West Wing. It is Jed;) Cast overview: Martin Sheen .... Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet (President of the United States) John Spencer (I) .... Leo McGarry (Chief of Staff) Bradley Whitford .... Joshua 'Josh' Lyman (Deputy Chief of Staff) Richard Schiff .... Toby Ziegler (Communications Director) Allison Janney .... Claudia Jean 'C.J.' Cregg (Press Secretary) Rob Lowe .... Samuel 'Sam' Norman Seaborn (Deputy Communications Director) Dule Hill .... Charles 'Charlie' Young (Presidential Aide) Janel Moloney .... Donatella 'Donna' Moss (Aide to the Deputy Chief of Staff) Stockard Channing .... Abigail 'Abby' Bartlet, M.D. (First Lady) Elisabeth Moss .... Zoey Bartlet (First Daughter) Kathryn Joosten .... Mrs. Landingham (Presidential Secretary) Jorja Fox .... Gina Toscano (Secret Service Special Agent) (2000-) Moira Kelly (I) .... Madeleine 'Mandy' Hampton (Political Consultant/Media Director) [1999-2000] rest of cast listed alphabetically Timothy Busfield .... Danny Concannon (White House Press Corps) Melissa Fitzgerald (II) .... Carol (Aide to the Press Secretary) Emily Procter .... Ainsley Hayes (Associate White House Counsel) (2000-) Kim Webster (I) .... Ginger (Aide to the Director of Communications)

(Moon) Isn't that directed by David Levereux? With that face, he can do no wrong! LOL, he did fine Moon. I was just underimpressed with Liev Schreiber. He wasn't bad by any means, but he did not wow me. Plus his British accent didn't work for me. It was a very enjoyable evening though. But the reviews were very uneven. Some were positively glowing, and others had reservations similar to what I was thinking, mostly involving the actors. I don't recall any criticisms of direction. :-)

It is Jed;) Like I said, not Jeb.;-) The show and several of the actors are up for Golden Globes this Sunday, including Sheen, Lowe, Janney and Whitford. I think they won pretty much everything in sight at the Emmys. Good to see them recognized. I like John Spencer too, Murph. His Leo is a rock, isn't he? He beautifully balances the decency as well as the flaws of his character. BTW, I did see Croupier when it was in the theaters, so this is a repeat treat for me!:-)

From Media Guardian: West Wing wins UK vote Critics choice The West Wing, the US drama import focusing on a fictional president and his White House staff, made an impressive debut on Channel 4 last night. The West Wing, which stars Martin Sheen as the US president and Rob Lowe as one of his advisers, went out on Sky One last year. But this did not stop the UK terrestrial premiere pulling in 2.3m viewers on Channel 4 last night. The show took a 12% share of the available audience between 10pm and 11pm. It beat BBC2 opposition from a repeated Have I Got News for You, which got 2.2m viewers; and Newsnight, which attracted 1.2m.

Thanks Karen...good news for WW. But I found this surprising.... from a repeated Have I Got News for You, which got 2.2m viewers; That's a lot of viewers for a repeat of *news* for godsakes. But now we know the *news* about CF was indeed as Ann W. reported... ("Oh you can never fool a Droolie..." ;-)

It's not just a repeat of news, it's first and foremost a very bitingly satirical program which for some unknown reason keeps getting away with making very irreverent - not to say scurrilous - comments on current headlines and various public figures. Up my street, really... ;-)

It's not just a repeat of news, ....comments on current headlines and various public figures. Up my street, really... ;-) But dontcha' get tired of seeing the same thing *twice*?

But are the British watching it for the "content" or the beautiful people that are on it???? (I've LOVED Bradley Whitford forever! I think, he's sexy, funny, sad, beautiful, blah blah blah... I like the West Wing, I just think it's VERY democratic (as in political party));)

dontcha' get tired of seeing the same thing *twice*? Funny how this question never arises with reference to P&P... Personally, I don't normally watch repeats. I guess the repeats are for the "converts" who missed the show(s) the first time round.

But are the British watching it for the "content" or the beautiful people that are on it???? (I've LOVED Bradley Whitford forever! I think, he's sexy, funny, sad, beautiful, blah blah blah... I like the West Wing, I just think it's VERY democratic (as in political party));) ********* Bradley Whitford's wife is the woman who plays the mother in Malcolm In The Middle. I forget her name, since I have an aversion to Fox's programs EXCEPT for Boston Public, which has become a new favorite of mine. Can you tell I don't get out much?

Speaking of Odds and Ends... This is from tomorrow's Daily Telegraph in Sydney. Boy, does my new hero need to lose weight, wash his hair and get some sleep:

Murphy. I love Boston Public. I think it is one of the best show I have seen in the last five years. The one last week was a very powerful episode. The writers are great and the cst is wonderful. Every week I think, how different school is now.